2024 Kittitas County Hometown Holidays

Hometown Holidays 2024 Kittitas County

Holiday Events Calendar

ELLENSBURG

Moments to Remember

4 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Friday Nov. 29th

Ellensburg Unity Park, 417 N Pearl St. Ellensburg, WA 98926

Watch Unity Park transform into a winter wonderland with the annual tree lighting, festive choir and dance performances, caroling, and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Holidays in the Country – Thanksgiving Weekend Bazaar

10 a.m. – 4p.m. Saturday Nov. 30th

McIntosh Ranch, 7820 Highway 97 Ellensburg, WA 98926

Holiday Girl’s Night Out

5 p.m. – 9 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4th

Ellensburg Downtown Association, 109 E 3rd Ave #1, Ellensburg, WA

Gather your friends, family, and co-workers for an evening of festive fun as you dine, sip, and shop while supporting our local retailers. Fabulous finds, exclusive deals, and holiday cheer await!

Holiday Night Market

4 p.m. – 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4th, Dec. 11th, Dec. 18th

Pine Street Events & Gard Vintners, Ellensburg

It's the holiday season, and we're shopping locally! Support over 30 vendors and enjoy bites, drinks, and live music.

Toys for Tots Auction and Party

Doors open at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7th

Marriott TownePlace Suites, 1709 Opportunity

Street Ellensburg, WA

Annual fund raiser party for toys for local kids. Live music, silent and live auctions. Food and adult beverages available. The proceeds provide toys for FISH Food Bank, APOYO, and Cle Elum Alliance Church. Bands: Denny Corum & Friends, Loco Motion, Jumping Johnny & Family, Powerhouse. $5 donation at the door.

Central Washington Dance Academy Presents the Nutcracker

2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7th & 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8th

Morgan Performing Arts Center

Central Washington Dance Academy brings the traditional holiday classic of The Nutcracker to life this December. With three enchanting performances, you are sure to be swept up in the holiday cheer.

The Nutcracker and the Battle for the Key 7pm Dec. 13th & 2pm and 7pm Dec. 14th

CWU’s Historic Mcconell Hall Auditorium Holiday magic comes to life during The Nutcracker

• U-cut Christmas Trees

•U-cutChristmasTrees

• Large & small sizes available

•Large&smallsizesavailable

• Saws and tie-downs provided

• Assistance available on request

•Sawsandtie-downsprovided

•Assistanceavailableonrequest

• Hot cocoa, cookies, and gifts for the little ones

•Trees $40 - $70+tax

•Hotcocoa,cookies,andgifts forthelittleones

•Custom Wreaths - $19

$10DonationCoupon

Every tree cut goes to support the Animal Shelter and Local 4-H

PresentthiscouponandBadger PocketChristmasTreeFarmswill donate$10toalistedcharityof yourchoicewiththepurchaseof anyfullpricedtree.

Charitiesincluded:EllensburgAnimal Shelter,4H,andFFA

& The Battle for the Key, presented by Ellensburg Dance Ensemble (EDE) in partnership with Central Washington University (CWU). In this reimagined production, Clara’s quest to recover the stolen key takes her through the Snow Queen’s frosty kingdom, the vibrant Land of Sweets, and a dramatic confrontation with the elusive Sugar Plum Fairy. The CWU Orchestra will bring Tchaikovsky’s famous score to life with a live performance, adding even more wonder to this timeless story of family, hope, and courage.

CLE ELUM

Plaid Friday 2024

November 29 All Day

Black Friday? No thanks! How about PLAID FRIDAY instead? Join us in Downtown Cle Elum on November 29 and rock your best plaid outfit all day long! Who knows, we might even have a special green guest making an appearance!

Vintage Downtown Holiday Lighting with Santa & Grinch

6pm-7:30pm Nov. 30

Flagpole Park 318 West 1st ST, Cle Elum

The magic of Christmas and holiday lights is back in Downtown Cle Elum for our second annual Christmas

Tree Lighting! Join us as Santa drives down 1st Street to Flagpole Park, where he, the Grinch, and a special guest will lead the countdown for a tree lighting you won’t want to miss! Be sure to stop by Stella’s Cafe for some cocoa and treats, check out Eide Homes, say hello to Reflection of Perfection, and visit the Cle Elum Volunteer Fire Department! Pictures with Santa will follow the tree lighting. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Christmas in Cle Elum – Santa Visits

6pm - 7:30pm November 30

Jolly ole’ Saint Nick is coming to Cle Elum to visit all his favorite kiddos (and adults too!) throughout the Christmas season!

Mark your calendars:

• 11/30/2024 | Holiday Lighting | Pictures immediately following the lighting

• 12/7/2024 | Lighted Parade | Pictures immediately following the parade

• 12/14/2024 | Dru Bru | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Don’t forget to bring your letters to Santa! If you include a return address, he’ll send a letter back!

Christmas In Cle Elum – Lighted Parade

6pm-7:30pm December 7

We are happy to announce that the 2024 Christmas

yourself the gift of connection, comfort, and care.

in Cle Elum

Lighted Parade is taking place on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 6:00PM in Downtown Cle Elum. Please fill out the form below if you are interested in participating in our annual parade. Parade Theme: Vintage Cle Elum Parade Schedule: - Registration & Lineup Begins at 4:30PM - Judging (during parade line-up) from 5:00PM-5:45PMParade Starts promptly at 6:00PM Parade Route:Parade Check will be at Railroad and Pennsylvania Avenue - Line-up along Railroad Avenue heading East - Parade starts at Peoh Avenue heading West - Parade ends at Pennsylvania Avenue Please Remember: *No throwing of candy *If you have animals you must have your own clean-up crew If you have any questions please contact Executive Director, Jordan Peterson at jordan@cleelumdowntown.org or by calling our office at (509)-433-7330.

SUNCADIA

Holiday Bazaar

10am-5pm November 29, 10am-4pm November 30

3600 Suncadia Trail, Cle Elum

Shop local makers and crafts, and let the kids enjoy face painting and crafts. RSVP not necessary

Vintage Circus

6pm-10pm December 31

3600 Suncadia Trail, Cle Elum

Step into a world of enchantment and nostalgia at Suncadia’s Vintage Circus-themed New Year’s Eve Party! The stunning ballroom will be transformed into a grand circus tent, adorned with classic red and white stripes, vintage circus posters, and sparkling lights. Guests will be greeted by roaming entertainers, including acrobats, jugglers, and fortune tellers, creating a lively and magical atmosphere. A classic big band will provide the soundtrack for the evening, setting the stage for a night of spectacular performances and interactive fun.

Ticket Price: $150 Adults | $65 Kids 3-12 | 0-2 free

**taxes and fees added at time of booking www.destinationhotels.com/suncadia-resort/ experiences#!/

ROSLYN

RDA Roslyn Old Town Christmas | Parade of Lights

5pm November 29

In front of NWIC Building 101 E. Pennsylvania Ave., Roslyn, WA

RDA Roslyn Old Town Christmas | Parade of Lights

5 pm music by DJ Georgeson Twin Productions | 5:30

pm Mountain Voices Children's Choir | 6:00 pm Tree

Lighting with Santa and Olaf | 6:05 pm Christmas Parade of Lights (featuring the Yakia Christmas Trucks) HO 'HO HO' .... Shop, wine & dine in Roslyn

Roslyn Eagles Christmas Bazaar

11am-4pm November 29-30

Roslyn Eagles #696 107 N 2nd St, Roslyn, WA

Open to the public, you do not need to be a member to attend

Shop Small Business Saturday in Roslyn All Day - Downtown Roslyn WA

RDA Pictures with Santa NWIC Building 11am-1pm November 30

NWIC Building 101 E Pennsylvania Ave, Roslyn, WA

Christmas Eve with Santa Roslyn Fire Department Magical Tradition

7pm December 24

Roslyn Fire Department 203 S 1st St, Roslyn, WA

The Roslyn Fire Dept’s magical tradition with Santa, Dec 24 at 7 p.m., watch the fire truck bring Santa down the hill, receive goodies, and take a photo with Santa.

Pawsome gifts for dogs this holiday season

By Brittany Cinderella

The holiday season can be difficult when figuring out what you should get for the pets in your life. Downtown Ellensburg and Kittitas County are home to many places you can stop and shop local for your favorite fluffy friends.

Handmade treats from Buddy’s Barkery

My dogs genuinely go crazy for the treats at Buddy’s Barkery and expect them every Saturday. The waffle-shaped “woofle” dog treats are always a mustgrab. Made with blueberry and bacon, they smell amazing and your buddy will definitely appreciate a tasty snack.

The peanut butter cookies can be custom ordered with a name or phrase, or if you’re feeling like spoiling your pup, you can get a custom celebration cake. If your pup has allergies, no problem, Buddy’s Barkery has allergy-friendly treats, including dairyfree and gluten-free options. Along with their extensive treat collection, you can find attire and toys for dogs big and small.

A custom-made collar or leash to turn your dog into a fashion icon from Paws-A-Licious

Dog collars nowadays can be very boring and it’s hard to find a durable one worthy of keeping. Paws-ALicious has collars, leashes and handmade treats for every occasion; from sports teams to colleges to fun patterns, your dog will stand out with a matching set.

Normally they can be found at the Ellensburg Farmers Market, but Paws-A-Licous also has inventory in Divine Wellness, Best Friends Mobile Vet and treats in 509 Bake House. If you want a custom order, you can contact Carrie directly at 509-8592133, and there’s free shipping on all items.

Milk-Bone treats from Petsense by Tractor Supply

If you’re not sure what type of treat to get, go with a simple Milk-Bone treat. Milk-Bone offers a variety box with flavorful treats including beef, chicken, turkey, bacon and sausage.

Petsense by Tractor Supply carries a few different Milk-Bone options, so you can find what might best suit your dog’s needs and size. Whenever I meet a new dog, I always have a Milk-Bone treat on hand to give out.

A snuffle mat from Ellensburg Pet Center

Keeping your dog busy can be a hassle if you don’t want them creating a mess. Ellensburg Pet Center offers a snuffle mat, an enrichment toy that your dogs are sure to enjoy for hours. Hide dog food and treats inside the fleece pieces on top and put your dog’s nose and digging skills to work with a challenge. Handmade by local business Happy Paws Custom Design, they can be used as a slow feeder or for enrichment. About 10 minutes of active sniffing can equal about an hour of running, with the cute colors and a fun design, snuffle mats are sure to entertain your dog.

Treat your dog to a massage from Cottonwood Animal Massage

As dogs get older, there are lots of ways to spoil them that can help their overall health. Cottonwood Animal Massage offers a variety of massages from performance, rehabilitation and even acupressure to help your dog relax and reset.

Benefits include increased circulation, improved digestion, relaxation, anxiety reduction, and much more. To set up an appointment or inquire about their services, go to https://cottonwood.massagetherapy. com/.

Quality time!

Although it may sound cheesy, dogs appreciate quality time with their owners and their fellow dogs. Take a walk down the Irene Rinehart Riverfront Park or the Palouse to the Cascades Trail to enjoy nature. I’d recommend that you stop by the Rotary Park Off Leash Area which has both a small dog and big dog area, and even has picnic tables set up to enjoy an afternoon with your pup.

10 easy, peasy ideas for shopping for the kiddos

By Katie Teachout

Gift ideas for kids are plentiful in Ellensburg, ranging from the very affordable to the more extravagant. Whether your child is into outdoor sports, indoor quiet time, or you’re looking for fun for the whole family, shopping local can fulfill all your gift-giving needs this season.

1. Looking to book a good time together as a gift this season? Mountain High Sports offers snowshoe rentals and downhill ski rentals for youth and adults, with both daily and seasonal rates. Pictured is Ski Tech Brian Servatius displaying youth skis and boots. Servatius said they are excited to be carrying new MIPS-certified (multi directional impact protection system) helmets featuring an inner shell that flexes back and forth to absorb most of the impact.

2. Pokemon gifts can fit under the tree or in a stocking. “The Pokemon craze just never went away. I

still have kids come in to spend their lunch money on a $4 pack of 10 cards,” Nick Whitney of Central City Comics said. “Whatever the budget is, we can fit it.” Gifts range from the $4 pack to a full box for $104, with mid-range prices including $20 gift bundles.

3. Stock up now on sleds before local stores are sold out. ACE Hardware carries a variety of Flexible Flyers ranging from a 66-inch family fun toboggan, to a light winter sled, to saucers available in steel, plastic or foam.

4. The world opens up when the pages of a book are turned, and what better way to relax after an invigorating day of family fun than to cuddle up with a good book. Jerrol’s offers books by local authors

“These are the best up and coming books for the year. The ones everyone will be wanting,” Sarahlyn Gaitley said. “They’ll all make the best sellers list if they haven’t already.”

5. Holiday get-togethers are made extra special for kids when families and friends join in on the fun. Make memories of laughter-filled, lighthearted competition part of your holiday traditions. Fred Meyer offers games for all ages with varying difficulties in a wide range of prices.

7. Warm up hearts with gifts of snuggly soft hats, mittens, gloves and booties from Mountain High Sports. Whether you’re looking for durable gloves for your teenager, mittens for a child’s first snow day, or baby booties to boost the bounty of a stocking hung with care, Mountain High Sports has you covered.

6. For those wanting to be thrifty, Goodwill offers new items as well as their quickly-rotating stock of used items. Gift options range from large ride-on toys to games, dolls, building sets, cars and trucks as well as stocking stuffers. You can also pick up holiday decorations and stockings to hang at your local Goodwill.

8. Chemistry sets can provide educational fun, especially during days spent at home from school throughout Winter Break. Jerrol’s offers a variety of kits to quench kids’ curiosities and inspire new interests.

9. A variety of stocking stuffers to please children of all ages and personalities can be found at Fred Meyer. Stock up now on gifts of all shapes and sizes to fit any empty pockets in your loved ones’ stockings. And you can take advantage of current sales to go easy on your own pockets.

10. Kids can fill their Winter Break days creating crafts and feeding their imaginations with all manner of creative endeavors. Check out Jerrol’s toy section for a variety of ideas, including these kits for bedazzled sabers and swords and tiaras.

Holiday Flavors

CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD

There are different Christmas celebrations all over the world. Give your holiday cheer a global flair by trying some of these recipes.

Ultimate No-Bake Apple Mascarpone Tart Makes 8 servings; Recipe by Tanya Miller, courtesy of Gard Vintners

INGREDIENTS:

For the filling:

• 2 Granny Smith apples

• 2 suitable pie apples - we used Cosmic Crisp b/c we love the texture and they don’t brown as easily

• 3 Tbsp butter

• 5-6 Tbsp brown sugar (or to taste)

• 1-2 Tbsp lemon juice, depending on sweetness of apples; if you need more liquid add a splash of water

• 1- 1½ tsp vanilla (or to taste)

• 1½ tsp cinnamon

• 1 Tbsp cornstarch

• 1 Tbsp water

• ½ c (4 oz) Mascarpone cheese (to spread in the pie crust)

For the crust:

• 6 Tbsp melted butter - we used salted

• 10 oz gingersnap cookies - we used Trader Joe’s Triple Ginger

• 2 Tbsp sugar (or to taste)

For the topping:

• 1 Cosmic Crisp apple finely diced, about ¼ in

• 1 c heavy whipping cream

• ½ c Mascarpone cheese at room temperature

• 2 Tbsp powdered sugar (or to taste)

• Pinch of salt

• Optional: Cinnamon for dusting the top

Special Equipment:

• Tart or pie pan

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a food processor, add cookies and blend until finely ground. Add melted butter and sugar, pulse to combine well. Lightly butter sides of tart pan. Spread the cookie crumbs over bottom of pan as evenly as possible. From the center out, gently but firmly press the crumbs with a flat bottomed measuring cup out to edges and up the sides. Take extra care to press the sides firmly. Use your thumb to press down as the cup pushes up. This will make the crust easier to remove from the pan. Chill for 2-3 hours.

2. Wash and peel the 4 apples for the filling. We did about 1/3 inch dice. In a medium sauce pan over low-med heat, melt the butter, then add brown sugar, apples, cinnamon and lemon juice. Stir frequently

for 6-8 min until slightly tender. While the apples cook, mix the water and cornstarch together to make a slurry. When apples are ready, turn the heat to low and pour the slurry into the apples, stirring constantly until it thickens - about 30 seconds or so. Remove from heat and let cool.

3. Once the crust is chilled, carefully place the tart on a large can or upside down bowl to hold it and gently remove the side pan from the tart. You can keep the bottom of the tart pan underneath if you want.

4. Spread ½ c mascarpone evenly over top of crust. Next, add the cooled apple mixture, refrigerate until set - minimum of 1 hour, ideally 2+.

5. For the topping, dice the Cosmic Crisp (we did not peel these and you may not want to use all of them). Whip the cream, vanilla and pinch of salt to a very soft peak. Add the mascarpone and continue to whip to desired consistency. Spread the whipped topping over the apples in the tart. We chose to leave the edges without the topping to show the pretty apples. Top with as many fresh apples as you’d like.

6. Using a fine sieve, dust a little cinnamon over for garnish. Slice and serve with a glass of chilled Ice wine!

Shop For a Gift or Furnish Your Entire Home

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German Potato Dumplings

Makes 8 servings. Recipe is from Taste of Home.

INGREDIENTS:

3 pounds medium potatoes, peeled and quartered

1 cup flour

3 large eggs, lightly beaten

2/3 cup dry bread crumbs

1 tsp. salt

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

12 cups water

For the brown butter sauce:

1/2 cup butter, cubed

1 tablespoons chopped onion

1/4 cup dry bread crumbs, toasted

DIRECTIONS:

1. Place the potatoes in a large pot and add water to cover. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and cook, uncovered, 15-20 minutes or until tender. Drain and transfer to a large bowl.

2. Mash the potatoes. Stir in the flour, eggs, bread crumbs, salt and nutmeg. Shape into 16 two-inch balls.

3. Bring 12 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Add the dumplings. Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 7-9 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the dumplings comes out clean.

4. In a saucepan, heat the butter and onions for 5-7 minutes or until golden brown, stirring constantly. Stir in the bread crumbs and serve with the dumplings.

Eggnog Cutout Cookies

Makes three dozen. Recipe is from The Pioneer Woman.

INGREDIENTS:

For the icing:

4 cups powdered sugar

1/4 cup light corn syrup

1 tsp. vanilla extract

Food coloring, as desired

For the cookies:

3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

3/4 cup sugar

2 large egg yolks, room temperature

1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract

3 cups flour, plus more for dusting

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/3 cup eggnog, room temperature

DIRECTIONS:

To make the icing:

1. Whisk together the powdered sugar, corn syrup and vanilla. Add 1/4 cup water, a tablespoon at a time, until the frosting is smooth but thick. It should fall off the whisk in a thick stream with the fallen ribbons of icing holding their shape for about 10 seconds before sinking back into the frosting.

For the cookies:

1. Beat the butter and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer until creamy, 3-4 minutes. Scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl, then add the egg yolks and vanilla. Mix on low until fully combined, scraping the sides and bottom of the bowl occasionally.

3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt and nutmeg. With the mixer on low, gradually add the flour to the butter mixture, alternating with eggnog, beginning and ending with flour. After each addition, beat until just combined.

4. Place the dough on a floured work surface. Divide it in half and form disks. Wrap each disk in plastic and refrigerate until firm, up to an hour. Working with one disk at a time, and keeping the second one refrigerated, lightly flour a work surface. Roll the dough out until -inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut the dough then, using a spatula, transfer to a baking sheet. Space the cookies about 2 inches apart. Refrigerate the scraps.

5. Bake until the tops are dry and the edges begin to turn golden, 10-12 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes on the pan, then move to a cooling rack to cool completely. Repeat with the remaining dough and scraps, re-rolling only once for smooth cookies.

6. Color the frosting with food coloring, as desired, and frost using zip-top or piping bags. Allow the cookies to dry completely, 8 hours or overnight. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

PUNCHES FOR ANY PARTY

There’s nothing like a shining crystal punch bowl and glasses anchoring a laden holiday table. Get your guests talking with these punchy (get it?) Christmas flavors to quench a crowd’s thirst.

Milk Punch

Makes 9 1/2 cups. Recipe is from Spice Islands.

INGREDIENTS:

3 cups powdered sugar

1/2 gallon whole milk, cold 12 ounces bourbon

3 tablespoons vanilla extract Grated nutmeg, for garnish

DIRECTIONS:

1. Whisk powdered sugar and milk together in a large pitcher until the sugar dissolves.

2. Add the bourbon and vanilla extract and whisk well. Chill thoroughly. Serve over crushed ice with grated nutmeg sprinkled on top.

Cherry Punch

Makes 8 servings. Recipe is from The Pioneer Woman.

INGREDIENTS:

1 16-ounce jar maraschino cherries

3 limes, thinly sliced

1 orange, thinly sliced

6 spiced hibiscus tea bags

1 12-ounce can frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed, strained if desired

2 liters ginger ale, chilled

2 12-ounce cans seltzer, chilled

1/4 cup grenadine

DIRECTIONS:

1. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Drain the cherries and reserve the juice. Spread out the cherries, limes and oranges on the sheet and freeze until solid, at least two hours and up to overnight.

2. Bring four cups of water to a simmer. Remove from the heat, add the tea bags, and steep for five minutes. Discard the tea bags and let the tea cool, then refrigerate until cold.

3. Pour the tea and cherry juice into a punchbowl. Add the orange juice concentrate and stir. Add the ginger ale, seltzer and grenadine. Add the frozen fruit just before serving.

Gin-Cider Punch

Recipe is from Real Simple.

INGREDIENTS:

6 cups cold apple cider

3 cups gin

1 1/2 cups tonic water or elderflower tonic water

3/4 cup elderflower liqueur

3/4 cup fresh lemon juice

1 Honeycrisp apple

DIRECTIONS:

Combine all the ingredients except the apple in a punch bowl or large pitcher. Thinly slice the apple and add it to the punch. Pour over ice to serve.

Holiday Punch

Makes 16 servings. Recipe is from Kroger.

INGREDIENTS:

Ice cubes

4 springs rosemary

1 orange, sliced

1 cup cranberries, fresh or frozen

1 64-ounce container cranberry juice cocktail

2 6-ounce cans pineapple juice

1 16-ounce container lemonade

1 16-ounce container ginger ale

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a large punch bowl or pitcher, add ice, rosemary, orange and cranberries. Add cranberry juice cocktail, pineapple juice, lemonade and ginger ale.

2. Serve and refrigerate leftovers.