December in Yakima is proving to be delightfully bustling in the year 2021. There are events perfect for any age and any passion, from arts and crafts to themed gift exchanges and social events to get you in the holiday spirit.
Some of the most popular and anticipated events in the valley are the various light shows taking place throughout early to mid-December. Parades will be held in Selah, Toppenish, and Sunnyside. More notably may be the Holiday Lights Extravaganza taking place in the Yakima Valley Museum from December 7-18. Aside from Sundays and Mondays, the museum will be open into the early evenings and feature beautifully lit outdoor trees, exclusive nonprofit exhibits, and other holiday-related displays.
If you’re looking for more of an outdoor setting to appreciate the lights, you may be more interested in attending the Yakima Area Arboretum luminaria walks. Large, warm-toned white candle lanterns will light the path on either side through the arboretum. As you travel down into the complex, you’ll undoubtedly come across one of the many snacks or hot drinks offered for travelers. Zircle Fruit Company has proudly claimed its sponsorship to this event for several years, and this year is no different. They will be supplying dozens upon dozens of cookies, candy canes, and bins filled with crisp and delicious apples to those engaging in any of the luminaria walks to make it all that more enjoyable.
Alternatively, plenty of more personal and creative outlets are available this month, as well. Fiddle’s Coffee House is hosting a gnome-themed paint party, among many others, for ages ten and up. This will be guided, so if you’re worried your art skills won’t be up to par, don’t be concerned. That evening, Paula Brown, your host, will give you step-by-step tutoring but if you would prefer to use your own creativity, that’s encouraged, also. You need to register for this fun event beforehand.
If a drive to Wapato isn’t on your list this year, consider attending the paint night Paula is hosting at Wenas Creek Saloon in Selah on December 10. Instead of the lovely snacks you’ll get at Fiddle’s, you’ll see a bit more of an adult menu at Wenas Creek Saloon. Get a group of friends, dress in something you don’t care about, and enjoy a variety of beverages while you paint some Christmas stockings. Paula is hosting and attending a long list of events that include but are not limited to December. In addition to Wenas Creek, Schab’s Bier Den is another over 21 location having a paint night. In past events at Schab’s Bier Den, painters were offered specialty drinks that, while not included in the ticket sale price, were more than worth it for the exclusivity.
The paint night happening at Schab’s Bier Den, located beside Second Street Grill, will show artists how to paint a snowy and wintery landscape piece. The price to get into these events varies, usually ranging from $13-$29, which includes the cost of your canvas, the paint, and the instruction. Certain venues also include snacks and refreshments with their ticket price, and some do not.
A white elephant gift exchange is being held at the Harman Senior Center on December 17. The exchange involves a maximum $15 white elephant gift that you can provide. The Harman Center asks that anybody who would like to participate to please RSVP. You can do so by dropping by and speaking with the front desk or giving their main lobby a call.
Also held at the Harman Senior Center that same afternoon is an Ugly Christmas Sweater Dance and Social. For a $4 entry price, you’ll be able to experience the music of Gary Malner with access to the dancefloor and all of the refreshments and snacks. If you’d prefer to just listen and watch the event, the entry price is only $1. Make it a full day by visiting the gift exchange first and then dropping by the social before 3:45 p.m. on December 17.
No matter how you decide to spend your December, you can’t go wrong. Even if you choose to stay home with your own special eggnog brew, this season is about experiencing and spreading joy. Do what makes you happy, but I promise that at least one of these Yakima events will be something that makes you smile this festive season.
