It’s time to deck the hall and hang the lights! And after you’ve decorated your home, head out in your horse-powered car to see what others have done to their homes during this festival season. It’s a fun, easy and cheap outing the whole family will love! Here is where to find 2021 Christmas lights in Grays Harbor.
Aberdeen
Central Park
Aberdeen’s Central Park community is excitedly putting on Light Up Central Park, a PTO organized holiday light competition. Homes in the area are encouraged to deck the halls to the extreme and enter their address for a chance to win awards in categories such as Most Festive Display, Holiday Humor, Most Creative, and Heart-Warming Holiday. A complete map with specific addresses of dozens of ornately decorated houses can be found on the Light Up Central Park link. Be sure to bring the cocoa and snacks for a fun night out!
Downtown Aberdeen and Broadway Avenue
The downtown corridor of Aberdeen is always lit up with festive lights thanks to the Aberdeen Beautification Committee. From the twinkling lights strung between tree branches to the painted storefront windows, the downtown is sure to get you in the holiday spirit. After enjoying the décor of downtown, stop into one of the many businesses that are decked out this season before driving towards Broadway Avenue. This area boasts beautiful homes from the turn of the century and Aberdeen’s early logging heydays, and they don’t miss a beat when it comes to decorating for the holidays. After driving north of Broadway, branch off onto any of the side streets or at the very end of the street, turn left and ascend into the streets of Bel-Aire where even more impressive homes gather in on the fun.
Ocean Shores
Take in an epic December sunset in Ocean Shores before driving down the peninsula to Oyhut Bay Seaside Village. The picturesque community is comprised of a family-friendly restaurant, shops, and masterfully crafted homes decorated with lights and plenty of cheer. Across from the restaurant and storefronts is where the action takes place, including a magical set-up of whimsical trees, falling snow and lights perfectly fit for a visit from Santa on select nights. Contact Oyhut Bay at 360-209-1886 for more information.
Hoquiam
Sumner Avenue
The drive along Sumner Avenue that merges Aberdeen to Hoquiam is one not to miss during any holiday season. The massive, over 100-year-old houses look exceptionally beautiful covered in lights, not to mention the Polson Museum that annually takes the time to string the lights from peak to peak of the historic mansion. A gaze across the river gives a glimpse into the brightly lit downtown corridor that can be accessed by taking either a left on Emerson Avenue or circling back on Simpson Avenue.
Queets Avenue
After enjoying the lights strung throughout downtown Hoquiam, head over to Queets Avenue near Olympic Stadium. Locals specifically point out the handful of homes that are extraordinarily decorated with addresses between 2300 and 2500.
Seabrook
No December is complete without a trip to Seabrook! The ever-growing community in Pacific Beach goes all-out with the holiday lights, and this year is no different. Begin your stroll or drive through the Town Center where the many locally owned shops, bars and restaurants adorn their storefronts in colorful décor. Kids won’t want to miss Santa himself as he visits the festively decorated Town Hall every Saturday of Jolly Days between 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. from November 27 through December 18. From there, choose any of the multiple side streets and view the beautifully constructed homes that intertwine through Pacific Northwest trees and along the Pacific coastline. Be sure not to miss the most festive tree in town, Dad’s Christmas Tree, that was planted and named in honor of town founder, Casey Roloff’s father.
Westport
Westport Marina
What’s better than spending the holidays at the beach! At the Westport Marina, holiday cheer fills the air every night of the week. Swing by the famous crab pot “tree” on the Marina that’s covered in festive colorful lights and buoys not far from the well decorated Westport Maritime Museum. Continue down the docks and admire the many local businesses who also take holiday decorating seriously an enjoy putting a smile on their visitor’s face. The Marina also makes for a fantastic place to shop for gifts this holiday season. For more inspiration on visiting Westport, check out Santa’s Guide to Westport.
Montesano
The annual, incredibly cheerful Festival of Lights annual parade is back on this year, but don’t forget to extend your visit to the city with a drive through the quaint town in east county. The picturesque downtown corridor is a great place to start before heading into the hills and around town for more cheerful homes.
Elma
Downtown and Elma RV Park
Another downtown in Grays Harbor that’s decorated for the season is Elma, located roughly 25 minutes from Olympia. A large tree can be seen standing proud next to the Elma Chamber of Commerce while the surrounding buildings are fastened with extraordinary lights. Another stop in town is the Elma RV Park, located at 4730 US Highway 12, that’s worked hard to light up the streets with holiday cheer with their displays.
Cosmopolis
Altenau Hill
Both hills in Cosmopolis are worth the cruise around this December, beginning with Altenau Hill. At the base of both hills is the over-the-top wonderful home at 501 G Street that’s currently lighting up the block. From there, take a left at the stop sign and drive up the steep Altenau Hill before taking the first left. Loop around Alder Drive, take a left on Holly Lane and then another left into the new development of Paisley Creek featuring dozens of homes on full display this season.
Franklin Hill
The other hill in Cosmopolis, Franklin, is best known for the homes on Trinity Way and Dundee Drive. Plan for at least a few minutes stop in the cul-de-sac on Trinity Way where each year a beloved local house not only decorates their yard and façade to the extreme, but also syncs the thousands of lights to music. Jam out to the holiday songs we know and love by turning your radio to the posted station in the yard and watch as the lights flash and blink along with the beat and lyrics. While in the area, also head down Dundee Drive and round off a magical evening of holiday delight.
As you’re out enjoying the lights around Grays Harbor, cut down your perfect Christmas tree at a local tree farm and explore the many holiday events taking place this season.
Are we missing your neighborhood? Send us an email with your address or neighborhood and a photo to submit@GraysHarborTalk.com.
