Looking for affordable holiday fun with the kids this weekend in Tacoma, Auburn, Lakewood, Olympia, or another South Sound spot? You’ve come to the right place for a whole list of affordable South Sound fun for kids and families this weekend.
If you’re headed north or south, you’ll want to check out the fantastic list over at ThriftyNWmom compiled by super bargain sleuth Sia of Centsible in Seattle.
Ongoing Holiday Events
Olympia Also carriage rides and Santa visits live caroling and Santa photos available Saturdays through December
Zoolights at Pt.Defiance Zoo Zoo admission gets pricey. SFM recommends investing in an annual pass (Christmas gift from grandma?) unless you can take advantage of monthly free days for city of Tacoma residents.
Franciscan Polar Plaza is open for skating in downtown Tacoma
Fantasy Lights at Spanaway Lake (Drive-Thru) Ongoing event through New Years
The reindeer are in at Watson’s nursery in Puyallup Santa during most hours, too. Ongoing event
Sleigh Rides and Santa at the Old Cannery in Sumner Santa Land weekends beginning the 23rd and going through December 23rd. Carriage Rides weekends beginning the 15th of December Check their Facebook page for update
Events This Weekend
Saturday
South King County
Winter Farmer’s Market in Federal Way
Water Weekends at HCC Mast at Redondo Every Saturday you can get up close with critters in the touch tanks and learn about sea life from 10-2 Here’s their Facebook page
Holiday Tea at the White River Valley Museum in Auburn
Santa comes to Milton crafts and snacks at city hall, followed by tree lighting, Santa’s arrival and visits
Kent Winterfest Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting
Santa Parade and Tree Lighting in Auburn Snacks and crafts, movies, parade and tree lighting. Santa’s regular open house hours begin.
Puyallup/Sumner/Greater Pierce County
Firefighters Food Drive and Pancake Breakfast East Pierce Fire and Rescue serves up flapjacks for just 3.00. Bring donations of food or warm clothing. Good chance you’ll see Santa.
Santa Breakfast in Fife 9-11AM 5.00 pre-register
Victorian Country Christmas at the Puyallup Fairgrounds Gift festival with strolling entertainers in Victorian dress, Santa train ride, and carousel Discount tickets at Top
Emerald Ridge High School Bazaar A fundraiser for the ASL club. Signing Santa from 3-4; free childcare for shoppers.
Puppets Please at the Graham Library 1:30 Marionette in the round show. Link opens pdf. Show rotates around area libraries this month.
Santa Parade in Puyallup Tree lighting follows Santa available for free photos at the pavillion following the tree lighting
Santa with firefighters from Central Pierce
Santa Parade in Sumner Free Santa photos available with food donation
Reindeer Games at the Puyallup Activity Center 6-8PM event for parents and children Crafts, photo op with Rudolph, and more. 13.00/10.00 Register
City of Eatonville Holiday Festival Parade at 1PM; tree lighting 5-9 Note: There are conflicting times for this event. Check at the visitor information
Tacoma
Holiday Fest in Proctor Santa visits, pancake breakfast, strolling musicians, and more
Multicare Festival of Trees Beautifully decorated trees and entertainment. Tacoma Also Sunday
Sing Along with Santa at the Tacoma Musical Playhouse 10.00 Singing, prizes, free pics with Santa (your camera)
19th Century Christmas at Ft.Nisqually Experience an 1855 Christmas at Hyas Sunday. Admission charged.
Victorian Holiday Celebration at the Seymour Conservatory at Wright Park Volunteers in Victorian period dress will serve refreshments and accept donations of gloves, socks, or cash for the rescue mission. Children can hear stories; professional photographs available for 15.00.
Festival of the Nativity at the LDS stake in Tacoma Free display of many nativity sets. Messiah sing along. Also on Sunday
Charlotte’s Web Story Time and Crafts at Tacoma Libraries 10:30 at Kobetich or 1 at Main
Gingerbread House Making at the University Place Library 2-4 PM No registration required at this location.
Tree Lighting in University Place A full day of fun proceeds Santa’s arrival by fire truck at 3, “Christmas train rides,” and more. Tree lighting at 6PM
Pier Peer at the Pt.Defiance Marina Night time event for kids 8 and up. See sea critters drawn to the dock lights at night. Registration required.
Celebrate His Birth Free ballet from the Metropolitan Ballet of Tacoma telling the nativity story Also Sunday
Gig Harbor/Port Orchard/Kitsap Area
Fall Movies at Galaxy Uptown in Gig Harbor 2.00 bargain shows benefit Jaycox Fund. It’s Home Alone today. Doors open at 9:30.
Festivals of Chimes and Lights Port Orchard Day long event with fun run; free showings of Polar Express, tree lighting, Santa, and more
PenMet Parks Breakfast with Santa in Gig Harbor 8.00/person pancake breakfast; entertainment; photos with Santa Make reservations
Santa Breakfast at Key Center Fire Station Pre-registration suggested
Pictures with Santa at the Log Cabin Museum in Port Orchard 1 Also Sunday and next weekend
Harbor Wild Watch will be at Jersich Dock for Pier Peer
Santa at the Fox Island Museum The museum hosts children’s activities monthly. Be sure to check ‘em out!
Living Nativity at Discovery Baptist in Gig Harbor 5-8PM Free, walk through event. Dress warmly. Also Sunday
f you’re one of my Kitsap area readers, you’ll also enjoy the Kitsap Macaroni Kid. You can sign up for Diane’s newsletter to get the scoop on all kinds of events around you!
Lacey/Olympia
Santa Breakfast at First United Methodist Church sponsored by Boy Scout Troop 48 5.00 per person/20.00 per family Call 360 459 3514
Just Between Friends Olympia Winter and Holiday consignment event in Lacey
Saturday Story time at the Olympia Barnes and Noble 1PM Ongoing event
LMNOP Kids consignment sale and holiday bazaar continues in Lacey. Santa on hand select hours.
The new Hands-On Children’s Museum in Olympia is open! Have you read our reader mom review?
Sunday
Also check out the ongoing events at the top of this list.
Just Between Friends Olympia Winter and Holiday consignment event in Lacey Last day, with many items half-off!
Holiday Open House at the Prairie House Museum in Spanaway
Sing along Messiah at Christ Lutheran in Lakewood 2PM suggested donation of 10.00 with canned food donation. While not a children’s event, it should be fine for interested youngsters, and it’s nice and loud!
A Celtic Christmas at First Presbyterian Church in Tacoma 5PM Free, family friendly musical event
Key Center Tree lighting and Santa appearance
Christmas tree lighting and concert on Fox Island
Santa arrives by helicopter at the Olympic Flight Museum
If you’re new here, I hope you’ll consider subscribing to my emails, joining us on Facebook, or following me on Twitter! I write just for South Sound families, and I have new ideas every day! You’re also always welcome to drop me a line if you know something great I missed, or just want to give me a tip!
