What is there to do with kids around here this weekend?
Let’s see….You could see trains, watch Santa arrive by plane, make a gingerbread house, see a Nutcracker, drive through sparkling lights, and that’s just a start! It’s truly an amazing list full of ways to have fun with the kids no matter your budget or your idea of fun! And, yes, we’ll have all kinds of winter break suggestions up at the site in just a bit!
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 – Santa photos are completely sold out, BUT You can buy tickets just to play at the Pole if you don’t need or want a photo. Great rainy day option with young children and you can easily spend a whole afternoon here-just make sure everyone knows they’re not seeing Santa, and you’ll have a ton of fun.
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.
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!
Holiday ice skating at Sprinker Rec CenterDecember 7 – 31st | during sessions listed
Holiday music, snowflakes, indoor snow flurries & a decorated Christmas tree in the center of the arena. – “selfie photo favorite” Please Note: Closed Dec. 25 | Jan. 1 Happy Holidays!
Admission prices, skate rental information and more:
Website: www.piercecountywa.gov/sprinker
Phone: 253-798-4000
Singing Christmas Tree – Life Center, Tacoma. Various dates and times through the 23rd A live musical production offered each Christmas as a holiday tradition! Tickets are 6.00-25.00
Tacoma Musical Playhouse presents A Charlie Brown Christmas As of this writing there are tickets available for Friday at 7pm and Sunday at 6pm.
Olympia Little Theater presents A Christmas Story Shows Friday, Saturday, and Sunday; limited tickets
Free outdoor light show at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park through January 1st.
Our holiday arts guide is here
Free Santa photo ops. are here
Saturday
South King County
Featured: Need a tree? You can still get one at Pfaff’s in Auburn this weekend! Yes-They’re open through Christmas Eve!
Maple Valley School of Ballet presents Nutcracker Highlights
Tiffany recommends this short version from a local school for young children, especially. Performances at KentLake High School
The Nutcracker and The Tale of the Hard Nut at the FW Performing Arts and Events Center
Federal Way Performing Arts Center December 15th-23rd. On Dec 15th,16th,22nd and 23rd, you can also join in the Sugarplum tea before the matinee performances. Tickets are $25-$95. This production features the full story, “The Nutcracker and the Tale of the Hard Nut,” the professional Tacoma City Ballet Dancers, gorgeous costumes, and a full orchestra.
A Journey Through Time Nativity Show
This FREE FAMILY EVENT is a walk-thru drama, taking groups through every 20-30 minutes. There will be refreshments, activities, and free Photo Booth. *Please check-in at the designated area, to receive your Free Ticket. Dress warm as the outdoor tours take about 30-40 minutes. Also Saturday
Kent Valley Figure Skating Club presents A Nutcracker On Ice Also Sunday
Puyallup, Fife, Graham-Greater Pierce
On Saturday, December 22nd, Santa will be landing at 10am from the North Pole here at Spencer Aircraft until Noon! Get here early for a good spot to see him! Free candy and photos
Tiffany’s is offering 1.00 skating admission Friday, Saturday, and Sunday Rentals extra
Puppets Please at the Graham Library 11am-12pm
Colorful marionettes perform a holiday-themed, in-the-round show.
Gingerbread Houses at the Fife Library 12-1pm
Make and decorate your own gingerbread house.
Gingerbread Houses at the Fife Library 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Make and decorate your own gingerbread house.
Read to a Dog at the Eatonville Library Share a book with a furry friend while improving your reading skills. 3-4PM
Children’s Dance Theater and Prestige Dance Studio, Fife
The show is approximately 90 minutes long and will be presented at Columbia Junior High PAC on Friday, December 21, 7:30pm and Saturday, December 22nd, 2:00pm and 7:30pm. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door.
monthly car seat safety inspection at Sugar Babies 20.00 for an appointment or free with car seat purchase
Freedom Martial Arts in Edgewood is hosting a Parents’ Night Out event
Dinner and snacks provided; you are asked to make a donation to charity Backpack Kids in lieu of fees this month.
Tacoma/South Tacoma/Parkland
Featured: The Nutcracker and The Tale of the Hard Nut at the FW Performing Arts and Events Center
Federal Way Performing Arts Center December 15th-23rd. On Dec 15th,16th,22nd and 23rd, you can also join in the Sugarplum tea before the matinee performances. Tickets are $25-$95. This production features the full story, “The Nutcracker and the Tale of the Hard Nut,” the professional Tacoma City Ballet Dancers, gorgeous costumes, and a full orchestra.
Model Train Festival begins at the Washington State History Museum Fun, annual event for your train fans with lots of models, and a freight train simulator this year! Santa Claus will be available for FREE pictures with you and your family on December 21, 22 and 23 from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Event runs through January 1st; closed December 24th and 25th
Tacoma Little Theater presents Scrooge the Musical Various shows through the 30th
Olympia Area
Reptiles at the LOTT WET Science Center today.Learn about and meet reptiles; related crafts all day. The center is free.
The Hands-On Children’s Museum has fun activities included with admission all week.
Gig Harbor
AR Workshop ornament making 3 for $15 or 6 for $29.50.
Registration via their calendar is required
Dec 22nd 12pm : https://goo.gl/JYUS1w
Dec 22nd 1:30pm : https://goo.gl/H5fd2P
Jewel Box Nutcracker at Peninsula High School
Harbor Dance is proud to present its very first annual Jewel Box Nutcracker. Contact the box office about tickets.
Sunday
Be sure to also check, “Ongoing events,” at the top of this list.
Featured: Tacoma City Ballet Presents The Nutcracker and The Tale of The Hard Nut
Federal Way Performing Arts Center December 15th-23rd. On Dec 15th,16th,22nd and 23rd, you can also join in the Sugarplum tea before the matinee performances. Tickets are $25-$95. This production features the full story, “The Nutcracker and the Tale of the Hard Nut,” the professional Tacoma City Ballet Dancers, gorgeous costumes, and a full orchestra. Purchase tickets here
Open Studio with Kids at Pinot’s Palette South Hill
Paint 4 ornaments or a 10×10 canvas for $15!
Olympia Little Theater presents A Christmas Story Shows Friday, Saturday, and Sunday; limited tickets
Be sure to also check, “Ongoing Holiday Events,” at the top of this list.
For family friendly religious services, check our Facebook page where we’ll have recommendations coming soon.
Look Ahead
Need things to do for the rest of your winter break? We’ll have an awesome guide full of ideas up soon. Check back for that on the homepage. In the meantime, here are a few highlights:
Here are a few highlights:
Jingle Bell Run – Tacoma Monday! A refreshing 3 mile run or walk through Wright Park There are some walk up spots available.
Winter Wildland at NW Trek December 29-30. Watch animals enjoy special themed enrichment treats and activities; included with admission. NW Trek is pricy; SFM recommends investing in an annual pass if you’d go more than twice this year. Great experience gift!
Polar Bear Plunge – Tuesday January 1, 11:30am and 12:00pm; FREE. If you’re daring, take a plunge in the Puget Sound on New Year’s Day at the Pt Defiance Marina boat launch. There will be heaters and free hot drinks following the plunge.
Many of the “Ongoing,” events at the top also continue through the 1st of January and some beyond! Make it a great one!
FYI Jingle Bell Run Tacoma is on Monday.
Oops! Thanks, Staci. Yes, it’s always a Christmas Eve event. Thanks for catching that!