As the holidays approach, cities are greeting the season with twinkling lights and high-energy events for the whole family.
Mill Creek
Mill Creek is kicking off the season with a tree lighting ceremony from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 30, at City Hall, 15728 Main St.
The Mill Creek Town Center and Rotary Club of Mill Creek are co-sponsoring Santa’s Comin’ to Town from 2 to 6 p.m. Dec. 5. A parade will weave from City Hall up Main Street and end at The Forum at Creekside Village and feature Santa in a horse-drawn carriage, the Seahawks Blue Thunder drum line, canine “reindeer” and ponies that children can ride afterwards. The Cherry Cherry band and costumed carolers will be heard performing throughout the Town Center.
Then, from 6 to 8:30 p.m., parents can drop their children off for free child care during Parents Night Out. United Studio of Self Defense and Active Martial Arts studios, as well as City Hall, will offer child care for ages 4 to 14. Each location will have activities, crafts and snacks. Reservations are required.
A handful of Town Center businesses are involved in the Mill Creek Town Center’s Wishbook that has special offers, discounts and promotions at Town Center businesses. Wishbooks cost a minimum $5 donation. Proceeds go toward Treehouse, a charity that supports foster children. Donations can be made at Frost Doughnuts, People’s Bank, Clix Portrait Studio, Nest Home &Gifts, Paddywack, Active Martial Arts, and United Studio of Self Defense.
Edmonds
In Edmonds, families can bring in the holiday with the Christmas Ship Celebration from 7 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7 at the Edmonds fishing pier. Families are encouraged to sing along with the ship’s performers and enjoy food and drinks.
The city is also hosting its tree lighting ceremony at 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 28 at Centennial Plaza, at the corner of 5th and Bell.
Mountlake Terrace
The Terrace-Brier Lions Club is hosting its annual tree-lighting ceremony in Mountlake Terrace from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 4 at Evergreen Playfield, 22205 56th Ave. W. Carolers, choirs, treats and a visit with Santa, who will ride in on a fire engine, will round out the event.
The “tree” is a frame built out of more than 1,800 lights and placed on the city’s water tower. A “green” tree, the city is using LED lights that use one-quarter the power of traditional lights.
Lynnwood
Lynnwood is hosting the second annual Lynnwood Lights Celebration, presented by Community Transit, from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 1 at the Lynnwood Convention Center, 3711 196th St. SW.
Guests are encouraged to carpool or ride the bus or free shuttle from the Alderwood Business Center.
Lexus of Seattle is organizing a tree-lighting ceremony at 6 p.m.
Sarah Olson, marketing and events supervisor for the city, said the tree-lighting ceremony is now a tradition.
Families can visit the North Pole to talk to Santa, listen to music and play Wii and “Icy I-Spy” with the Lynnwood Police Department.
Olson said one of the biggest draws is the free pictures with Santa.
The Starlight Village will offer dancing, arts and crafts, treats and children’s performer Eric Ode. Food vendors include Dante’s Inferno Dogs and Papa John’s Pizza.
“There are a lot of sponsors each bringing something to the event,” Olson said.
Non-perishable food and cash donations will be accepted for a food drive benefiting the Lynnwood Food Bank, while Starbucks and Lexus of Seattle will host a toy drive.
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