WinterFest is coming
Published 11:30 am Tuesday, December 2, 2025
As daylight grows scarce, the island’s largest holiday celebration is gearing up to bring light, music and a flurry of garland and candy canes to brighten the season.
WinterFest returns on Saturday, Dec. 6, drawing hundreds of islanders to uptown as it is transformed into a festive winter streetscape.
The evening kicks off with a parade along Vashon Highway SW, starting at Vashon Village across from Ober Park and moving south to the Presbyterian Church for the annual tree lighting with Santa. This year’s lineup includes Mr. and Mrs. Claus, illuminated tractors, floats and walking groups.
Shops and restaurants throughout town will offer seasonal treats, gift ideas and special promotions.
For pedestrian safety, Vashon Highway will be closed from 171st Street near Ober Park to 178th Street by Vashon Theatre from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
WinterFest schedule
3:30 p.m.: Family story time and crafts at the Vashon Library with librarian Amelia, featuring songs and books to welcome the holiday season. After story time, kids can make a jingle bell craft and pick up a cup of hot cocoa to bring along to the WinterFest parade. All ages are welcome with an adult.
5 p.m.: WinterFest parade begins, led by third-grade students from Chautauqua Elementary School, followed by Vashon Fire & Rescue, additional parade participants, and Mrs. and Mr. Claus, hosted by Vashon’s Unofficial Mayor, TK.
5:30 p.m.: After the parade, Santa will light the big tree by the Presbyterian church, following a musical welcome from the VHS Band and Community Band.
6 p.m.: Visit the costumed Grinch outside the theater before watching a free screening of the original cartoon version of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” inside.
Correction: This article originally said that local merchants would collect coupons printed exclusively in The Beachcomber that offered prized opportunities to islanders during WinterFest. But due to issues at the press, those coupons will now be printed in The Beachcomber’s Dec. 11 issue. They’ll still be honored by local merchants.
