THERE’S FUN TO BE HAD FOR EVERYONE!
Can you believe the year is almost up? Don’t wait to to get the fun started with your loved ones - This list of events can get you going on all your 2018 holiday fun right now! We’ve got everything from celebrating Tacoma’s Eastside, non-holiday magic for wizards and muggles, art performances, shopping and full on ho-ho-holidays! For ease, click on the links below to save to your Facebook Events Calendar. You can also find more events happening by clicking your events tab in Facebook and finding more events along the right hand side of the “choose date” section and finding your location!
November 15th, 2018
Inspired: a holiday soiree with friends - Grab your girlfriends and enjoy an evening of fall beverages and holiday inspo! Shop jewelry by Splendor and Stone, holiday wrapping and tags by East Avenue Press, Participate in the candle making workshop by Enlight Candle Co., and so much more! Make this holiday season one to remember. This event is 6 - 8 PM in Gig Harbor.
Holiday Tamale Making Class - YUMMY! Please join Molly Alvarado of La Paloma Marketplace to learn the art of Tamale making. Molly has studied traditional Mexican cuisine for over 25 years and is excited to share her wisdom with Tacoma. The evening will include a tamale tasting, her recipes, a hands on workshop (including making the masa), 6 tamales to take home and steam, a jar of her special home made salsa (the know how and the recipe) and a glass of Bubbles, Wine or Beer to celebrate fine Mexican Cuisine! This event is the 15th of November 15th and December 13th at 6 PM. Cost is $65 per person and is vegan friendly.
Did you know that the Pantages Theater just got a refresh after being closed for 6 months for restoration? Support your local arts and don’t miss out on this one night event of The Hip-Hop Nutcracker - This holiday mash-up for the entire family delivers a contemporary re-imagining of Tchaikovsky’s timeless music. Performed by a supercharged cast of all star dancers, DJ and violinist, the story shares a hip spin on the holiday classic. Digital scenery transforms E.T.A. Hoffmann’s story of sugarplums into 1980s Brooklyn. The Hip Hop Nutcracker celebrates love, community and the magic of New Year’s Eve. This event is 7:30 - 9 PM in Gig Harbor.
Dust off your ice skates because the Indigo Frozen Fountain Ice Skating Rink is back 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! Officially opens this Thursday at 4 PM!
November 16th, 2018
Let the wild rumpus start! Maurice Sendack: The Memorial Exhibition is sure to bring joy - The original, iconic artwork of beloved author and illustrator Maurice Sendak, such as Where the Wild Things Are, In the Night Kitchen, Outside Over There, will be on display from September 25 through December 1, 2018 at Tacoma Public Library’s Handforth Gallery.
November 17th, 2018
We’re so excited to be celebrating the completion of the Revitalization Project in the beloved Lincoln District! Join the community celebration of the Lincoln District Streetscape Ribbon Cutting from 10 AM - 1 PM - It will be a Fun-filled event, including Lincoln Drumline, Special City speakers, Poetry reading, Lion Dance, Screening of videos, Art Walk and Poetry Walk, Fun activity for kids, Specials from Lincoln Businesses and much much more. *We sincerely thank our wonderful City of Tacoma and all the hard-working men and women that made this happened for our district.
Check friends and family off your holiday list early and support your local small shops and makers at the Tacoma is for Lovers Holiday Artists Craft Fair. This is a two day event that will have different vendors each day - so don’t miss out! This event is 11 AM - 4 PM both Saturday and Sunday at King’s Books.
Grab your wands! In honor of the release of Fantastics Beasts 2 the Star Center s hosting a Hogwarts Homecoming from 10:30 - 1:30 PM. Prepare to be sorted into your Hogwarts House, play an exhausting game of Quidditch, brush up on your potion lessons, and create the wand of your dreams ! This day will be filled with Magic!
40th Annual Country Christmas Bazaar is a two day event happening in Gig Harbor - Come shop at over 200 booths created by the best vendors in the Pacific Northwest. ALL HANDCRAFTED items include: rustic, vintage, reclaimed and holiday decor; jewelry; pottery; baked goods; fused glass; crochet; fleece; gourmet foods; furniture; signs; clothing; metal works; candles; wreaths; and much, much more! FREE admission and FREE parking. Lunch available.
Tickets are still available at the Tacoma Dome for An Evening with Fleetwood Mac. Make an evening of it by parking near The Matador and taking the free light rail at the Theater District Station on Commerce St. Less hassle than finding parking and dining near the Tacoma Dome - which has been remodeled!
November 22nd, 2018
Before you feast on turkey and all the fixins + like several pieces of pumpkin pie (you know it’s gonna happen!) Grab the family and get your run on at the annual Tacoma City Turkey Trot from 7 - 10 AM. And if you need a little more time to sleep in, the Gig Harbor Turkey Trot starts at 8 AM.
Load up your family and friends head out to one of the most entertaining and fascinating display of lights in the Northwest. Pierce County Parks and Recreation is pleased to present the 24th Annual “Fantasy Lights” at Spanaway Park. Visitors viewing from cars, vans, and buses will be treated to thousands of sparkling lights and creative animation that promises to dazzle the eye and tantalize the imagination of the whole family.
November 23rd, 2018
It’s back - Zoolights ramps back up for the holiday season and kicks off at 5 PM. 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.
The Tacoma Musical Playhouse presents it’s holiday production of a White Christmas The Musical. Music and Lyrics by Irving Berlin. Based on the beloved, timeless film, this heartwarming musical adaptation features seventeen Irving Berlin songs.
If you haven’t attended an event at Alma Mater yet, now’s your chance! They’re hosting a Tacoma Night Market - Come check out all the incredibly talented vendors, find amazing gifts or something special for yourself! Enjoy music, drinks, food, and our beautiful community!! We love you Tacoma!! We will also be fundraising for the Liz Rocks Foundation! On Friday night there will be a silent auction with all kinds of rad gear!! Help support underrepresented youth reach new peaks through mountain activities! This is a two day event in case you can’t make it Friday night, Saturday is available too. Both events start at 5 PM.
Give your door a little holiday cheer at the Holiday Wreath Make and Take at the Windmill Gardens in Sumner - create a one of a kind 24” holiday wreath built with an array of fragrant greens, cones, & berries. Top it with a cheery bow, and take it home for all to admire. Fee includes all supplies and use of wreath machine. Multiple event dates for this class.
Jane Lynch - A Swingin’ Little Christmas is coming to the Broadway Center for the Performing Arts! A Swingin’ Little Christmas is a throwback to the classic holiday albums of the ‘50s and ‘60s, featuring a big band sound with a sprinkling of Jane Lynch’s trademark humor. She’ll be joined by Kate Flannery (The Office), Tim Davis (Glee) and jazz favorites The Tony Guerrero Quintet to share fresh takes on classic carols and originals with nostalgic-nods in a night of rich music, touching moments, and Christmas whimsy.
November 24th, 2018
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY!!! Get out there and support all your local small businesses!
Have a sticky and sweet time at the annual Gingerbread Jamboree at the Hotel Murano’s Bicentennial Pavilion. The annual Gingerbread Jamboree features candy buffets and lots of frosting! Build the gingerbread house of your dreams either as a family or individually. Enjoy snacks and entertainment, including a sing-a-long, drawings and music. This event is an essential holiday tradition for all Puget Sound families! This event has multiple dates.
The 73rd Annual Holiday Tree Lighting - Since World War II, the South Sound community has gathered to celebrate at the corner of 9th & Broadway in downtown Tacoma. Gather for carols and photos with Santa at this FREE community event. If it isn’t already, make it part of your family tradition! This event is free and starts at 4:30 PM.
November 25th, 2018
The Trans-Siberian Orchestra presents The Ghosts of Christmas Eve, the best of TSO and more at the Tacoma Dome!
Opening Night at the Olympia Lighstravaganza 2018 - opens at 5 PM and will feature nearly 70,000 lights on the owners home and throughout their yard. This is a walk-through display and free to the public with cookies and warm apple cider on select nights, but they are collecting food and cash donations for the Thurston County Food Bank.
November 27th, 2018
If you’ve been trying to find your inner green thumb, but aren’t ready to take on huge responsibilities, give succulents a try! The Rhein Haus Tacoma is hosting a plant night where you’ll get to create your own custom and quirky terrariums!
November 28th, 2018
A Victorian Country Christmas is coming to the Puyallup Fairgrounds November 28th - December 2nd. Over 500 stores to shop at, a winter wine garden, concerts, stage shows, Santa and more!
November 30th, 2018
Experience The Nutcracker like you’ve never seen it before! The Tacoma Urban Performing Arts Center is hosting The Urban Nutcracker at Stadium High School. Multiple dates for this event.
The annual Festival of Trees is back! View the Festival trees while enjoying community entertainment, photos with Santa and holiday shopping. Festival benefits Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital. FREE admission with the donation of a non-perishable, grab-and-go food item for Tree House: A Place for Families.
December 1st, 2018
Join the Village 253 and Handmade PNW for the 4th annual winter Handmade Market and Mingle. There will be around 30 local, handmade vendors, an awesome charity raffle, free entry, free food, and a free kids’ craft. Every maker will donate 10% of the day’s sales to one of the selected charities.
Visit with Santa and enjoy some lively holiday tunes at the Gig Harbor Holiday Tree Lighting! This event starts at 5 PM.
We’d all love to be on a tropical island for the holidays - but that isn’t always possible. Thankfully we have a wonderful Asia Pacific Cultural Center that puts on some amazing events! They’re hosting their 7th Annual Holiday Luau - bring the whole family for a fun evening featuring a LIVE island band and entertainment representing the South Pacific Islands of Tonga, Fiji, Tahiti, Hawaii, New Zealand, and Samoa. The menu will feature island-style roasted pig, teriyaki chicken, Samoa chop suey, Hawaiian macaroni salad, and tropical fruits and vegetables. All proceeds will benefit social service programs at Tacoma Urban League.
The city of Sumner is holding their Annual Santa Parade! This event starts at 3 PM and includes dancing, singing and Santa himself cheerfully marching down Main Street! The streets will be closed too making it easier to walk around and get some holiday shopping done at all the local stores.
Santa Visits the Conservatory - Metro Parks of Tacoma is hosting Santa and his reindeer friends. There will be cookies, crafts and a jolly good time! $3 suggested donation.
December 2nd, 2018
Santa is making his rounds making sure to double and check who’s been naughty and nice - you can find him on 6th Ave at the Santa Parade!
Get handcrafted goods at the T.A.C Christmas Market - A holiday themed outdoor market with local vendors and artists selling handcrafted goods and art. There will also be hot cocoa, tea, and pastries for sale.
December 7th, 2018
The Wonderful Weekend of Wizardy - a Harry Potter Fan event is coming to the Hotel Murano! This event will have vendors, performers, celebrity guests like Chris Rankin who played Percy Weasley, Stan Yanevski who played Victor Krum, a handful of off-Broadway cast members from Puffs and Kair Lewis who is the spitting image of Emma Watson and is an excellent Hermione Granger cosplay. Check the link for the all the details of this event!
The Jurassic Quest is coming to the Puyallup Fairgrounds and is sure to make you ROAR with delight! This event is from 3 - 8 PM and will have dinosaurs to look at, ride and watch walk around.
December 8th, 2018
The 3rd Annual Downtown Tacoma Holiday Haul Crawl is a great way to support your local businesses!
Earn your candy stripes at the Santa Runs Tacoma Half Marathon starting at 7 AM - it’s a Tacoma tradition!
December 9th, 2018
The Downtown Tacoma Market is back with the Holiday edition! Join us for a day of fun in the GORGEOUS and historic Court House Square in downtown Tacoma! Shop for unique gifts from 40 local makers and vintage dealers. Enjoy brunch and cocktails from en Rama and The OutPost Kitchen, coffee and sweet treats from Lift Bridge Coffee, music by Josiah French & James DjSemaj Sochor. Of course, Santa will be in the house!
December 15th, 2018
Can’t forget the beloved Charlie Brown Christmas! This beloved musical has multiple dates and will be at the Tacoma Musical Playhouse. Get your tickets here!
