Beginning at 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 1, the City of Richland kicks off its second annual Winter Wonderland in John Dam Plaza.

You can enjoy holiday music performed by the Boys and Girls Clubs of Benton and Franklin Counties Drumline and the Richland High School Choir.

Free hot chocolate and kettle corn are provided while supplies last.

You can also take a ride on the Dreamland Express Train with Santa himself.

The official countdown to the tree lighting in the park takes place at approximately 6:15 p.m.

Then witness the kick-off to the month-long HAPO Festival of Lights. The HAPO Community Stage will light up and dance to holiday favorites that will be playing all throughout the Plaza. The dancing lights will be on display each night throughout December.

Closeup Macro Christmas Lights
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Immediately following the lighting, the festivities continue in Howard Amon Park from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. You can enjoy more hot cocoa, warming fires, and Santa. Don't forget to bring your chairs and blankets to watch the lighted boat parade!

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The event resumes on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Howard Amon Park and the Richland Community Center. There will be arts and craft activities for the kids, caroling, an outdoor movie ("ELF" - weather permitting), more hot cocoa, warming fires, and Santa.

Also, back by popular demand, the model train display brought to you by the Tri-City Model Railroaders, is available for viewing at the Richland Community Center, Friday, Dec. 1, from 8 a.m. to  9 p.m. and Saturday, Dec 2, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

After Party For The Premiere Of "The Polar Express"
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All activities are free thanks to the generous support of HAPO Community Credit Union and BMW of Tri-Cities.

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