We’re wrapping up the end of 2018 with 18 events that are happening in your neighborhood and beyond + 1 event that will jump start your 2019 . Grab your ice skates, bundle up and get ready to end the year with plenty of fun times! You can also find more events happening by clicking your events tab in Facebook to see more events along the right hand side of the “choose date” section and finding your location.
December 16, 2018
The 5th Annual “A Bonsai Solstice” is happening at the Pacific Bonsai Museum from 4 - 7 PM. This is a bundle up for warmth kind of event, so wear layers and bring your rain gear too as the forecast does call for light rain and don’t forget a flashlight! Enjoy crepes and cocoa or coffee from Crisp Creperie Food Truck, plus live acoustic music and more to bring delight.
Nothing say joy more like looking at holiday lights! Bundle up, make a thermos of hot cocoa, bring some snacks and take a trip out to Spanaway for Fantasy Lights at Spanaway Park. This display features 300 elaborate displays and sparkly lights. You don’t even have to get out of your car to enjoy this AND if you tune into FM 95.3 you can enjoy a special edition of holiday music. Runs now through January 1st from 5:30 - 9:00 PM. $14 per vehicle for admission.
Zoolights is still happening too! See Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium transformed into a colorful winter wonderland with more than a half-million lights. The holiday spirit comes aglow in this magical world of dazzling 3-D animal light displays. Ride a camel, enjoy tasty treats, and take a spin on the holiday carousel. Don’t forget that they Military Discount Nights for active duty military, veterans and dependents.
Pick up some fall/winter produce for soups and stews + wonderful handcrafted items from some of your favorite local artisans at the Holiday Market at The Olympia Farmers Market. Multiple days for this event.
Do you need a reason to go to The Old Cannery Furniture in Sumner? Well Santa will be there and you can get your photo taken for free with him! Photos are complimentary, but they are accepting food and monetary donations to benefit the Sumner Food Bank.
December 17, 2018
Grab your ice skates (or rent some) and enjoy the Indigo Frozen Fountain Ice Skating Rink at Point Ruston! This year’s rink is going to be even more exciting with a full month longer of skating this season, live D.J’s every Thursday night and possibly a visit from the skating Santa himself! Open from now until New Years (check holiday hours in the link).
December 21, 2018
The Model Train Festival is in its 23rd year and is a festive holiday tradition for many people in Washington! Take a journey in miniature through model train layouts on every floor of the museum, and see Kitsap Steamer’s larger trains too! This event delights the child in all of us; bring your friends and family and make memories together. This event is put on by the Washington State History Museum and has lots of other activities too!
It’s time to celebrate the Winter Solstice - dress warm, bring a drum and gather with the Crescent Moon Crew to celebrate the Solstice together. Gather at 7:30 AM at the globe in the center of Thea’s Park at Dock St. Then everyone will head back to the shop to share a potluck breakfast.
December 22, 2018
How about dinner and a movie at the Grand Cinema? Yippie-ki-yay - The Grand is hosting a holiday tradition with Die Hard, because obviously it’s a Christmas movie! Take advantage of their partnership with Red Star Taco Bar. You get 2 Two taco plates, with rice and beans, 2 slushy margaritas and 2 movie passes.
If you’re behind on your holiday shopping, don’t worry the many vendors that will be at the Tacoma Night Market will gladly be waiting for you! This event is from 5-10 PM at Alma Mater. There will also be art, live music, drinks, food and a DJ.
December 24, 2018
Enjoy a brisk walk/run at Wright park for the Jingle Bell Run! Get your best holiday-themed costume on, join everyone else and enjoy the delightful sounds of hundreds of bells jingling. There are two races to choose from, 10 AM and noon and the fee for this event is $10 per person if you sign up before December 17th.
December 26, 2018
Do your kiddos need something to do during winter break? They can spend it at the Winter Break Camp hosted by the STAR Center! Enjoy arts and crafts, games, center amenities, fun, friendship and more! Fitness and sports add-ons are available. Runs through January 4th and kids can be signed up for the day or week.
December 29, 2018
If you just need to get out of the house for a bit to burn off some energy, Northwest Trek Wildlife Park is hosting their Winter Wildland. See animals throughout the park enjoy winter-themed enrichments like pine cones, evergreen trees decorated with edible ornaments, ice piles, and more. Visit link for full schedule of enrichments. This is a two day event with different enrichments each day.
New Years Eve Events -
Since Tacoma’s First Night has been cancelled this year, here’s a list of alternative events:
The City of Tacoma announced that a New Year’s Eve celebration will fill Tollefson Plaza and two blocks of Pacific Ave between 15th and 17th Streets with music, food trucks and a beer garden. This event is free and for all ages.
Alma Mater is hosting New Years with Booboolala, Power Laces, Decent at Best, Haiku Poetics and Tor Caspersen (AKA Torbjørn). Event starts at 8 PM. Click here for more details and tickets.
The Hands On Children’s Museum is hosting a Noon Year’s Eve Party from 9 AM - 5 PM. Costumed characters from your favorite stories, dancing parades and door prizes. Plus they’ll have quite a few crafty projects like making a Harry Potter Wand and a Goodnight Moon bubble print!
New Years Eve Party at Dirty Oscar’s Annex - Come dance into the New Year with us. No cover charge, DJ starts at 10pm.
Join the MarKee for their 3rd Annual Noon Years Eve Party - a family event to celebrate the new year with a balloon drop at noon. Music, dancing, light lunch and snacks, bubble, sparkling cider, and kid friendly activities like a LEGO station and cookie decorating. This event starts at 11:30 AM and runs until 1:30 PM. Get your tickets now and space is limited.
BOOK NOW IF YOU’RE CONSIDERING THIS - New Year’s Eve at Ocean5 - grab six friends and reserve your lane for bowling! Packages also include unlimited laser games, 200 arcade games, bubbly sips, snacks, party favors, appetizers, music and dancing!
Here’s a list of all events between Olympia and Seattle.
January 1, 2019
New Year’s Day Ride - Start the Year Off Right. If you’ve been meaning to explore the Lincoln District, now is your chance! Meet up with the Velofemmes at Starbucks and explore new bike facilities on the East Side and the new paved portion of the pipeline trail.
