Need something to do around the South Sound this weekend? Here’s a list of events and activities with lots for your family to choose from!
For Seattle or Portland area fun you’ll want to check out the fantastic list over at ThriftyNWmom compiled by the newest member of their frugal finding team, Annaliese of Grays Harbor Deals!
Ongoing
Fantasy Lights at Spanaway Lake Here is how to find the coupon
Zoolights at Point Defiance Zoo
Friday
The Gingerbread Man at Olympia Family Theater short, daytime show perfect for young children 1PM 5.00 per person/cash or check
St Lucia Fest at PLU 7PM Hour long program with traditional Swedish song, dance, and a children’s performance
Christmas Tree Lighting in Lakewood Free activities; kiddie parade; Santa visits
Candy Cane Lane Benefit Dinner at Clover Park Technical College; dinner, gingerbread house making; photo ops. under a life size gingerbread house, and more! Ticket proceeds benefit culinary arts programs. Portion is tax deductible!
Free first Friday night at the Hands-on Children’s Museum in Olympia
Tree lighting ceremony in the Capitol rotunda
Signing Santa in Lacey Special time for children who are deaf or hard of hearing
Saturday
All Over
Free kids’ workshop at the Home Depot Arrive early for these popular free events
South King County
Touch tanks at HCC Mast at Redondo Free and open to the public every Saturday from 10-2 ****You can still look at the critters in the tanks, but you cannot touch them currently because of concerns over a disease that has been affecting the sea stars.
Tree Lighting in Renton-Piazza area downtown
Kent Winterfest Holiday Parade, Santa, carousel and family activities, tree lighting
Santa Parade and Tree Lighting in Auburn Snacks and crafts, community caroling, parade and tree lighting. Santa’s regular open house hours begin.
Santa’s arrival and tree lighting in Milton Look for more info. in the free, community newspaper around town-The Signal
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.
Multicare Festival of Trees Beautifully decorated trees and entertainment. Tacoma
Tree Lighting in University Place A full day of fun ending with the tree lighting
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 Santa on hand/professional photos available; children’s stories; staff in Victorian costumes
Zoolights at the Point Defiance Zoo
Children and all ages shows at the Pierce College Science Dome/planetarium2PM children’s show on Pluto; 3:15 all ages show: Lamps of Atlantis
Holiday Fest in Proctor Santa visits, pancake breakfast, strolling musicians, and more
Lacey/Olympia
Visit the new South Sound Estuarium 10AM-3PM
Holiday Festival at Nature Nurtures Farm *Contest is over, but this post has info. on the event
Providence Christmas Forestpublic viewing and kids’ day crafts and activities provided by the Hands-on Children’s Museum; live entertainment Adult admission 6.00;kids 1.00
Friends of the Lacey library used book sale
Olympia Family Theater presents Lyle the Crocodile (ongoing)
Olympia Parade of Lighted Ships The fleet sails at 6pm from Percival Landing and the Port Plaza area. Boats circle Boston Harbor; good views around Budd Inlet
Jingle Fest at South Sound Church crafts,treats, free pictures with Santa 7PM
Gig Harbor/Kitsap
Indoor fall farmer’s market (old Peninsula Gardens site)
PenMet Parks Breakfast with Santa in Gig Harbor 8.00/person pancake breakfast; entertainment; photos with Santa Make reservations
Santa breakfast with the Key Center Fire department register in advance
Free holly cuttings at Wilkison Farm Park in Gig Harbor While supplies last; ongoing
Santa arrives at Uptown in Gig Harbor at Teaching Toys and Books Too1-5PM
Tidefest at Gig Harbor High School (also Sunday)
Santa at the Fox Island Museum The museum hosts children’s activities monthly. Be sure to check ‘em out!
Pictures with Santa at the Log Cabin Museum in Port Orchard
Living Nativity at Discovery Baptist in Gig Harbor; walk-through only now ; also Sunday
Festivals of Chimes and Lights Port Orchard Day long event with fun run; free showings of Polar Express, tree lighting, Santa, and more
Tree Lighting in Gig Harbor also touch tanks with Harbor Wild Watch before
Nativity Festival at the LDS church Free event featuring a variety of nativity sets on display and activities for children. Also Sunday 1-9PM
2.00 movie at the Galaxy in Gig Harbor A fundraiser for the Jacox benevolence fund. Doors open at 9:30 All kid friendly titles
Wizard of Oz at Paradise theater
Kitsap area readers may also like to get the free newsletter from Macaroni Kid Kitsap
Sunday
Visit the new South Sound Estuarium 10AM-3PM
Let it Snow! Free Community Festival at the Tacoma Art Museum
Holiday Fest at the STAR Center in South Tacoma
Caring Santa at the Tacoma Mall-special photo sessions for children with special needs
Family Day at the Providence Christmas Forest in Olympia
Hark the Harbor Caroling and arrival of the Argosy Christmas Ship in Gig Harbor
Note from Sounds Fun Mom: Many of this weekend’s events continue on Sunday. I’ll be updating this section later! Check back!
Know something great I missed? Want publicity for your group or advertising for your family friendly business? Just let me know! Don’t forget you can find rainy day play options up in the menu bar! You know-just in case!
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HAPPY HOLIDAYS ~ !!!>!
Wondering if you will be creating a list of neighborhood light displays? I’ve looked everywhere & can’t find one…. however with your FB Twitter & fans I thought if anyone would be able to get it ~ it would be you.
Thanks for all you do