Events

The following community events have been generally recognized as being valuable in promoting and preserving the City’s identity, supporting a high quality of life for its residents, and promoting economic development and tourism. View the general information about each event below, posted in order they typically fall yearly; details specific to each year will be posted on the City Calendar

  1. Christmas Tree Lighting
  2. Parks Appreciation Day
  3. Volunteer Appreciation Day
  4. Duck Daze
  5. Concerts in the Park
  6. Music on the Square
  7. Twisted Cider 5K
  8. National Night Out
  9. Movie in the Park
  10. Community Harvest Day
  11. Make a Difference Day
  12. Oktoberfest

University Place Christmas Tree Lighting 1st Friday in December 4:30-7:30 Village Square

Join us for the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting in Market Square on Friday, Dec. 1. The City of University Place will celebrate the lighting of the Christmas Tree in Market Square with food, music, children’s activities and much, much more.

Doors open at 4:30 p.m. and the fun will begin at 5 p.m. with holiday music by the Stacy Jones Band who will welcome Santa to U.P. for the festivities. The man in red will be available for pictures in the beautifully decorated Civic Building Atrium from 5-7:30 p.m. and will take a brief break to help us flip the switch to light the tree at 6 p.m.

Before and after the lighting ceremony, Market Square will be bustling with family-friendly attractions, including:

  • Live reindeer from Rainier Reindeer Ranch
  • Magic in the PNW live character performers
  • Warm gatherings by Market Square’s outdoor fireplace
  • Stilt dancer Janet Rayor
  • Outdoor children’s games and activities (bundle up!)
  • Popular food trucks including Boss Mama’s Kitchen, The Corndoggery, Jack’s Savory Pie Co. and Tasty’s Kettle Corn

When the festivities end at 7:30 p.m., be sure to warm up with additional bites and cocktails from U.P.’s many eateries. Don’t miss this beloved holiday tradition in University Place. Visit the City website at www.CityofUP.com for updates about this year's event! See you on Dec. 1!

As the details are determined, check back here for updates. But be assured, Santa will be riding the fire engine into Market Square and the U.P. City Council members will be on hand to count down to the lighting of the tree at 6 p.m. sharp

It promises to be another memorable holiday in U.P. and we hope you will be a part of it!