The Top Holiday Festivities in the Tri‑Cities
The air is brisk, the streets are lined with twinkling lights, you’ve stepped out all bundled up with your winter scarf and hat on. All that’s left to do is plan that picture-perfect day to get you into the holiday spirit.
You’ve come to the right place because we’ve gathered the top holiday and Christmas events in the Tri-Cities filled with light shows, dinner cruises, visits with Santa and more.
Local Festivities
With so much to see and do in the Tri-Cities during this season, your holiday cheer levels will be off the charts.
Hometown Holiday Parade
Date: December 5, 2026
Time: 10am-1pm
Location: Historic Downtown Kennewick | 204 West Kennewick Avenue, Kennewick
If you’re itching to find out if you’re on the naughty or nice list, head to Kennewick for the Hometown Holiday Parade and enjoy an old-fashioned holiday extravaganza with floats, characters, police and fire trucks, and even the big man himself, Santa.
Pasco Winterfest
Date: December 5, 2026
Time: 3-6pm
Location: Peanuts Park | 426 W Lewis St., Pasco
Pasco's Winterfest will include the Candy Cane Scavenger Hunt, food trucks and vendors, the Heritage Tree Lighting, a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, a kids' zone, and live entertainment!
Benton City Winterfest
Date: December 12, 2026
Time: 10am-7pm
Location: Various locations
Benton City's Winterfest will be jam-packed with fun! Enjoy a full day of winter activities, including the holiday bazaar, family-friendly events, a silent auction, a lighted parade, and the grand finale: a Christmas tree lighting!
Christmas Spectacular Dinner
Dates: December 17-19, 2026
Time: 6:30-8:30pm
Location: Barnard Griffin Winery | 878 Tulip Lane, Richland
This festive holiday dinner consists of seven wine-paired courses and is accompanied by a Christmas concert from the Mid-Columbia Mastersingers. Tickets are $195 per person for Wine Club members and $220 per person for non-members. It's a great way to enjoy the holidays with a large group and an indulgent, delicious holiday dinner.
Unwrap the Magic
There are so many unique boutiques and festive shopping options throughout the Tri-Cities. For the last-minute gift buyer or the early "check off the list" shopper, visit one of the many holiday markets in the area:
Make A Difference Christmas Bazaar
Date: November 21, 2026
Time: 8am-3pm
Location: Calvary Chapel Tri-Cities | 10611 W. Clearwater Ave., Kennewick
Tri-Cities Holiday Expo
Date: November 27-28, 2026
Time: 10am-5pm
Location: HAPO Center | 6600 Burden Blvd., Pasco
Small Business Saturday Makers Market
Date: November 28, 2026
Time: 10am-4pm
Location: The Ruby Gallery & Events | 1384 Jadwin Ave., Richland
Hometown Holiday Parade Market at Layered
Date: December 5, 2026
Time: 9am-4pm
Location: Layered Cake Artistry | 117 W Kennewick Ave Ste 110, Kennewick
Christmas Eve Market at Layered
Date: December 24, 2026
Time: 10am-4pm
Location: Layered Cake Artistry | 117 W Kennewick Ave Ste 110, Kennewick
Explore more shopping in the Tri-Cities area.
Set Sail
The holidays are a time to rejoice, be merry, savor fancy cocktails, and indulge in lavish meals that might prompt you to swap out your holiday attire for loose-fitting sweatpants. Not to worry - we're all in the same boat! And speaking of boats...
Lighted Boat Parade
Date: 2026 Dates TBA
Location: Clover Island Yacht Club | 104 N Clover Island Dr # 101, Kennewick
The Clover Island Yacht Club Lighted Boat Parade is a holiday tradition! Enjoy a magical evening as boats of all sizes decked out in festive lights sail down the Columbia River to celebrate the season.
Santa & Mrs. Claus Cruises
Dates: November 28, December 21 & 23, 2026 | Various Times
Location: Columbia Point Marina | Riverfront Trail, Richland
Set sail with Santa Claus on a festive Christmas-themed cruise from Water2Wine Cruises. The Santa & Mrs. Claus Cruise features sweet treats, holiday fun, and of course, a very special visitor.
For other holiday pairings, check out our local wineries and restaurants for to-go dinners and tasting room festivities.
Sporting Events
Looking for some fast-paced action this holiday season? The Tri-Cities area is a great spot for those who love sports, both as spectators and athletes.
Teddy Bear Toss Night
Date: December 5, 2026
Time: 6:05pm
Location: Toyota Center | 7000 W Grandridge Blvd, Kennewick
The Tri-City Americans Teddy Bear Toss is a Tri-Cities Christmas tradition! Just bring a new or gently used stuffed animal and toss it onto the ice after the Americans score their first goal. All toys will be donated and distributed locally. This annual hockey event is full of holiday cheer for the whole family to enjoy!
Lampson Cable Bridge Run
Date: December 19, 2026
Time: 9am
Location: Neil F. Lampson Office Building | 607 E Columbia Dr, Kennewick
Need a way to warm up and burn off a few of those Christmas cookies? Lace up your running shoes and bring some friends to the 48th Annual Lampson Cable Bridge Run, a Pasco holiday tradition featuring 5K, 10K, and 1 Mile foot races, as well as a 1 Mile Fun Run.
Holiday Lights
If Insta-worthy photos are what you’re looking for, our holiday light displays and decorations make the perfect backdrop.
Richland’s Winter Wonderland at John Dam Plaza
Date: December 2026
Time: Dusk-10pm
Location: John Dam Plaza | Richland, WA
If you want to be surrounded by vibrant colors and festive cheer, Richland’s Winter Wonderland at John Dam Plaza is a must-see. The park comes alive with illuminated trees, shimmering pathways, and the return of the historic alphabet village featuring the charming small houses that add an extra touch of magic throughout the plaza.
Bonus tip: Bring a warm drink and stroll through the park’s lighted walkways. There are plenty of cozy spots to capture photos with friends and family.
However you spend your winter in the Tri-Cities, we wish you a sparkling holiday season and a brilliant New Year!