A New Daytime Holiday Tradition: Deck the Boughs
Evergreen Arboretum and Gardens is delighted to announce that this year we are retiring our evening Wintertide Lights event and ushering in a fresh tradition: Deck the Boughs. Running throughout December, Deck the Boughs invites the community to enjoy a daytime holiday experience as we decorate our trees with handcrafted ornaments—no lights required.
What’s Changing — And Why
From night to day: Rather than gathering for evening light displays, Deck the Boughs will be visible from 6 AM to dusk daily. This shift allows more flexible visitation hours, better accessibility for all ages, and avoids overlap with other nighttime holiday activities.
Ornaments replace lights: Instead of relying on electric displays, the Arboretum will be adorned with ornaments crafted by workshop participants and the community— natural, handcrafted, and uniquely expressive.
Community‑built and community owned: We are asking for hands-on participation. During November, join us in workshops to create stars and other ornaments from willow, cattail, and bulrush. You’ll take one home—and donate extras to decorate the Arboretum’s trees.
Wish Tree: In December, venture down to the gazebo in the Arboretum to write a personal holiday wish on a tag and tie it to our Wish Tree.
By bringing the holiday display into daytime hours, Deck the Boughs allows families, senior guests, and daytime visitors to partake in seasonal wonder without concern for evening schedules or weather.
Deck the Boughs Holiday Craft Workshops: Natural Stars
Sunday, November 9 | Evergreen Arboretum and Gardens
Join Erin Cox from Field and Forest Crafts for a free, creative, hands-on workshop. Using natural materials like willow, cattail, and bulrush, participants will weave star ornaments — all materials provided, no experience needed. Create your own star and contribute extras for the Arboretum’s new Deck the Boughs event.
Three 1½‑hour sessions (12 participants each)
• 10:00–11:30 AM — Cattail tars
• 1:00–2:30 PM — Bulrush Stars
• 2:45–4:15 PM — Willow StarsFree – designed for adults and youth over 7 with adult
· Join us for a day of creativity, community, and nature-inspired artistry.
Workshops will be held at Evergreen Arboretum and Gardens in Everett’s Legion Park.
Deck the Boughs Sunrise Solstice Walk + Crafting & Treats
Sunday, December 21st
Welcome winter on December 21st with a Sunrise Solstice Walk at 7:53 AM to celebrate the shortest day of the year, followed by a cozy Crafting & Treats event from 10 AM to Noon, including luminary bags to take home, celebrating the longest night of the year! Come create, celebrate, and connect with nature and neighbors.