December is here, and with it comes all things Christmas! For holiday lights, find public and private displays throughout Centralia, Chehalis and beyond. Bring the family to one of the county’s many holiday parades and find places to get the kids’ pictures with Santa.
Don’t miss Lewis County’s own Christmas Lights and Displays Facebook page! Also, Lewis County Coffee provides a map for kids to use as a scavenger hunt for holiday lights.
Centralia
As the only drive-thru light display in the area, Borst Park is a must-do tradition for many Lewis County families. From December 5 to December 25, enjoy this fun family activity from 5 to 9 p.m. for $7 per car (cash only).
George Washington Park is a beautiful backdrop for the city, with a massive lit tree and lights strung throughout.
North Pearl Street features a fantastic Grinch display that should not be missed. Oxford Avenue is a great place to look for holiday lights, with at least one house offering a kid-friendly display.
Other neighborhoods to check out include the Edison area and the letter streets. Historic downtown Centralia is always festive this time of year, with holiday decorations and festive storefronts.
For a night to remember downtown, don’t miss the Centralia Lighted Tractor Parade on December 13 at 6 p.m. Bundle up and enjoy farm implements, trucks and floats adorned in lights and cherry décor.
Chehalis
The Gingerbread House on the corner of 13th Street Market Boulevard is a unique display of creativity and holiday cheer. It’s a fantastic spot for photo opportunities, so grab the camera and pose for family pictures.
Further down 13th Street, across from the Gail and Carolyn Shaw Aquatic Center, find a fun Santa train lit up for passersby to enjoy day or night.
The West side of Chehalis is always full of holiday cheer, and don’t miss the house just behind Westside Park for an awe-inspiring display.
Nearby, the Lewis County Historical Museum is home to the Chehalis Christmas Tree.
Downtown Chehalis and Market Street will be full of Christmas cheer on December 6 at 11 a.m. for the 75th annual Santa Parade. This event is a tradition in Chehalis that dates back many generations, and this year’s theme is “County Christmas.”
A drive down Cascade Avenue is a merry medley of lights, blow-up characters and neighborhood charm.
For a fun daytime activity, explore the Willipa Hills Trail near Spooner Road to find the third annual Christmas tree decorated on the popular trail. As a memorial for a golden retriever named Riley, find something special for the furry family members near this beautiful display in nature.
Napavine
Areas to look for Christmas lights in Napavine include Camden Yards, Highway 603 and near the schools.
Napavine Funtime Festival invites all to the 2nd annual Lighted Christmas Parade on December 6 at 6 p.m.
Onalaska
As a new tradition in Onalaska, the Onalaska Fire Hall is home to an eight-foot-tall planted tree this year, adorned with festive decorations and bright lights. Families are invited to take a photo with the tree each year to see how it grows.
Toledo
On December 6, Toledo is the place to be for the 7th annual Santa Quad Parade. The parade begins at Toledo Middle School and ends at Kemp Olson Memorial Park, where a tree lighting will take place. A free Santa picture will be available at the park for kids.
Across the street from Toledo Elementary School is a house decorated for the season, much to the delight of local schoolchildren.
Winlock
The Winlock Egg is ready for the season, with wood-cutout trees and candy canes adorned with decorations and lights.
Find Santa for photos at the Winlock Community Building on December 21 from 2 to 4 p.m. These are free, but donations of $20 for the Winlock Giving Tree are suggested.
Vader
On December 5, kids can enjoy the movie “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” at Vader Assembly of God at 5 p.m. There’s a rumor that the Grinch might show up himself!
Starting at 10 a.m. on December 6, enjoy vendors and food trucks, with a bake sale at 2 p.m. Stick around for the 7 p.m. Whoville Light Up the Night Parade on A Street, followed by a tree lighting and Cheermeister crowning.
Do you have a favorite holiday event or Christmas display? Send us an email at submit@lewistalk.com and let us know about it!
