by Sherri Adams
The holiday spirit is alive and well in Shelton, Washington. This tiny lumber town in Mason County proudly bears the title of “Christmastown, USA” for good reason. Every year the streets light up with holiday merriment for their annual Christmastown Celebration. The trees lining Railroad Avenue twinkle with brightly colored lights, and people come from far and wide to take part in the holiday activities.
Shelton’s roots in the timber industry span farther than lumber, boards, and wood pulp.
The incomparable quality of Mason County trees has resulted in the sale of millions of Christmas trees shipped all over the United States. It’s no wonder that Shelton was once known as the Christmas tree capital of the nation.
The Beauchamp Santa Claus greets visitors to Shelton each year.
Standing proud at the entrance of town, the Beauchamp Santa ushers in the start of the holiday season each year. This 32’ billboard was recreated from a historic 1962 design by Clarence Beauchamp, who designed and built the original three-story Santa to celebrate the Seattle World’s Fair.
Kick off the celebration at the annual Christmastown Tree Lighting Ceremony.
A magical night awaits at Shelton’s tree-lighting ceremony. Folks gather in Post Office Park to count down the official start of the holiday season with a dazzling display of lights, followed by a marshmallow roast over an open fire and kiddie train rides on Railroad Avenue.
The annual Gingerbread Contest is always a big hit.
What’s your gingerbread aesthetic? Do you dream of sugarplums dancing around a gingerbread village? Maybe you prefer a gingerbread castle or a wooded cottage. The sky is the limit at the annual Christmastown Gingerbread Contest.
Have you ever heard of a reverse parade?
For the past few years, Christmastown has put a new spin on the traditional Christmas parade. Performers and festive floats with twinkling lights line the streets where spectators can walk by and enjoy the festivities. Everyone gets a great view!
Markets and special events are held throughout December to keep the fun going all season long.
Special arts and crafts events are held in town where you can learn to decorate sugar cookies or make a holiday wreath.
Be sure to get your annual family photo with the jolly elf himself.
You’ve heard of a corn maze, but have you ever heard of a Christmas tree maze?
On Cota Street in Shelton, you’ll find the free Christmas tree maze gleaming brightly from dusk until 10 pm each night.
In 2019 Christmastown set the Guinness World Record for the most illuminated Christmas trees in one location.
Volunteers started the tradition of the Christmas tree maze in 2019 with a record-breaking 797 twinkling trees lighting up the night. Today, the tradition continues with the Guinness Tribute Christmas Tree Maze. Bring your loved ones and find your way through the hundreds of festively lit trees.
Christmastown in Shelton, Washington, is the place to go for holiday merriment. With twinkling lights, joyful celebrations, a Christmas tree maze, and the largest Santa billboard in Washington, you’ll find lots of things to make your season bright.
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There Is An Entire Christmas Town In Washington And It’s Absolutely Delightful (msn.com)
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