Quintessential Small Town Holiday

Snohomish pulls out all the stops with music, historic tours and wine walks

By Ellen Hiatt

It’s almost not fair to the neighboring towns. Snohomish. Bah Humbug! All shiny, and happy for the holidays. All those fun events. All the lights. If you must know, and you must go, then we’ll share the line-up with you. All the joy, and all the fun.

In all seriousness, though, the mighty little historic city of Snohomish knows how to make the holidays a time of gathering and celebration.

“It’s just a very quintessential small-town vibe,” said Maygen Hetherington, Executive Director of the Historic Downtown Snohomish Association (HDSA). “Basically, if you could step into Stars Hollow, you know from the Gilmore Girls show, or a holiday themed Hallmark Movie — that’s the experience you get in downtown Snohomish.”

The organization is responsible for quite a few events this year, some of which are new while others have been adopted from early organizers.

Snohomish City Councilwoman, Karen Guzak, and her husband, Warner Blake, started the Winter Solstice Walk 17 years ago. It’s a magical, relaxed walk along the riverside. Short and sweet, maybe a quarter of a mile, this walk between the historic buildings of First Street and the Snohomish River is lined with glowing luminaries to celebrate the Winter Solstice.

The Winter Solstice Walk runs from Kla Ha Ya Park to Cady Park on the Riverfront Trail, 4-7 p.m., Dec. 21. It’s fitting that the trail is lined with hundreds of light-filled vessels as it’s the shortest day of the year, a time when either of Earth’s poles are at maximum tilt away from the sun and a point marked by rituals and festivals in many cultures.

“It was Warner’s bright idea; he comes from a background of theater and set design,” said Karen. “The most memorable time was when it was snowing like crazy. It was magical. It was so white!” It had snowed so hard that they couldn’t drive the luminaries from their house to the trail, so a neighbor hauled the couple and their luminaries on a sled.

“It’s a beautiful thing. People, after several years, would bring their music down, violins or guitars, or come sing Christmas carols,” she said. “It’s a peaceful, lovely thing.”

HDSA has more recently taken over the event, ensuring its continuation for the many residents and visitors who have come to appreciate the moment.

“People usually are wearing Christmas lights around their neck or hats, and dogs have lighted collars,” said Maygen, describing the scene. “It’s more of a quiet event.” There will be a coffee truck at Cady Park to warm up with espresso or hot cocoa, as well.

To get into the holiday spirit early, head down to First Street for the Holiday Open House (Nov. 11-12, 11 a.m.8 p.m.). Dozens of shops stay open late for holiday shopping. Shop, sip, eat, and partake in the raffles and other fun activities at participating shops.

Events really get going after Thanksgiving. That’s when the Miracle on First Street: Window Displays for Charity kicks into gear. The downtown window displays are full of dreamy, wish-making, holiday cheer. Vote for your favorite between Nov. 26 and Dec. 23.

Santa Claus pays Snohomish a visit every year, and this year he’ll arrive in time for the tree lighting on Nov. 26 from 4:30-7:30 p.m. at the recently renovated Snohomish Carnegie building. The historic former library will host Santa and families for pictures. Bring your camera!

Snohomish’s own international children’s entertainer, musician, actor and writer, Tim Noah, will perform. Snohomish High School’s jazz band will play inside the Carnegie as well.

Come back anytime to Tim Noah Thumbnail Theater (thumbnailtheater.org) and enjoy Friday Night Open Mic, or bring the whole family for an afternoon show with Jose Gonzales Trio performing Vince Guaraldi’s composition of “A Charlie Brown Christmas” on Dec. 18. It’s sophisticated jazz that matches Charles Schulz’s wry tone. The historic theater is a small, intimate setting in a former church.

If you want professional Santa photos, there’s nothing like the rosy cheeks of a friendly Santa in family photos taken by local photographer Brian Thompson (yoursnohomishsanta. com). A tradition for families over many years, “The pictures are always priceless!” said Missy Elliott.

You will also have the opportunity to take your own photos with Santa in town, as he will visit various businesses on Saturdays and Sundays, Nov. 27 through Dec. 18.

The fun does not stop there. Winterfest 2022: Miracle on First Street begins on Dec. 9 and offers a variety of events throughout the weekend. You’re in for a real treat on Dec. 10, Breakfast with Santa in the Feather Ballroom! The ballroom is yet another of Snohomish’s renovated and glorious historic buildings, complete with an embossed copper ceiling and the original springy floorboards of the dance floor.

The Historic Downtown Snohomish Association has created a new event for the year: Tools of the Trade Ice Sculpting, which will be held Dec. 10 at The American Legion Post 96.

Maygen expects about four tradesmen, including a heating and air conditioning specialist and a general contractor, who will create sculptures out of ice using the tools of their respective trades. The Tools of the Trade Ice Sculpting Contest promises to be entertaining as well as inspiring!

Also on Dec. 10 is the Winter Wine Walk, where you can sip while you shop. It starts at the John L. Scott/SnoWorks building and continues down the city’s 150-year-old streets, all decorated for the holidays. A different winery is featured in each participating shop. Tickets will be available online.

The Winterfest Historical Walking Tour begins at 11 a.m. on Dec. 11 at Cady Park and is followed by a gingerbread house decorating competition and cookie tasting at Top It Frozen Yogurt.

Whew! It’s hard to hold onto Bah Humbug! when the good folks of Snohomish have just dazzled you with holiday cheer in a dozen different ways.

The events are fun and celebratory for sure. But the real treat is the opportunity to enjoy the historic town’s traditions, shop at the wide variety of boutiques and antique stores, and enjoy the fine food and cocktails from some of Snohomish’s best chefs and mixologists. And you can do all of this while you shop for holiday gifts, spend time with family and friends, and enjoy the best little town on the Snohomish River.