5 Holiday Activities in Lake Chelan for a Festive Escape
The holiday spirit is alive and well in Lake Chelan! If you have plans to visit during the holidays or any other time this winter, you will find plenty of festive ways to celebrate the season. From admiring the holiday lights to visits with Santa and seeing a holiday classic on the big screen in a historic venue, the cheer is at an all-time high! To make the most of your visit, consider taking part in these 5 holiday activities in Lake Chelan for a festive escape you will never forget:
1. Attend Small Town Holidays Events
Lake Chelan’s Small Town Holidays events celebrate all the things that make the holiday season special! Things kick off on November 28, 2025 with the annual Santa Parade in downtown Chelan, followed by the Christmas tree lighting. The celebration continues through early January, giving visitors a chance to see charming lights and decorations, enjoy holiday shopping experiences, and take part in other festive activities in Lake Chelan. Hop in your car and drive around the Chelan Valley, soaking up the stunning holiday lights that adorn homes and businesses.
2. See a Holiday Classic at Ruby Theatre
One of Chelan’s most historic landmarks is the Ruby Theatre, which becomes a cozy and festive gathering place during winter. The venue offers free matinees of some of your favorite holiday classics, every Saturday from November 29 to December 20, 2025. Here is what you can see:
- “Elf” – November 29
- “The Grinch” – December 6
- “Arthur Christmas” – December 13
- “The Polar Express” – December 20
This fun way to celebrate the holiday season is a hit with families visiting Chelan!
3. See Tipsy Tree Town at Tipsy Canyon Winery
Visiting Tipsy Tree Town is one of the most unique holiday activities in Lake Chelan! Tipsy Canyon Winery in nearby Manson transforms into a decorated Christmas tree forest that you have to see for yourself. These trees are decorated by local businesses, groups, and community members. Visitors can take a look at all the trees, sip on delicious wine, and even vote on their favorite decorated tree. Each vote costs $1 and all proceeds go to the Chelan Valley Housing Trust. This event runs from November 28, 2025 until January 25, 2026.
4. Visit Lake Chelan Winterfest
The festivities don’t slow down once the calendar flips to a new year. Lake Chelan Winterfest is one of the area’s most popular events, and for good reason. Split into two separate themed weekends, the celebration includes outdoor winter activities, live ice carvings, Washington’s largest beach bonfire, and even fireworks! This family-friendly event packed with ice and fire elements kicks off January 16-18, 2026 with the ice weekend in Chelan, followed by the fire weekend in Manson January 23-25, 2026.
5. Cozy Up at The Lookout
After a busy day of exploring holiday lights, community celebrations, and winter events, The Lookout at Lake Chelan is the perfect place to take a load off your feet. Our vacation homes are designed for relaxation with amenities that make wintertime cozy like fireplaces, hot tubs, and open living spaces meant for connection. What’s even better is you’re surrounded by the stunning scenery of Lake Chelan, making any snowy day feel like a winter wonderland!
The Lookout: Your Home Base for Holiday Activities in Lake Chelan
Don’t just experience the holiday spirit; become a part of it by diving into these special holiday activities in Lake Chelan! The Lookout at Lake Chelan is conveniently located near all the best celebrations in town, making it the perfect home base for your winter escape. Explore our Lake Chelan vacation homes today and start planning your magical holiday vacation!
