Wind-er Wonderland & Tree Lighting
12 Nov 2022
Bundle up on the first weekend in December as Historic Downtown Troutdale transforms into a winter (or since this is the western end of the Columbia River Gorge...) a WIND-er Wonderland! It all happens from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 3 and Sunday, December 4. This family-friendly holiday event is a benefit for SnowCap Community Charities.
Holiday Market
A highlight of the event will be our holiday artisan gift market inside the former Troutdale General Store at 289 E Historic Columbia River Hwy. The space will be decked out for the holidays and will feature two floors of local vendors selling handcrafted gifts plus hot cocoa, holiday treats, and an activity area for the kids. Be one of the first 500 people through the door each day to receive a swag bag.
Selfies with Santa
The holiday magic will transform one of our downtown storefronts into Santa’s headquarters. Kids of all ages can follow the signs to the North Pole and visit with Santa and grab a selfie or two. Santa will start the day on Saturday at the Harlow House from 12:00 - 3:00 p.m. before heading back to his downtown headquarters at 359 E. Historic Columbia River Hwy until 6:00 p.m. On Sunday, he'll be at his headquarters throughout the day, from 12:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Troutdale Teddy Scavenger Hunt
Troutdale Teddy will be hiding inside businesses throughout our downtown. Pick up your scavenger hunt passport at the holiday market and then visit each business on the sheet to find the bear to get a stamp! The first 300 people to complete the activity each day will receive a free Troutdale-themed gift. A different gift will be available on Saturday and Sunday.
Live Music
On Saturday from 12:00 - 4:00 pm, the Mt. Hood Community College Jazz Combo will perform a selection of holiday favorites as The Dickens Carolers spread tidings of comfort and joy up and down Historic Columbia River Hwy from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
The carolers will return on Sunday to warm up the crowd before the annual Tree Lighting at Mayors Square from 4:30 - 5:00p.m.
Tree Lighting
The weekend culminates with the City’s traditional tree lighting ceremony in Mayors Square at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 4. You won’t want to miss this community event!
Just before we light up our beautiful, live blue spruce, we'll announce the winners of a community raffle sponsored by Explore Troutdale. To be entered the raffle, you must bring a donation for SnowCap Community Charities. They are will gratefully accept cash donations as well as hygiene items (like soap, shampoo, disposable razors, toothpaste, toothbrushes, feminine hygiene products and deodorant), small toys, canned goods and non-perishable items (especially canned proteins), and warm winter clothing like coats, hats, gloves and scarves.
If you want to get an early start on your holiday shopping be sure to check out First Friday Inside Edition at downtown Troutdale’s art galleries and shops on Friday, December 2 from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.. Stay out of the wind and find some great gift ideas, special art exhibitions, live music, and perhaps a small bite and glass of wine.
We hope to see you there! Stay tuned for more updates.