The Christmas spirit comes alive this weekend in Centralia with multiple activities.
The downtown Christmas Stroll kicks things off from three to seven Friday afternoon. Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Marcus Holland says there will be a hidden ornament scavenger hunt at participating businesses with prizes to the winner.
“Carolers and entertainment both at the Winery and the Centralia Museum down on South Locust. Because our downtown spreads for many blocks we also have a shuttle running from Hair of the Dog up to the Winery, down to the Museum. Really in the loop to keep people traveling and not fearing it was too cold, they could take the shuttle if they need to. There are over 30 locations open and lots of activities for kids as well as photos with Santa, the Grinch and other characters.”
Holland says a downtown Christmas Crawl is being added this year after the stroll from seven to ten where you are invited to a downtown restaurant or bar for dinner or a drink. More details are available on the community calendar page at centraliachamber.com.
Schwartz Orchard will hold its 2nd annual German Christmas Market on Saturday and Sunday. There will be 20 plus craft vendors with a variety of Christmas items, baked goods, hot mulled cider, hot chocolate, donuts, cider, pecans and fire pits. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there with plenty of photo ops. There will be a German food truck and Nom Nom Cookie truck both days and Simply Soul Food truck and Winston’s Bagels on Sunday. The German Christmas Market is Saturday from three to eight and Sunday from 11 to four.
The weekend is capped off with the Holiday Festival Concert at the beautifully decorated City Hope Church Auditorium at 1000 East Third Street. The 63rd annual edition features the Centralia Philharmonic Orchestra, Centralia Choral Society, Actors in Action and the Light and Lens Club. There will be holiday music, costumed characters and a photography exhibit to celebrate the season. Activities begin at 2:15 with Phil’z Harmoniks string ensemble performing in the cafe area where complimentary refreshments will be available. At three, the performance begins in the auditorium with the Orchestra under the direction of Mathew Webster and Linda Marshall. There will be off-street parking, including handicapped parking.
