Around Town - A Community Blog

Post by Sophia Long, Communications Intern

On the evening of December 7th, the heart of Snoqualmie came alive with holiday cheer as the annual Snoqualmie Winter Lights event lit up the town with festive spirit and joy. This year’s celebration was an unforgettable night, filled with music, beautiful lights, and a warm sense of community. Despite the chilly weather, everyone was bundled up and ready for the cold as they gathered to kick off the holiday season together.

The event, which has become a beloved yearly tradition, was centered around the town’s charming museum and gazebo, both adorned with sparkling decorative lights that created a magical atmosphere. The highlight of the evening was the delightful jazz band, filling the air with smooth tunes that added a perfect soundtrack to the night’s festivities. Nearby, an impressive ice sculpture stood like a true work of art, capturing the attention of both young and old alike.

Snoqualmie Winter Lights also offered a variety of fun activities that brought the holiday season to life. Shoppers strolled through downtown, picking out unique gifts and enjoying sweet treats from local vendors. Free hot chocolate and cider were available to keep everyone warm, a welcome touch that made the event even more inviting. Children’s choir performances from Snoqualmie Elementary added a heartwarming touch, filling the air with holiday spirit.

Of course, no holiday celebration would be complete without a visit from a familiar face. The Grinch himself made an appearance, spreading a bit of mischievous holiday cheer and posing for photos with families.

As we look ahead to the rest of the month, there are even more exciting holiday events to look forward to. Don’t miss the Dickens Carolers in Historic Downtown Snoqualmie on Saturday, December 21, from 2-4 PM. These talented carolers will stroll through town, singing traditional carols and festive holiday tunes, adding to the warmth and joy of the season.

We want to wish all our neighbors and visitors a very happy holiday season and best wishes for 2025! Thank you for being part of our Snoqualmie Winter Lights celebration, and we look forward to celebrating many more holidays with you in the years to come.

Michele Drovdahl and Irene Wickstrom, who recently retired from the King County Library System (KCLS), both served important roles connecting people with books and information in the Snoqualmie Valley.

The iconic elk in Meadowbrook Farm have a long history in the American West. The Snoqualmie Tribe prized the native Roosevelt elk in the upper valley and hunted them sustainably in the prairie between Snoqualmie and North Bend for thousands of years. The pressure on the elk herd increased following European-American settlement in the late 19^th century greatly diminished the population.