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 26 and continues through the weekend. 

Friday 11/26:

• 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 11/27:

• Santa arrives on main street at high noon. Free tractor-drawn wagon rides start then too too.  Climb on in the wagon, settle back and enjoy the ride through town.  One can join members of the Cascadia Chorale and sing Christmas carols along the boardwalks. 

• From 1-4 pm, Santa will be at the Winthrop Barn for a free picture with the rosy-cheeked little ones.  Goodies are always served by Santa's elves.  Free coloring and crafts activities will also be available for young and old alike.  The folks at the Winthrop Barn will be serving yummy chili and hot dogs too.   

• Back 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 (open 10am -5pm both days). 

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

• 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 "Fireworks Variety Show" in the Barn at 7:00 pm. The variety show will be hosted by Lauralee Northcott and slated to join the cast are: Horse Crazy Cowgirl Band (local trio with sizzling harmonies), Rob Thran (performing Christmas selections on his charming hammered dulcimer); Santa's Story of Christmas read by Georgia Sanders; Buz Broze & Egon Steinbach (putting the Blues in Christmas), and Fred Cooley & Greg Hardy (creating Acoustic Warmth to make you smile) and best of all children are invited on stage to listen to the story and to sing for the crowd!  Admission is by donation and canned goods donated for Neighbors Helping Neighbors will work as a ticket also!

• The downtown stores will be open late and our Visitor Information Center will open every day of this celebration from 10 am until 5 pm.