Like everything else, Christmas will look a little different this year. Past years in the Valley saw a Holiday Market in Fall City, North Bend’s Holly Days, and Winter Lights in Snoqualmie. This year, to avoid large public gatherings, Christmas Tree lighting ceremonies are going virtual.
This coming weekend brings two opportunities to watch local virtual tree lightings.
City of North Bend residents are invited to join Mayor Rob McFarland, this Saturday, December 5th at 6 PM, for a special LIVE virtual Community Tree Lighting on the City’s Facebook page.
Downtown North Bend is looking brighter and more festive than ever, and with this final component, lighting up the 2020 Community Tree, the City will officially usher in the Holiday Season.
This year’s community tree, an 18-foot Noble Fir, was generously donated by family-owned Christmas Creek Christmas Tree Farm and was installed on the sidewalk near North Bend Chevrolet by the City’s Public Works crews. Tanner Electric graciously donated their time and resources to string tree lights. In addition, the North Bend Downtown Foundation provided funding to light up all the new downtown street trees.
So, turn on the holiday music at home, grab a cup of hot cocoa, power up your computer, and join North Bend for this different, yet still special, North Bend Community Tree Lighting.
Be sure and watch for a special, COVID-safe guest who will assist Mayor Rob in flipping the tree lights on this year. Hint: he’s very excited by the holidays and wears his emotions on his elf sleeves.
To watch the 2020 North Bend Community Tree Lighting, visit the City of North Bend Facebook page – City of North Bend Government | Facebook – at 6 PM on Saturday, December 5, 2020.
The North Bend Downtown Foundation will also be streaming the lighting LIVE on its Facebook page – North Bend Downtown Foundation | Facebook
You can also tune in to the Salish Lodge & Spa’s Facebook page on December 6 at 6:00 pm and take part (virtually) in their annual holiday tree lighting. Afterward, you can do some online holiday shopping at The Country Store, where they have holiday gift guides, your favorite Salish branded gourmet foods, gift sets, and more. 10% of all proceeds from items purchased, with the exclusion of gift certificates, on December 5 & 6, will be donated to Encompass NW.
Looking for a more up close and personal view of the tree? Why not take a drive through their Candy Cane Valet Lane on December 6, from 6 pm to 8 pm, where you can view all the festive holiday lights and their stunning tree. Santa’s Elves will also be there to hand out hot cocoa and candy canes to all the kids, and kids at heart, who have been good this year.
In Snoqualmie, although they were unable to gather as a community for the tree lighting ceremony this year, the tree is lit for all to enjoy in historic downtown Snoqualmie. In a new video, Santa joins Snoqualmie Mayor Matt Larson for a virtual tree lighting and holiday greeting. You can watch the video at cityofsnoqualmie.org.
Visit the tree in person at Railroad Park in Historic Snoqualmie, just across the street from the Historic Snoqualmie Depot located at 38625 SE King Street. Here you can also admire the Snoqualmie Winter Lights, which are on display through New Year’s Day. Learn more at cityofsnoqualmie.org.
So even though the Corona-Grinch is trying to steal Christmas, with a little ingenuity we all can still have a Holiday to remember.
