Mission Statement

Our mission is to support those who live, work, and play in the Downtown Historic District through visionary leadership, preservation-focused efforts, outreach, and fostering community in the heart and soul of the city of Snohomish.

Santa in the Shops, Winterfest and More—Celebrate December Downtown

December is here, and the festivities are underway in downtown Snohomish! Last night’s tree lighting was absolutely magical, and we hope everyone who joined us had a wonderful time. If you missed it, don’t worry—there’s still plenty of holiday cheer ahead! Stay connected by following us on social media, and let this newsletter be your guide to Home for the Holidays. Find out where Santa will be each weekend during Santa in the Shops and how you can enjoy Winterfest, which has something for everyone! Whether you want to join in the fun as a participant or lend a hand as a volunteer, Winterfest is full of festive opportunities. Don’t miss our Snohomish Storyteller Podcast featuring Courtney Evans, owner of Board & Brush, sharing her story and about Craft & Cheer, (a Winterfest event with tickets still available). Continue reading for all the details and make this a season to remember!

Over 50 Volunteer Opportunities this Holiday Season!!

HDSA is a volunteer lead and volunteer powered organization. We have several ways for you to get involved right now! Check out the following opportunities.

• Winterfest Market Vendor Assistants

• Santapalooza guest check-in

• Santapalooza Best Santa Judges

• Ice Sculpting set up/tear down

• Wine Walk Guest Check In/Wine Slingers

• Winter Solstice Walk Set Up/Tear Down and Safety Crew
   

  If you are already an HDSA volunteer, you can sign up for a slot by logging into your HDSA VicNet account. New to volunteering with us? Fill out our volunteer application here to get started!

The Home for the Holidays season continues as Santa comes to town, making special stops at your favorite downtown shops! From Sunday, December 1st, to Sunday, December 22nd, join us for Santa in the Shops. Every weekend from 12 PM - 3 PM, Santa will be spreading holiday cheer at a new location. Don’t miss the fun!

The most festive weekend of our Home for the Holidays season is here: Winterfest!

Building on the magic of Santa in the Shops, Winterfest transforms downtown Snohomish into a hub of holiday cheer. With the charming Winterfest Market, Gingerbread House Party, the festive Wine Walk, and more, this weekend is the pinnacle of the season’s celebrations.

After the fun of Winterfest, the Home for the Holidays season wraps up with calm, reflective events like Snow Globe Yoga and the Winter Solstice Walk. These peaceful moments are the perfect way to rejuvenate and find balance before the holidays. Treat yourself to a little mindfulness this season! See the entire Home for the Holidays lineup below!

Have you noticed the beautiful photos we feature on our social media, in our newsletter, and on our website? Many of these are thanks to the generous talent of Lisa Ketcham. Lisa is a resident hobby photographer who has shared many of her photos with us throughout the year. Learn a little more about the person behind these gorgeous photos in our mini interview with her.

Tell us how you discovered your love of photography
I've always enjoyed photography but since I retired and have more free time, I find myself going on many adventures and photographing the beauty that I see. For me photography is a hobby.
I especially enjoy capturing the beauty and sharing it with others.
It's so heartwarming to hear back from those who love seeing my photos and are unable to get out and about any more due to different circumstances. That brings me joy.
 

Are you a Snohomish resident? If yes, how long have you lived here?
Since 2010 my husband and I lived in Snohomish. I was born and raised in Seattle on Queen Anne Hill and have many fond memories of growing up in Seattle.

What do you like about photographing downtown Snohomish?
There is so much beauty to be seen in the setting, the buildings and storefronts. I also appreciate the American flags gracing the town, the beautiful flower baskets and charming Christmas decorations.
This year is especially wonderful as the new decorations are so befitting for our charming Old Town Snohomish. I'm so grateful for this town, that didn't allow modern advances to destroy the character and charm of this Pacific Northwest gem.

What are some of your favorite subjects to photograph?
I love photographing the stunning scenery of the Pacific Northwest and the beauty and character of our small towns. I also enjoy capturing the wonder and joy of children exploring the world around them.

If you could capture photos anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
Well, there are so many beautiful places, but with the holidays approaching, what comes to mind is traveling in Europe during the holiday season. Visiting the towns that are known for their charm during the holidays, capturing the wonder of it all and sharing it with others.

What do you like to do when you are not taking photos?
I enjoy creating art in many different medias. My greatest accomplishment in my artistic endeavors would be the stained glass Tiffany reproduction dragonfly lamp that I made.

Any other fun fact you’d like to share?
Back in the '90s, for my daughter, Alisha's 18th birthday, she and I skydived over Snohomish and paid extra to free fall further as we heard that was the most exhilarating part. It definitely was! Alisha and I also took a hot air balloon flight over Snohomish when she got her Masters at the University of Washington. Many years ago, I found out that my dad had always wanted to go on a hot air balloon ride. So for his 70th birthday I took him on a hot air balloon ride over Snohomish. I'm so grateful I was able to help make that dream come true for him.

Lisa and her husband, Ken (pictured above) raised their 5 children here, all of whom still live close by, including their 8 grandchildren. Thank you for sharing your beautiful work with us, Lisa!

The Historic Downtown Snohomish Association (HDSA) is the officially recognized organization dedicated to the revitalization of Downtown Snohomish. We are a volunteer-driven and volunteer-based 501c3 nonprofit organization. Our mission is to promote, preserve, and improve the downtown historic district as the heart and soul of the City of Snohomish.