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 2024 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 also be streamed on Facebook Live through the Ritzville Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook page. The event will take place on Friday, December 6, 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 7
On December 7, 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 2000 version of "How The Grinch Stole Christmas." 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
Our community's Winter Fest activities continue on December 13, with an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party at the Ritzville Eagles. The event is open to members and guests, so join the festivities at 6:30 p.m. in your best (or worst) festive sweater! Appetizers and desserts will be available.
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December 14
On Saturday, December 14, bring the whole family for a day of FREE fun for all ages!
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The day's events start at 9 a.m. with Pancakes With Santa at the Ritzville Eagles! This is a free event for children attending! Santa will be available for photos!
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After filling your belly with pancakes, 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!! The Dog Stop will be serving up delicious food, and the Stayin' Alive Youth Group will be selling hot cocoa.
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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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The Ritzville Museum Volunteers will host Christmas 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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Previously the Penny Auction, Quinterfest is rejoining the annual event line-up! The event is sponsored by the Ritzville Festivals Association and will run from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Knuth Building. The event includes a silent auction, bucket raffle, and raffle. Please visit www.ritzvillefestivals.org for more information!
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December 28
The Ritzville Chamber is hosting the first-ever, Gala Fundraiser!!! Join us for an evening of fun, friendship and food! This is a ticketed event, and tickets are available for Table Sponsors or individuals. This will be an evening of celebration, and is a 21+ event. The evening will include a dinner, drinks for purchase, fun networking games, and music. ​
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Tickets are available for purchase online.
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December 31
The Ritzville Winter Fest events conclude with a New Year's Eve Celebration at the Ritzville Eagles!
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This event is open to the 21+ public, so come down for a festive and fun celebration to close out 2024 and ring in 2025!