City of Washougal hosts Ho Ho Holiday Drive-Thru at the Plaza & Virtual Tree Lighting

The annual Christmas Tree Lighting at Reflection Plaza will be held virtually on Thu., Dec. 3 at 6 p.m.

WASHOUGAL The city of Washougal continues to innovate to keep the holiday spirit alive with the creation of two new events to help families welcome the season. 

“We had to cancel our traditional Downtown Washougal Christmas Tree Lighting and Lighted Parade due to COVID-19 restrictions on gatherings but felt it was still important to reach out to the community,” said Rose Jewell, event coordinator.  “Our two new special holiday celebrations have been designed to help our community enjoy safe, socially distanced connections and bring some joy at this time of uncertainty.”

The annual Christmas Tree Lighting at Reflection Plaza will be held virtually on Thu., Dec. 3 at 6 p.m. Photo courtesy city of Washougal
The annual Christmas Tree Lighting at Reflection Plaza will be held virtually on Thu., Dec. 3 at 6 p.m. Photo courtesy city of Washougal

The annual Christmas Tree Lighting at Reflection Plaza will be held virtually on Thu., Dec. 3 at 6 p.m.  The event will include duets performed by Mary Templeton, Washougal School District Superintendent and community member Rod London and will culminate with Santa, Washougal Mayor Molly Coston, and several other special guests pushing the big red button to power the 40-foot lighted tree at the Plaza.  The entire event will be available to watch via live stream on the city of Washougal Facebook page at facebook.com/WashougalGov.

Then on Sat., Dec. 5, the city will hold the new “Ho Ho Holiday Drive-Thru at the Plaza” from 2-4 p.m. on Pendleton Way between C and Main Streets.   

“Santa will be there in his sleigh to wave to families who will drive past,” explained Jewell.  “Then, city officials will be handing out safely prepared goodie bags for each child in the cars.  We can’t hold a big parade, but we hope having Santa available to say hello will create a special afternoon for our Washougal families.”

More details can be found at cityofwashougal.us/HoHoHoliday.

Information provided by city of Washougal.