Christmas Events 2025 at District 1881: Where the Season Shines Brightest

The season begins Friday, November 14 from 5 to 7 p.m., when families gather to watch the District’s towering evergreen flicker to life. As the countdown ends and the lights burst into color, the whole plaza glows and a chorus of “oooohs” and “ahhhhs” sweeps through the crowd. It’s the moment the holidays officially begin – bright, warm, and unforgettable.

The evening lineup includes:

The Grinch: 4:30-7:30 p.m.
The Joshua David Trio: 6-7 p.m.
Santa Photos: 5-8 p.m.
Elves: 5:30-7:30 p.m.

It’s the perfect start to a month of wonder and community joy.

Parade. The streets fill with families staking out their favorite viewing spots, the air buzzing long before the first float rolls through. Brightly lit trucks, marching bands, dancers, classic cars and community groups wind their way past the storefronts, each one adding to the spectacle.

It’s one of the biggest nights of the season – a festive, joy-packed tradition that brings the whole city together. Whether you’re cheering from the sidelines or soaking in the atmosphere from one of the patios, the parade turns the District into a dazzling holiday corridor you won’t want to miss.

Schedule of Festivities:

Pre-Parade Party: 3-5 p.m.
Elves: 4-6 p.m.
Rotary Parade: 5:30 p.m.
Post-Parade Party: 7-8 p.m.

Expect live entertainment, laughter, and music from Cliff Prang and DJ Simon Bridgefoot, who keep the crowd dancing long after the parade passes by.

Santa’s Workshop Opens

Santa’s Workshop officially opens on November 30 from 12 to 7 p.m., continuing right up to Christmas Eve.

Visit throughout December – 2–8 p.m. weekdays and 12–7 p.m. weekends – for magical Santa photos, crafts, and cozy moments by the Christmas tree.

The Chilliwack Youth Orchestra helps mark opening weekend with festive performances on November 30, filling the District with the sound of holiday cheer.

District 1881’s streets turn into a living stage throughout December, with something new almost every day.

Musical highlights include:

Tuba Christmas – Dec. 6 at 1 p.m.
Cascade Christian Choir – Dec. 6 at 5:30 p.m.
Players Guild Singers – Dec. 6 evening
Project Dance – Dec 7. at 1 p.m.
Salvation Army Band – Dec. 13 & 19 at 6 p.m.
Promontory Elementary Choir – Dec. 16 at 6:30 p.m.

Meanwhile, The Grinch and the Elves make frequent appearances through Dec. 23, turning every stroll through the District into a playful holiday encounter.