Thursday, Dec. 1
Tree Lighting
The Rainier Christmas tree lighting event will take place at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 1 at Holiday Park. There will be music and fun for all.
Food Bank
The Yelm Community Services food bank, at 624 Crystal Springs St. NW in Yelm, will hold a food giveaway from 1 to 3:45 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 1. Clients cannot enter the building and must wait in their vehicles. Staff will have pre-packed carts of food to hand out. To prevent health issues, the usual food sign-in procedures will not take place. Staff will ask the number of people in the family. People who come can only pick up for their own family. Please park in front of the food bank building.
Friday, Dec. 2
Christmas in the Park
Yelm will hold activities on the first day of its Christmas in the Park event on Friday, Dec. 2 at the Yelm Community Center at 302 Second St. SE in Yelm. Starting at 5 p.m., people can take pictures with Santa Claus. At 6 p.m., the Christmas tree and water tower will be lit by the Master of Merriment, which will be followed by a self-guided tour of Yelm City Park during the Cocoa Trail event from 6 to 8 p.m. Participants will pick up all the elements they need to make cocoa at home. There will also be a Snow and Glow Dance Party from 6 to 8 p.m.
Tenino Tree Lighting
Join the Tenino Area Chamber of Commerce for its 35th annual Christmas tree lighting event from 6 to 7:15 p.m. On Friday, Dec. 2. There will be singing and music by the Tenino High School choir and band, a performance by the Tenino motorcycle drill team, and a special delivery of Santa on a South Thurston Fire and EMS firetruck. There will be cookies and hot chocolate provided by Cornerstone Community Church. After the festivities at 273 Sussex Ave E., head to the First Presbyterian Church of Tenino Winter Wonderland open house for hot beverages, cookies, music and a kids carnival or head to the Tenino Chamber Holiday Auction at 7:30 p.m. at the Tenino Eagles.
Saturday, Dec. 3
Christmas in the Park
Yelm will hold its second day of its Christmas in the Park event on Saturday, Dec. 3. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., there will be free goodies for kids provided by local businesses and organizations at Yelm City Park at 302 Second St. SE in Yelm. People can also listen to live entertainment from the bands and choirs at Yelm Community Schools.
Christmas Bazaar
The Lacamas Community Center will host its Christmas bazaar from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3 and Sunday, Dec. 4. There will be two buildings full of craft items for sale. Kids will be able to make crafts for free. The Lacamas Community Center is located at 32113 Eighth Ave. S. in Roy. For more information, email lacamasfair@gmail.com.
Tenino Winterfest
Tenino High School will host its longstanding fundraiser during its winterfest event from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3. The bazaar features many one of a kind artists, direct sales, live entertainment, Santa, lunch and a gift wrapping session. The high school is located at 500 Second Ave. W.
Yelm Amateur Radio Group
The Yelm Amateur Radio Group will meet at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3. The group is a nonprofit organization that provides testing for licensing related to radio, as well as an interest in amateur radio. The group meets on the first and third Saturday of each month at the Emanuel Lutheran Church, 206 Third St. SE, in Yelm.
Thursday, Dec. 8
Prairie Point Quilters Guild Meeting
The Prairie Point Quilters Guild hosts its meetings on the second and fourth Thursday of each month. The meeting takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Rainier Senior Center, 108 Michigan St. S. Anyone who is interested is welcome to join the group for its meetings.
Saturday, Dec. 10
Lantern Walk of Hope
Rainier will host its annual Lantern Walk of Hope on Dec. 10 at the Rainier High School gym. The event starts at 3 p.m. Walk through a trail lined with trees with your notes of hope and stay warm and dry. There will also be other activities when the walk is finished for a fun-filled afternoon.
Fundraising Breakfast
The Yelm Senior Center will host its fundraising breakfast on Saturday, Dec. 10 from 9 to 11 a.m. It costs $8 per person. The breakfast includes biscuits and gravy, scrambled eggs and bacon, waffles, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, juice and milk. The fundraising breakfast takes place on the second Saturday of each month. The senior center is located at 16530 103rd Ave. SE in Yelm.
Tuesday, Dec. 13
Friends of the Library
The Friends of the Yelm Timberland Library will meet from 4 to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 13. All are welcome to attend to support the library and the programs it provides. The meetings are held on the second Tuesday of the month at Yelm Timberland Library at 210 Prairie Park St. NE.
Monday, Dec. 19
Bingo
The Rainier Senior Center hosts bingo at 10 a.m. on the third Monday of each month. The center is located at 108 Michigan St. S. in Rainier.
Saturday, Dec. 17
Vendor Sale
Traveling Treasurers Pacific Northwest Vendor group, formerly known as Pop Up Vendors Galore, will host a holiday bazaar from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 17 at the Nisqually Moose Lodge at 1117 W. Yelm Ave. in Yelm. Admission to the event is free.
Wednesday, Dec. 21
Winter Solstice Walk
Celebrate the shortest day of the year at Cochrane Park with a Winter Solstice Walk from 5 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 21. Dress warmly for the candlelit walk along the trail. Afterwards, enjoy a cup of hot cocoa. Participants will be given glow sticks to help light the way.
Thursday, Dec. 22
Prairie Point Quilters Guild Meeting
The Prairie Point Quilters Guild hosts its meetings on the second and fourth Thursday of each month. The meeting takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Rainier Senior Center, 108 Michigan St. S. Anyone who is interested is welcome to join the group for its meetings.
