Now through Christmas Eve; Throughout Lewis County
The Salvation Army this year aims to raise $80,000 for its efforts throughout the year, accounting for less than $1 per Lewis County resident. Donations can be made at https://centralia.salvationarmy.org or to red kettles at the Sunbird Shopping Center Avenue Espresso, Walmart, Safeway, post offices, Fuller's Shop’n Kart and Brenda's Market in Onalaska. At some locations, donors can now use tap pay for donations.
The Salvation Army also needs volunteers for the red kettles, ringing the organization’s distinctive red bells. For more information, visit registertoring.com.
Nov. 22 at the Lewis County Mall, 151 NE Hampe Way, Chehalis; 5 p.m.
A limited number of free turkeys, backpacks and other prizes will be given away during this annual event by the Centralia-Chehalis Chamber of Commerce.
Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1209 Scheuber Road N., Centralia; 11:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
Everyone is welcome at this free Thanksgiving meal. The church will offer transportation at various stops in Centralia at the following times:
Rotary Riverside Park at 11 a.m.
Centralia Library bus stop 11:15 a.m.
Centralia Safeway bus stop 11:30 a.m.
For questions, call 360-669-0743.
Nov. 23 at Gather Church, at 100 S. Rock St., Centralia
Gather Church holds this free Thanksgiving meal each year out of their commercial kitchen’s walk-up window. This year on Nov. 23, it will run from 1 to 3 p.m.
Dinner will include turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, cranberry sauce, rolls and pumpkin pie. To volunteer, call 360-827-0264.
For people in Centralia and Chehalis, sign-ups are open for meal deliveries on Thanksgiving, starting at 11 a.m. Visit https://www.gatherchurch.com/tday to sign up. For questions, call 360-827-0264 option 2 or email stockbox@gatherchurch.com.
Nov. 23 at the Packwood Community Presbyterian Church; 2 p.m.
“If you don’t have anywhere to go, come join us,” wrote the church on its Facebook event page. The church will serve turkey dinner.
Nov. 24 at George Washington Park in Centralia, 6 to 8 p.m.
Watch as Centralia’s holiday light-adorned tree is lit, live music is performed, treats are served and Santa Claus visits with families for photos.
Nov. 25 and 26 at Jester’s Auto Museum, 321 Hamilton Road, Chehalis; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days
More than 40 local artisans and vendors will participate in this free-to-attend market. Santa will attend both days from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and photos with Santa will be free. Learn more by emailing geminieventsanddesign@gmail.com.
Dec. 1-8 throughout Mineral
The Northeast Lewis County town of Mineral every year hosts a contest for the home with the best Christmas decorations. Sign up with the Mineral Lake Lions Club or the American Legion post to participate. Winners will be announced at the Dec. 9 tree-lighting event.
Dec. 2 outside 104 E. Front St., Mineral; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
All are invited to join in on decorating the Mineral American Legion post for upcoming Christmas festivities. Snacks and warm beverages will be readily available to keep everyone fueled and motivated.
Dec. 2 in downtown Chehalis; 11 a.m.
The Centralia-Chehalis Chamber of Commerce hosts this parade on the first Saturday of December each year. Santa, of course, will be there. Register for the parade online at ChamberWay.com or call 360-748-8885.
Dec. 2 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 349 N. Market Blvd., Chehalis at 7 p.m.; Dec. 3 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 349 N. Market Blvd., Chehalis at 3 p.m.; and Dec. 3 at Harrison Square Presbyterian Church, 1227 Harrison Ave., Centralia at 7 p.m.
These concerts are free, but at-will donations will go toward the guardian ad-litem program, Guardian Friends of Lewis County.
Dec. 2 and 3 at the Lewis & Clark Hotel, 117 W. Magnolia St., Centralia; Times to be announced
Join the Centralia Downtown Festivals Association for a holiday market featuring a wide variety of vendors from around the area. Past years have included visits from Santa, the Grinch and reindeer. Learn more on Facebook at "Centralia Downtown Festivals Association."
Dec. 2-3 at Corbet Theater, 600 Centralia College Blvd., Centralia; 2 and 7 p.m. on Dec. 2; 1 and 5 p.m. on Dec. 3
“Join Clara on a special dream-like journey” during a full-length production of this holiday classic, the ballet academy said. Tickets are available online at https://28019.danceticketing.com/r/events and cost $20 for children, students and seniors, and $25 for adults.
Dec. 9 throughout Lewis County; all day
Two anonymous donors will be matching donations to the Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign throughout the day on Dec. 9. The Centralia and Twin Cities Rotary clubs will also be competing in “Rotary Ring” on the same day, vying for the highest earning club.
Dec. 9 at Moose Family Center, 1400 Grand Ave., Centralia; 8 to 11 a.m.
Pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, applesauce, juice, coffee and hot chocolate will be served at this fundraiser for Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital. Santa will arrive at 8:30 a.m. Suggested donation for adults is $7, children ages 4 through 12, $4. Free for kids under 3. Bring your own camera.
Dec. 9 in downtown Centralia; 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Tractors of all shapes and sizes will light up the streets of Centralia in this family-favorite holiday festival. This year, the 14th annual Lighted Tractor Parade, will feature more than 90 floats.
Learn more about the parade and sponsorship of the event at https://downtowncentralia.org/parades-holiday-events.
Dec. 9 in downtown Centralia; until 12 a.m.
After the parade, select businesses will stay open until midnight for shopping as music and vendors fill Pine Street Plaza following the parade.
Dec. 9 in Mineral
Attendees are likely to see Santa during this Christmas tree lighting event, which will feature an “array of delightful treats,” according to organizers. Look for more details on this event on Facebook on the Lions, Legion and Mineral Fire pages or at https://www.facebook.com/mineralwa.
Dec. 14-17 at Corbet Theater, 600 Centralia College Blvd., Centralia; showtimes vary
The Southwest Washington Dance Center each year hosts an ensemble of more than 80 local dancers of various ages to perform Tchaikovsky’s Christmastime classic ballet.
Shows will be at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 14 and 15, with a “pay what you can” admission for the former. On Dec. 16, performances will commence at 2 and 7:30 p.m. and on Dec. 17, dancers will take the stage at 1 and 5:30 p.m.
Tickets cost $25 for adults and $18 for seniors (age 62 and older), children and active duty members. There is a livestream available to watch online for $20 for performances on Dec. 16.
Learn more at https://www.swwdance.org/performances.
Dec. 17 in downtown Centralia; regular business hours
Select businesses will host donation locations for Toys for Tots, with businesses featuring gift suggestions. Drop off gift donations by 6 p.m. so they can be distributed before Christmas. Event subject to business participation.
Dec. 19 (and possibly Dec. 20) at the Salvation Army at 303 N. Gold St., Centralia; throughout the day
In partnership with Toys for Tots and other community partners The Salvation Army will distribute toys to over 400 Lewis County children all day.
Dec. 21-22 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 23 at 2 p.m. at Corbet Theater, 600 Centralia College Blvd.
The Voetberg family, of Centralia, performs on string instruments in this annual Christmas concert. Tickets are $10 for this event and can be purchased at Fiddlers Coffee or voetbergchristmas.com. Lap-sitters can attend free of charge.
