Starry Nights: the tree that floats on the lake.
Each December Tualatin lights a Christmas tree that floats on Lake of the Commons, and the whole town gathers around it for Starry Nights and Holiday Lights. Here is how to plan the evening near 22379 SW 107th Ave.
Starry Nights and Holiday Lights is the City of Tualatin's annual holiday kickoff at Tualatin Commons. The centerpiece is a Christmas tree set afloat on Lake of the Commons, lit during the evening's ceremony as the official start of the season in Tualatin. It is the rare holiday event that wraps the whole community into one lakeside moment, and it is free to attend. Historically held on the first Friday of December, the 2026 edition lands near December 4; the city announces the exact date on its recreation page each fall.
Around the tree lighting, the evening fills with small-town warmth: choir performances, hot cocoa, cookies, crafts, and a visit from Santa. Families ring the lake, the Commons restaurants glow, and the farmers market plaza at the corner of Nyberg and Tualatin-Sherwood Road turns into a winter gathering spot. For light-parade fans, it is the perfect bookend to the three decorated-vehicle parades that roll the same weekend, December 4-6.
The Evening
What to expect at the lake.
The floating tree
A Christmas tree is anchored on Lake of the Commons and lit as the centerpiece of the ceremony, visible clear across the water. Arrive a little early to grab a spot along the lake edge for the lighting moment.
Choirs and carols
Choir performances carry across the Commons through the evening. It is a relaxed, family-friendly way to hear the season's music performed live by local singers.
Cocoa, cookies, and crafts
Hot cocoa and cookies warm the crowd, and hands-on crafts give kids something to make and take home. Santa is typically on hand for visits as part of the celebration.
Santa at the Commons
A visit from Santa rounds out the evening for families. Keep an eye on the city's recreation page for the confirmed time and location of Santa's appearance.
Dinner at the Commons
The restaurants around Lake of the Commons make a natural stop before or after the ceremony. Warm up with a meal or a drink steps from the tree. See our cozy dining guide for neighborhood favorites.
The December weekend
Starry Nights typically lands on the same first-December weekend as the Tualatin Light Parades (December 4-6, 2026), so one weekend can cover the whole holiday kickoff. The Tualatin events page tracks the confirmed date as the city announces it.
Plan Nearby
Make an evening of it.
Tualatin Commons sits at the heart of downtown, at 8325 SW Nyberg St, about a five-minute drive from 22379 SW 107th Ave. Evening parking fills early for the tree lighting, so arriving 20 to 30 minutes ahead is worth it. After the ceremony, the light parades roll through neighborhood streets the same weekend, and nearby evening options include Stickmen Brewing's Tualatin beer hall, bistro dining around the lake, and the city's holiday displays in Sherwood and Tigard just minutes away.
Watch the city's recreation page, tualatinoregon.gov/recreation/starry-nights-and-holiday-lights-1, for the confirmed 2026 date and program details.
Holidays in Tualatin
Lakefront living, lakefront holidays.
From the floating tree at Starry Nights to the parades rolling past Ibach Park, living at 22379 SW 107th Ave puts downtown Tualatin's holiday traditions minutes from your door. Paul Knighton of MORE Realty can show you the neighborhood for yourself.
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