Paul Arrington, of the Kent Parks Department, places lights on a tree in the Town Square Plaza on a 52-degree, mostly sunny Monday afternoon. A city crew was busy decorating the square in preparation for Saturday’s Kent Winterfest celebration. MARK KLAAS, Kent Reporter

Paul Arrington, of the Kent Parks Department, places lights on a tree in the Town Square Plaza on a 52-degree, mostly sunny Monday afternoon. A city crew was busy decorating the square in preparation for Saturday’s Kent Winterfest celebration. MARK KLAAS, Kent Reporter

Kent holiday happenings: 9 things to do

Walk, sing, shop or eat at area venues this season

  • Thursday, November 30, 2017 3:06pm
  • Life

On behalf of VisitKent.com

Here’s nine holiday activities in Kent.

From light displays to musical performances, family-friendly events in Kent are a way to embrace the holiday spirit.

1. Kent Commons Holiday Bazaar

Date: Friday, Dec. 1, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 2, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Cost: free

Activity: Bring your list and check it twice before heading to this holiday inspired, maker event. Featuring more than 100 artisans with unique, handcrafted gifts. Weary shoppers can recharge and refuel with food, beverages and musical entertainment.

2. Christmas at Carpinito Brothers

Date: Friday, Dec. 1-Sunday, Dec. 24, 8 a.m.-9 p.m.

Cost: free, tree prices vary

Activity: Peruse one of the state’s largest selections of fresh cut trees while sipping on a complimentary cup of hot cider. Once you find the perfect tree, the staff will safely load and tie down your tree to give you peace of mind on your way home. Don’t miss the opportunity to see two of Santa’s reindeer and Moses the nativity camel.

3. Holiday Light Displays: The Very Merry Christmas House/Christmas in Kent

Date: Friday, Dec. 1-Sunday, Dec. 31, times vary

Cost: free, charitable donations accepted

Activity: Leave the lavish light displays for the seasoned pros and visit either of these stunning holiday displays. Enjoy synchronized lights and music and can’t miss Instagram opportunities – all from the comfort of your car.

4. Kent Winterfest Holiday Celebration

Date: Saturday, Dec. 2, 2-6 p.m.

Cost: free

Activity: Kids will enjoy art projects at the Rusty Raven and a holiday reading at the Kent library. Warm up with a cup of cider or cocoa while enjoying holiday performances by local choirs and bands. Don’t miss the tree and park lighting at 5 p.m., complete with a synchronized show and a visit from Santa.

5. Christmas Rush Fun Run and Walk

Date: Saturday, Dec. 9, start times vary, Hogan Park at Russell Road, 24400 Russell Road

Cost: $20/$35

Activity: Run, jog or walk your way into the holiday season with this Christmas inspired 5K/10K. This year marks the 35th anniversary of this community fun run – helping participants justify that extra serving of pie. Reindeer noses and Santa hats encouraged, not required.

6. Hometown Holiday Concert

Date: Wednesday, Dec. 13, 8 p.m.

Cost: $38 and up

Activity: Join 100.7 The Wolf for its annual Hometown Holiday Concert. Don’t miss this special acoustic concert with music from some of country music’s biggest stars at the accesso ShoWare Center.

7. Roots & Recipes Zine by Project Feast

Date: Friday, Dec. 15, 6-8:30 p.m.

Cost: Suggested donation of $5-$10

Activity: Embrace the giving spirit by supporting Project Feast, a nonprofit seeking to transform lives in South King County. Its latest project, Roots & Recipes, is a magazine celebration of women, food and heritage. Pick up a copy for the foodie in your life while you mingle, and enjoy appetizers and wine.

8. Third Art Thursday Holiday Party

Date: Thursday, Dec. 21, 4-7 p.m.

Cost: free

Activity: An annual holiday party made for art and culture aficionados. Community comes alive with an evening of music, thoughtfully-prepared refreshments and an atmosphere of festive fun.

9. Santa Pictures at Kent Station

Date: Times and dates vary, see calendar for details

Cost: Photo packages start at $15

Activity: Kids (and pets) of all ages will delight in the wonder of Santa, Mrs. Claus and their elves. Early birds can enjoy holiday specials before Dec. 8.

Check out more things to do this winter at VisitKent.com/events.


Talk to us

Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.

To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website https://www.kentreporter.com/submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

More in Life

t
Healthy Kids Day free event coming up April 20 at Kent YMCA

Activities to include face painting, bounce house and dodgeball

t
City of Kent offers space festival for families May 4 at ShoWare Center

Retired astronaut Jose M. Hernandez to speak at event

t
t
City to begin major renovations at Kent Commons Community Center

Work on $1.5 million project to start soon to upgrade recreation facility

Comic book collection is still a staple of Emerald City Comic Con. Photo by Bailey Jo Josie/Sound Publishing.
Fandoms converge at Emerald City Comic Con

Even with big names at this year’s con, locals brought the good vibes to the nerdy weekend.

t
Spring is near as nesting eagles return to Riverbend in Kent

Eagles can be spotted near Riverbend Golf Complex and along the Green River and Interurban Trail

t
Kent YMCA to offer free Community Day on Saturday, Feb. 24

Facility will be open noon to 3 p.m. to all for swim, gym and other activities

Voiceover actor Kat Cressida will visit Auburn at Unlock the Con on Feb. 17-18 for meet and greets, an exclusive dinner with a Q&A panel and a Sunday “Brunch with the Bride.” (Courtesy photo)
Disney voice actor Kat Cressida to host meet and greet in Auburn

Tickets are available for this two-day fandom event at the Outlet Collection’s Unlock the Con on Feb. 17 and 18.

t
Performers wanted for return of ‘Kent Has Talent’ show

Registration starts Feb. 1; auditions March 23-24; show set for May 23

t
Cider & Ale Trail coming to historic downtown Kent March 8

Event to feature cideries, breweries, distilleries from Washington and Oregon

Construction at the Snoqualmie Casino. CAMERON SIRES, Sound Publishing
Snoqualmie Casino expansion inches closer to completion

Convention space, ballroom and 210-room hotel to be completed by 2025