Your Guide to Walla Walla Holiday Events: What’s Happening Across the Valley (Nov 2025–Jan 1, 2026)
What holiday events are happening in the Walla Walla Valley this season?
You’re in for one of the most festive seasons the Valley has ever seen. From lighted parades and winery barrel tastings to local markets, charity drives, and community celebrations across every corner of the Valley, you’ll find no shortage of ways to soak in the spirit of the holidays. Below is your complete guide to the most exciting Walla Walla holiday events happening now through New Year’s Day.
Walla Walla Lights Up for the Holidays
You have plenty to look forward to as Walla Walla kicks off its most magical traditions. On Saturday, Dec. 6 at 6 PM, Main Street will glow during the beloved Walla Walla Holiday Parade of Lights, complete with illuminated floats, music, and Santa closing out the celebration. The community tree lighting at Walawàla Plaza adds even more sparkle to downtown festivities.
If wineries are more your vibe, Holiday Barrel Tasting Weekend (Dec. 5–7) transforms the entire Valley into a cozy winter wine retreat. Dozens of wineries are offering barrel tastings, seasonal pairings, and festive open houses. It pairs perfectly with the downtown holiday market and live music scheduled throughout the weekend.
Walla Walla Holiday Lights & the Valley Transit Jingle Bus
If you love the magic of holiday lights, this year’s Walla Walla Christmas Light Tour is bigger and brighter than ever. Homes across the Valley go all-out with creative displays, themed décor, synchronized light shows, and everything from classic charm to full-blown winter wonderlands. It’s one of the most fun, easy, and festive ways to experience the season.
To make it even better, you can explore it all through WallaWallaChristmasLights.com — the central hub for everything lights-related this season. Here, you can:
Submit your own holiday display to be included on the map
Vote in the community contest for the best displays across the Walla Walla Valley
Browse real-time entries with photos, descriptions, and locations
Check the schedule for the Valley Transit Jingle Bus Route
This year, the light tour includes something new — community voting. You get to help decide the Valley’s favorite displays, making it a fun way to engage with neighbors and support local creativity.
Valley Transit is also bringing back its popular Jingle Bus, offering a festive, guided ride through some of the most decorated neighborhoods. It’s a relaxing way to take in the holiday lights without needing to drive, and the route schedule is posted directly on WallaWallaChristmasLights.com so you can plan your night out.
Whether you’re joining the contest, hopping on the Jingle Bus, or simply touring the Valley with a cup of cocoa in hand, this year’s lights are something you won’t want to miss.
Holiday Traditions in Every Town Across the Valley
The magic doesn’t stop in Walla Walla — every surrounding community brings something unique to the season.
College Place Winterfest – Dec. 4
You can enjoy a local Holiday Market from 3–6 PM, followed by the community tree lighting with Mayor Norma Hernández at 5:45 PM. The Lighted Parade at 6 PM brings the night to life as floats make their way down College Ave.
Dayton Christmas Kickoff – Nov. 28–29
If you’re looking for a charming Thanksgiving-weekend tradition, Dayton’s two-day event delivers. You’ll find mule-drawn wagon rides, a Festival of Trees, live reindeer, and shops filled with holiday goods. The highlighted Lighted Christmas Parade happens Friday at 6 PM, followed by a fireworks show and tree lighting downtown.
Waitsburg Hometown Christmas – Dec. 5–7
This small-town celebration is all about warmth and community. The Waitsburg Parade on Sunday, Dec. 7 at 5 PM brings together local horses, kids, and Santa. Throughout the weekend, holiday markets and craft fairs offer plenty of ways to support local artisans.
Milton-Freewater Christmas Magic – Dec. 5–6
Hop across the Oregon border for this vibrant two-day celebration. Freewater Square becomes a hub for food trucks, vendors, live music, a Lighted Parade (Dec. 5 at 6:30 PM), and a full slate of family activities. Don’t miss the Holiday Market on Saturday at the Elks Lodge.
Seasonal Markets, Cultural Events & Festive Fun
You have countless opportunities to shop local, enjoy live entertainment, and take part in community traditions:
Downtown Farmers Market indoors every Saturday through December
Pioneer Santa Day at Fort Walla Walla Museum on Dec. 14
Live music at numerous wineries and breweries all month long
Book Club Celebration at Walla Walla Public Library on Dec. 11
New Year’s Eve Comedy Night at Gesa Power House Theatre with Andy Gross on Dec. 31
Winery NYE celebrations including formal events and midnight countdowns
Whether you’re planning a festive date night, exploring with visiting family, or simply wanting something cozy and local, there’s something happening nearly every day.
Community Giving & Ways to Get Involved
With the holiday season comes a strong spirit of generosity throughout the Valley. You’ll see:
Toys for Tots donation boxes at City Hall, the Library, fire stations, and more
Barrel Full of Money (Dec. 5), a wine auction benefiting the BMAC Food Bank
Local food drives, coat drives, and neighborhood cleanups
A new regional partnership, the Walla Walla Valley Hunger Relief Coalition, working to support families facing food insecurity
If you’ve been wanting to give back, this season offers meaningful ways to do it.
New Restaurants, Shops, and Local Business Updates
It’s not just events making the Valley lively this season — the business scene continues to grow.
You can now visit Cultura, a new Italian restaurant on Isaacs Ave known for wood-fired pizzas and shareable plates. Downtown has welcomed new boutique retailers, artisanal chocolate, and seasonal pop-ups. In Milton-Freewater, several food trucks are transitioning into permanent storefronts thanks to community support.
On the flip side, a longtime Hallmark store downtown is closing after 40 years as the owner retires — but the beloved traditions and community connections built there will linger for years.
Infrastructure Improvements & What’s Coming in 2026
If you’ve been driving along the south end of town, you’ve likely noticed the progress on the Myra Road South Extension, which is nearing completion. This project will open opportunities for future commercial and residential developments.
Meanwhile, new housing additions like Meadow Grove Apartments and upcoming subdivisions in College Place and Dayton are helping meet growing demand across the Valley.
Upcoming Highlights (Through New Year’s Day)
Nov 28–29: Dayton Christmas Kickoff
Dec 4: College Place Winterfest
Dec 5: Milton-Freewater Christmas Parade
Dec 5–7: Holiday Barrel Tasting Weekend
Dec 6: Walla Walla Parade of Lights
Dec 7: Waitsburg Hometown Christmas Parade
Dec 14: Pioneer Santa Day
Dec 31: New Year’s Eve celebrations across the Valley
Jan 1: Polar Bear Plunge at Bennington Lake (weather permitting)
If you’re searching for Walla Walla holiday events, you’ve got holiday cheer around every corner.
Final Takeaway
When you live in the Walla Walla Valley, the holidays don’t just show up — they unfold across every town, winery, plaza, and downtown street. You have countless opportunities to celebrate, connect, support local businesses, and soak in everything that makes our community special this time of year.
As you plan out the season, this guide gives you a full look at everything happening now through New Year’s Day.
Follow Us for More Local Updates
If you want more local updates, holiday happenings, and real-time community highlights, be sure to follow us on social. New and improved events calendar coming soon!!
— Jenna Provost,
Real Estate Agent & Marketing Specialist, Walla Walla Valley
