This article originally appeared in the Oct. 29, 2021 edition of This Week in Renton.

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Holiday events

The city and its partners have planned a variety of events for this holiday season

The holiday season is fast approaching. City staff and community groups are working hard to put the finishing touches on various special holiday activities planned for families in November and December.

Here’s a brief look at what we have planned-so you can add the events to your calendar. As we get closer, you’ll find the most current information at rentonwa.gov/events.

• Fall Harvest Food Drive: The city’s recreation division hosts the Fall Harvest Food Drive on Saturday, Nov. 6 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Renton Community Center (1715 Maple Valley Hwy. 98057). City staff will collect non-perishable food items and unopened personal hygiene items for distribution by our partners to the community.

• Senior Thanksgiving Dinner: A Renton tradition for 27 years that even COVID-19 can’t stop. As we did in 2020, city staff and community will combine with Sound Generations to prepare free Thanksgiving dinners. Meals are for adults 50 or over. Reservations are required for each individual and can be made from Nov. 1 to noon on Nov. 19. Make your reservation by calling 425-430-6633, visiting the Senior Activity Center, or online using code 10260. The number of meals is limited, so please register early. Meals can be picked up starting at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 24, at the Senior Activity Center (211 Burnett Ave. N. 98057). The meals are delivered to your vehicle.

• Small Business Saturday and Annual Tree Lighting: Celebrate Small Business Saturday and watch the annual tree lighting on Saturday, Nov. 27, at Renton Pavilion Event Center and Piazza Park (233 Burnett Ave. S. 98057). Small Business Saturday events run from 12 to 7 p.m. and include craft vendors and entertainment. In addition, visit the Holiday Farmers Market in Piazza Park from 12 to 4 p.m. The tree lighting takes place at 5 p.m., followed by the arrival of Santa Claus. The day's events are presented by the city and Renton Downtown Partnership. Free parking is available at the nearby City Center Parking Garage.

• Renton’s Holiday Lights: Holiday lights will be displayed at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park (1201 Lake Washington Blvd. N. 98056) from 5 to 9 p.m., starting Dec. 3 and running through Jan. 1, 2022. COVID-19 protocols will prevent us from having an opening night event. However, Argosy Christmas ship will perform on Dec. 3 from 8:10 to 8:30 p.m. Holiday lights will also decorate Piazza Park. New for 2021, lights will also adorn light street poles in the downtown business core along South Third Street.

• Santa House: Renton Downtown Partnership and Renton Civic Theatre (507 S. Third St. 98057) present Santa House. The house is open on Saturday, Dec. 4, 11, and 18, from 1 to 4 p.m. and on Sunday, Dec. 19, from 5 to 7 p.m. Have your holiday photo taken, and then download it for free. Prints will be available for a suggested donation.

• K9 Candy Cane 5K Fun Run and Walk: Sunday, Dec. 5, 9:15 a.m., Renton Community Center (1715 Maple Valley Hwy. 98057). Competitive and recreational runners, walkers, and families--with or without dogs--are invited to the K9 Candy Cane 5K Fun Run and Walk along the beautiful Cedar River. Early Bird registration: $28 (through Nov. 8). After: $33. Register before 10 a.m. on Nov. 24 to receive an event sweatshirt. A pet food drive is part of the festivities, so please bring a donation. Professional chip timing is included.

• Holiday Gift Drive: Thursday, Dec. 9, from 12:30-6:30 p.m., Renton Community Center (1715 Maple Valley Hwy. 98057). Drop off new unwrapped toys or clothes (jackets, hats, gloves, and socks). We will donate your gift to in-need families in our community. 

• Elf Academy & Drive Through Graduation: Santa needs more certified elves. If you can help with good deeds, kindness, and following directions, then sign up for Elf Academy and lend a hand. Elves are invited to the drive-thru graduation ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 18, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Renton Community Center (1715 Maple Valley Hwy. 98057). They’ll be saluted by special friends of the North Pole and a very special guest. Register online. Cost is $15 for Renton residents and $18 for non-residents.

• Battle of the Badges, Holiday Light Edition: Friday, Dec. 10, 6-7:30 p.m., Renton Community Center parking lot (1715 Maple Valley Hwy. 98057). Public safety personnel from around the region will decorate their safety vehicles or a 10'x10' tent in the holiday theme of their choice. The community can then drive through and vote for their favorite based on the creative use of lights, overall design, and holiday spirit.

• Polar Bear Plunge: Saturday, Jan. 1, 2022, Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park (1201 Lake Washington Blvd. N. 98056) for another Renton tradition, Polar Bear Plunge. Join your family, friends, and neighbors to ring in the new year with a plunge into Lake Washington. The 2022 Plunge requires registration for either a 9 a.m. or 10 a.m. time slot. Registration opens on Dec. 1. Our Polar Bear Plunge webpage has session times and updates.