South Sound Holiday Events

Yes! There Are Still Plenty Of Fun Holiday Events Happening Around Tacoma, Puyallup, South King County, and Your Merry Part of the South Sound!

I’ll be adding to this list all month, so do check back!

Disclaimer: As always, while we strive for 100% accuracy, we’ve also provided links so you can double check event details before you head out! In this very unusual year, things are also subject to change, so, again-double check before you go, and choose only the things that sound fun for your family.

Below, you’ll find tree lightings, Santa visits, Santa breakfasts, parades, ice skating, gingerbread house making, and more! Events are listed by geographical area and ordered by date.

Need help finding something or want to get your group’s event listed? Just let me know by emailing me at soundsfunmom@gmail.com

South King County

Kent – No traditional event this year, but the Kent Lions will provide lights and music at Town Square Park during the season, Thanksgiving weekend through Christmas.

Carpinito Brothers has some festive displays and lights this year

Federal Way-To the best of my knowledge, all traditional holiday events in Federal Way have been cancelled. If you know differently, let me know!

Auburn Jolly, Holiday Lane on December 5th-a drive thru event at Les Gove Park with displays to see. You do need to register for this, and some time slots are full already.

ONGOING Auburn is also hosting virtual Santa visits and other fun, plus they are putting together a list of area light displays.

Tacoma and Greater Pierce County

ONGOING Fantasy Lights, Spanaway

Drive thru light show. Vehicle admission starts at 15.00 on Non-Peak Nights. November 21-29; December 6-10, and December 13th-17th. Peak Nights December 4th-5th; 11th-12th, and 18th-27th are 20.00.

Discounts:

ONGOING Reindeer at Watson’s Nursery, Puyallup –  Ongoing! Donner and Blitzen are spending their holiday vacation at Watson’s ’til the December 24th! This is a quick, free outing outside. The interior of Watson’s is also lovely this time of year, though I would probably not want to do it with a stroller or with toddlers with grab-y fingers.

ONGOING Christmas at the Old Cannery Furniture Warehouse

No Santa this year, but they have decorated the whole area, and you are welcome to come by for a DIY photo op. There is a train themed Christmas tree that I know some of your kids will love! The Bridge will also be lit up in the evening, though there is no official event.

ONGOING Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shop Tacoma –  Yes, you can still see Santa at Bass Pro this year. Follow the link for detailed safety information.

ONGOING Zoolights, Tacoma –

• Timed online tickets only (no gate tickets). *BECU members get $1 discount
• NOTE: Both aquariums, goat area and the carousel will be closed for safety
• Face coverings required (age 5+)
• Those with medical exemptions to wearing a face covering may book Zoolights tickets on the following Mondays from 7:30-9pm (last entry 8pm): Nov. 30, Dec. 7,  Dec. 14

North Pole at the Fair, Puyallup

ONGOING but limited reservations

The play area is not an option this year, but there are five new ways to get a Santa photo or experience. Some are sold out, but they have also been releasing new dates/times as they’ve come out, so follow their Fb page, too.

No ice skating this year, but Point Ruston has trees and some festive shopping.

Drive Thru Living Nativity in Sumner December 5th

Free, 5-7 minute drive through event present by members of the LDS church  Located in the parking lot of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – 512 Valley Ave, Sumner WA, enter off Mead McCumber. The drive-thru should last around 15 minutes, please come anytime throughout the two hour event

Holiday Lights at Meeker Mansion

Fridays and Saturdays thru December 19th

Meeker Mansion Museum welcomes visitors to drive thru the new holiday light display featuring the original lights from Puyallup’s Twinkle Lane, Fridays and Saturdays from 5pm to 8pm. No purchase necessary

Drive thru Living Nativity at the Center at Norpoint hosted by Soundside Church  December 19th

Christmas at Fort Steilacoom  Maybe? Pending? 

CHRISTMAS AT FORT STEILACOOM

Saturday, December 12 (DUE TO COVID-19 THIS EVENT IS PENDING)

Celebrate the Christmas season as living historians in period clothing present a period candle light Christmas.  The gift shop will be open for holiday shopping.  Tickets to the event will be available for purchase in the Interpretive Center/Quarters 4.  Admission: Adults $5, Children $3, Family (2 Adults, 3 Children) $10.  The event runs from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Check www.historicfortsteilacoom.org for event updates. Follow Historic Fort Steilacoom on Facebook and Instagram.

The Job Carr Cabin Museum is closed, but they have been offering take and go craft kits for kids. There is a holiday ornament offered in December.

You can look for gingerbread houses at Sunrise Village

ONGOING: The Sunrise Village Living Nativity and Santa is currently scheduled for the 19th

Gig Harbor/Port Orchard/Kitsap Area

PenMet Parks is offering a variety of holiday fun including holiday themed Putt-Putt and Polar Express themed kids’ night outs. Registration required and do read all the details.

Letters to Santa 

Thurston/Olympia/Lacey/Dupont Area

ONGOING Oly Lightstravaganza  

ONGOING Downtown for the Holidays Olympia

Holiday lights, over a mile of garland, snow, Nutcracker selfie sets and MORE!

Olympia, WA – Busy elves throughout Olympia are preparing for the  Annual ‘Downtown for the Holidays’, presented by WSECU. Traditionally, the kickoff for our holiday season takes place the Sunday after Thanksgiving. Given the pandemic, the traditional kickoff events will not take place, but our holiday season will commence with Small Business Saturday on November 28 through the end of December. Decorations, special window displays, parking freebies and more

Holiday Events in Lacey

ONGOING: Holiday Lights with Songs and Stories

Although we aren’t able to gather for the official lighting of the Christmas Tree and Huntamer Park, you can bring the family by the park to enjoy the lights and tune in to listen to Santa reading a Christmas story! We’ll even have some fun songs you can sing along to. We will have Instructions on how to tune in posted at the park and on our website. Sponsored by Interstate Batteries. Nightly, December 1 – 31, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Huntamer Park

As always, let me know if I’ve missed something great! I’d love to add it. Email me at soundsfunmom@gmail.com

If you’re looking for events in Seattle or North or south of Olympia, head over to our friends at ThriftyNWMom for their great holiday guide!