Richland’s Winter Wonderland Returns with Kick-Off December 5th/6th

Richland’s beloved Winter Wonderland celebration returns for its 10th year, bringing holiday magic, dancing lights, and family-friendly activities to John Dam Plaza and Howard Amon Park. The community is invited to join us for two festive evenings filled with music, performances, food, and cherished seasonal traditions.
 
Festivities begin on Friday, December 5th at 5:00 p.m. at John Dam Plaza. The popular lighted vehicle parade begins at 6:00 p.m. and the official countdown to light up the HAPO Community Stage and John Dam Plaza will take place at 6:30 p.m., when thousands of lights will illuminate the park and dance along to holiday music.
 
This year’s kickoff celebration features:

• Holiday characters and live roaming performers
• Lighted Vehicle Parade (Lighted Vehicles on Display in the Parkway: 6:30-8:00 p.m.)
• Free photos provided by Dorian Photography
• A guest appearance from Santa and Mrs. Claus
• Live reindeer
• Food vendors offering warm treats and festive favorites

 
Guests can also wander through the popular Richland Alphabet Home Village, complete with miniature replicas of iconic Richland floorplans and landmarks.
 
Children are encouraged to bring their letters for the “Letters to the North Pole” mailbox. Letters dropped off (with return address) by December 20 will receive a personalized response from Santa’s helpers.
 
Lighted Vehicle Parade & Traffic Impacts
The Lighted Vehicle Parade begins at approximately 6:00 p.m. around John Dam Plaza. Temporary rolling closures will occur on Jadwin Avenue, Swift Boulevard, and George Washington Way, with traffic control and police support on site. Knight Street and The Parkway will also close for the evening’s activities, with The Parkway reopening at 8:00 p.m.
 
More Festivities Throughout the Night
After the lighting ceremony, visitors may stay at John Dam Plaza to enjoy the synchronized light playlist until 9:00 p.m.
Or head down to Howard Amon Park and the Richland Community Center, where activities run from 5:00 – 8:30 p.m., including:

Howard Amon Park - Lee Landing

• Holiday Light Display
• Food Vendors
• J&S Train Rides: 6:00-8:30 p.m.
• Lighted Boat Parade (Clover Island Yacht Club, weather permitting): around 7:30 p.m.
• Firework Show: Immediately after the boat parade

 
Richland Community Center

• Holiday Crafts
• Free Hot Cocoa & Popcorn (while supplies last)
• Bingo
• Holiday Movie Showing
• Steel Drum Performance by Bram Steel Drum Band: 6:00-7:00 p.m.
• Visits with Santa & Mrs. Claus: 7:00-8:30 p.m.

 
Festivities Continue Through the New Year
The magic doesn’t stop after opening weekend. Dancing lights at John Dam Plaza continue nightly from 5:00–9:00 p.m. through the New Year.
For a full list of activities, visit: www.richlandparksandrec.com/winterwonderland
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