22nd Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Festival

1:00 - 5:30 p.m. Saturday, December 6, 2025

The Tumwater Christmas Tree Lighting Festival is held each year on the 1st Saturday in December, at the Tumwater City Hall & Headquarters Fire Station.

This popular holiday event includes performances by local and school choirs, treats from our sponsors, holiday games and crafts, on-site food trucks (2025 trucks include Flaming Pig BBQ, Sweetlee's Ice Cream, and Travelin' Tom's Coffee), and of course, the lighting of the tree.

Take pictures with Santa in his workshop - otherwise known as the City Hall Council Chambers - during the event (1 - 5 p.m.).

Santa's elves from the Thurston County Food Bank will also be on site collecting donations of non-perishable food.  

Join us at this special event; you are sure to have a festive time!

Event Parking available in the adjacent Attorney General's Office parking lot (7141 Cleanwater Dr SW). No parking at the Fire Station; ADA parking only at City Hall. Please call 360-754-4160 for more information.

Thank you to our 2025 sponsors: Presenting Sponsor Olympia Federal Savings, Toyota of Olympia & Biscuit House, and Black Lake Bible Camp.

Volunteer Opportunity

Volunteers are needed to help attendees navigate through the event, assisting in the "Reindeer Games" room, getting creative in the frame-decorating room, and more! Volunteer shifts are 3 hours long. For more information and to register, please visit the Christmas Tree Lighting Volunteer Registration page.  

Please contact the Volunteer Coordinator regarding current opportunities!