Small Town Holidays 2024: Everything to Plan For!

by | Nov 18, 2024 | Holidays, Things to Do

Small Town Holidays is right around the corner, and we couldn’t be more excited!

This is one of the most magical times of year in the Lake Chelan Valley. Between dazzling light displays, Santa parades, and themed events, there are so many ways to experience the magic of the holidays in the quaint Village of Manson.

Here’s everything to plan for during your holiday visit to The Lodge!

Manson’s Village of Lights – November 30th through January 26th

Downtown Manson lit up

Manson’s Village of Lights is a season-long celebration from November 30th to January 26th. 

Enjoy the kick-off celebration on Saturday, November 30th, with a jam-packed day of holiday fun, including:

1. Manson Grange Holiday Extravaganza, 9 am – 3 pm: Shop for unique, handcrafted items from local vendors.

2. Letters to Santa at The Lodge, 10 – 11:45 am: Join us at The Lodge to pencil out your wishlist for Santa while enjoying hot cocoa and candy canes!

3. Santa & Mrs. Claus Arrive at Leffler Field, 12 pm: Welcome Santa & Mrs. Claus as they make their seasonal debut at Leffler Field, right next door to The Lodge!

4. Santa Parade on Main Street, 12:30 pm: Join a merry parade down the main street of Manson following Santa & Mrs. Claus’s arrival.

5. Tree Lighting with Santa, 12:45 pm: Watch as Santa lights the downtown Manson Christmas tree to usher in the holiday season!

6. Photos with Santa, 1 – 3 pm: Head to Radiance Winery & Coffee for photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus.

And that’s just the beginning of the fun! 

Throughout December, keep your eye out for the Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunt across the Manson businesses, join the mitten walk at participating shops, enjoy opportunities for festive face painting, and catch Elsa & Olaf around town. 

Plus, get your photo taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Manson Visitor Center during these dates!

  • December 7th: 2 – 4 pm
  • December 14th: 9 am – 1 pm
  • December 21st: 9 am – 1 pm

Check out the Manson Chamber of Events calendar for updates to activities.

Holiday Events Around the Valley

Santa & Mrs. Claus_

On top of the Manson events, there are tons of family-friendly activities to take part in across the Chelan Valley! Be sure to add these to your calendar:

Friday, November 29th 

  • Plaid Friday (wear plaid and receive discounts at participating shops across the valley!)
  • Tree lighting, Santa parade, & caroling in Downtown Chelan, 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm

Saturday, November 30th 

  • Shop Small Business Saturday
  • Free Christmas Matinee at the Ruby Theatre, 3 pm
  • Santa Express on the Lady of the Lake (tickets required), 5 pm & 7 pm

Saturday, December 7th

  • Meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus at Manson Cider Press, 9 am to 1 pm
  • Chelan Eagles Auxiliary Holiday Bazaar, 10 am to 4 pm
  • Free Christmas Matinee at the Ruby Theatre, 3 pm
  • Santa Express on the Lady of the Lake (tickets required), 5 pm & 7 pm

Saturday, December 14th

  • Free Christmas Matinee at the Ruby Theatre, 3 pm
  • Santa Express on the Lady of the Lake (tickets required), 5 pm & 7 pm

Saturday, December 21st

  • Free Christmas Matinee at the Ruby Theatre, 3 pm
  • Winter Solstice Luminary Walk at Riverwalk Park, 4 pm
  • Santa Express on the Lady of the Lake (tickets required), 5 pm & 7 pm

Sunday, December 31st

  • Echo Valley Ski & Tubing Area New Year’s Eve Party, 5:30 pm to 9 pm
  • Lady of the Lake Firework Cruise, 8 pm (tickets required)
  • New Year’s Eve Fireworks at Don Morse Park, 9 pm

Check out the Manson & Lake Chelan Chamber websites for more information on Small Town Holidays! 

Winery Events

Tipsy Canyon Winery

Don’t miss out on all the holiday fun across Manson & Chelan’s 40+ wineries and tasting rooms, including:

A holiday visit to our valley promises a wide variety of experiences, sure to please every member of your family! 

Book today and build unforgettable memories that will leave you full of holiday cheer!

Book Your Holiday Stay at The Lodge

MVLR in the winter

Mountain View Lodge is located right in the heart of the holiday action, a quick walk to the charming Village of Manson and a short drive along the lake from Chelan. 

With proximity to shops, restaurants, and the lake, it’s the perfect space to make your home base while you explore all the charm our valley has to offer this season!

Book online or give us a call today to book your stay in the Lake Chelan Valley. We look forward to hosting you!