Small towns produce their own special brand of holiday magic that’s hard to define but easy to feel. Maybe it’s the quiet, forested surroundings or the cheerful shop windows. The close-knit communities spark a sense of warmth, while the quaint displays and attractions inspire pure joy. Whatever enchants you this season, come experience our holiday magic on Saturday, December 3rd as we celebrate Christmas in Chehalis with a full day of merriment that combines well-loved local traditions with lively new ones!
Chehalis kicks off the Christmas season on December 3rd this year with the 73rd Annual Santa Parade at 11:00 A.M, followed by free movies at McFiler’s Chehalis Theater. The theater will play three classic Claymation movies: “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” and “Frosty the Snowman,” starting at noon. Popcorn will be free for kids, with additional refreshments available for purchase.
After the curtains close, head back outside and spot Chehalis’s own life-sized Elf on the Shelf! Bring the family with you as you follow the Elf to local businesses for some mischief, merriment, and good old-fashioned giving. There’s no telling what shenanigans our Elf will cause this Christmas, but it’s sure to be heaps of fun while you wait for the big finale.
Once the Chehalis Elf on the Shelf heads back to the north pole, downtown visitors should head to the Lewis County Historical Museum for the revival of Chehalis’s Community Tree Lighting ceremony at 4:00 P.M. Aldrich Tree Farms will donate a tree, and free hot chocolate will be provided for by the newly-opened Mint City Coffee Roasting. If the sights and sounds of Christmas in Chehalis make your heart want to sing, we’ve got good news… The whole event will finish out with community caroling around the tree. You can pick up your own caroling sheet at the Lewis County Historical Museum while you’re conspiring and dreaming with friends and family on the platform.
Christmas in Chehalis offers everything a Hallmark fan ever dreamed of. The creators of this festive celebration welcome folks to come and take pictures, visit and shop with the local businesses of downtown Chehalis and, most importantly, make precious holiday memories. We’ll see you there!
Written by Chelsea Barr