Illustration of a santa visit scene (Maple Valley Gnometown Holidays)
Other Christmas Activities

Maple Valley Gnometown Holidays

Visitors can watch the mayor's welcome and the lighting of the community holiday tree. Festivities feature a performance by the Maple Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra, photo opportunities with holiday characters, and the chance to see live reindeer. Attendees can also ride a mini train or horse-drawn wagon, try out a mechanical snowboard, and browse community vendor booths offering treats, games, and crafts.

What to Expect

Tree lighting celebration with live reindeer, train rides, and a mechanical snowboard.

Event Details

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Maple Valley

Timed Entry

No

Organizer

City of Maple Valley Parks & Recreation

Food & Drink

Community booths offer treats; participants are not allowed to sell food.

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families with young children

Vibe

Festive and community-focused

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Location

4 Corners
26905 Maple Valley Black Diamond Rd SE, Maple Valley, WA 98038
Maple Valley, WA
98038

Know Before You Go

  • Hours: 6:00-8:00pm; tree-lighting ceremony begins at 6:15pm.

Tips & Advice

  • Arrive early enough to see the Mayor's welcome and the tree lighting at 4 Corners, because they kick off the evening sharply on schedule.
  • Look over the 2026 event map, posted by Wednesday, November 25, to find the mini train, wagon rides, reindeer and vendor booths.
  • Dress warmly for a December evening spent outside riding the mini train or horse-drawn wagon and visiting Santa's live reindeer.
  • Bring a phone or camera for photos with classic holiday characters, including the Jolly Old Elf himself.
  • If you're 16 or older and want to help out, contact the Parks & Recreation event coordinator about volunteering during the event.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Same community tree-lighting event with a new name this year: Gnometown Holidays.

Quick Actions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is there to do at Gnometown Holidays?

The MV Youth Symphony Orchestra plays a holiday performance. You can take photos with classic holiday characters, including Santa, and see his live reindeer. There's also the mini train, horse-drawn wagon rides, a mechanical snowboard and community vendor booths.

What happens at the tree lighting?

The Mayor's welcome opens the evening. Then the holiday tree at 4 Corners is lit, followed by holiday music and an appearance by a special chimney-visiting guest.

Is there food?

Community vendor booths offer treats, along with games and crafts.

Can I volunteer at the event?

Yes. Anyone 16 or older can volunteer by contacting the Maple Valley Parks & Recreation event coordinator.

How can a business or group get a booth?

Apply through the participation/vendor application. It's open until November 6 or until spaces fill. Maple Valley businesses get priority. Booths can't sell merchandise or food, and booths for political purposes aren't accepted.

Tags

tree lightingSanta visitsfamily friendlycommunity celebrationseasonal activitiesholiday traditionfree eventlive musicanimated displays

More Christmas Events Near Maple Valley

More Christmas Events near Maple Valley

Open the map around Maple Valley →

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Oct 20, 2026
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team