Christmas Trees on the Farm at Bill’s Berry Farm, Fridays and Saturdays, November 23 – December 8, 2012
Come out to the farm to get your fresh-cut Christmas trees, and fresh-made wreaths and garlands at Bill’s Berry Farm in Grandview. Enjoy a cup of hot cider, warm donuts, a bonfire and marshmallows and sing some carols on a hayride around the farm. Trees are fresh-cut Noble Fir, Fraser Fir, Grand Fir, and Douglas Fir. Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For information, call 509-882-3200, emailinfo@billsberryfarm.com, or visit www.billsberryfarm.com.
Mighty Tieton’s Chandelier Festival, Friday, November 30, 2012 – Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Diverse materials and ingenious approaches for spreading light make Mighty Tieton’s Chandelier Festival an annual source of inspiration and delight. This is a must-see in the holiday season. The grand opening takes place on the first day of Mighty Tieton’s Holiday Craft Bazaar, Friday, November 30 from 5-8:30pm. Gallery hours are Friday through Sunday, 12 – 3 p.m. or by appointment after the first weekend of December. For information, call 509-494-2009 or visit www.mightytieton.com.
The first weekend in December, craftspeople and artists from around the Northwest gather in Tieton to sell their wares and ring in the holidays. The bazaar spans three days; the weekend ends in Tieton Park at dusk for the annual Tree Lighting and a visit from Santa. This blossoming arts community will showcase art, crafts and other gift ideas at the Mighty Tieton Warehouse. Bazaar hours are Friday, 5 –
8:30 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. For more information, visit www.mightytieton.com.
Lighted Farm Implement Parade, Saturday, December 1, 2012
Enjoy the Northwest’s 23-year-old lighted parade in beautiful Sunnyside. Named one of A&E Television Networks’ “Top 10 Lighted Christmas Parades” in the United States, the Lighted Farm Implement Parade features dazzling displays of more than 50 farm implements, vehicles, and floats covered with decorative lights. The parade pays tribute to the agricultural heritage of the area with themed displays featuring scenes from the heartland of the Northwest. The parade starts at 6 p.m. in downtown Sunnyside. For more information, call (509) 837-5939.
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Northern Pacific Railway Museum in Toppenish, take a short caboose ride to the “North Pole.” Santa, Mrs. Claus and some mischievous elves will greet you with lots of decorated Christmas trees, and many model trains. Admission is $4 for kids 12 and under and $6 for adults. Admission includes free cookies and hot chocolate and tours of the fully restored historic depot, which originally opened in 1911. 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. For information, call 509-865-1911 or visit www.nprymuseum.org.
21st Annual Luminaria, Friday, December 14 – Saturday December 15, 2012
From 6 to 9 p.m. each night, the entire family will enjoy the magical luminary walk through the arboretum’s wintery landscape. This free family event takes you through a mile-long candle-lit pathway through the Yakima Area Arboretum with more than 1000 candles will light your way. Venture past the tallest lighted Christmas tree in Central Washington. Stroll through the twinkling lights of the Japanese Garden and then onto the Jewett Interpretive Center where you will warm up with steaming cups of Starbuck’s coffee, hot apple cider from Tree Top, and tasty treats from the kitchen crew at Zirkle Fruit Company. While warming up, enjoy live music from talented local musicians. Children can make their own luminary bag to take home. For information, call 509-248-7337 or click here.
Source: Yakima Valley Visitors & Convention Bureau
Photo credits: Michelle Bogart, Daily Sun News, Kerry Quint, Ed Marquand