Explore the festive highlights of Kennewick with our guide. We’ve compiled all the key events and activities for you. Whether you're deeply rooted in Kennewick or just planting seeds, this guide illuminates the path to festive delights.
Experience the magic of the season at the Winter Wonderland Festival, where twinkling lights and cheerful displays create a holiday haven. Feature and enjoy a flotilla of festively decorated boats at the Lighted Boat Parade. And Sensitivity Santa is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a quieter, sensory-friendly environment for everyone to meet Santa. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Kennewick
- Winter Wonderland Festival
- Lighted Boat Parade
- Sensitivity Santa
- Carousel of Dreams Christmas Celebration
- Holiday Lights at Senske
- Christmas in the Courtyard
Kennewick Holiday Light Displays
Lighted Boat Parade
What to Expect:
Floating holiday displays on the Columbia River
Description:
The Lighted Boat Parade illuminates the Columbia River with a dazzling flotilla of decorated vessels. Spectators line the riverbanks to witness this unique aquatic procession. Each boat competes for the coveted "Best in Show" title, showcasing elaborate light displays and creative themes. The parade honors Kennewick's rich maritime history, dating back to steamboat era of the late 1800s. You can vote for your favorite boat using a mobile app, adding an interactive element to the evening. The gentle lapping of waves accompanies the twinkling lights, creating a serene holiday atmosphere.
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Holiday Lights at Senske
What to Expect:
Massive synchronized light display set to music
Description:
Holiday Lights at Senske dazzles visitors with over 500,000 LED lights synchronized to popular holiday tunes. This impressive display covers the grounds of Senske Services, transforming the landscape into a luminous spectacle. The show pays tribute to Kennewick's agricultural heritage with light sculptures depicting local crops. You can tune your car radio to a dedicated station to hear the music accompanying the light show. This event, which began as a small company display, has grown into a beloved community tradition over the past two decades. The aroma of hot cocoa wafts through the air as families enjoy the radiant scene.
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Kennewick Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christmas in the Courtyard
What to Expect:
Open-air holiday market in a historic setting
Description:
Christmas in the Courtyard brings European-style holiday charm to downtown Kennewick. Set in the historic East Kennewick district, this open-air market showcases local artisans and their handcrafted wares. The event highlights the area's diverse cultural heritage, featuring traditional foods and crafts from various communities. You can create your own ornament at one of the interactive craft stations. The courtyard, once part of a bustling 1920s commercial district, provides a picturesque backdrop for this winter gathering. Strings of Edison bulbs crisscross overhead, casting a warm glow on the festive scene below.
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Kennewick Other Holiday Activities
Winter Wonderland Festival
What to Expect:
Interactive ice sculptures
Description:
Kennewick's Winter Wonderland Festival transforms the city into a frosty paradise. Visitors marvel at intricate ice sculptures, some standing over 10 feet tall. You can watch skilled artisans carve these frozen masterpieces live during the event. The festival pays homage to Kennewick's agricultural roots with fruit-themed ice displays. Originating in 2010, this celebration has grown to become a cherished Tri-Cities tradition. Bundle up and explore the glistening ice garden, where you can snap photos with your favorite frozen characters.
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Sensitivity Santa
What to Expect:
Sensory-friendly Santa experience for children with special needs
Description:
Sensitivity Santa offers a calm, judgment-free environment for children with special needs to meet Father Christmas. This thoughtful event takes place before regular mall hours, ensuring a quiet and less overwhelming experience. Trained staff and a patient Santa create a supportive atmosphere for families. You can reserve a specific time slot, eliminating long waits. This inclusive initiative reflects Kennewick's commitment to accessibility, which extends to various community programs. Soft lighting and reduced background noise help children feel at ease during their special moment with Santa.
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Carousel of Dreams Christmas Celebration
What to Expect:
Holiday-themed vintage carousel rides
Description:
The Carousel of Dreams Christmas Celebration brings a nostalgic twist to holiday festivities. This restored 1910 Charles Carmel carousel takes center stage, adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations. Riders can choose from 45 hand-carved wooden horses, each boasting unique holiday attire. The carousel's history is intertwined with Kennewick's community spirit, having been saved and restored through local efforts. You can participate in a scavenger hunt, searching for hidden candy canes among the carousel figures. The merry-go-round's classic organ music mixes with holiday tunes, creating a cheerful atmosphere.
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Carousel of Dreams Christmas Celebration
Nearby Events
Mid-Columbia Ballet’s The Nutcracker (Richland)
What to Expect:
Local ballet company's unique interpretation of the classic
Description:
Mid-Columbia Ballet's rendition of The Nutcracker infuses the classic tale with local flair. Set against backdrops inspired by the Tri-Cities landscape, this production showcases the talent of regional dancers. The performance incorporates elements of the area's Native American heritage, adding depth to the traditional story. You can spot subtle nods to local landmarks throughout the show. The ballet company, founded in 1973, has been presenting The Nutcracker annually for over four decades. The familiar melodies of Tchaikovsky's score fill the auditorium, transporting the audience to a world of dance and fantasy.
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Mid-Columbia Ballet’s The Nutcracker