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
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 Link opens pdf; scroll down
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 Link opens pdf; scroll down
Events This Weekend
Friday
Read with a dog at the Puyallup Public Library Drop in and practice your reading skills with a patient, canine listener 3:30
Holiday Sale at Mega Brands/Mega Blocks Warehouse in Fife
Free Movie Night at the Fox Island Alliance Church
Saturday
South King County
See the top of the page for ongoing events. See the bottom of this page for shows and concerts.
See this page for reader recommendations for neighborhoods with Christmas Light displays.
Breakfast with Santa at the Family Life Christian Center in Federal Way
Author reading at the Federal Way Barnes and Noble
Scholastic Books Warehouse Sale Continues
Winter Farmer’s Market in Federal Way
Author Story Time at Federal Way Barnes and Noble Local children’s author Jan Lydeck tells stories of Teta, the cow.
The Santa House is Open in Auburn
Puyallup/Sumner/Greater Pierce County
See the top of the page for ongoing events. See the bottom of this page for shows and concerts.
See this page for reader recommendations for neighborhoods with Christmas Light displays.
Puppets Please! In the round marionette show performs at Pierce County Library branches Free, drop-in event Check link for date and time at your library
Great Train Expo at the Puyallup fairgrounds Tons of model railroads and other train goodies on display and for sale. We’ve been to this several times. There are typically a few things kids can do, but it’s mostly about looking and shopping. If your train enthusiast would be up for that, it’s worth doing.
Holiday Sale at Mega Brands/Mega Blocks Warehouse in Fife
Dickens Carolers perform at the Bonney Lake Library at 2PM
Tacoma
See the top of the page for ongoing events. See the bottom of this page for shows and concerts.
See this page for reader recommendations for neighborhoods with Christmas Light displays.
Free showing of the Polar Express at the Grand in Tacoma Doors open at 9:30; movie at 10 Free to first 100
Santa at the LeMay Museum 11AM Saturday-4PM Sunday Check link for details and admission savings with canned food donation
The Snow Queen at the Live Paint Studio on Tacoma’s hilltop 1PM interactive children’s show with crafts. Costumes welcome For kids 3-8 Cindy Arnold and Live Paint did our 1st reader event!
Puppets Please! In the round marionette show performs at Pierce County Library branches Free, drop-in event Check link for date and time at your library UP/Parkland-Spanaway/Summit/Lakewood today
Santa Claus at the Barnes and Noble in Lakewood 1:30
Holiday Boat Parade travels along the Tacoma waterfront
Gig Harbor/Port Orchard/Kitsap Area
See the top of the page for ongoing events. See the bottom of this page for shows and concerts.
See this page for reader recommendations for neighborhoods with Christmas Light displays.
Fall Movies at Galaxy Uptown in Gig Harbor 2.00 bargain shows benefit Jaycox Fund. It’s the Polar Express today. Doors open at 9:30.
Santa is at Teaching Toys at Uptown and the Beach Basket in Downtown today 12-4
Afternoon Drop and Play and/or Evening Date Night with our friends at Discovery Village ! Registration and Fees required. Tell ‘em SFM sent ‘ya!
Lighted Boat Parade in Gig Harbor from Gig Harbor Yacht Club
If 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
See the top of the page for ongoing events. See the bottom of this page for shows and concerts.
See this page for reader recommendations for neighborhoods with Christmas Light displays.
Breakfast with Santa in Lacey; preregistration required. Good chance this is full; do call first!
Puppets Please! In the round marionette show performs at Pierce County Library branches Free, drop-in event at Lakewood/Parkland-Spanaway libraries today
Santa Claus at the Barnes and Noble in Lakewood 1:30
Mighty Microbes at the LOTT Wet Science Center in Olympia 1PM Look at microbes at visit the water quality lab. For Upper Elementary Aged Children Click on icon of the newsletter (it’s large) for more info.
Kids in Koncert at the Capital Playhouse Children’s choir sings Christmas favorites Free; donations welcome 2PM
Historic Christmas Celebration at the state capitol museum in Olympia enjoy decorated mansion, petting zoo, pony rides, hay rides, and more 12-3 7.00/person max of 25.00/family
Sunday
See the top of the page for ongoing events. See the bottom of this page for shows and concerts.
See this page for reader recommendations for neighborhoods with Christmas Light displays.
A Charlie Brown Christmas at Bethany Presbyterian in Tacoma 10:30 performance during service, also includes readings and carols
Children’s Musical at Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church Performance during services
Lego Mania at the Fox Island Community Center 2-4
Winter Wonderland at the Spanaway Home Depot 2-6PM inside the garden department Santa pics, horse and carriage rides, and more. Free!
Messiah Sing Along at the Fox Island United Church of Christ
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