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South Sound Holiday Events

November 19, 2013 by Maegen Blue

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.

South Sound Holiday Fun Guide Holiday fun tacoma auburn puyallup renton federal way bonney lake

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

Renton Holiday Lights

November 28th-January 1st 4-8PM daily at Gene Coulon Beach Memorial Park and Piazza Park. Note from SFM: These are smaller displays; the traditional Clam Lights was canceled. You can read more here.

White River Valley Museum in Auburn has a variety of virtual events this year.

The Argosy Christmas Ship festival has been cancelled this year.

Santa Hat giveaway  in Normandy Park December 5th  This is a drive thru event; no traditional lighting/Winterfest this year.

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:

Online Discount Ticket Purchase-Nov. 21-Jan. 3, 2021 Save $3 on general vehicle admission.
(Online convenience fee will apply.)

Discount Nights: Nov. 30-Dec. 3, Dec. 28-Jan. 3, 2021 $10 per vehicle Purchase at the gate or online.  (Online convenience fee will apply.)

Gingerbread Jamboree-This Children’s Museum of Tacoma event has been cancelled this year. They are still hosting virtual Play to Learn events that are great options for your preschoolers and toddlers.

ONGOING: Mini Golf With Holiday Lights at King’s in Puyallup 

The outdoor, mini golf course has been festively decorated so you can play among the twinkling lights.

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 –

NOVEMBER 27, 2020 – JANUARY 3, 2021
5:00PM – 9:00PM
Magical lights and a safe, classic holiday tradition. (Last entry 8pm. Closed Dec. 24-25). Tickets limited. $10-$14
  • 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

Lakewood –

Lakewood is doing a, “Reverse Parade of Lights,” on December 12th.

What is a reverse parade? We’re glad you asked!

Typically, the City’s Parade of Lights features a variety of floats, local marching bands, and classic cars that travel on a parade route through Downtown Lakewood with spectators lining up on the streets to view the procession.  The “Reverse” Parade of Lights will feature a stationary display of floats and vehicles lined up around Lakewood Towne Center’s perimeter road. Spectators will drive-thru Colonial Plaza to view the floats and vehicles. The City will provide music. Additionally, Santa has indicated that he will be there!

Fort Nisqually offers a variety of virtual alternatives this year, including Victorian Christmas Music at Home.

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  

Oly Lightstravaganza is free and open to all. The lights will be on 4:45 – 10:30 pm, November 29, 2020 through the New Year. 

Please bring donations for the Thurston County Food Bank (cash, check to TCFB, or non-perishable food).

***Please Note: In light of the Covid-19 pandemic, visitors will not be permitted on our property. The display is set up to be viewed from the street or sidewalk. As well, we will not be hosting events nor handing out free cookies and cider.***

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!

Comments

  1. Meghann says

    November 20, 2013 at 10:17 am

    You missed the Gig Harbor Nativity Festival, December 6, 7, and 8th from 1pm-9pm
    http://christmasnativity.weebly.com/

  2. admin says

    November 23, 2013 at 6:21 pm

    Thanks! We’ll get it added!

  3. Amanda Holmquist says

    November 29, 2013 at 10:59 am

    Bahaha never mind! I totally didn’t see how you organized the list by county…. sorry about that! Mommy moment!

  4. admin says

    November 29, 2013 at 11:31 am

    No worries! You scared me for a minute, though-lol.
    My kids are always in that parade with their Scout troop. I’m hoping it will be a little warmer this year. Crosses fingers!!

  5. Dave Wright says

    November 30, 2013 at 9:54 am

    Also there’s the annual Festival of Lessons and Carols at the U of Puget Sound. Sunday 12/8, 7 pm, free (food donations accepted for local food banks). Features performances by Adelphian Concert Choir.

  6. admin says

    November 30, 2013 at 5:38 pm

    Thanks, Dave!

  7. Ilene says

    December 9, 2013 at 12:46 pm

    Your listing says the Polar Express will show at the Grand on 12/21, but their site says the movie on the 21st is How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

  8. admin says

    December 10, 2013 at 9:06 am

    Yep. Polar Express was last year. I need to update that. Thanks!

  9. sari says

    November 21, 2014 at 5:15 pm

    NW Trek is in Eatonville not Enumclaw, right?

  10. admin says

    November 22, 2014 at 5:25 pm

    Ack! Yes! I am always mixing those two, up! Thank you!

  11. Angela Rajnus says

    November 23, 2014 at 9:16 pm

    A couple more GH events. http://www.harborhistorymuseum.org/upcoming-events/

  12. Tiara says

    November 23, 2014 at 9:56 pm

    I didn’t see it listed, but the new bass pro shop in Tacoma has the santa land event, i think it’s every day, with specialty events and give aways on the weekends.

  13. Genevieve says

    November 23, 2014 at 11:22 pm

    You forgot Puget Sound Revels under performances: http://pugetsoundrevels.org

  14. admin says

    November 24, 2014 at 10:47 am

    Hi, Tiara,
    We did have that listed in our free Santa photo guide, but you’re right that it should probably be here, too! Thanks for stopping by!

  15. admin says

    November 24, 2014 at 10:47 am

    Thanks, Genevieve!

  16. admin says

    November 24, 2014 at 10:48 am

    Thanks, Angela!

  17. Maureen says

    November 29, 2014 at 3:15 pm

    I didn’t see it on the list but Federal Way is doing a tree lighting at the new Town Center Park on the 6th. http://www.itallhappenshere.com/default_802_2564522460.pdf

  18. admin says

    November 30, 2014 at 8:54 am

    Thanks, Maureen! I’ll look into it! I really appreciate the tips!

  19. Ashley Seeley says

    December 3, 2015 at 10:57 pm

    ManeStage Theater in Sumner has The Christmas Story for Dec 2015. I am not sure all of the details but I know it is a few weekends in December.

  20. Rachel says

    December 10, 2016 at 7:58 pm

    Maegan,

    We just went to this today and it was so fun! They are open tomorrow 11-3.

    http://gigharborboatshop.org/gig-harbor-boatshop-events-and-activities/2015/12/12/santas-workshop?rq=Santa

  21. julia says

    October 30, 2017 at 12:35 pm

    please add gingerbread jamboree with the childrens museum of tacoma! playtacoma.org weekend after thanksgiving!

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