Some of the best holiday traditions are the small-town ones. Stanwood’s Light Up Your Holidays Tree Lighting brings Santa, live reindeer and falling snow to downtown for one free, family-friendly evening. If you are coming from Seattle or elsewhere in Snohomish County, it is a sweet excuse for an overnight in Old Town Stanwood.

Light Up Your Holidays 2026: what to know

The City of Stanwood lists this year’s tree lighting for Saturday, December 5, 2026, from 4 to 7 p.m. in downtown Stanwood (8727 271st Street NW). The Grand Tree Lighting countdown is at 5:30 p.m.

Here is what the city says is planned:

• Photos with Santa and a chance to meet live reindeer, 4:30 to 7 p.m.
• Holiday performances by local students and school groups.
• Falling snow in downtown Stanwood.
• Festive giveaways.
• Food and treats from participating local businesses (for purchase).

The event is free. The city notes that Depot Park is under construction this year, but the community tree lighting and countdown are still happening. Details can change, so check the City of Stanwood’s events page before you go.

Make a weekend of it

The tree lighting is on a Saturday evening, so it fits nicely into a relaxed weekend away:

• Saturday afternoon: arrive, drop your bags and wander Old Town’s shops and cafes for some holiday browsing.
• Saturday evening: walk over to the tree lighting, grab a treat from a local vendor and catch the 5:30 countdown.
• Sunday: sleep in, make breakfast at the apartment’s coffee bar, then take a drive over to Camano Island or north toward La Conner and the Skagit Valley.

Want more holiday lights? Stanwood is also home to the Lights of Christmas. See our Lights of Christmas guide for ideas, and check that event’s official site for this year’s nights and tickets.

Where to stay: The Retro Willows

The Retro Willows is a renovated one-bedroom apartment on the second floor of an 1890 Victorian landmark right in Old Town Stanwood. You can walk to shops, cafes and the grocery store, which makes a downtown evening event easy: no hunting for parking, just stroll back when you are done.

• Cozy and comfortable: a queen Lull mattress, room-darkening shades and a bathtub for a warm soak after a chilly night out.
• Sleeps up to 4, good for a couple or a small family.
• Full kitchen and coffee bar for a slow holiday breakfast.
• Fast Wi-Fi, a workspace and AC.
• Keyless entry and free parking, with laundry on site.

Good to know

• The apartment is up one flight of stairs.
• No pets.
• Quiet after 9 p.m., which works out well since the tree lighting wraps up at 7.

Book your holiday night in Old Town Stanwood

December weekends fill up quickly north of Seattle. Book direct for the best rate, and call or text 360-913-5965 with any questions.