Celebrate the Season at Village Lights in White Salmon

Pull on your favorite holiday sweater and spend a festive day in White Salmon! Village Lights returns Saturday, December 5, 2026, bringing holiday shopping, hands-on activities, live music, wine tasting, and a community tree and menorah lighting to town.

From a morning fun run to photos with Santa and a late-night dance party, there are plenty of ways to celebrate. Bring the family, gather your friends, or make it a holiday weekend getaway in the Columbia River Gorge.

Start the Day with Sweater-Clad Fun

The festivities begin at Rheingarten Park, where ugly sweaters are encouraged and holiday spirit is part of the fun.

The Children’s Ugly Sweater Fun Run takes place from 9–10 a.m., with young runners starting at 9:30 a.m. This free event welcomes children ages 2–7 for one cheerful lap around the park.

Then, from 10 a.m.–noon, the Adults Ugly Sweater Fun Run brings runners and walkers together for a scenic four-mile route through town. Registration is $20.

Keep the morning cheer going with Fire Trucks & Toy Drive with Cocoa, hosted by the White Salmon Fire Fighters from 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

Shop Local and Make Something Merry

Find gifts with a personal touch at the Winter Wonderland Bazaar at Masonic Lodge, open 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Browse local makers, handmade gifts, and seasonal treats, then leave time to explore White Salmon’s downtown shops.

Feeling creative? Stop by Nativ Cafe from noon–3 p.m. for holiday card making, or visit Sol Workshop from 3–5 p.m. to make an ornament.

The Festival of Making at Gorge MakerSpace, running 3–7 p.m., offers more opportunities to meet local makers and explore hands-on workshops. It’s a chance to discover something new while supporting a place that helps keep creativity accessible in the community.

You can also pick up a free wildflower seed mix at Columbia Land Trust from 3–7 p.m. and take home a little inspiration for spring.

Enjoy an Afternoon of Music and Holiday Cheer

The White Salmon Valley Community Library’s Winter Celebration runs 2–5 p.m., with refreshments, hands-on activities for children, a special quilt show, and live music throughout the afternoon.

The lineup includes:

2 p.m.: Columbia High School Jazz Band
3 p.m.: Tillinghast Mountain Duo
4 p.m.: Charles Crosman

Settle in for a performance, explore the quilt show, and enjoy an afternoon celebrating local music and creativity.

Sip, Savor, and Stroll

Start your afternoon with Oysters and Wine by Ridge of Wonders at Inn of the White Salmon from 1–4 p.m.

Then gather your wine-loving friends for the Sip & Sparkle Wine Walk from 4–7 p.m. Enjoy wine tasting while exploring downtown businesses and soaking up the holiday atmosphere.

While you’re out, stop at Marcel to purchase $5 raffle tickets for the $1,000 Wine Weekend Getaway.

Learn more about Sip & Sparkle and get tickets.

For another festive stop, visit the Christmas Tree Bier Garten outside the north entry of Mosko Moto, open 4–9 p.m.

Meet Alpacas, Watch the Lighting, and Visit Santa

There’s plenty of evening fun for families, beginning with the Spirit Falls Alpaca Ranch Petting Zoo from 4–7 p.m. Make time to meet these woolly visitors before gathering for one of the day’s highlights.

The Tree and Menorah Lighting at Riverview Bank takes place from 5–6 p.m., with cookies, s’mores, cocoa, and hot apple cider. Share a warm drink with friends and neighbors as White Salmon welcomes the holiday season.

Afterward, head to Mosko Moto for pictures with Santa from 6–8 p.m. You can also enjoy s’more stations hosted by the WSVS Cheerleaders from 6–8 p.m.

Dance into the Night

Keep the celebration going at the Mt Adams Elks Dance Party from 9 p.m.–midnight. Gather your friends and finish a full day of holiday festivities on the dance floor.

Make a Day—or a Weekend—of It

Come early for the fun runs, spend the afternoon shopping and creating, and stay for the lights and evening celebrations. With activities stretching from morning to midnight, Village Lights offers plenty of reasons to linger in White Salmon.

Save the date: Saturday, December 5, 2026. Bring your holiday sweater, your shopping list, and your favorite people!

Visit the Village Lights event page for updates and event details.