Pasco Winterfest Returns with Holiday Cheer and a Visit from the Grinch – December 9-14

The City of Pasco invites residents to embrace the season's magic at Pasco Winterfest, happening December 9-14. Winterfest brings even more fun this year with a week of family-friendly activities, festive entertainment, and a special guest—Pasco's very own Grinch, who's trying to "steal the holidays" but might just end up finding his holiday spirit! 

Candy Cane Scavenger Hunt – December 9-12 
Kick-off Winterfest with the Candy Cane Scavenger Hunt, happening December 9-12. Clues to candy cane locations will be posted daily at 8:00 a.m. on the Pasco Parks Facebook page (@pascoparks). Search for hidden candy canes across Pasco, scan the QR code at each location, and earn entries for a random prize drawing. 

This isn't a race, so take your time and enjoy the fun! Thanks to STCU, this year's prizes are bigger and better, with a Grand Prize winner announced at the Tree Lighting Ceremony. Winners from the daily entries will be drawn live on Facebook at noon on Friday, December 13. 

Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for the Grinch! He might be up to no good as he tries to "steal" the candy cane hints. 

Free Holiday Movies at Fairchild Cinemas – December 11 & 14 
Enjoy holiday favorites at Fairchild Cinemas Pasco with free showings of: 

• Polar Express: Wednesday, December 11, from 6-7 p.m. 
• Fred Claus: Saturday, December 14, from 9-10 a.m. 

Movies will start every 10 minutes during the hour, and attendees will receive a free mini popcorn. Admission is first-come, first-served. Fairchild Cinemas is located at 5020 Convention Drive, Pasco. 

Winterfest Celebration and Tree Lighting – December 14 
The weeklong festivities culminate in the Winterfest Celebration and Tree Lighting on Saturday, December 14, at Peanuts Park in Downtown Pasco. 

• Time: 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. 
• Activities: Holiday music, kids' games and crafts, vendor booths, and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. 
• Grand Prize Drawing: Held just before the tree lighting. 
• Tree Lighting: At approximately 5:00 p.m., join the City in illuminating the Heritage Tree to officially welcome the holiday season in Pasco. 

Stick around after the tree lighting to enjoy delicious food and beverages from local vendors until 6:00 p.m. 

Register online through the City's recreation website for those interested in hosting an activity booth. 

The Grinch Steals the Holidays – A Fun Twist on Winterfest 
The Grinch is back this year, trying to cancel Winterfest with his holiday hijinks—but Pasco is ready for him! Keep up with the Grinch's antics on social media with "Grinch Watch Alerts" and enjoy humorous reels, interactive challenges, and live updates featuring the Grinch around town. 

Follow @pascoparks and #PascoWinterfest for Grinch sightings, community challenges, and updates as the story unfolds. 
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Sponsors 
This year's Winterfest is proudly sponsored by STCU, Amazon, and the City of Pasco, with additional support from Fairchild Cinemas Pasco, the Kiwanis Club of Pasco, and Apple Valley News ABC. 
Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to celebrate the season and create lasting memories with your family and neighbors. For more information, including event schedules and Grinch updates, visit the City of Pasco website or follow us on Facebook (@pascoparks).