Looking for something kid friendly to do this weekend?
There are lots of holiday events and free family activities all around the South Sound this weekend. You’ll find a list just like this every Friday-just for families in Tacoma, Puyallup, Olympia, Gig Harbor, and Your South Sound home!
Headed elsewhere? There is always lots more to explore at ThriftyNWmom thanks to frugal fun finder, Annaliese, of Grays Harbor Deals!
You can say hello to the reindeer at Watson’s Nursery. Santa will also be on hand select days. Photo courtesy of Watson’s Nursery
Ongoing Holiday Events
Reindeer at Watson’s nursery, holiday events at The Old Cannery, Santa at the fairgrounds, Skating at the Polar Plaza in downtown Tacoma-See our holiday events guides for all the details.
It’s the last weekend for most Nutcrackers. See the complete list here.
Still need a Santa photo? If you don’t want to deal with the mall mobs, here is a list of options. Note that Santa at the North Pole at the fairgrounds is fully booked.
Fantasy Lights at Lake Spanaway
Zoolights at Point Defiance Zoo
Clam Lights has opened at Gene Coulon Park in Renton 5-9PM nightly through January 1st. It’s Free!
Keep Reading for complete listings for Saturday and Sunday by area
Saturday
South King County
Reindeer at Carpinito Brothers in Kent
Elves and the Toymaker in Auburn A StoryBook Theater production-think Elves and the Shoemaker holiday style Tickets are 8.00
Visit the HCC Mast Center at Redondo The center and its touch tanks of sea critters are free and open to the public every Saturday from 10-2
Scholastic Books Sale in Auburn
Last Showings of Jack and the Beanstalk at Centerstage in Federal Way. I have a review of this show here (giveaway is over).
Clam Lights has opened at Gene Coulon Park in Renton 5-9PM nightly through January 1st. It’s Free!
Greater Pierce County
Reindeer at Watson’s nursery, holiday events at The Old Cannery, Santa at the fairgrounds, Skating at the Polar Plaza in downtown Tacoma-See our holiday events guides for all the details.
Puppets Please! Holiday themed, marionette show at several Pierce County Library branches. Free, drop in event. Lakewood, University Place, Summit, Parkland/Spanaway today. Check link for times (opens pdf).
Winter Wonderland at WiggleWorks Puyallup 10AM-12 25.00 per child includes an ALL DAY play pass, plus the workshop-cocoa, activities, and kids can Meet Elsa! A must for your Frozen fans! Tell ’em we sent you-limited spots left.
Free Festival at Sunrise Village South Hill/Puyallup 3-6PM wagon rides, living nativity animals to pet, diy photos with Santa, and more fun Free
Last showing of A Christmas Carol at Sumner Manestage
Winter Market at Windmill Gardens in Sumner
Last showings of A Year With Frog and Toad at the Lakewood Playhouse tickets 15.00-20.00
Tacoma
Reindeer at Watson’s nursery, holiday events at The Old Cannery, Santa at the fairgrounds, Skating at the Polar Plaza in downtown Tacoma-See our holiday events guides for all the details.
Breakfast with Santa at the Portland Avenue Community Center
Santa at the LeMay Museum (This is the one by the Tacoma Dome). Admission here is spendy, but you do get a free voucher to drive the slot cards today and a free photo with Santa. Mrs. Claus will be on hand for story reading. Save a few bucks by finding street parking.
Free showing of Prancer at the Grand in Tacoma Show begins at 10AM, doors open early-limited to first 100 in attendance. Sponsored by Click!
Walking With Dinosaurs at the Tacoma Dome I have a review and links to a post with a ticket discount code here.
Polar Bear Birthday Party at the Point Defiance Zoo Special themed activities included with admission. The zoo gets spendy fast. SFM recommends investing in an annual pass unless you can take advantage of monthly free days for City of Tacoma residents. They make great gifts from grandparents!
Play and grow family time at the Wheelock Library 10:30
Winter is Here! Storytime and craft at the Main Library 10:30
Snowglobe craft at the Kobetich Library Recommended for ages 5 and up. Registration required-spots are available.
Free showing of the Guardians of the Galaxy at the Main Library 2PM
Singing Christmas Tree performances at Life Center in Tacoma
Lighted Boat Parade Viewing Party at the Foss Waterway Seaport Note the Tacoma Yacht Club says the event starts at 5:30…..I’m not really sure what to tell you, except maybe to head down to the waterfront around 5:30 just in case and then go over to the Seaport around 6?
Lakewood/Lacey/Olympia
Santa at the Lakewood Barnes and Noble story time and visits; bring your own camera to take a pic! 11-1 and 3-5
Children and all ages shows at the planetarium at Pierce College Low cost astronomy shows projected on the domed screen. Cash only or buy online in advance.
Visit the South Sound Estuarium interactive marine discovery! Open 11-4 weekends at their new location.
How the slug stole solstice at Olympia Family Theater Last shows!
Lunar celebration event at the LOTT Wet Science Center Learn all about the moon activities beginning at 2PM
Dancing Lights Marine Christmas Show at Percival Landing nightly light show set to music 7PM
Gig Harbor/Kitsap
Lego and Building Madness at the Gig Harbor Library 10-11:30
Santa will be at Sancastle toys for free photos; treats, too
2.00 showing of the Polar Express at the Galaxy Theater Doors open at 9:30
Llama, Llama, Holiday Drama storytime at the Kitsap Mall Barnes and Noble
Indoor/Outdoor Farmer’s Market a the old Peninsula Gardens site on Wollochet. Check for Santa’s hours
Last showings of A Charlie Brown Christmas in Port Orchard
Kitsap area readers may also like to get the free newsletter from Macaroni Kid Kitsap
Sunday
Jump events at Pump It Up in Tacoma last open jump of the year from 2-4PM Jolly Jump with Santa from 5-7PM Jolly Jump admission includes one printed photo with Santa Reserve via their calendar, or give them a call. Say SFM sent you!
Build a Boat at Santa’s Workshop at the Gig Harbor Boat Shop 10.00 per boat (toy, wooden size). All materials provided, plus treats in the decorated workshop
Polar Express at the Auburn Library Free showing of the movie and refreshments, too!
Model Train Festival begins at the Washington State History Museum in Tacoma We’ve gone to this several times. Honestly? I would go on a weekday, when it’s less crowded, but that’s just me. There are tons of train displays, and kids get some nice freebies. It is a museum, so most of the things are about looking-not touching. You can try to get a library pass to go for free, although they are typically harder to come by during this event. If you’ve been to this one and have other advice, let us know!
Turn of the Tides event at the South Sound Estuarium in Olympia Storytellers, family activities, Free
Be sure to also check, “Ongoing events,” at the top of this list, or visit our Holiday Guide (Just click on the graphic in the sidebar for many more options)!
Know something great I missed? Want publicity for your group or advertising for your family friendly business? Just let me know!
I’m putting the finishing touches on a whole slew of Amazing holiday posts Plus our annual series of holiday experience giveaways. If you’re not already a regular here, you’ll want to become one!
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