• Home
  • About
  • Advertise With Us-Contact Us!
  • Deals
Facebook Twitter RSS Email
  • Outdoor Adventures
    • The Best Playground List
    • Hikes
    • Parks
    • Playgrounds
  • Places to Go
  • Rainy Day Play
    • Bounce Houses
    • Indoor Playgrounds
  • Coming Events
    • Calendar
  • Preschools
  • South Sound Summer Camp Guide
    • Full Day Camps
    • Sports Camps
    • Fine Arts Camps
    • Nature Camps
    • Specialty Camps
    • Camps for Kids With Special Needs

South Sound Weekend Kids’ Calendar: Family Fun and Things to Do November 30th, December 1st, and December 2nd

November 30, 2018 by Maegen Blue

Looking for something to do with the kids this Weekend?

Here’s our weekly guide to South Sound area fun with activities for kids in Tacoma, Puyallup, Olympia, and Your South Sound home!

You’ll find a list just like this-just for the South Sound-every Friday morning! One note-While we strive for 100% accuracy, this time of year we do encouage you to use the links we provide to confirm event details, as we have listed literally hundreds of haps on our various guides in the last weeks.

Ongoing Holiday Events

Fantasy Lights at Spanaway Lake The area’s only drive thru light display. Take in the twinkling lights from your cozy car.

Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shop Tacoma – Free games, crafts, activities and Santa photos. Ongoing-see link for schedule Free-unless you buy something 🙂

Zoolights, Tacoma – November 23rd-January 6th, 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm. Explore over half a million lights at the zoo, take a camel ride or get warm in the South Pacific Aquarium.

North Pole at the Fair, Puyallup – Reserve a photo time with Santa and enjoy a full afternoon at the North Pole, with an entire village just for kids. You can also buy tickets just to play at the Pole if you don’t need or want a photo. Great rainy day option with young children.

Indigo Frozen Fountain – Ice Skating at Point Ruston, November 14th – February 2nd. The Grand Plaza at Point Ruston will be transformed into a winter wonderland! Follow link for admission details and holiday hours.

Victorian Country Christmas, Puyallup Fairgrounds November 28th – December 2nd. Holiday fun for all ages! Over 500 stores, dining, concerts, stage shows, Santa and much more!

Christmas at the Old Cannery Furniture Warehouse

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Santa will be at The Old Cannery Furniture Warehouse for complimentary photos with your families! See link for schedule.

There’s a skating rink in Auburn this year! Let us know about this if you go; we haven’t had a chance to check it out. Look under the, “Community Calendar,” for more info. Located in the heart of downtown Auburn in the Main Street Plaza (Corner of Main Street & Division Street across from City Hall).  Purchase your tickets right across the street at Gosanko Chocolate. Tickets are $6 for kids (under 12) and $8 for adults (skates included). Open 7 days a week 3PM-7PM Mon-Fri  11AM-7PM Sat-Sun

There is also a new ice skating rink in Olympia this season! 

Manestage Theater in Sumner presents A Christmas Story the Musical

November 30 – December 16, 2018

A Christmas Story, The Musical! comes to hilarious life onstage! Based on the classic 1983 movie, the story takes place in 1940’s Indiana, where a kooky leg lamp, outrageous pink bunny pajamas, a cranky department store Santa, and a triple dog-dare to lick a freezing flagpole are just a few of the obstacles that stand between Ralphie and his Christmas dream.

Sensitive Santa events-Several this weekend

All Weekend

Victorian Country Christmas, Puyallup Fairgrounds

Friday

Multicare Festival of Trees, Tacoma  November 30 – December 1, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm. Greater Tacoma Convention Center Adults: $6, Children 5-12: $2, Children under 5: free Bring your family and friends for a stroll through the glittering display of trees. Festival is open to the public during select hours on Friday, November 30 and Saturday, December 1.

Opening Of Renton Clam Lights

2018 Ivar’s Clam Lights and the Argosy Christmas Ship Parade
November 30 through January 1, 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m..

Start your holiday season off at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park, with an evening of entertainment, holiday spirit, and stunning visual effects.  A fun event for young and old alike. This event draws thousands of spectators each year.

Saturday

All Over

Santa is scheduled to appear at Kohl’s stores. You may want to confirm with yours before you head out.

Storytime at Barnes and Noble stores Most area stores do a free, weekly storytime at 11AM; however, we do suggest calling yours to confirm first, as we have found participation to be inconsistent. It’s How to Catch a Snowman at most stores.

Make a sled with a reindeer at Home Depot kids’ club  Registration is now requested for these popular, free kids’ building workshops. You will need to select your store location to see and register for this event.

South King County

Featured Sponsor: Get your tree at Pfaff’s Old Time Christmas Tree farm! An old-fashioned experience with reasonably priced trees at a charming, family farm.

Federal Way Jingle Bell Brunch – Saturday, December 1st 10:00 am – 11:30 am

  • Visit Santa
  • Mrs. Claus to deliver your letter
  • Photo opportunities —bring your camera!
  • Dance around in the snow with some special guests
  • Live entertainment Pre-registration required $ 15/Adult $12/child 12 years & under
Winter Social and House Cup Ceremony at the Covington Library 1-3PM Ages 11 to 100. Ages 10 and younger with adult. Come to the American Yule Ball! Unlike Hogwarts, dancing isn’t the focus of the Winter Social, though there will be a Dance Floor Survival Skills workshop at 11am for those with daring!

The Gingerbread Man Puppet Show at the Maple Valley Library 10:30 

A Season for Singing Concert

at the Auburn Library Presented by Nancy Stewart. Family program, all ages welcome. Learn about holiday traditions from around the world at this musical 2PM

Kent Winterfest. Winterfest in Kent with live entertainment, special story time, Santa’s arrival, the tree lighting, and more.

Tree lighting in Federal Way Tree Lighting at Town Square Park with Music and Santa

Hollydaze events in Covington

pancake breakfast, community tree lighting, float-in movie at the aquatic center, and much more fun all day. Link has complete event schedule.

Santa Parade and fun in Auburn children’s Santa parade, community caroling, and tree lighting. A day full of fun for everyone!

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

Greater Pierce County-Puyallup/Sumner/Bonney Lake/South Hill

Hometown Holiday in EatonvilleSanta Breakfast, parade, chili feed and more fun

Puyallup Main Street Santa Parade – Saturday, December 1st, 5:00 pm.  Bring the kids down to welcome Santa! See the jolly old elf arrive on one of Puyallup’s finest fire engines! Included in the festivities is the Holiday Market (12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.) in the Pioneer Park Pavilion and the lighting of the Community Tree in the Pioneer Park! This wonderful community tradition is a great way to kick off the holiday season!

Bonney Lake Tree Lighting –  Enjoy activities, music, refreshments, pictures with Santa, and the tree lighting.

Upcycled Crafts: Making with Recycled Materials  at the South Hill Library 1-2PM
The Goodwill of the Olympics and Puget Sound region will show kids and families how to give new purpose to old things.

Free holiday fun at Sunrise Village/South Hill living nativity, wagon rides, Santa, and other fun December 1st, 8th, and 15th from 3 – 6 pm

Gingerbread Houses at the Summit Library  11am-12

Santa Parade in Sumner

Tacoma/South Tacoma

Multicare Festival of Trees, Tacoma  November 30 – December 1, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm. Greater Tacoma Convention Center Adults: $6, Children 5-12: $2, Children under 5: FREE Bring your family and friends for a stroll through the glittering display of trees. Festival is open to the public during select hours on Friday, November 30 and Saturday, December 1.

Ugly sweater craft at the Wheelock Library1-5

A 19th Century Christmas at Ft. Nisqually Saturday December 1st 11 am – 4 pm

Santa Visits the Conservatory in Wright Park Saturday, December 1st, 10 am – 3 pm

Join us for this much anticipated visit from Santa and his reindeer friends. Memorialize the holidays in the beauty of the Conservatory with a professional photograph with Santa for $15. cookies, crafts and and jolly good times provided. $3 suggested donation

Cartooning Workshop with Colin Andersen at the Parkland/Spanaway Library  1-3PM 
Tweens and teens are invited to join Adventure Time cartoon series artist Colin Andersen for the comic drawing adventure. Learn the fundamentals of drawing and story they intertwine in comics.

Featured Sponsor: Santa Mini Sessions with Angie D Photography in Tacoma Get your own session and an Adorable photo! See link for details on pricing and reserving your time. Readers love her! Very limited spots Saturday and Sunday as of this writing.

Disney Junior event at the Tacoma Mall

South Tacoma Library reopening event 

Lacey/Olympia

Nutcracker ballerinas will be at the Hands On Children’s Museum  Included with admission

Yelm Christmas in the Park

Parade of Lighted Ships in Olympia

Providence Christmas Forest – Olympia Providence Christmas Forest 2018 public viewing will be held December 1-2, 9 am – 5 pm at the Hotel RL by Red Lion (2300 Evergreen Park Dr SW) in Olympia. Saturday is kids’ day!

Dupont Tree Lighting   December 1st, 5 pm at Ross Plaza

Olympia Waldorf School Enchanted Winter Faire

Free Santa Photos at Cabelas in Lacey

Olympia Family Theater presents Tiny Tim

Learn about waste free holidays at the LOTT WET Science Center  today.  2 pm presentation about the story behind the things we buy, use, and toss.  Waste-free holiday crafts and activities all day. The center is free.

Gig Harbor/Kitsap 

Gingerbread Houses at the Gig Harbor Library  10am-1pm Make and decorate your own gingerbread house. You do need to register; lots of spots as of this writing
A Pioneer Christmas: Traditions Across America at the Key Center Library 2-3:30pm
In the spirit of Little House on the Prairie, explore the Christmas traditions the pioneers brought with them during the time of the great westward expansion.

Donkey Creek Salmon Tours with Harbor WildWatch

Gig Harbor Tree Lighting – Saturday December 1st 2018 | 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Gig Harbor’s Annual Holiday Tree Lighting is the official kickoff to the holidays in Gig Harbor. Come join friends and neighbors for entertainment galore, including live music, Rainier’s Rhubarb, refreshments and a visit from Santa on the fire truck!

Santa at the Fox Island Museum –  Free event for Fox Island children

TideFest – Gig Harbor High School; Saturday/Sunday, December 1-2. Fine arts and gifts festival.

Pictures with Santa at the Log Cabin Museum – Port Orchard; December 1/2 and 8/9. Have your photo taken with Santa and the vintage Christmas tree at the Log Cabin. Donations accepted.

Pier into the Night with Harbor WildWatch

South Kitsap Fire and Rescue Breakfast with Santa

Port Orchard Festival of Chimes and Lights  

Sunday

Be sure to also check the top of the post under, “Ongoing events.”

South King County

Featured Sponsor: Get your tree at Pfaff’s Old Time Christmas Tree farm! An old-fashioned experience with reasonably priced trees at a charming, family farm.

Tacoma

6th Avenue Santa Parade

5th Annual 6th Ave Santa Parade on 6th Ave Tacoma from State St to Alder!
Bands, Floats, Street Vendors, Music, Shopping, and of course Santa! Street closes at 2:30, Parade kick off at 4:30.

Sounds of the Season with Tacoma Youth Chorus

Gig Harbor/Kitsap

Letters to Santa – Key Center Fire Department; Sunday, December 2, 3 pm -4 pm. Free community event! Letters to Santa is hosted by Key Pen Parks and the Key Center Fire Department. It is held at the Key Center Fire Station, 8911 Key Peninsula Highway KP N, Lakebay, WA 98349. Kids may come and decorate a cookie and write their letters to Santa!  This is a great place to come before heading over to the KC Corral for the Christmas tree lighting ceremony.

Fox Island Tree Lighting –  Use link to navigate to the date on the calendar.

TideFest – Gig Harbor High School; Saturday/Sunday, December 1-2. Fine arts and gifts festival.

Pictures with Santa at the Log Cabin Museum – Port Orchard; December 1/2 and 8/9. Have your photo taken with Santa and the vintage Christmas tree at the Log Cabin. Donations accepted.

Olympia

Chanukah Celebration Olympia

Sunday, December 2nd from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Join the Jewish Community of Olympia for our 10th annual Chanukah celebration! Chanukah, the festival of Lights, carries a universal message, to combat darkness with light, hate with love. Everyone is welcome to join this annual Olympia tradition.

Providence Christmas Forest – Olympia Providence Christmas Forest 2018 public viewing will be held December 1-2, 9 am – 5 pm at the Hotel RL by Red Lion (2300 Evergreen Park Dr SW) in Olympia.

Olympia Family Theater presents Tiny Tim’s Christmas Carol

Be sure to also check, “Ongoing Holiday Events,” at the top, or just click on South Sound holiday fun in the menu bar.

Know something great I missed? Want publicity for your group or advertising for your family friendly business?  Just let me know! Got a great tip we missed? Get in touch! 

New here? I’d love to have you use the buttons at the top to join us on the Facebook page, follow me on Twitter, or subscribe to my emails so you don’t miss a thing!

Keep in touch!

Search to find more fun!

What Sounds Fun This Month

Thank Our Sponsors

Recent Posts

  • List of Peter Cotton Trail Locations!
  • It’s Almost Time for the Peter Cotton Trail Event! Find Bunnies and Enter to Win Prizes From Auburn Parks!
  • Washington State Toy Show 2021 in Puyallup at the Fairgrounds: Free Kids’ Tickets for Readers Select Hours!
  • Peter Cotton Trail: A Fun and Safe Easter Event for Kids and Families in Auburn
  • SnowPlay Area for Sledding and Snow Fun With Kids Open at Mt. Rainier 2021
Sounds Fun Mom is fun for kids in Tacoma, Puyallup, Sumner, Edgewood, Fife, Lakewood, Auburn, Lacey, Olympia, Gig Harbor, Graham, Orting, Eatonville, Enumclaw, Bonney Lake, Federal Way, Kent, Dupont, Port Orchard, and Your South Sound home.

Copyright © 2020 Sounds Fun Mom ~ All Rights Reserved