Welcome
to Winter Fest
Welcome to Ritzville, where every December our community comes alive with festive events! Join us at one of these spectacular holiday gatherings, sure to cure any winter blues!
Winter Fest comes to Ritzville once a year, and serves as the kickoff to all holiday events within the community.
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In keeping with tradition, the 2025 festivities will being with the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on the front lawn of the Ritzville Public Library. Carols will be led by the Chamber, and there will even be an appearance from Santa!
The event will take place on Friday, December 5, at 5:30 p.m.
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The Friends of the Library will have cocoa and cookies available in the Library basement, as well as holiday activities for children. All ages are welcome!
December 6
On December 6, head over to the Ritzville Grade School for the largest holiday shopping event of the season! The Holiday Bazaar will attract vendors from across the region, and the event runs from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. There will be Santa photos and lunch is available for purchase from Rollin' Coal BBQ. This event is hosted by the Emanuel Lutheran Church.
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The Ritzville Museum Volunteers will host Christmas at the Museum from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Train Depot. Stop by the holiday-decorated museum, visit with volunteers, and take photos with the holiday backdrops! Make sure to look at all of the creatively decorated ornaments, made by children in our community!
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After your shopping outing, head on down to The Ritz Theatre for the annual Children's Movie Matinee at 2 p.m. This year's movie will be 2004 version of "The Polar Express." Admission is provided free of charge, thanks to donations. After the movie, the Ritzville Volunteer Firefighters will deliver Santa and treat bags to all of those in attendance! Thank you to the Ritzville Downtown Development Association for sponsoring the event!
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December 13
On Saturday, December 13, bring the whole family for a day of FREE fun for all ages!
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The day's events start at 10 a.m. with the inaugural OUTDOOR HOLIDAY MARKET! This pop-up market will be located in Pioneer Plaza in downtown Ritzville from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Make sure to stop by and browse for the perfect holiday gift, and grab hot food and drinks to warm up!
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The Ritzville Museum Volunteers will host CHRISTMAT AT THE MUSEUM from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Train Depot. This will be in partnership with the Chamber's annual GINGERBREAD HOUSE CONTEST! Entries must be dropped off between 10-10:30 a.m., and judging will be open to the public until 1 p.m. All ages are encouraged to participate! There are prizes for the top three entries!
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TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED: Head to Fly-In Santa at 10:30 a.m., where Santa will arrive via helicopter at the local school district. Drive down Candy Cane Lane, entering by Lind-Ritzville High School, and receive treats from local emergency responders before getting to talk to the man in red himself!
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Fly-In Santa is sponsored by Lind-Ritzville Cooperative Schools and East Adams Rural Healthcare. In the case of inclement weather, Santa will arrive via fire truck.
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After Fly-In Santa, head downtown to watch the SANTA PARADE on Main Avenue at noon. Santa will hop on a fire truck to join the parade! Anyone is welcome to enter, and the only requirement is you must have a Santa hat!!
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Make sure to stick around after the parade, and walk over to Railroad Avenue for the ORNAMENT HUNT! Everyone leaves a winner, as each ornament can be redeemed for a prize! This event is open for all ages. ​​
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