Experience the Magic of the White Salmon Tree Lighting

Small-town Christmas celebrations are always the most magical, reminiscent of Christmas morning in Whoville when everyone gathers around the tree and joins hands to harness the collective holiday spirit. The White Salmon Tree Lighting is a treasured yearly event for the local community that brings the childlike wonder of Christmas to people of all ages!

The White Salmon Arts Council organized the tree lighting for many years, but the Community Partners of Bingen-White Salmon have been running the show since 2010. The event occupied several locations over the years, finally settling on the Riverview Bank property, which everyone agrees is the perfect spot. “It’s a corner location, which makes it a nice, central spot so everyone can enjoy the lights through the holiday season,” says Lloyd Dekay of the Community Partners. “The bank is always gracious and happy to have us.”

The White Salmon Tree Lighting is truly a combined effort. Before tree lighting night, the community pulls together to prepare, and it’s quite a process. A local typically donates the tree, while Izak Riley of Riley Materials and Ryan Kreps of Radcomp provide the crane and man-lift essentials for felling, transporting and decorating the gigantic tree. A whole group of volunteers strings the lights, hangs hundreds of large and whimsical tree ornaments and, of course, the shining star at the top. Another team also decorates Dock Grade, and the Community Partners work to ensure the adornments rotate, so every year is a delightful surprise!

On the night of Dec. 5, the excitement of the holiday season will be in the air as friends and families gather around in anticipation! The event typically occurs from 4 to 6 p.m., with the tree lighting between 5:30 and 6 p.m. But this enchanting evening has other surprises in store, like a special visit from Santa as he rolls into town on his big red fire truck to greet the children with smiles and candy canes. Firepits are placed throughout the parking lot, and roasting sticks are provided with marshmallows and all the fixings for making warm, gooey s’mores. The local church brings a cookie spread, and other festive providers are invited, especially the one who brings the delicious hot cocoa!

The White Salmon Tree Lighting typically draws a local crowd of over 300 people, and it’s a time to gather with friends and neighbors to celebrate being together. “It’s a lot of fun for kids, but the whole town comes to enjoy the tree lighting, whether they have kids or not,” says Lloyd. “It’s just a good old-fashioned community celebration.” The tree is on a timer, so even if you miss the main event, the dazzling display will be lit every night until January 2025.

For more information on the Community Partners of Bingen-White Salmon, please visit their website at communitypartnersbws.org.