Holiday events in Tri-Cities for kids and families, plus free activities in December
The Tri-Cities has a variety of free holiday events for children and families coming up. Get ready for light displays, parades, movies and visits with Santa, Mrs. Claus and the Grinch.
Dec. 5-6
Richland’s Winter Wonderland Opening Weekend John Dam Plaza & HAPO Community Stage, 815 George Washington Way, Richland 5-9 p.m. (Free)
A lighted Christmas village and light display take over John Dam Plaza in Richland through Jan. 1. On Dec. 5, there will be a lighted vehicle parade, countdown to the grand lighting, visits with Santa, dancing characters, live entertainment, the Alphabet Home Village, food vendors and fireworks.
The festivities continue Saturday with the Alphabet Village, holiday characters, light display, food vendors, lighted boat parade and fireworks show.
Dec. 6
Downtown Kennewick Hometown Holiday Parade Kennewick Avenue 10 a.m-2 p.m. (Free)
Kennewick’s annual parade features an appearance by Santa and holiday-themed floats, police and fire vehicles, and entertaining characters. After the parade, join Santa at Santa Square on the corner of Kennewick Avenue and Benton Street for festive activities, treats and photos.
Dec. 10
Winterfest Movie Fairchild Cinemas, 5020 Convention Dr., Pasco. (Free)
There will be free movie night at Fairchild Cinemas in Pasco, part of Pasco’s Winterfest.
Vote online for your movie pick by Nov. 24 at 7 a.m. Choices are “Abominable,” “Rise of the Guardians,” “Klaus,” “Christmas with the Kranks,” “The Christmas Chronicles” and “Candy Cane Lane.”
Showings are 6 p.m., 6:20 p.m. and 6:40 p.m.
Dec. 13
Christmas with Buddy Carousel of Dreams, 2900 Southridge Blvd., Kennewick 6-8 p.m. Cost: Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for children.
Meet Buddy the Elf and Santa, take a carousel ride and watch “Elf.”
Winterfest Peanuts Park, 426 W. Lewis St., Pasco 3-6 p.m. (Free)
Pasco’s Peanuts Park will have a tree lighting, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, kids zone, food trucks and food vendors, entertainment and a scavenger hunt with prizes. Businesses can register for a booth on the city’s website.
Dec. 19-23
Star of Bethlehem Planetarium Presentations Columbia Basin College, 2600 N. Ave., Building D, Pasco. (Free)
Visit the Columbia Basin College’s CPCCo Planetarium for a “The Star of Bethlehem” presentation the weekend before Christmas. The hourlong presentation features the star events from Jesus’ birth inside the planetarium.
The shows are 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 19, and 6 p.m. on Dec. 20, 21 and 23.
Dec. 20
Grinchmas Carousel of Dreams, 2900 Southridge Blvd., Kennewick 6-8 p.m. Cost: $10 tickets, free for children ages 2 and under.
Meet the Grinch and Cindy Lou Who from the classic movie “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Tickets include a carousel ride and a character meet and greet. There will be face painting, vendors, punch, treats and crafts.
This story was originally published December 1, 2025 at 5:05 AM.
