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.
All ages
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Plan Your Visit
Hours
2025 listing: 1:00 - 5:30 p.m.; Santa pictures 1 - 5 p.m.
Food & Drink
On-site food trucks serve food and drinks, and event sponsors provide treats.
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.
Location
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.
Links & Contact
Run by City of Tumwater Parks & Recreation
Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.
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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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.