Looking for ways to spend family time during the holiday season? Need a new date night idea? I've been scouring the internet to find you things to do across the South Sound this December!
PUGET SOUND REVELS DRAGON PARADE
You're invited to be part of the Puget Sound Revels Dragon Parade! Participation is fun and FREE. Be in one parade, or be in them all. We'll be joined once again by Steve LeBerge's fire-breathing creation and you are welcome to create your own light-up dragon or any festive light art.
When & Where: Friday, December 1 -South End, Saturday, December 2-Central Tacoma, Friday, December 8-Eastside, Sunday, December 10-University Place, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
More info: All ages, free
Link: https://www.pugetsoundrevels.org/
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!
When: Saturday, December 2, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Where: HILLTOP HERITAGE MIDDLE SCHOOL, 602 N Sprague Ave, Tacoma, WA 98403
More info: All ages, free
Link: https://hilltopartists.org/events/winter-glass-sale-2023/
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.
When: Saturday, December 2, 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Where: FORT NISQUALLY LIVING HISTORY MUSEUM, 5519 Five Mile Dr, Tacoma, WA 98407
More info: All ages, Adults (18+) $18 + fees, Youth (4 – 17) $13 + fees, Family (2 Adults + up-to 5 Youth) $50, Under 3 free
Link: https://www.metroparkstacoma.org/event/christmas-regale/
REAL ART TACOMA GALA
Come Celebrate Real art Tacoma and help us continue to keep music all ages! Join us for a night of celebrating all ages music with performances from an all youth rock band and songs from many groups that started as youth.
When: Saturday, December 2, 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM, 7:00 PM SHOW TIME
Where: REAL ART TACOMA, 5412 S Tacoma Way, Tacoma, WA 98409
More info: All ages, tickets starting at $30
Link: https://www.realarttacoma.com/calendar/111123-gx9lb
YULETIDE MAGIC MARKET
This is a FREE fantasy themed holiday shopping market with local vendors offering unique wares for everyone on your list. We hope you will dress as your favorite fantasy creature or in your ugliest holiday sweater and join us for a day of shopping and family fun!
When: Sunday, December 3, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Where: CRESCENT MOON GIFTS, 6901 6th Ave, Tacoma, WA 98406
More info: All ages, free
Link: https://www.fairsandfestivals.net/events/details/2023-tacoma-yuletide-magic-market
TACOMA SUNDAY MARKET
Time to get cozy for our indoor season inside gorgeous @courthousesquaretacoma!
When: Sunday, December 3, 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Where: COURTHOUSE SQUARE, 1102 A Street, Tacoma, WA 98402
More info: All ages, pet-friendly, $1
Link: https://www.instagram.com/p/CxN2MlBLVsq/
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. AND finally … we are excited for the arrival of MURPHY, our town bear … IN PERSON!
When: Sunday, December 3, 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Where: Fircrest Community Center, 555 Contra Costa Ave, Fircrest, WA 98466
More info: All ages, free
Link: https://www.cityoffircrest.net/event/fircrest-holiday-market-and-tree-lighting/
A VERY COATESY CHRISTMAS WITH JAMES COATES & HIS BAND
Americana artist James Coates sings about what he knows: falling and getting back up again. The result is a deeply personal look into the life of an artist through handcrafted songs, made even more immersive when performed by Coates's clique of talented local session players, which include a horn section and backing chorus.
When: Wednesday, December 6, 6:00 PM DOORS, 7:00 PM SHOW TIME
Where: MCMENAMINS SPANISH BALLROOM, 565 Broadway, Tacoma, WA 98402
More info: All ages, $10
Link: https://www.mcmenamins.com/events/247439-a-very-coatesy-christmas-w-james-coates-his-band
EXPERIENCE THE AURORA BOREALIS
Over seven months in the Arctic Circle, E&S crews captured time-lapse images of the Aurora Borealis with high resolution digital SLR cameras outfitted with fish-eye lenses. The results are spectacular. For the first time the aurora has been captured as it was meant to be experienced, as a display that covers the entire sky. This immersive show shares the science behind the aurora and tells the story of our quest to find and photograph the aurora for wraparound display in full-dome theaters.
When: Friday, December 8, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Where: PIERCE COLLEGE SCIENCE DOME, 9401 Farwest Dr SW, Lakewood, WA 98498
More info: All ages, $8
Link: https://piercecollegedome.ludus.com/index.php
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.
When: Saturday, December 9, 8:25 AM START
Where: OWEN BEACH, 5605 N Owen Beach Rd, Tacoma, WA 98407
More info: Entry starting at $65
Link: https://tcmaevents.com/santa-runs-tacoma/
CRAFTER’S HOLIDAY MARKET
Kick off your holiday shopping experience at one of our Holiday Markets! Find the ideal holiday gift for family and friends among the amazing array of artisanal offerings and neighborhood crafters. While shopping, enjoy holiday music, complimentary holiday photos, live entertainment, and more! All of this holiday shopping is sure to make you hungry, stop by the food truck on site for a yummy meal.
When: Saturday, December 9, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Where: MERIDIAN HABITAT PARK, 14422 Meridian Ave E, Puyallup, WA 98375
More info: All ages, free
Link: https://www.piercecountywa.gov/7066/Holiday-Markets
HILLTOP HOLIDAY 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!
When: Saturday, December 9, 2:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Where: TACOMA ARMORY, 1001 S Yakima Ave, Tacoma, WA 98405
More info: All ages, free
Link: https://www.blacknightmarket.com/2023-bnm-events/hilltop-holiday-bnm-x-tacoma-arts-live
COCOA AND CAROLS
Bundle up and warm up your voices, we’re gathering around the fire and singing together to our hearts content. Holiday Sing Along will be guided by classical singer, Teresa Lin. This program will be held outdoors with chances to warm up in the conservatory.
When: Saturday, December 9, 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Where: W.W. SEYMOUR BOTANICAL CONSERVATORY, 316 South G St, Tacoma, WA 98405
More info: All ages, free
Link: https://www.metroparkstacoma.org/event/cocoa-and-carols/
CHRISTMAS PARADE OF LIGHTS
Celebrate the holiday season with a Christmas Parade of Lights at the Lakewood Towne Center. Visitors get to view holiday floats constructed by local businesses, clubs, and organizations.
When: Saturday, December 9, 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Where: PARK LODGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, 6300 100th St SW, Lakewood, WA 98499
More info: All ages, free
Link: https://cityoflakewood.us/holiday-parade/
DECK THE HALLS MAKER'S MARKET
A monthly art market presented by Infintrest. Every second Sunday at Dystopian State Brewery artists and artisans gather to sell their artworks. Live music, free to attend and all ages!
When: Sunday, December 10, 12:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Where: DYSTOPIAN STATE BREWING CO., 611 S Baker St, Tacoma, WA 98402
Link: https://www.roamtacoma.com/events/Deck-the-Halls-Maker's-Market-Dystopian-State-Brewing-Co./4eb66cf8-daa6-4938-728f-08db50d9201d
JURASSIC QUEST
Jurassic Quest is a Dinosaur Adventure for the whole family. Explore the world of dinosaurs in an exciting, educational and fun way. Jurassic Quest is an interactive experience that takes you through time from the Middle Triassic to the Late Cretaceous Era with the help of over 80 true-to-life size dinosaurs, from the very small, to the gigantic, sky-scraping dinosaurs.
When: Friday, December 15 - Sunday, December 17, 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Where: WASHINGTON STATE FAIR EVENTS CENTER, 1301 5th Ave SW, Puyallup, WA 98371
More info: All ages, tickets starting at $19
Link: https://www.thefair.com/activities/jurassic-quest/
ELF: FREE FAMILY FLICK
When: Saturday, December 16, 9:30 AM, 10:00 AM SHOW TIME
Where: THE GRAND CINEMA, 606 Fawcett Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402
More info: All ages, free
Link: https://www.grandcinema.com/now-playing/
JINGLE BELL 3 MILE RUN
Enjoy a much-deserved break while the kids burn off energy at the Jingle Bell Run. This holiday 3-mile run/walk is a family favorite and a great way to spend active time outdoors during the busy holiday season. Entry fee includes a head warmer and hot chocolate!
When: Saturday, December 16, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where: WRIGHT PARK, 501 South I St, Tacoma, WA 98405
More info: All ages, tickets starting at $35
Link: https://www.metroparkstacoma.org/event/jingle-bell-run-3-mile/
HOLIDAY BLAST AT EASTSIDE
Bring your friends and family for a holiday celebration to remember! Activities include pictures with Santa, cookie decorating, a hot cocoa station, a basketball free throw contest, a small holiday market, plus live entertainment featuring a DJ, Vision Step, and Tiger Tao!
When: Saturday, December 16, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Where: EASTSIDE COMMUNITY CENTER, 1721 E 56th St, Tacoma, WA 98404
More info: All ages, free
Link: https://www.metroparkstacoma.org/event/eastside-holiday/
WINTER BONSAI SOLSTICE
Pacific Bonsai Museum illuminates its world-renowned collection with soft holiday lights for its annual Winter Bonsai Solstice. Come take an evening stroll to take in beautiful bonsai and then stay to enjoy treats, shop for gifts, sip hot chocolate, and feel the support of community. This is a family-friendly tradition that warmly embraces the generous spirit of the holidays.
When: Saturday, December 16, 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Where: PACIFIC BONSAI MUSEUM, 2515 South 336th St, Federal Way, WA 98003
More info: All ages, suggested donation: $0-$12 for adults, no reservations or advance tickets are needed
Link: https://pacificbonsaimuseum.org/events/a-bonsai-solstice-2023/
WINTER SOLSTICE CELEBRATION
Join us for a celebration of the upcoming Winter Solstice and the return of longer days and shorter nights at Frontier Park. Shop local, handmade, artesian crafts at the Night Market in our warm and cozy Lodge and stroll along our candle-lit Luminary Trail through the park.
When: Saturday, December 16, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Where: FRONTIER PARK, 21718 Meridian Ave E, Graham, WA 98338
More info: All ages, free; $5/person for entrance to Luminary Walk, including ornament and lantern making, along with seasonal snacks
Link: https://www.piercecountywa.gov/8139/Winter-Solstice-Celebration
TACOMA NIGHT MARKET
Indulge with delicious food, all kinds of incredible wares from local vendors, and celebrate our beautiful creative community!!
When: Saturday, December 16, 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Where: FREIGHTHOUSE STATION, 2501 E D St, Tacoma, WA 98421
More info: All ages, free
Link: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cv-nOIJS9ww/
CASCADE COUNTRY CHRISTMAS 2023
Join us at Steel Creek Sunday December 17th for the 6th annual Cascade Country Christmas featuring holiday classics and originals acoustically performed by your favorite PNW based country artists.
When: Sunday, December 17, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Where: STEEL CREEK TACOMA, 1114 Broadway, Tacoma, WA 98402
More info: All ages, tickets starting at $20
Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cascade-country-christmas-2023-tickets-740252474077?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl
VIVALDI'S FOUR SEASONS
The Four Seasons take us on a journey through the beauty, drama, danger and joys of Spring, Summer, Fall and teeth-chattering Winter. Each year this December concert creates magical moments and memories during the holiday season. Bring the whole family!
When: Sunday, December 17, 7:30 PM
Where: PIONEER PARK PAVILION, 330 S Meridian, Puyallup, WA 98371
More info: All ages, $45
Link: https://nwsinfonietta.org/
FROZEN JR.
With a cast of beloved characters and loaded with magic, adventure, and plenty of humor, FROZEN JR. is sure to thaw even the coldest heart! The show features all of the memorable songs from the animated film plus five new songs written for the Broadway production.
When: Tuesday, December 19 - Sunday, December 24
Where: TACOMA MUSICAL PLAYHOUSE, 7116 6th Ave, Tacoma, WA 98406
More info: All ages, tickets starting at $15
Link: https://tacomamusicalplayhouse.csstix.com/event-details.php?e=1912
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.
When: Thursday, December 21, 2023 - Monday, January 1, 2024, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Where: WASHINGTON STATE HISTORY MUSEUM, 1911 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402
More info: All ages, tickets starting at $11
Link: https://fb.me/e/8grVB9xKn
BREWERY DISTRICT MAKERS MARKET 7SEAS
Mark your calendars! We are back Thursday, Dec 21st for our last market of 2023! It’s the perfect opportunity to meet up with friends that you wanna see before the holidays or maybe show off Tacoma to your out of town family and friends! Snag some last minute gifts from local vendors, enjoy some tasty brews from 7Seas Brewing and food from Canteen by Camp Colvos at this family friendly market!
When: Thursday, December 21, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Where: 7 SEAS BREWING, 2101 Jefferson Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402
More info: All ages, free
Link: https://fb.me/e/1HqOuPBf5
WINTER WILDLAND
Breathe in the crisp mountain air and watch in delight as our animals enjoy holiday-themed treats and enrichments. Stroll paths laced with winter magic and decorations. Take a Wild Drive tour through the hushed winter stillness to spot elk, mountain goats and bison keeping warm - and a giant snowflake! Sip hot chocolate and burn off some energy at our Kids' Trek nature-inspired playground.
When: Tuesday, December 26, 2023 - Monday, January 1, 2024, 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Where: NORTHWEST TREK WILDLIFE PARK, 11610 Trek Dr E, Eatonville, WA 98328
More info: All ages, tickets starting at $10
Link: https://www.nwtrek.org/event/wildland/