This year the community is reestablishing its historic title of Christmastown, USA. A nod to its rich timber heritage, the town is hosting a series of events, music, and gift workshops that drop you right into a scene from your favorite holiday film. The holiday street décor has been hung and the vintage inspired Beauchamp Santa, originally commissioned by the Shelton-Mason County Chamber in 1962 for the Seattle World’s Fair, stands a proud 32’ at Overlook Park greeting visitors entering Shelton on Highway 3 from Olympia.
Known historically as the “Christmas Tree Capital of the World,” Shelton and Mason County are celebrating this distinction with an attempt at the Guinness World Record for “Most Lit Christmas Trees” in one location. The official attempt will take place on Saturday, December 7 directly after the Kristmas Town Kiwanis Christmastown, USA Parade taking place on Railroad Avenue and Franklin Street at 5:00 PM. The 800+ Christmas trees will be arranged in a lighted maze that can be explored immediately following at 414 W Franklin Street, Shelton, WA.
The Christmastown celebration doesn’t end that evening. The Chamber has partnered with Northwest Event Organizers to add to the beloved Holiday Magic events to extend the holiday cheer throughout December. Inside the building adjacent to the maze, Christmastown Market will kick off its “12 Days of Christmas.” The market features visits with Santa & Mrs. Claus, crafters and vendors, caroling and live entertainment, a gingerbread house contest, gift making workshops, and more. Beloved culinary genius Xinh Dwelley will join the celebration with roasted chestnuts, geoduck chowder, and goodies. There is no cost to attend although donations are being accepted to support local nonprofits.
The Christmastown Market & Maze will be open afternoons and evenings December 7-14. On December 15, the maze will be dissembled for trees to be donated to families in need or purchased with a minimum $10 donation for Toys for Tots, Seattle Children’s Hospital, or the local food bank. The Market will resume for a few final dates on December 19-20 from 4:00 – 8:00 PM and December 21 from 12:00 – 6:00 PM.
The Christmastown festivities presented by Northwest Event Organizers and the Shelton-Mason County Chamber of Commerce have been made possible by the generous support from the community including Sierra Pacific Industries Shelton, Green Diamond Resource Company, Port Blakely Tree Farms, Mason PUD#3, Simpson, City of Shelton, and Explore Hood Canal.
For more information, visit sheltonchamber.org/christmastown or call (360) 426-2021.