Tumwater Christmas Tree Lighting Festival
Attendees can enjoy live musical performances by local school choirs and bands, participate in holiday games, and make seasonal crafts. Guests can visit Santa's workshop inside the City Hall Council Chambers for photos and sample treats from on-site food trucks. The celebration gathers the community together for the annual lighting of the tree.
What to Expect
Features choir performances, games, crafts, food trucks, and Santa visits.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
City of Tumwater Parks & Recreation
Food & Drink
On-site food trucks serve food and drinks, and event sponsors provide treats.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with children
Vibe
Festive and community-minded
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Hours: 2025 listing: 1:00 - 5:30 p.m.; Santa pictures 1 - 5 p.m.
- Parking: Event parking is in the adjacent Attorney General's Office parking lot at 7141 Cleanwater Dr SW. No parking at the Fire Station; ADA parking only at City Hall.
- Accessibility: ADA parking is available at City Hall.
Tips & Advice
- Bring some non-perishable food, because Santa's elves from the Thurston County Food Bank collect donations on site during the festival.
- Park in the Attorney General's Office lot at 7141 Cleanwater Dr SW, because there is no parking at the Fire Station.
- If anyone in your group needs ADA parking, head to City Hall, because that's the only place it's offered for the festival.
- For Santa pictures, go to the City Hall Council Chambers, which become Santa's workshop for the day.
- If you'd like to help, sign up for a 3-hour volunteer shift guiding guests or helping in the Reindeer Games or frame-decorating rooms.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I park for the festival?
Park in the Attorney General's Office lot next door at 7141 Cleanwater Dr SW. There's no parking at the Fire Station, and ADA parking is only at City Hall.
Where do the kids get pictures with Santa?
Santa sets up his workshop in the City Hall Council Chambers, and families can take pictures with him there during the festival.
What is there to do besides the tree lighting?
Local and school choirs perform, and there are holiday games and crafts plus treats from the festival's sponsors.
Is there food?
Yes. Food trucks are on site, and the sponsors hand out treats.
How can I volunteer?
Volunteers help guests find their way around the event, help out in the "Reindeer Games" room and work in the frame-decorating room. Shifts are 3 hours long, and you sign up on the Christmas Tree Lighting Volunteer Registration page.
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