Experience the Magic of Luminaria
2026 Public Nights:
Friday, December 12 from 5-9 pm
Saturday, December 13 from 5-9 pm
Nothing says holiday magic like walking through the Arboretum’s wintry landscape, aglow with a thousand candles and twinkling lights!
After your stroll, warm up in the Jewett Interpretive Center with:
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Hot chocolate
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Live music
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Children’s crafts
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Holiday shopping in the Tree House Gift Shop
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Firepits and seating available on the courtyard for those who prefer to enjoy the magic without walking the trail.
Support Luminaria - Suggested Donation $5 per person.
For over 30 years, the Arboretum has welcomed tens of thousands of families to wander through our winter wonderland, lit by thousands of candles and twinkle lights. Luminaria is a cherished tradition—and with your support, it can continue for generations. Please consider a $5 donation per participant to help keep this magical evening alive.
Parking & Shuttle Service
Public parking for Luminaria is located at the Kiwanis Park Playfields. Yakima Transit will be providing a FREE ADA-accessible shuttle service. ALL handicap parking will be at Kiwanis Park for the public nights. There will be no handicap parking at the Arboretum grounds itself for Luminaria.
Address: 1501 E Maple St, Yakima, WA 98901
Hop on the shuttle for easy access to the Arboretum and enjoy Luminaria without worrying about parking!
Arboretum Access
The Arboretum grounds will be closed to all traffic except City Shuttles, and vehicles with approved parking passes starting at 5:00pm on both nights.
There is no handicap parking at the Arboretum parking lot. All handicap parking is at Kiwanis Park for 2026.
Turn lanes from Highway 24 / Nob Hill Blvd into the Arboretum will be barricaded.
Handicap placards will not be allowed entry to park at the Arboretum grounds and vehicles will be asked to park at Kiwanis Park.
Don't want to take the bus?
Members get to park at the Arboretum for First Light on December 11th! A pine membership gives the entire car access to this fun night!
FAQ - What you Need to Know
Pets
While leashed pets are normally allowed at the Arboretum, we kindly ask that you leave them at home for this busy event. Dogs can become tripping hazards on the dark trail, knock over candles, and/or disturb the peacefulness with their noisy excitement.
Accessibility
The mile-long Luminaria Trail is mostly flat with a few gentle slopes and areas of uneven ground. Please note that conditions may include puddles, mud, icy patches, or snow depending on the weather. We encourage all guests to walk carefully and wear appropriate footwear. For those who prefer to enjoy the evening from a cozy spot, seating will be available in the Gardenview Room, and firepits will be lit on the courtyard.
Lost and Found
It’s no surprise, that we find quite a few items along the trail after the event!
If you’ve found something, please bring it to the Arboretum’s Tree House Gift Shop.
If you’ve lost an item, call the office at (509) 248-7337 and leave a message with your name, contact information, and a description of the item. We’ll do our best to reunite you with it.
Kids' Craft
Children will be invited to decorate their own Luminaria bags to take home with them. Supplies will be provided free of charge, with tea light candles being sold to parents for a quarter.
Weather Policy
Luminaria is a winter outdoor event, so please come prepared for the season! Dress warmly and be ready for chilly or damp conditions.
If extreme weather or a power outage requires us to cancel, we’ll post updates on our Facebook and Instagram pages.
Otherwise, the event will go on—even if it’s cold or a little rainy!
Food and Drinks
Stop by Blissful Bites near the bus drop-off zone for freshly made donuts and pretzels!
Warm up with hot chocolate by donation inside the Jewett Interpretive Center.
Cost
Luminaria is free to attend, though we suggest a $5 donation per person to help support this beloved community event. Your contribution keeps the lights glowing year after year!