Free Christmas tree lighting events around Puget Sound (greaterseattleonthecheap.com)

Listed below we keep a list of Christmas tree lighting celebrations in cities and communities around the Puget Sound region.

In case you are wondering where we got the custom of lighting trees in winter, we dug up some interesting history.

A short history of Christmas tree traditions

The tradition of the Christmas tree evolved over a period of several hundred years. There are a lot of twists and turns to the story. No two historians would likely tell the story the same way. But here is a very brief account of what has occurred:

Evergreen wreaths, garlands, and trees have been a symbol of eternal life in many cultures throughout history. Because they remained green all year, it was natural for people to develop various winter customs: to decorate the house in winter, provide a setting for birds, scare away evil spirits, and recognize the winter solstice as the turning point to spring, among other rites, traditions, and beliefs.

Christmas trees were considered pagan symbols and heathen traditions by some Christians, but embraced by others. In any case, these paths converged in post-medieval Europe. The various customs and ideas evolved further into the Christmas tree tradition most of us know today: an evergreen tree adorned with lights, ornaments, and gifts.

The two most famous trees in the U.S. are The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in New York City with over 25,000 Christmas lights and The National Christmas Tree at the White House in Washington, D.C.

2024 Christmas tree lighting events

Most Christmas tree lighting events have music in some form. Many also have other family-friendly activities before and after the tree lighting. These might include Santa’s arrival and/or photo ops, holiday markets, food vendors, and other activities. Check their link for details.

(Listed by date, then alphabetically by city)

Friday, November 29, 2024 tree lighting events

Everett. Get into the holiday spirit at Everett’s Wintertide Tree Lighting and Kickoff Celebration, Friday after Thanksgiving from 2 to 8 p.m. Intersection of Colby and Hewitt Aves. and within the Historic Everett Theatre. More info: Wintertide | Everett

Poulsbo. Tree Lighting. Friday after Thanksgiving in waterfront park. Santa will lead a holiday procession from Poulsbo Parks and Recreation to the Liberty Bay Waterfront Park where he will officially light the tree around 5:00pm. Once the tree is lit, Santa will be available for photographs. More info: Event Calendar | Poulsbo

Seattle. Westlake Park Friday after Thanksgiving. The festivities begin at 3:30 p.m. with local live music, costumed characters, and giveaways. It all leads up to the main event at 5:00 p.m. when the 45-foot holiday tree lights up, followed by a spectacular fireworks show! More info: Tree Lighting Celebration at Westlake Park and Family-friendly Holiday Activities in Downtown Seattle

Saturday, November 30, 2024 tree lighting events

Buckley. Annual tree lighting Saturday after Thanksgiving from 2PM-6M, including a Holiday Market, Photos with Santa, and more. TREE LIGHTING at 5pm in Thunderbird Park. More info: Buckley Downtown Association | Facebook and Events (buckleychamber.com)

Renton. Winter Lights at Coulon Park. Tree lighting 5-5:15PM. More info: Events Calendar – City of Renton and City of Renton and Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park (1201 Lake Washington Blvd. N. 98056).

Seattle. Pike Place Market kicks off the holiday season with their annual Magic in the Market celebration Saturday after Thanksgiving from 11am-6pm with plenty of holiday spirit across all 9-acres of the historic neighborhood. Bring the whole family to meet Santa, listen to caroling, sip some eggnog, and shop for loved ones, all leading up to the famous Market lighting ceremony at 5pm. More info: Pike Place Market (pikeplacemarket.org)

Snohomish. Historic Downtown Snohomish lights the Christmas tree Saturday after Thanksgiving from 2:30-5:15PM. The Christmas Countdown sing-a-long. Santa photos and lighting the City Tree! More info: Historic Downtown Snohomish

Tacoma. The City of Destiny annual Tacoma holiday tree lighting Saturday after Thanksgiving begins at 5:00 p.m at the Pantages Theater (901 Broadway). Festivities begin at 5PM, tree lighting at 6PM. Free refreshments, free photos with Santa, live entertainment. More info: 79th Annual Tacoma Tree Lighting | Tacoma City Theaters and Events | Tacoma City Theaters

Sunday, December 1, 2024 tree lighting events

Monroe. Light Up Monroe! Sunday after Thanksgiving from 4-7PM. Santa & Mrs. Claus, Cocoa and Cookies, Christmas Carols, and MORE. More info: Light Up Monroe (choosemonroe.com) and Events (choosemonroe.com)

Thursday, December 5, 2024 tree lighting events

Mercer Island. Annual tree lighting event at 5:45PM in Mercerdale Park (3009 77th Ave SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040). More info: Illuminate MI: Tree Lighting and Mercer Island, Washington

Friday, December 6, 2024 tree lighting events

Anacortes. 6:00-7:00PM. Jingle all the way down to Anacortes for the Coastal Christmas Tree Lighting featuring music, Santa, festive cheer and more. Tree lighting ceremony approximately 6:45 pm. More info: Coastal Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony | Experience Anacortes

Des Moines. Big Catch Plaza. Hot cocoa & cookies, holiday music, and Santa himself! The tree will be lit @ 6:00 PM. More info: Des Moines Holiday Tree Lighting | Explore Seattle Southside and The Waterland Blog – Des Moines News & Events

Mountlake Terrace has its Tree Lighting Ceremony on the first Friday in December. Lighting of tree of lights on top of the water tower as well as a 20-foot tree in the Jerry Smith Town Center Plaza. The event traditionally includes a visit from Santa, local school choirs, cookies, cocoa, and sponsor recognition. Each year, the kids await Santa’s arrival on a fire truck generously coordinated with South County Fire. More info: Tree Lighting | Mountlake Terrace, WA (cityofmlt.com)

University Place. Annual Christmas Tree Lighting in Market Square First Friday in December at 6PM in the Village Square. Festivities from 4:30-7:30PM include food, music, and children’s activities. Santa arrives at 5PM. More info: Events | University Place, WA (cityofup.com)

Saturday, December 7, 2024 tree lighting events

Auburn. Lighted Santa Parade & Tree Lighting along Main Street. From Auburn High School to City Hall, lighted entries will fill Main Street with holiday joy! Beginning at 4:30 PM the parade will feature lighted vehicles, floats, cars, and walking entries. After the parade, join the fun at City Hall to wrap up the event with the annual tree lighting plus a visit from Santa. More info: Santa Parade & Tree Lighting (auburnwa.gov) and Special Events – City of Auburn (auburnwa.gov)

Bothell. Tree Lighting Festival always the first Saturday of December. Holiday Market Open 2-6:30 P.M. Festival activities 4-6:30 P.M. Meet Santa 5PM for selfies. More info: Bothell Main Street Tree Lighting Festival (bothelltreelightingfestival.com)

Everett. Annual Holiday on the Bay family fun on noon – 6 p.m. at the Pacific Rim Plaza. Holiday pop-up market, food trucks, free kids’ activities, tree-lighting, and Santa, lighted boat parade, festive music, lighting displays, and more. More info: Holiday on the Bay | Port of Everett

Gig Harbor. Holiday Tree Lighting in Skansie Brothers Park 1st Saturday of December from 5:00-7:30PM. Features live holiday music, Mr. and Mrs. Claus available for photos, and other revelry. More info: Annual Gig Harbor Tree Lighting (livingingigharbor.com)

Kent. Winterfest in Town Square Park from 2-7PM. Annual Tree Lighting Festival & Parade. Event runs from 2 – 7 p.m. Join us for food trucks, community booths and local craftspeople, the Winterfest parade, performances from local students, Santa, the annual tree lighting, and more! More info: Events – Kent Downtown Partnership

Kirkland. 3-8PM in Marina Park. Winterfest in Kirkland for the Holidays. Santa photos, tree lighting, and more. More info: Winter Programs – Kirkland Downtown Association

La Conner. Annual Christmas Tree Lighting from 5PM to 6 PM in Gilkey Square. Santa will be there to entertain the children. More info: Events Calendar – Love La Conner

Marysville. 4-8 p.m. Holiday Market, Craft Vendors, Live Music at Comeford Park (501 Delta). 6:30 p.m. Electric Lights parade (9th to 5th on State Ave). 7 p.m. Tree Lighting at Comeford Park (501 Delta). More info: Merrysville for the Holidays (marysvillewa.gov).

Mill Creek. Santa parade and Christmas tree lighting at Town Center. Main Street parade at 3:30 p.m. After the parade, visit Santa’s workshop to listen to carolers sing, collect holiday bingo cards, and enjoy vendor treats and fun activities at City Hall North. Just after 5:00 p.m. is the huge tree lighting next door at City Hall. Santa selfies until 6:30 p.m. in Santa’s Village. More info: Holidays on Main – City of Mill Creek, Wa and Community Events – City of Mill Creek, Wa

Redmond. Redmond Lights Kick-Off from 4 – 8 p.m. will feature live music, dancing, and more family fun. Enjoy art and light installations every night into January. More info: Redmond Lights.

Woodinville. Tree lighting at 5:30PM and Holiday Fair from 3-6PM in Deyoung Park (13680 NE 175th St, Woodinville, WA 98072). More info: Holiday Fair & Tree Lighting – Celebrate Woodinville.

Saturday, December 14, 2024 tree lighting events

West Seattle. Holiday Festival 4-8pm including a Night Market, Tree Lighting (6PM), Entertainment, Santa, and more on SW Alaska St between 42nd and California Ave SW, including Junction Plaza Park. More info: Hometown Holidays • West Seattle Junction Association (wsjunction.org) and West Seattle Junction Association (wsjunction.org)

Event calendar of free and affordable things to do

Listed below are all types of free and affordable things to do in the next 30 days.

Featured Events are listed first each day, highlighted by a photo. These are unique, popular, or annual events that we or our advertisers don’t want you to overlook.