While the weather outside is (sometimes) frightful, that doesn’t mean you should stay in. There are so many ways to get out and enjoy the holiday season! From parades to lights displays to Santa sightings, Lewis County is decked out for the season.
With only a few weeks to go until Christmas, Lewis County has plenty of activities to keep you busy right up until the big day – and even after.
Christmas Light Displays
Borst Park Christmas Drive Through Light Display – A family favorite, you can just sit in your car and drive through the display. You don’t have to worry about the weather cooperating. The lights will be on display from December 9 to 25 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. each night. Admission is just $3.00 per car or $2.00 with a non-perishable food donation.
Parades
- The 67th Annual Chehalis Santa Parade will be at 11:00 a.m. on December 3 in downtown Chehalis. You can’t miss a tradition that’s gone on this long!
- Centralia Lighted Tractor Parade will be on December 10 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. in downtown Centralia. Now in its eighth year, this event gets bigger and more popular every year as the whole family gets excited about the creative ways that the tractors and other vehicles are lit up.
Train Rides
Who doesn’t love a train ride? Fortunately, we have a couple of great options in the area to make the holidays even more fun for the kids – and some adults! Both are operated by the Centralia-Chehalis Railroad and Museum. Rides will continue through December 18. Train cars are not heated so make sure to dress warmly. Whichever ride you choose, don’t forget to take memorable photos!
- The Polar Express ride features the reading of the Christmas-time favorite book, “The Polar Express.” After the train rides out, Santa is picked up for the ride back. He provides every child with a gift during the ride. Hot chocolate and cookies are also served as children sing along or enjoy the entertainment. The ride is about one hour long.
- Santa Steam Train rides are just a little shorter, 30 minutes long, and still include a visit with Santa.
Shows
- The Southwest Washington Dance Center is presenting their 21st year of The Nutcracker on December 16 (at 7:30 p.m.), December 17 (at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.), and December 18 (at 1:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.) at Centralia College’s Corbet Theater. Admission is $22.00 for adults, $15.00 for seniors and children.
- It’s a Wonderful Life at the Evergreen Playhouse. See the old favorite up close and personal at the oldest running community theater in Centralia. The show runs December 2-18, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m., Sundays at 2:00 p.m.
- Home Alone is now a holiday classic. The film will be shown at the Centralia Fox Theater on December 3. Show times are at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Single tickets are $10, family rate is $25.
Breakfast with Santa
The United Methodist Church in Chehalis (16 S. Market Blvd.) will be holding their 41st annual Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 3 from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. A delightful meal of pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, applesauce, juice, coffee, and cocoa will satisfy the entire family. Suggested donations of $7 for adults and $4 for kids over age 3 benefit the Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital.
All in One
- Christmas in the Mountains, Morton’s annual event, will be held on the evening of December 9 and 10, 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. This community-wide celebration includes:
- Parade and Lights in the Park. The kickoff to all the activities starts at 5:30 p.m. with a parade starting at the train depot. Many residents decorate their golf carts with lights for the parade, which heads down Main Street and ends at Gust Backstrom Park. There, the mayor will throw the switch to light up the big Christmas tree. The rest of the park will be beautifully lit as well thanks to a partnership between city youth and the Morton Chamber.
- 10th Annual Festival of Trees at the Tiller Arts Center, December 7 at 7:00 p.m. through December 10 at 6:00 p.m.
- Santa will meet the kids to find out their secret wishes at Tiller Arts Center, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
- Old fashioned hayrides are available starting at the Roxy Theater from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
- The Nutcracker presentation will be at the Roxy Theater from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- A Living Nativity will be set up at the Roxy Theater at 6:00 p.m.
Train rides, parades, light displays, performances, cocoa, and cookies! With such a nice variety of fun to choose from, every family will find something new – or old – to add to their family Christmas traditions.
Centralia-Chehalis Railroad and Museum, 1101 Southwest Sylvenus St., Chehalis
Centralia College Corbet Theater, corner of Washington and Walnut Streets
Evergreen Playhouse, 226 W. Center St., Centralia
Centralia Fox Theater, 123 S. Tower Ave., Centralia
Tiller Arts Center, 239 W. Main St., Morton
Roxy Theater, 233 W. Main St., Morton
Gust Backstrom Park, 750 Main St., Morton
