November 26, 2025

CITY MANAGER'S MESSAGE

Kicking Off the Season Together at Lacey Holiday Lights

As we prepare to gather with family and friends for Thanksgiving, I’m reminded of how fortunate we are to be part of such a connected and compassionate community.

In just a few days, the community will come together in Huntamer Park for one of our most festive events: Lacey Holiday Lights. This free, family-friendly event takes place on Monday, December 1, from 5 – 7:30 p.m. It’s a great way to kick off the holiday season!

I encourage you to join us for this magical event — it truly has something for everyone. It’s a wonderful chance to connect with your neighbors, local businesses, and organizations; support small food vendors; and enjoy a variety of holiday activities. And at 5:30 p.m., you won’t want to miss the lighting ceremony — a moment that transforms the entire park into a glowing display that lasts for the entire month of December. (Check out the Community Events section below for more details.)

The spirit of this event comes not only from the festivities themselves, but from the people who make it possible — the staff and community members who pour their hearts and imagination into creating a welcoming, joyful experience for everyone. Their dedication is one more thing to be grateful for this season.

I’m thankful to step into the holidays alongside our amazing community. I hope you enjoy a meaningful and restful Thanksgiving, and I look forward to celebrating with you at this year’s Lacey Holiday Lights event. 

— Rick Walk

NEWS & UPDATES

Warm Thanksgiving Wishes to Our Community

Thanksgiving is all about good food, good company, and taking a moment to appreciate the things that bring us together. At the City, we’re celebrating some of our favorite holiday dishes!

Happy Thanksgiving, Lacey! Wishing you a day filled with comfort, connection, and time to slow down and enjoy what matters most.

REMINDER: Thanksgiving Holiday Closure

City buildings and facilities will be closed on Thursday, November 27, and Friday, November 28, for the Thanksgiving holiday. We’ll reopen on Monday, December 1. Have a safe and wonderful holiday!

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Celebrate Small Business Saturday in Lacey

Small Business Saturday is this Saturday (November 29) and it’s the perfect time to explore and support the local businesses that help shape our community. From neighborhood restaurants and cozy coffee shops to unique retailers and family-owned services, Lacey’s small businesses add character and connection to our city.

Shopping local keeps your dollars close to home. Every purchase helps support local jobs, fuels our economy, and keeps our business districts active and welcoming. It also gives you a chance to discover new favorites and enjoy the personal service that makes small businesses stand out.

As you head into the holiday season, consider spending part of your weekend supporting the people who work hard every day to make Lacey a vibrant place to live, work, and shop.

Get Ready to Light Up the Season with Holiday Lights!

The holidays are about to shine bright in Lacey. Join us this Monday for Lacey Holiday Lights!

Join us at Huntamer Park for an evening filled with dazzling light displays, cheerful music, and plenty of holiday magic for all ages. Families can visit with Santa and other holiday favorites, explore lighted vehicle displays, enjoy activities and food, and meet some friendly animals at the Christmas petting zoo.

At 5:30 p.m., don’t miss the highlight of the night: the traditional lighting of Huntamer Park! Watch as we flip the Candy Cane Switch to officially light up the park for the holiday season.

Event Details:

• Date: Monday, December 1
• Time: 5 - 7:30 p.m.
• Cost: FREE!
• Location: Huntamer Park (618 Woodland Square Loop SE)

Bring your family and friends and help us celebrate the start of the holiday season in Lacey!

Winter Registration Opens Wednesday, December 3, at 9 a.m.

Winter programs are right around the corner, and the new season’s offerings are now ready to explore! The Parks, Culture & Recreation online catalog is live, so you can browse all the classes, activities, and family programs coming up this winter.

Once you’ve looked through the catalog, mark your calendar and get ready to register on Wednesday, December 3, at 9 a.m.!

Financial Assistance Available

Need help covering program costs this season? Applications for financial assistance are now open. Qualified applicants can receive up to $100 this winter to use on any of our available programs for anyone in the household.

To learn more and apply, visit our Financial Assistance webpage.

Sign Up to Tour the New Lacey Museum Before it Officially Opens

The new Lacey Museum is almost ready, and we're excited to show you the space! Starting Thursday, December 4, you can participate in a free, guided tour before the official opening. It's a great chance to explore Lacey’s history through new exhibits and never-before-seen artifacts!

Groups of up to eight guests can register for a one-hour time slot. Each visit includes a 30–45-minute guided tour, time to browse on your own, and the opportunity to chat with museum staff.

Event details:

• Date: Starting Thursday, December 4
• Time: One-hour sessions (view available times)
• Location: 4160 6th Ave SE, Suite 101 (Bell Towne Center)
• Ages: Adults and youth 12 and older (youth 15 and under must attend with a registered adult)

Pre-registration is required. Once the museum opens to the public, visitors of all ages are welcome.

Connect and Celebrate with Signing Santa

Signing Santa is back, bringing extra holiday magic to families in the deaf and hard of hearing community! Presented by the Signing Santa Organization and Lacey Parks, Culture & Recreation, this festive gathering invites kids, parents, friends, and neighbors to come together and celebrate the season.

Children can meet Santa in a setting designed for clear communication, join in holiday activities, and connect with others who share their experiences. It’s a joyful space where all kids can soak up the spirit of the season, make new friends, and help spread awareness and understanding throughout the community.

Event Details:

• Date: Friday, December 5
• Time: 6:30 - 8 p.m.
• Location: Chambers Prairie Elementary (6501 Virginia Street SE)

UPCOMING PUBLIC MEETINGS

City Council Informational Dinner Meeting

Tuesday, December 2 at 4:30 p.m.

City Council Regular Meeting

Tuesday, December 2 at 6 p.m.

Parks, Culture and Recreation Board Meeting

Wednesday, December 3 at 5:30 p.m.

Human Services Commission

Thursday, December 4 at 5:30 p.m.

For details on how to participate in our Public Meetings, visit our webpage.

Now Hiring

The City is recruiting for the following positions:

• Automated Meter Infrastructure (AMI) Technician

• NEW: Electrical Maintenance Technician

• Police Officer - Entry Level

• Police Officer - Lateral

If you have any questions about these positions, contact the Human Resources Department. To see all of our current openings, visit our application website.