Kent’s Winterfest includes a month of Holiday Happenings, including Tree Lighting on Saturday, Dec. 7

It’s the most wonderful time of year, and all are invited to celebrate the holiday season in Kent with a month of Winterfest fun throughout the City.

Things really start with the annual Winterfest Tree Lighting Festival at Town Square Plaza from 2–7 p.m. this Saturday, Dec. 7, with Santa set to be there from 3:30–4 p.m. and 5–7 p.m.

Kent Winterfest is presented by Kent Parks, the Kent Lions Club, Kent Downtown Partnership, and Kent Station.

Here’s more info from the city:

Schedule:

• Nov. 30 – Dec. 23, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.: Santa’s House at Kent Station
• Saturday, Dec. 7, 2–7 p.m.: Winterfest Tree Lighting Festival at Town Square Plaza
• Sunday, Dec. 8, 3 p.m.: Magical Strings 38th Annual Celtic Yuletide Concert at the Kent-Meridian Performing Arts Center
• Saturday, Dec. 14, 8 a.m.: Christmas Rush 5k/10k Fun Run at Hogan Park at Russell Road

WINTERFEST TREE LIGHTING FESTIVAL & PARADE

Pack up the family and meet us at Town Square Plaza (2nd Ave & Smith Street) on Saturday, Dec. 7 for the annual Tree Lighting Festival & Parade.

Event runs from 2 – 7 p.m.

Join us for food trucks, community booths and local craftspeople, the Winterfest parade, performances from local students, Santa, the annual tree lighting, and more!

Stage Schedule:

• 2:30 – 3:00 p.m.   Kentlake Jazz Band
• 3:15 – 3:45 p.m.   Kentlake Choir
• 4:00 – 4:30 p.m.   Spotlight Dance 
• 5:00 – 5:25 p.m.   Northwood Middle School
• 6:00 – 6:45 p.m.   School of Rock

• Bring your camera to take a picture with Santa
  • He’ll be there from 3:30-4 p.m. and 5-7 p.m.
• Drop off your holiday wish list in Santa’s mailbox
  • Bring your own (include your mailing address if you want Santa to write you back!) or fill out a postcard in Santa’s tent (postcards are available onsite).

Story time and crafts at Kent Library: 3:30-5:00 p.m. 

Winterfest Parade: 4:30 p.m.

• Winterfest Parade Application
• Winterfest Parade Route

Tree Lighting: 5:30 p.m.

KENT PARKS CHRISTMAS RUSH 5K/10K

Celebrate 42 years of running fun at the annual Kent Parks Christmas Rush 5k/10k! Register to join us at Hogan Park on Saturday, Dec. 14.

Register online* to run (or walk!) today. Day-of-Race Registration is available beginning at 8 a.m.

Race Start Times:

• 10k: 9:50 a.m.
• 5k: 10 a.m.