The Wonder of Christmas in the Valley.

Seeing the wonder of Christmas in the eyes of a child is one of the best gifts of the holiday season. The Yakima Valley offers many unusual opportunities to joyfully celebrate the season with family and friends.

The 10th Annual Downtown Yakima Holiday Light Parade on Yakima Avenue, kicks off the season of festivities, followed by the lighting of the community Christmas Tree in Millennium Plaza. The Stone Church Choir sings carols as Santa Claus gives candy canes to children at the Plaza. Parade starts at 5:30 p.m. on December 5th.

Every weekend in December, until Christmas, children can take a short Caboose ride to the "North Pole" to meet Santa, Mrs. Claus and several elves during The Toy Train Christmas at the Northern Pacific Railway Museum in Toppenish. Lots of decorated Christmas Trees, model trains running on small and large layouts, free cookies, hot chocolate, tours of the fully restored 1911 historic depot. The children's craft area will allow children to create a keepsake to take home. Pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus are available for an additional charge. Admission: $6 adults, $4 kids 12 and under, 10am-4pm.

The 18th Annual Luminaria Walk is a free family event featuring a mile-long candlelit walk through the Arboretum's winter landscape and an 80-foot lighted Norwegian Spruce Christmas Tree. Follow the pathway lit by luminaria and hear Christmas tunes float over the landscape, when snow is falling, it is a magical experience. After the walk, warm up with hot cider and children's activities in the Jewett Interpretive Center, December 10 and 11.


Take the Santa Trolley on December 11 to meet Santa Claus giving out candy canes, partake of refreshments in the powerhouse. Fare for this event is $3.00.

These are just a few of the many holiday family events happening in the Yakima Valley for a more comprehensive listing, visit the event listing page on the Visit Yakima Valley website.

May the wonder of the season, shared with your children, friends and family become cherished Yakima Valley memories.