Nov. 22, 2022;
updated 11/23/22; 11/29/22
2022 Holiday Events schedule
Our holiday events will continue throughout November, December, and into January.
Small Business Saturday
On Saturday, Nov. 26, we'll hold our annual free Small Business Saturday celebration downtown in Piazza Park and Renton Pavilion Event Center (233 Burnett Ave. S).
The activities include:
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12 to 4 p.m. - Holiday Farmers Market, Piazza Park
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12 to 7 p.m. - Holiday craft market featuring local artists and vendors, kids' activities, Renton Pavilion Event Center
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12 to 7 p.m. – Live music, Renton Pavilion Event Center
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5 p.m. - Tree lighting and Santa Claus arrives, Piazza Park
Holiday Schedule
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Dec. 2 - Holiday Lights Opening Night, 6 p.m., Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park (1201 Lake Washington Blvd. N)
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Dec. 3 – Downtown Santa House, 1-4 p.m., Renton Theatre (507 S 3rd St.)
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Dec. 3 – Lusio Renton Lights, 5-7:30 p.m., Piazza Park (233 Burnett Ave. S)
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Dec. 4 – Lusio Renton Lights, 5-7:30 p.m., Piazza Park (233 Burnett Ave. S)
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Dec. 10 – Downtown Santa House, 1-4 p.m., Renton Theatre (507 S 3rd St.)
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Dec. 11 - Renton City Concert Band Winter Concert, 2 p.m., Renton IKEA Performing Arts Center (400 S. Second St.)
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Dec. 17 – Downtown Santa House, 1-4 p.m., Renton Theatre (507 S 3rd St.)
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Jan. 1 – Polar Bear Plunge, 10 a.m., Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park South Beach (1201 Lake Washington Blvd. N)
Battle of the Badges
Renton Police Department hosts Battle of the Badges, Holiday Lights, and Winter Coat Drive on Friday, Dec. 9, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Renton Community Center (1715 Maple Valley Hwy).
This free drive-through event features public safety organizations decorating their vehicles or tents as they compete for your vote. Judging is based on three categories: Use of Lights, Overall Design, and Holiday Spirit.
New winter coats will be collected and benefit local youth in need through Communities in Schools Renton-Tukwila.
Email Santa Claus
The Recreation Division has been working with the North Pole Communications Team to develop a plan for a convenient way to send a letter to Santa.
Santa Claus has agreed to share his Renton email address with up to 300 writers who would like to send him an email!
Email the Big Guy Himself here: [email protected].
Email Santa by Thursday, Dec. 8, and he will reply via U.S. Mail by the week of Dec. 12.
Email writing tip for a successful email to Santa
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Be sure to include your first and last name – it’s very hard to tell anyone’s name from an email address
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Include the mailing address for the location you wish to receive your letter from Santa
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If you don’t want to share your mailing address please note in email that an email response is preferred
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Include a special wish that would be at the top of your list
Additional writing tips for those who may be helping with an email to Santa
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Include age
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School grade
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Favorite activities
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Helpful tasks that are accomplished
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Something special about the individual
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List the favorite gift delivered last year
When Santa’s inbox reaches 300 or after Dec. 9, his email will be automatically be turned off by the North Pole Communications Team.
Elf Academy
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Register for Elf Academy at rentonwa.gov/register by Friday, Dec 2.
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Sign up for the Elf Academy and see if you are up for the challenge. Your Elf enlistment kit will be mailed to you including a work checklist, resumé, crafts, and tips on agility training and using your five senses.
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Attend Graduation. Elf recruits are invited to participate in an on-site practical exam and a walk-through graduation ceremony where you will receive your "Certified Elf Certificate." The North Pole Elf Recourses Department will collect your resume' at check-in, be sure to check off every task you accomplished!
Graduation will be held on Saturday, Dec. 17, 10–11:30 a.m. at the Renton Community Center, 1715 Maple Valley Hwy.
Special guests will be onsite to help kick off your call to kindness and fun this holiday season. If you cannot attend graduation, your certificate will be mailed to you.
2022 Giving Trees
Giving Trees are located in the lobby at:
Renton City Hall, 1055 S. Grady Way
Renton Community Center, 1715 Maple Valley Hwy.
Don Persson Renton Activity Center, 211 Burnett Ave. N.
There are two ways to make your donation:
Gift of Play
Take a "Gift of Play" tag from the tree to make a donation to the Gift of Play Renton Recreation Scholarship Program. The program makes recreation activities attainable for low-income youth, older adults, and adaptive recreation participants.
100% of your donation goes to pay for the recreation activity fees. Your donation is tax-deductible.
Gift Giving
Take a "Gift" Tag" from the tree. Shop for the item on the tag for the Gift Giving Program and return the UNWRAPPED to the front counter by Wednesday, Dec. 14.
Renton Salvation Army has identified and screened Renton families needing assistance. Your help will provide needed items to children and senior adults in our community who are living in situations that make holiday gifts an unattainable luxury. You will brighten a family's holiday!
For more information, contact Teresa Nishi, [email protected] or 425-766-5157.
Santa House
Bring your children and four-legged friends to capture holiday moments with Santa. Santa House will be open on Saturday Dec. 3, 10, 17 from 1-4 p.m. in Renton Civic Theatre (507 S. 3rd St.). Photos can be downloaded for free on the event's Facebook page or available for purchase for a suggested donation.
Polar Bear Plunge
Start the new year with a bang! Or a brrrrrrrrr!
Bring your friends and family and usher in 2023 with a dip into Lake Washington from the south beach at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park. Polar Bear Plunge returns after a two-year absence. Sunday, Jan. 1, 10 a.m. No registration is required.