From drive through light shows to stage shows, there’s so many Christmas things to do in Yakima, WA this holiday season. Find them all here.
For more help planning your trip, check out all of our travel posts.
A few years ago, I was in the Pacific Northwest and go to visit the City of Yakima — known as the Palm Springs of Washington. Quick side note: It’s known as that because someone put up a sign calling it that to attract people driving from Seattle.
If it worked, and you’re driving to Yakima to get in the holiday spirit, you’re in luck. There are a bunch of holiday events going on in the town this time of year. You can visit Santa at a winery (if you know the area, you know that makes perfect sense), see the lights at the arboretum, check out a lighted parade, and so much more.
Since you can’t do everything when you’re in town, we collected the best events for you below. Hopefully it helps you plan the best trip in the North Pole of Washington.
Okay fine. We made that name up. But the town should adopt it this time of year. Just put up a sign. It’ll stick.
If you’re visiting Yakima, there’s more than just Christmas activities to do. For more, check out our Things To Do In Yakima, WA post.
Christmas Things To Do In Yakima, WA
Drive Through the Holiday Light Fest at State Fair Park
Drive through events picked up steam during the last few years, so it makes sense that the drive through Holiday Light Fest at State Fair Park (1301 S Fair Ave, Yakima) would remain the same.
There are 30 miles of lights to drive through, new stations with lighted displays, a spot to drop off letters to Santa, and more.
The events is happening December 12 to 22. Tickets are $12 per car (hot chocolate is an additional $5) and you can drive through between 5 pm and 9 pm.
Check out a holiday show at The Capitol Theatre
The Capitol Theatre (19 S 3rd Street, Yakima) is an institution in Yakima. It’s also haunted by a ghost named Shorty. But, that has nothing to do with Christmas. Just a fun fact I’m throwing out there.
Anyway, if you’re looking to get into the Christmas spirit (yikes, that pun was unintended), check out a holiday show at The Capitol Theatre.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer – The Musical is happening on December 12 and 13. Then, there’s the Holiday Cabaret 2024 on December 14. And finally, the YYSO & YES Winter Concert is on December 15. Ticket prices vary and we recommend purchasing tickets in advance.
Write to Santa at the Drive-Thru Letters To Santa event
The Yakima Parks and Recreation host an fun, annual Drive-Thru Letters To Santa event at the City’s Public Works facility (2301 Fruitvale Boulevard). This year, the event is December 14 from 5:30 pm to 7pm.
Turn into the Public Works parking lot then drive through to see Yakima Christmas Trucks and Christmas-themed inflatable displays, hear music, and drop a letter to Santa at the mailbox (which will be manned by Mrs. Claus) at the end of the route.
There will be gifts for children, while supplies last.
Shop at a Holiday Market
The second annual Holiday Market at the Rotary Pavilion (15 W Yakima Ave) is being held on December 1 from 2 pm to 6 pm.
There will be food vendors, crafters, and more.
The market ends just as the lighted parade begins. So, if you plan it right, you can head downtown to get some shopping done, then have prime seating to see the parade.
Watch the Yakima Lighted Holiday Parade
Yakima has its lighted holiday parade on December 1 at 6 pm. If you’ve never been to one, you definitely want to go. Floats, bicycles, emergency and military vehicles, equestrian entries, and more are decked out in Christmas lights and then drive through downtown Yakima. It’s so much fun.
The parade route is down Yakima Avenue from 6th Avenue to Millennium Plaza (directly across the street from the Capitol Theatre), where there will be a tree lighting ceremony for the community tree.
Santa will be in front of the Capitol Theatre and you’ll be able to take photos with him.
Ride the Santa Claus Trolley
Santa’s sleigh looks a little different in Yakima — because he rides a streetcar.
For $5, you can take a 25-minute trolley ride around town with Santa. Kids can chat with Santa on the ride or at the Powerhouse.
Also at the Powerhouse, there will be a hot chocolate station, cookies, and a spot to write a letter to Santa.
This is happening on December 7 and 8, 14 and 15, and then 21 and 22 from 10 am to 3 pm with trolleys leaving from the Yakima Valley Trolley Powerhouse Museum (418 S 3rd Ave) every 30 minutes.
Have cookies with Santa
Yakima Valley Vintners (1606 W Nob Hill Blvd) is hosting cookies with Santa. I guess this Santa pairs his cookies with wine, not milk. Or maybe both.
What I like about this event is there’s a nice list (for kids) and a naughty list (for anyone 21+). Kids can get hot chocolate (for $5) or hot chocolate with three cookies and a kids craft ($12). Adults can get hot chocolate with a splash of red wine with and cookies (for $12).
Of course, you can take photos with Santa too.
Check out the Holiday Lights Extravaganza at the Museum
The Yakima Valley Museum is really cool. I went there when I was in town a couple years ago and really loved the museum. The neon lights section was my favorite.
From December 3 to 21, museum guests get the bonus of seeing the Holiday Lights Extravaganza. There are 30 Christmas trees, decorated by local nonprofits, throughout the museum. You can purchase tickets to vote for your favorite trees.
There’s also a Holiday Sleigh photo spot set up for the most adorable photos.
Stroll the lights at the Luminaria at the Yakima Valley Arboretum
Our local botanical garden is decorated with light displays during the holiday season and it’s a big deal to get a ticket to walk through it. It’s a little pricey, but it’s so worth it.
But the Luminaria at the Yakima Valley Arboretum is better because it’s free.
On December 13 and 14, from 6 pm to 10 pm, you can head to the gardens, which will be lit by over a thousand candles and twinkle lights. There will be a space for kids to decorate their own lantern bags to take home and light up. Tea lights for the bags will be available for purchase (for a quarter).
There will be drinks and snacks available for purchase in the Tree House Gift Shop.
Sing along at A Canticus Christmas
Englewood Christian Church (511 N 44th Avenue) is hosting A Canticus Christmas, a celebration with live music and performances of Christmas carols. The audience is encouraged to sing along (although you don’t have to).
It’s taking place on December 15 and 4 pm.
Tickets are $5 for students and $20 for everyone else.
See the Christmas trees at local wineries
If you want to tour a bunch of Yakima Area wineries, you’re in luck. Christmas in the Valley, which is happening from December 7 to 29, is a fun event — and chance to win prizes.
The participating wineries will have a Christmas tree decorated at its location. Visit the trees and earn a chance to win prizes, including private tours and tastings, dinner for two, Music in the Vines tickets, winery gift baskets, and more.
In Yakima, Gilbert Cellars, Wilridge Vineyard, Winery & Distillery, and Yakima Valley Vintners are participating.
More Christmas Events In The Area:
If you’re in Yakima and looking for more holiday events, just hop one town over to check out all the Christmas Things To Do In Union Gap, WA. Union Gap has its own amazing events, like pictures with Santa at the Valley Mall, Christmas themed bingo, its own holiday lighted parade and more.
Which of these Christmas events in Yakima, WA are you putting on your calendar? Let us know in the comments.