The holiday season is here, and December is packed with magical events all across the South Sound! From festive light displays and holiday markets to winter performances and family-friendly activities, there’s something special for everyone to enjoy this month.
Whether you’re planning cozy outings with loved ones, checking off your holiday shopping list, or looking for ways to embrace the seasonal spirit, you’ll find plenty of inspiration in the events below. Let’s make this December one to remember!
And if you have an event to share, don’t hesitate to reach out—I’d love to include it in the mix.
ZOOLIGHTS
Magical lights and a classic holiday tradition dazzling our community for 35 years! Step back into the Zoolights tradition you know and love: your Zoo, transformed into a colorful winter wonderland with over 800,000 lights. What's your favorite display? The giant Pacific octopus? Giant tiger face? Flame tree? Seahawks tree? What about the Narrows Bridges? And don't forget to hunt for Sasquatch. Come find all your favorites, old and new.
Date: Friday, November 29 - Monday, January 5
Time: 4:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Location: POINT DEFIANCE ZOO & AQUARIUM, 5400 N Pearl St, Tacoma, WA 98407
TACOMA SUNDAY HUGE HOLIDAY MARKET
Tacoma Sunday Market is transforming the Tacoma Armory in the biggest Holiday Marketplace in the South Sound! Shop with tons of vintage dealers, designers, sneaker resellers, and makers. Drop in to one of many workshops, grab a cocktail and food, enjoy music, black Santa photos, selfie stations, and more. Please bring a new unwrapped toy for the toy drive to benefit Tacoma Rescue Mission.
Date: Sunday, December 1
Time: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: TACOMA ARMORY, 1001 S Yakima Ave, Tacoma, WA 98405
FIRCREST HOLIDAY MARKET AND TREE LIGHTING
Please join us for a fun-filled celebration to kick-off the holidays! We have a full day of Fircrest FUN planned for you! We've invited fantastic artists, makers and more to help you finish your holiday shopping early. We have fun entertainment planned all day long. We'll have a yummy selection of food items available for purchase at the Food trucks right outside the Community Center! Our annual TREE LIGHTING begins at 6:00 pm at Alice Peers Park, followed by the arrival of Santa for photos at the Community Center.
Date: Sunday, December 1
Time: 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: Fircrest Community Center, 555 Contra Costa Ave, Fircrest, WA 98466
CRAFTOPIA CLASSES
Craftopia is an arts and craft studio dedicated to expanding access to arts and crafts in our community regardless of age, experience or financial abilities. We realize that there is truly a lack of opportunities to explore different art and craft styles - especially for adults - in our area. We work to create a safe space where the community can come together to explore different forms and mediums and connect with other creatives. We are not a non-profit organization, but do operate under a not-for-profit mindset. We are not looking to make money, but provide opportunities. The cost of our classes reflects the cost of materials and business overhead, and an appropriate wage for our guest instructors. Any profits are used to pay for our free activities and to make our craft kits which are distributed through the Tacoma Public Library.
Date: Sunday, December 1 - Monday, December 30
Location: CRAFTOPIA, 917 Pacific Avenue Suite 100, Tacoma, WA 98402
TACOMA PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAM EVENTS
From Up and Atom STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) Days to Teen Times and Drop-in Tech Help, the Tacoma Public Library partners with so many great organizations to bring you free and inclusive events and resources for all ages!
Dates: Tuesday, December 3 - Tuesday, December 31
Location: TACOMA PUBLIC LIBRARY, Multiple Branches (check link for locations)
WINTER WONDERLAND ORNAMENTS WORKSHOP
Join us for a cozy and creative workshop where you’ll craft 6 beautiful winter ornaments using vials filled with dried greenery and flowers. In this hands-on session, participants will learn how to design unique holiday decorations that capture the beauty of nature and the essence of the season.
Date: Wednesday, December 4
Time: 6:30 - 8:30 PM
Location: HIVE CO., 5436 S Tacoma Way, Tacoma, WA, 98409
FREE NEIGHBORHOOD NIGHTS AT TAM
Tacoma Art Museum is open late and FREE to the community every Thursday, 5 – 8 pm! Neighborhood Nights offer us the space to build programs with community partners, artists, scholars, and entertainers. Stop by TAM Cafe for a bite or a drink before enjoying exhibitions, art-making in TAM Studio, or a special program. Thursday evenings at the Tacoma Art Museum are the perfect time to bring your friends, family, or a date to enjoy art. Experience YOUR Museum.
Date: Thursdays, December 5, 12, 19, 26
Time: 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Location: TACOMA ART MUSEUM, 1701 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402
OPEN MIC AT KIMBALL COFFEEHOUSE
Join us for our weekly Open Mic night where you can showcase your talents or simply enjoy the performances. Sign-ups start at 5:30 PM. See you there!
Date: Thursdays, December 5, 12, 19, 26
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Location: KIMBALL COFFEEHOUSE, 6659 Kimball Dr, Gig Harbor, WA 98335
BABY & TOT MEET UP/EARLY LEARNERS
Join us Fridays for Baby & Tot Meet Ups, between 10 am and 12 pm for open play and coffee with friends at The Pod Works. Baby Tot Meet-Ups NOW WITH EARLY LEARNERS. We'll do a structured 20 minute circle time for our early learners at 9:40am (usually 1-2 year olds but all ages are welcome!) followed by free play & coffee with friends 10:00am-11:40am and we'll end with another 20 minutes of Early Learners Circle Time. Free to members and first-time guests. Day passes and donations are also welcome. Registration required.
Date: Fridays, December 6, 13, 20, 27
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: THE POD WORKS, 7024 27th Street West, University Place, WA, 98466
BUNCO MOM’S NIGHT AT THE POD WORKS
Join us at The Pod Works for Mom's Night, the first Friday of every month! This event is for moms and babes in arms, an opportunity to enjoy some adult time and connect with other mothers in our community over snacks and beverages. Please bring a snack or beverage to share.
Date: Friday, December 6
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Location: THE POD WORKS, 7024 27th St W Ste A, University Place, WA 98467
LIVE MUSIC AT KIMBALL COFFEEHOUSE
Live bands in a wide variety of genres play on the Kimball Stage every Friday night. Doors open at 6pm, and the show goes from 7-9 pm. Enjoy a bite to eat, one of the rotating beers on tap, a glass of wine, or coffee – of course.
Dates: Fridays, December 6, 13, 20, 27
Time: 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Location: KIMBALL COFFEEHOUSE, 6659 Kimball Dr, Gig Harbor, WA 98335
PROCTOR FARMERS’ MARKET
Join us at the weekly Proctor Farmers’ Market, presented by the City of Tacoma and Pierce County’s Agriculture Program. Enjoy live music and browse a variety of local produce, crafts, and more. Free to attend and suitable for all ages!
Date: Saturdays, December 7, 14, 21, 28
Time: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: North 27th and North Proctor Streets, Tacoma, WA 98401
WINTER GLASS SALE
Join us for Hilltop Artists Annual Winter Glass Sale. Find festive favorites such as handcrafted glass ornaments and snowpeople as well as incredible and thoughtful gifts for everyone on your list!
Date: Saturday, December 7
Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: HILLTOP HERITAGE MIDDLE SCHOOL, 602 N Sprague Ave, Tacoma, WA 98403
CHRISTMAS REGALE
Yule Log, parlor games, and a visit with Father Christmas. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of modern holidays and experience a real old-fashioned Christmas at Fort Nisqually Living History Museum.
Date: Saturday, December 7
Time: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: FORT NISQUALLY LIVING HISTORY MUSEUM, 5519 Five Mile Dr, Tacoma, WA 98407
YOGA @ TAM WITH TULADHARA
Join us for Yoga @ TAM in partnership with Tuladhara Yoga! This upcoming 60-minute yoga practice in TAM’s main event space is inspired by art in the collection and the importance of community connection. Feel rested and restored with a mellow flow led by Alycia Patterson. After class, enjoy a mimosa included in the ticket price.
Date: Sunday, December 8
Time: 10:15 - 11:15 AM
Location: TACOMA ART MUSEUM, 1701 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402
More info: All ages, admission is FREE for TAM members and $20 for non-members
REAL ART TACOMA GALA
Real Art Tacoma and Ruston Way Present: South Sound Music Fest. The Alt, Emo, Punk Showcase.
Dates: Friday, December 13 - Sunday, December 15
Location: REAL ART TACOMA, 5412 S Tacoma Way, Tacoma, WA 98409
More info:
TACOMA SANTA PARADE + LOCAL MAKERS MARKET
Join us on South Tacoma Way for the Tacoma Santa Parade! There will be lots of activities for all ages and we will be hosting our local makers market in our back room from 10-6.
Date: Saturday, December 14
Time: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Location: HIVE CO., 5436 S Tacoma Way, Tacoma, WA, 98409
SANTA RUNS TACOMA 5K & 10K
Get ready for the most RUNderful time of the year! We have a new FAST and exciting race course planned for you! This year's course will be a point to point 10k, running from Downtown Tacoma and finishing at Pt. Defiance's Owen Beach. This scenic and FAST course will be USATF Certified. The 5k will start and finish at Owen Beach. All races are chip timed and all participants will receive a festive finisher's medal, free race photo downloads, and long sleeve cotton shirts will be available for purchase during registration.
Date: Saturday, December 14
Time: 8:00 AM START for Half Marathon and 5K, 8:50 AM START for 10K
Location: OWEN BEACH, 5605 N Owen Beach Rd, Tacoma, WA 98407
JINGLE BELL 3 MILE RUN
Rev up the holiday spirit with the Jingle Bell Run. This 3-mile run/walk is a family favorite and a great way to spend active time outdoors during the busy holiday season. Keep warm with a cup of cocoa at the start/finish line.
Date: Saturday, December 14
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: WRIGHT PARK, 501 South I St, Tacoma, WA 98405
FREE THIRD THURSDAY AND DOWNTOWN ARTWALK
Tacoma's monthly Third Thursday museum district celebration! Local museums offer free or discounted admission once a month, and often feature special activities. Visit the Washington State History Museum for free from 3pm to 8pm. You can also visit the Foss Waterway Seaport from 4pm - 8pm, and the Tacoma Art Museum and Museum of Glass from 5pm to 8pm. Local downtown art galleries also open their doors for participants to stop by and enjoy the works of art and mingle with the artists.
Date: Thursday, December 19
Time: 3:00 - 8:00 PM
Location: WASHINGTON STATE HISTORY MUSEUM, 1911 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402
TEEN OPEN STUDIO
The project is a unique space for young minds to explore their creativity, connect with peers, and embrace the joy of self-expression. The schedule provides an array of hands-on artmaking activities. Every session, from painting and drawing to crafts, is a chance to discover new techniques and mediums.
Date: Thursday, December 19
Time: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Location: TACOMA ART MUSEUM, 1701 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402
LIVE MUSIC AT MCDUFF'S CAFE
Join us for our monthly Songwriter Series night where we showcase local talents featured on radio show Local Roots Music NW. December will feature duo The Safety and local songwriter Allison Preisinger. See you there for some cozy fall vibes!
Date: Friday, December 20
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Location: MCDUFF'S CAFE, 1400 N Highlands Pkwy, Tacoma, WA 98406-2126
MODEL TRAIN FESTIVAL
Take your family and friends on a magical journey through the marvelously detailed world of model railroads at the Washington State History Museum! The Model Train Festival brings railroad clubs from around Puget Sound to share their incredible, room-sized layouts in the History Museum! Every floor of the museum comes alive.
Dates: Thursday, December 20 - Wednesday, January 1
Location: WASHINGTON STATE HISTORY MUSEUM, 1911 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402
FAMILY STEAM DAYS – EVERY THIRD SATURDAY
Design, build, tinker and learn together as you explore the world of automobiles and its relation to science, technology, engineering, art and math on Family STEAM Day. On the third Saturday of each month, you and your child, grandchild, or family can spend quality time together exploring activities available in the Education Studio and Family Zone. Family STEAM Days are free for ACM Members and is also included with Museum admission. Museum visitors age 18 and under receive FREE admission on Family STEAM Days.
Date: Saturday, December 21
Time: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location: LEMAY – AMERICA’S CAR MUSEUM, 2702 E D St, Tacoma, WA 98421
HILLTOP HOLIDAYS BLACK NIGHT MARKET
Join us for a festive Black Night Market in celebration of Christmas and community! The Black Night Market is back inside of the Tacoma Armory for a co production “Hilltop Holiday” with Tacoma Arts Live. You can shop with vendors for your holiday gifts, take pictures with Santa Clause, enjoy a live performance, delicious food and more!
Date: Saturday, December 21
Time: 2:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: TACOMA ARMORY, 1001 S Yakima Ave, Tacoma, WA 98405
WINTER SOLSTICE CELEBRATION
Join us as we welcome the Winter Solstice and the promise of longer days and shorter nights. Experience the magic at our warm and cozy Lodge, where you can shop for unique, handmade artisan crafts at the Night Market. Take a serene walk along our candle-lit Luminary Trail through the park and immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere.
Date: Saturday, December 21
Time: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: FRONTIER PARK, 21718 Meridian Ave E, Graham, WA 98338
2025 NEW YEAR'S EVE BASH
We have non-stop fun all night! Between 2 different shows we are sure to have the New Year's Eve party that is just right for you! Dress to the 9's, say goodbye to 2024 and hello to 2025!
Date: Tuesday, December 31, 2023 - Wednesday, January 1, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM - 12:30 AM
Where: OCEAN5, 5268 Point Fosdick Dr, Gig Harbor, WA 98335