Richland's Winter Wonderland and HAPO Festival of Lights Kicks-Off December 2nd

Photo by Kim Fetrow

Don’t miss the 7th annual Winter Wonderland and HAPO Festival of Lights. Join us as we countdown to the lighting of John Dam Plaza and the HAPO Community Stage. Celebrate the magic of the season with live musical performances, a lighted vehicle parade, and a guest appearance from Santa and Mrs. Claus.

The festivities kick off Friday, December 2, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. The official countdown will take place at 6:00 p.m. when thousands of lights will be lit and dance to holiday music every evening in December. 

Attendees will enjoy music performed by the Hanford High School Choir and the Richland High School Marching Band and Drumline. Enjoy free cocoa and KC Kettle Corn (while supplies last). 

Take a peek into Santa’s House and the recently added replica of a two-bedroom prefab home located in the Richland Alphabet House Village. The “Letters to the North Pole” mailbox will also be available. Children of all ages can drop their letters (don’t forget to include a return address) in the mailbox to the North Pole (the deadline is December 20, 2022). Participants will receive a response from Santa and his helpers. Witness the new lighted vehicle parade with a dozen decorated vehicles on display in a procession around the park that starts at approximately 5:40 p.m. 

After the lighting, stay in John Dam Plaza and enjoy the entire playlist of holiday music until 9:00 p.m. Or, you can head down to Howard Amon Park from 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. and hop on the J&S Express Train at the Richland Community Center. The train will take riders on a journey through the park to enjoy the magic of over 20 inflatable light displays. Take pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus as well as the many holiday characters that will be present. Food vendors will also be available at Howard Amon Park. 

In addition, the Gallery at the Park will be giving away cocoa and hosting crafts from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. and the Richland Community Center will be hosting live holiday music, craft projects, and Bingo from 6:00 - 8:30 p.m.

While at Howard Amon Park, don’t miss out on the very popular lighted boat parade. This is always a crowd-pleaser sponsored by the Clover Island Yacht Club. The boats will come by Howard Amon Park at approximately 7:15 – 8:00 p.m.

But wait, there is more! Enjoy the amazing fireworks display at Howard Amon Park after the boats have safely cleared the area. Fireworks will light up the sky at approximately 8:00 p.m. 

The fun then continues on Saturday, December 3rd, with another lighted vehicle parade, fireworks, and activities at John Dam Plaza, Richland Community Center, and Howard Amon Park. 
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There are many more activities to enjoy with Winter Wonderland and Festival of Lights lasting throughout the month of December. View the full schedule of activities at www.ci.richland.wa.us/winterwonderland.