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