Winter Fest comes to Ritzville once a year, and serves as the kickoff to all holiday events within the community.
​
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 our local high school band, 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 1, at 5:30 p.m.
​
This year, community members are being asked to decorate ornaments to be hung on the Christmas tree in order to celebrate our community and bring some extra holiday cheer back to Ritzville.
December 2
On December 2, 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 food available for purchase as well.
​
After your shopping outing, head on down to The Ritz Theatre for the annual Children's Movie Matinee at 2 p.m. 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!
​
December 9
On Saturday, December 9, bring the whole family for a day of FREE fun for all ages!
​
The day's events start with Fly In Santa at 11 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!
​
Fly In Santa is sponsored by Lind-Ritzville Cooperative Schools and East Adams Rural Healthcare.
​
After Fly-In Santa, head downtown to watch the Santa Parade on Main Avenue at noon. Santa will hop on a fire truck to lead the parade! Anyone is welcome to enter, and the only requirement is you must have a Santa hat!!
​
Make sure to stick around after the parade, and walk over to Railroad Avenue for the Ornament Hunt! Compete as individuals or as a group. Everyone leaves a winner, as each ornament will have a prize attached! This event is open for all ages.
​
The Ritzville Museum Volunteers will host Christmas at the Museum from 11 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!
​
December 16
Start off with Breakfast With Santa at the Ritzville Eagles from 9:00-11:00 a.m. It’s free for children! Santa will be available for photos, and pancakes are available for the kids! There will also be craft projects available for children to complete.
​
Previously the Penny Auction, Quinterfest is rejoining the annual event line-up! The event will run from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the American Legion Hall, and will include a silent auction, bucket raffle, and raffle. Please visit www.ritzvillefestivals.org for more information!
The Ritzville festivities continue with Christmas at the Museum, hosted by the Ritzville Museum Volunteers at the Train Depot on December 16. Stop by the holiday-decorated museum between the hours of 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. to see the historic museum, visit with volunteers, take photos with holiday backdrops and see their beautiful Christmas tree!
December 22
Our community's Winter Fest activities conclude on December 22, 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!
​