As December’s holidays approach, it’s time for homes, businesses and towns to transform into a wonderland of twinkling lights. From a dazzling drive-through display to charming neighborhood illuminations and area towns with lit-up community trees, the holiday spirit radiates through the community, creating a magical atmosphere. Here are some of the best places in 2023 to see Christmas lights in Centralia, Chehalis and all around Lewis County.
Christmas Lights in Centralia
Centralia starts the holiday season with the annual Tree Lighting Festival at George Washington Park on November 24 from 6 to 8 p.m. Bring the kids for fun and photos with Santa afterward. Be sure to grab some festive food and drinks from on-site vendors.
Several neighborhoods in Centralia are often adorned with holiday lights, including the historic Edison District, Tower Avenue and Pearl Street, the letter and number streets, as well as the Cooks Hill community. Historic downtown Centralia is always vibrant, with decorations lining the equally festive storefronts, offering a heartwarming experience for holiday shoppers.
Borst Park Drive-Thru Light Display
It isn’t the holiday season without a visit to the annual Borst Park Drive-Thru Light Display! This event is always a community favorite, with dozens of colorful displays (some with animation). Return visitors, keep an eye out for new displays and don’t forget to bring a non-perishable food item to help those in the community. The festivities begin on December 1 all the way to Christmas, from 5 to 9 p.m., with a cost of $5 per car or $10 for small buses.
Centralia 2023 Lighted Tractor Parade
In its 14th year, the always fun 2023 Lighted Tractor Parade in Downtown Centralia is on December 9. A highlight of the Christmas season, bring the family for holiday magic with 100 floats wandering through the charming historic downtown, all lit for some festive cheer!
Christmas Lights in Chehalis
The holiday spirit shines brightly in Chehalis, with the downtown decked out for the cheery season to welcome holiday shoppers. Boasting charming neighborhood displays, stroll along the streets and delight in the twinkling lights embellishing homes, businesses, and trees, creating a picturesque winter wonderland.
The historic Westside neighborhood is always a delightful display of Christmas cheer, and many of the town’s hillside neighborhoods are also ideal for holiday light hunting. A drive down Jackson Highway reveals homes decked out in a holiday fashion. While heading south on Market Street, stop by the adorable gingerbread house at the corner of 13th Street, perfect for a cute holiday photo!
Chehalis Santa Parade
Say “Aloha to Christmas” with the 73rd annual Santa Parade in Chehalis. On December 2 at 11 a.m., downtown Chehalis is the place to be for Hawaiian holiday cheer! Afterward, don’t miss the annual Chehalis Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony outside the Lewis County Historical Museum also on December 2, at 4 p.m. Families can enjoy Christmas carols and free hot cocoa from Mint City Coffee Company while the beautiful tree is lit for all to enjoy.
Christmas Lights in Lewis County
Beyond Centralia and Chehalis, the surrounding communities of Lewis County also embrace the holiday spirit with their own charming lighting traditions. A trip down the area’s back roads reveals hidden homes offering brilliant illuminations, lighting the night’s sky. So, take a drive around and see what your family discovers, but be sure to check out some of the smaller town’s community trees.
Mossyrock Tree Lighting Celebration
The City of Mossyrock hosts a Tree Lighting Celebration on December 9. From 6 to 8:30 p.m., join in the festivities with ornament decorating, cookies and cocoa, plus a visit from the big man himself, Santa! Beforehand, head over to the Mossyrock Grange at 152 Isbell Road and have breakfast with Santa from 9 to 11 a.m.
While in Mossyrock, drive around State Street and view the Mossyrock Ace Hardware’s Christmas Decorating Challenge. Residents and business owners are decorating in the hopes of winning bragging rights for the best holiday display, and winners will be announced at the tree lighting, but the lights will be out for all to enjoy all season long.
Toledo’s Santa Quad Parade
Join the fun on December 2 from 4 to 7 p.m. as Toledo lights its community tree. For the fourth year, residents are invited to come to the Toledo boat launch and participate in the annual Santa Quad Parade. Be sure to check out the event’s Facebook for more information and rules.
Immerse yourself in the spirit of the season with enchanting Christmas lights in Centralia, Chehalis and throughout Lewis County. Where’s your favorite Christmas light display? Send us an email at submit@lewistalk.com and let us know!
