The 16th Annual Centralia Lighted Tractor Parade rolls into Downtown Centralia on Saturday, December 13, at 6 p.m., filling the streets with twinkling lights, holiday music, and a whole lot of small-town magic.
What started back in 2009 as a quirky little parade with just seven entries has grown into one of Centralia’s signature events. Today, the Lighted Tractor Parade has about 90 vehicles and draws an estimated 15,000 spectators.
The event is hosted by the Centralia Downtown Association and celebrates both the holidays and the community’s deep agricultural heritage. Farmers, local businesses, school groups, bands, and civic organizations all join the lineup, turning classic farm equipment into rolling light displays.
As dusk falls, the streets of downtown Centralia transform. Vintage and modern tractors, trucks, trailers, and floats arrive decked out with lights, garlands, blow-up characters, and clever themes. The whole parade typically lasts over an hour, giving families plenty of time to ooh and ahh as each glowing entry rumbles past.
Tips for making the most of it:
- Arrive early: This event draws big crowds from across the region. Plan to come early to find parking and a good viewing spot. Hotels often fill up around parade weekend, so consider booking ahead if you’re visiting from out of town.
- Bundle up: It’s December in Lewis County so bring warm coats, hats, and gloves. A thermos of cocoa never hurts!
- Support local: Come downtown a little early to shop in local boutiques, grab dinner, or warm up with a coffee or dessert before the parade kicks off.
- Bring the kids: This is a family favorite! Kids love spotting tractors, counting lights, and waving at Santa as he wraps up the parade.
Watch for parking and street-closure announcements from the Centralia Downtown Association and the event’s social media pages as parade day approaches.
At its heart, the Centralia Lighted Tractor Parade is about community—neighbors lining the streets, kids bundled in blankets on the curb, farmers proudly showing off their rigs, and visitors discovering just how fun a small-town holiday can be. So mark your calendar, grab your mittens and your favorite people, and head to historic downtown Centralia. When the first tractor turns the corner in a blaze of lights, you’ll understand why this parade has become one of Southwest Washington’s brightest holiday traditions.