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Holiday moments are cherished memories in the making. The City of Lacey Parks, Culture & Recreation know this, and that’s why they work hard to create a festive event every December. The 2024 Lacey Holiday Lights has the elves working overtime to bring you an experience like never before! Twinkling lights transformed into something magical, decked-out vehicles, crafts, food and more will create the perfect holiday atmosphere that is not to be missed. Head to Huntamer Park on Monday, December 2, 2024, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The event is free and open to all.

“This year we wanted to do something different than our annual lighted parade,” shares Jeannette Sieler, recreation supervisor for Lacey Parks, Culture & Recreation. The large crowds meant many did not get to see the parade entries up close, especially the kids, so the City decided it was time for a change.

City of Lacey Holiday Parade and tree lightings on, Dec. 5, 2022.
This year, take your time to admire all the hard work people have put into the decorated vehicles as you stroll down Woodland Square Loop SE in Lacey on December 2, 2024. Photo courtesy: City of Lacey

We all love parades, but there are downsides to them, especially in the winter. It’s cold and often wet. You have to stand for hours to get a good viewing spot, especially if you have little kids. The entries go by quickly and you only get to see one side. Kids often can’t see at all. All of these downsides go away with a lighted holiday vehicle display!

Imagine a trunk-or-treat-like set up where your family can come any time during the festival and walk through the vehicles, taking as much time as you like to see their incredible decorations! You can talk to the owners, snap photos with the vehicles, and every kid gets a front row view! Be sure to vote for your favorite for the People’s Choice award! Other awards given out by the City judges include Most Cheer, Best Design and Brightest Display.

Starting at 5:30 p.m., the vehicles will be parked and on display on Woodland Square Loop SE, so that road will be closed.

The winter princesses, Santa and Mrs. Claus are some of the special guests you won’t want to miss at the 2024 Lacey Holiday Lights. Photo courtesy: City of Lacey

Huntamer Park will be a winter wonderland once again for the Lacey Holiday Lights. Starting at 5:30 p.m., your family can enjoy dinner and snacks at local food trucks with all your favorites including elephant ears, espresso, ice cream, sno cones, Mexican food, and more.

While in years past, kids had to wait for Santa to arrive at the end of the parade, this year Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at the festival when it opens, so there is plenty of time to tell him your wishes and snap a photo. Look for them near the stage!

Look for other VIP guests – the winter princesses! Find them in their decorated area, perfect for photo ops! And Apollo the Service Mini will have an activity booth. The whole family can meet and get their photos taken with the adorable miniature horse who acts as a service animal for owner Matt Wagner.

mini horse with a man kneeling in front of him, looking at a wall of christmas lights
Apollo the Service Mini will have an activity booth at this year’s Lacey Holiday Lights! Have you signed up to do a booth yet? Photo courtesy: Apollo the Service Mini

Find all kinds of activity booths for the whole family, including a bounce house, ornament making, and more. The local Boy Scouts are hosting giant board games for all to play. More surprises await the entire family at this magical event.

At 6 p.m. there will be a brief ceremony for the park lighting. You will not want to miss this year’s light display at Huntamer Park. The incredible display of animated lights will give a show to remember! “They are truly animated, so, for example, Rudolph might run around the Christmas tree,” shares Sieler. And, you can make them even more incredible by stopping by the City of Lacey booth where they will be handing out special 3D light glasses that create special effects, while supplies last: You might see Santa, snowman, or reindeer surrounding the lights when you look at them!

This year’s lights will also be synced with a local radio station! So even if you are just driving by in your car during the holiday season, you can tune in and enjoy the show. Just look for the signs by the park with the station’s call sign.

After December 2, the Holiday Lights at Huntamer Park will remain on from dusk until 10 p.m. through New Year’s Day. Stop by as often as you like – it’s a perfect spot for that holiday family photo or even that special Christmas proposal.

City of Lacey Holiday Parade and tree lightings on, Dec. 5, 2022.
Whether an individual or a business, you can decorate your vehicle, set it up and get ready for the joy of the season! Maybe you want a sign out front with some information about you and/or your business. Maybe you want to hand out candy canes. whatever you decide, be sure to sign up by November 15! Photo courtesy: City of Lacey

Want to have a booth or a vehicle at Lacey Holiday Lights? You can sign up until November 15! Just go to the City of Lacey website and fill out the appropriate online entry:

Vehicle Entry Form

Booth Entry Form

You can park at local businesses surrounding Huntamer Park, or catch a ride on Intercity Transit – it’s free and the Lacey Transit Center is right by the park!

A very special Santa experience brought to you by the City of Lacey Parks, Culture & Recreation is happening on December 6 at 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Signing Santa will be at Chambers Prairie Elementary so those with hearing impairments may sign their wishes to him. This is event is free and all are welcome.

The City of Lacey wishes everyone a happy and healthy holiday season. Come enjoy the festivities and rekindle the holiday magic. It only comes once a year, but the memories will keep you company forever.

2024 Lacey Lighted Vehicle Display and Holiday Lights
December 2: 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Huntamer Park
618 Woodland Square Loop SE, Lacey

Holiday Lights December 2 – January 1: Dusk until 10 p.m.

Sponsored

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