Downtown White Salmon sparkled with holiday spirit Saturday during the Village Lights celebration weekend. Moderate temperatures and mostly dry skies set the perfect stage for festivities that drew hundreds to the heart of the community.

The festivities kicked off with an Ugly Xmas Sweater Fun Run and continued through the day with holiday craft markets, an alpaca petting zoo, open houses at the Library and Maker Space, carolers, Santa photos, a dance party, and a holiday-light–guided wine walk that kept the spirit bright.

As evening fell, more than 500 people gathered around blazing fire pits to warm up, reconnect with neighbors and friends old and new, and savor a spread of homemade cookies, delicious tamales, and hot drinks. Families toasted marshmallows for s’mores as conversation and music filled the air. The celebration reached its peak when Santa arrived by fire truck to help Mayor Marla lead the delighted crowd in lighting White Salmon’s Christmas tree, officially launching the holiday season—an ending as bright as the celebration itself.

We love seeing our annual Tree Lighting continue to grow into a full weekend celebration. We hope to see you join us in making this your annual celebration as well.