Vandals cause up to $30K in damage to Centralia Christmas light display
Dec 2, 2025, 6:08 AM | Updated: 6:51 am
A photo of a Centralia Police Department vehicle. (Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)
(Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)
The City of Centralia’s Christmas light display was heavily damaged by an unknown suspect last week, with police estimating the damage to be up to $30,000.
The Centralia Police Department (CPD) is currently investigating the malicious vandalism that happened overnight on Nov. 25 and 26 at Borst Park, according to The Chronicle.
One-third of the Christmas light display was damaged ahead of the city’s annual Borst Lights celebration on Dec. 5.
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Centralia Christmas lights damage estimated to be nearly $30K
“Centralia City Parks employees, who have spent days setting up this year’s displays, were deeply disappointed to discover the extent of the damage,” CPD stated. “Early damage estimates range from $20,000 to $30,000, indicating what it would cost to replace the damaged displays.”
CPD has increased its patrols inside and surrounding Borst Park, while continuing to pursue all leads in its investigation to identify those who are responsible.
The department noted that most of the damaged displays have been repaired or replaced by Centralia City Parks staff, and the Borst Lights celebration will open as scheduled on Dec. 5.
The Borst Lights event will be open each day from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. through Dec. 25.
CPD urges anyone with information about the incident to submit a tip by calling the department at (360) 330-7680 or a non-emergency dispatch line at (360) 740-1105.
“We are committed to identifying those responsible and appreciate any assistance the public can provide,” CPD stated. “We thank our City Parks team for their rapid response and dedication in ensuring Borst Lights will shine brightly for another Christmas season.”
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