The holiday season has officially begun. With Thanksgiving next week, and Christmas just a month away, the festivities and lights are beginning to shine.
Here are a few traditional holiday events that are back after a year of COVID-19 hiatus.
University Place
University Place has a variety of holiday events planned, and with the lights already shining at The Orchard, the spirit of the season has already begun.
Other events coming up include:
Lite Brite Nites
Every Thursday, Nov. 18 – Dec. 30 (except Nov. 25) from 6-8 p.m.
Interactive Christmas lights adorn The Orchard, including life-sized color changing shapes and a giant Lite Brite. Warm up at the fire pits and free treats will be provided while supplies last.
Santa’s Grand Arrival
What would Christmas be without the traditional fly-in of Santa’s helicopter. Residents are invited at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 26, for the landing.
Located in the parking lot in front of Tucano’s Brazilian Grill, there will be live entertainment and refreshments while waiting for Santa to land.
Visit Santa at University Place Shopping Center
Friday, Nov. 26 – Friday, Dec. 24 (every day except Sunday) from 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
After Santa has landed, kids have the opportunity meet him one-on-one inside the shopping center at Santa’s Village, located next to Forever Young Shoes, in the west end of the shopping center.
Gingerbread House Competition
From 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday, Nov. 29 – Saturday, Dec. 4
It’s time for the 4th annual University Place Gingerbread House Competition. The 2021 competition has grown to 50 entries on display. This year’s judges are Brenda Nibley from Gingergiddy, Mary Crafts from Culinary Crafts and Pete Tidwell from The Mighty Baker. The first-place winner will receive $1,000.
The Gingerbread houses will be on display all week, and guests are asked to vote on their favorite for the People’s Choice award. The Gingerbread houses will be in the west end of the shopping center by Maurices.
Santa and Friends
From 5-7 p.m. every Tuesday starting Nov. 30 – December 21, Santa will be joined by a few of his friends, including princesses, holiday characters and even some bad guys from the dark side.