Celebrate in Winthrop

This magical holiday celebration begins Thanksgiving weekend and marks the beginning of the Christmas season for the Methow Valley citizens and it's many visitors.  Family and friends come from afar to join in and share this wondrous time of year.

Winthrop Christmas Activities

This year, the celebration kicks off with festive events on Friday, November 27 and continues through the weekend. 

Friday 11/27:

• The weekend festivities start with children's story telling at the Trail's End Bookstore at 2 pm. 
• At 5 pm, a hot air balloon is inflated to glow like a giant lantern in the darkened main street of Winthrop. 
• The stores stay open late and offer holiday cheer. 

Saturday 11/28:

• At 12 noon we begin with the opening of the free coloring and crafts room on Winthrop ’s main street right next to the Emporium.  Children and parents can come on inside to join a couple of Santa’s elves in coloring and making cutout snowflakes. 

• Outside, starting at 1:00 pm, there will be free horse-drawn hay rides. Climb on in the wagon, settle back to the clip-clopping of horses’ hooves and enjoy the ride through town. 

• Santa comes to town on Saturday, at 2 pm and stays for a three hour visit and a free picture with the rosy-cheeked little ones.  Goodies are always served by Santa's elves.  

• Then it's time to decorate the town Christmas tree - and join members of the Cascadia Chorale as they sing Christmas carols along the boardwalks. 

• Also in the street, you will find apple cider, bratwurst and tri-tip sandwiches.  The shopkeepers and restaurateurs are keeping their shops warm and inviting.  Many merchants are hosting special events, free raffles and goodies.  Look for the details in the Christmas at the End of the Road brochure in all businesses and at the Visitor Information Center. 

• As evening falls, come join the carolers and town's people at Town Hall at 5 pm for the Town Lighting Ceremony with Granny Winthrop. 

• From 5 - 6:30 pm, the Winthrop Barn will be serving a yummy chili supper. 

• The Barn or the streets of downtown Winthrop are both excellent locations for watching the spectacular Winthrop fireworks display at 6 pm. Warm your hands and feet by the warming barrels while you watch the greatest little "Winter Fireworks" display anywhere!

Saturday continued:

• Then stay warm by joining us for our old fashioned community "Cowboy Christmas Show" in the Barn at 7:00 pm. The variety show will be hosted by Lauralee Northcott and slated to join the cast are: (to be announced).

• The downtown stores will be open late during this 10 day celebration and will have drawing entry forms for you to pick up and fill out (no purchase necessary). 

• Our Visitor Information Center, which will open every day of the celebration from 10 am until 5 pm, will collect the entry forms.  On Monday, December 7, Granny Winthrop will draw the winning entry forms (winners need not be present).  Grand prize is a $500 gift certificate redeemable at any Winthrop Chamber member's business.  There will be additional gift certificate prizes for $100, $50 and $25 in value.