Getaway Time: Lighted Boats Afloat, Holiday Market in the Vineyards and More

 
 

Seeking a new holiday tradition out of town? We’ve got you. Head to Wine Country and Washington’s Tri-Cities for holiday cheer, and tasty ways to toast the season with these festive happenings.

Red Mountain Trails Holiday Market, Black Friday, then Saturdays and Sundays beginning November 25 through December 25. Revel in the holiday season at the Red Mountain Trails Christmas Market. Enjoy wagon rides, fire pits, Christmas trees, and vendors. The festivities begin on Friday, November 25 and then Saturdays and Sundays through December. Reservations for wagon rides are recommended.

Lighted Boat Parade, December 2-3; head to Tri-Cities to catch the magic of the annual Lighted Boat Parade to truly feel some holiday cheer. The festive vessels parade along the Columbia River providing delight to a variety of viewpoints along the way. For an up-close view, Clover Island Inn is offering limited Lighted Boat Parade Packages, which include a river view guestroom to watch the parade, plus $100 credit to the Crow's Nest Bar & Grill for food and drinks, and full breakfast buffet the next day. For reservations, please call 509-586-0541 or visit www.cloverislandinn.com/events.

Hometown Holiday Parade in Downtown Kennewick, December 3; come downtown for the magic of the holidays with an old-fashioned parade in Kennewick. Welcome Santa with holiday-themed floats, police and fire vehicles, and entertaining characters. The parade starts at 10:00 am. Thereafter, join Santa at Santa Square festive activities, treats, and more.

44th Annual Lampson Cable Bridge Run, December 17; bundle up to trek across the iconic cable bridge on this scenic wintertime race with 1 mile, 5k and 10k options. No matter the distance, participants will start their race crossing over the Columbia River from Kennewick to Pasco, WA on the scenic bridge. For all timed race categories, timing chips are used, and awards are given to the top participants in each age category, offering options for competitive runners or those looking to have fun walking friends.

Located in the heart of Washington Wine Country, the Tri-Cities - Kennewick, Pasco and Richland in southeastern corner of the state offers a sun-drenched retreat for exploration and rejuvenation. Nestled at the confluence of the Columbia and Snake Rivers with a desert climate, easy access to these mighty waterways provides world-class recreation, majestic natural beauty and irrigation for the world-class wineries – 200 within a one-hour drive. Visitors enjoy creature comforts at local hotels and spas, carefully crafted fare from local eateries and farmers markets, and award-winning golf courses. Hands-on history is accessible throughout the region, sharing the local perspective on international events like The Manhattan Project, and the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The Tri-Cities region by car, is three hours from Seattle and Portland, two hours from Spokane, and one hour from Walla Walla and Yakima. Arrive by Amtrak train and then bike or rideshare from Pasco’s Intermodal Station to a hotel or restaurant of choice. Fly into the Tri-Cities Airport, with direct flights to and from 10 major hubs. Discover the details at visittri-cities.com @Tri-CitiesWashington on Facebook @Tri-CitiesWA on Instagram and Twitter.

 Photo Credit L-R: Courtesy Cable Bridge Run Facebook Page; Tri-Cities Lighted Boat Parade; The Lodge at Columbia Point.