We got a hot tip from an elf on the inside that Santa will be arriving by Fire Truck to light the downtown Everett lights the day after Thanksgiving. Word is Santa will be pulling up to the intersection of Hewitt and Colby around 5:00PM. Here’s the schedule as the seasonal event of Wintertide in Everett, Washington kicks off on November 28th.
Kick off the enchanting Wintertide Season with this year’s Tree Lighting Celebration!
What:
Join us for a festive afternoon and evening in downtown Everett, featuring the official Everett tree lighting, magical snowfall, free entertainment, food trucks, and visits from beloved holiday characters—Santa, Freddy Funko, and Rucker the Fire Dog!
It’s a joyful celebration you won’t want to miss.
When:
Friday, Nov. 28, 2-8 p.m.
Where:
- Outside Activities: Along Colby Ave., with the town square happening at the intersection of Colby and Hewitt in downtown Everett, aka the Quadrangle.
- Indoor Activities: Inside the newly renovated Historic Everett Theatre at 2911 Colby Ave.
Festivities include:
Snow Blizzards on the Hour
Get ready for a winter wonderland! Snowfalls happen at 3 p.m. (30 minutes), 4 p.m. (30 minutes) and 5 p.m. (60 minutes), enjoy magical snowfall in the Quadrangle (where Colby and Hewitt Avenues meet). Experience the thrill of a snowstorm with safe, non-toxic, and non-slippery faux snow. Don’t miss out on this ultimate winter experience!
Holiday Characters
- Rucker the Fire Dog will join us from 2 to 4 p.m. for photos and high fives!
- Freddy Funko will join us from 4 to 6 p.m. for the festive fun and free family photos!
- Santa Claus will join us via Everett Fire Truck around 5 p.m. and stay until 8! Get your holiday card photo for free in the Historic Everett Theatre.
Food Trucks and Snacks
Enjoy a selection of food and beverages from:
- Avery’s – chicken and waffles
- Over the Top – comfort food
- Pioneer Popcorn – snacks
- Sierra’s Coffee Stop – coffee, tea and baked goods
- Slavic Bites – pierogies, sweet and savory crepes
- Sugar and Spoon – ice cream and cookie dough
- Tacos Pirata – Mexican food
Enjoy cookies, hot cocoa, and hot cider for free inside of the Historic Everett Theatre!
Fun for Kids
Crafts in the Wintertide Workshop
We’re excited to partner with the Schack Art Center, Downtown Everett Association, Salish Sea Ceramic Studio, Imagine Children’s Museum and Funko more to invent and play! Visit the workshop on the “North Pole” side of Colby and Hewitt from 2 to 8 p.m.
Wintertide BINGO
Kids can get creative with free arts and crafts they can take home! Pick up a Wintertide BINGO card to play throughout the season—winners can claim a small prize at the Everett Library and Everett Station in the Transit office.
Free Santa Photos
After lighting up downtown, Santa will head to the Historic Everett Theatre for free family photos! From 5:30 to 8 p.m., the jolly old elf will spread holiday cheer and hear holiday wishes. Don’t forget your own camera to capture the moment!
Give Back
Stuff A Bus
Celebrate the season by giving back! Bring canned or non-perishable food items or a toy to donate to Volunteers of America. Everett Transit and Everett Fire will both collect food and gifts. Come for the fun and support those in need in our community!
Volunteers of America Toy & Food Drive
Everett Fire Department will also be collecting items for those in need. Visit the big red fire truck to drop off your items.
Free Movies and Entertainment in the Historic Everett Theatre
The Historic Everett Theatre (2911 Colby) will feature holiday-themed movies and music:
- 2:15 p.m. – Movie – Muppets Christmas Carol (1 hr., 25 min.) – 1992
- 4:00 p.m. – Performance by The Dance School (30 min.)
- 5:30 to 8 p.m. – Free Santa photos in the theater lobby
- 6:00 p.m. – Performance by Evergreen Community Orchestra (45 min.)
- 7:30 p.m. – Movie – The Man Who Invented Christmas (1 hr., 44 min.) – 2017
- 9:30 p.m. – Movie – Die Hard hosted by Late Shift Everett
Outdoor Stage
Holiday Music
KRKO will spin Wintertide seasonal classics to raise the holiday spirit!
Live Performance by the Jackson High School Jazz Combo
Check them out in the 2 o’clock hour.
Anyone can dance! featuring The Dance School
Feel the need to boogie? The Dance School will be making their way around the layout and maybe, just maybe will dance with some snowflakes around 3 p.m.!
Tree Lighting Countdown
Join us for the countdown to Everett’s tree lighting and downtown holiday lights at just after 5 p.m. at the intersection of Colby and Hewitt.
Getting Here and Downtown Information
Parking
Show some holiday spirit by saving street parking for those with limited mobility and using Everett’s parking garage, Everpark, at 2815 Hoyt Ave. It’s just a short, art-filled walk to Colby Ave. where all the fun awaits! Just $1 an hour. Otherwise, street parking is free for the holiday weekend.
Downtown Shopping and Restaurants
Explore the charm of downtown Everett while enjoying seasonal-themed treats, meals, and holiday shopping deals at inviting shops, boutiques, pubs, and restaurants. Learn more about downtown from the Downtown Everett Association.
Restrooms
Available for public use at the Historic Everett Theatre (2911 Colby Ave.), 2912 Wetmore Ave, and 2821 Hoyt Ave.