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Holiday magic around the South Sound
Editor’s note: Hey holiday fun-seekers! We are glad you’re here. There is a newer version of this article that will help you find the best budget holiday fun around Puget Sound for 2022.
There are so many magical events during the holiday season that it can be tempting to try to do them all. But if you’re like most of Santa’s helpers, you’re likely on a budget. Here are some of our favorite affordable South Sound-area holiday outings to try. Hopefully we’ve included a few that are new to you!
Use the arrows above the image to find all the (cheap) holiday magic!
Meet real reindeer at Watson’s
We don’t know if they’re actually practicing for the big night, but you can see real live reindeer, Donder and Blitzen, for free at Watson’s Greenhouse in Puyallup. Reindeer are hanging around on view daily during store hours through Dec. 24.
Fantasy Lights, Spanaway
If you’ve already done Zoolights, or if you want something more budget-friendly, consider Fantasy Lights at Spanaway Park, a less expensive, drive-through option presented by Pierce County Parks and Recreation. Fantasy Lights runs every evening from Nov. 28, 2019–Jan. 1, 2020; 5:30–9 p.m. (including Christmas and New Year’s). Families can stay warm and cozy while they drive slowly through the display, taking in fanciful sights. A radio station (FM 95.3) plays accompanying holiday music. It’s half-corny/half-magical — the very best kind of holiday outing.
Note: The special Fantasy Lights Walk now offers two days to stretch your legs and stroll the route, Saturday–Sunday, Nov. 23–24.
Price: $15/car; look for half-off deals on select nights (just $8 for the whole carload) and discounts for tickets purchased in person at Lakewood Community Center and Sprinker Recreation Center or with this coupon.
Holiday events at The Old Cannery Furniture Store, Sumner
The Old Cannery Furniture Store, a popular shop in Sumner, really gets into the holiday spirit.
At last! The Bridge Lighting Ceremony is back. Don’t miss it Saturday, Nov. 30, 3–7 p.m. Enjoy complimentary cookies and apple cider while watching the annual lighting of the bridge, complete with fireworks. Santa will be there too with his live reindeer.
Santa stops by on weekends for free photos. Dates this year are Nov. 29–Dec. 1, Dec. 7–8, 14–15 and 21–22; 11 a.m.–4 p.m. There’ll be reindeer visiting Dec. 14–15, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
The photos are complimentary but the store is collecting food and monetary donations to benefit the Sumner Food Bank; donations appreciated.
Note that wait times to see Santa lengthen the closer to Christmas it is. Check the store’s Facebook page for updates and potentially more holiday fun!
Gingerbread house workshops at the library
Gingerbread house-making workshops are super-fun and keep the mess out of your home, but many are pricey. Craft a gingerbread house for free at a Pierce County Library event. Gingerbread house workshops take place at many branches, and all are welcome. Dates span Dec. 4–21, 2019. Some events require registration, while others are drop-in. Check the Pierce County Library events page and search for “gingerbread” (tip: you need to expand the date range to include the full month of December to see all of your options).
Clam Lights in Renton
Head to Renton to take in Ivar’s Clam Lights, a free holiday light display at Gene Coulon Memorial Park. Opening night, Friday, Dec. 6, includes the official lighting at 5:45 p.m., photo ops with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and music by the Lindbergh High School Vocal Jazz Ensemble. Continue up the footpath to the North Picnic Shelter where there will be a bonfire, photo ops with Princess Elsa and Olaf (5:30–7:30 p.m.), a “Frozen” sing-a-long (6–6:45 p.m.) and a dance performance. A parade of boats will pass by at 6:30 p.m. Clam Lights light up Dec. 6, 2019–Jan. 1, 2020; from 5–9 p.m. each night.
Mary Bridge Children’s Festival of Trees, Tacoma
The annual Festival of Trees, benefiting the Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital & Health Center, features 60 lavishly decorated trees at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center. Public viewing days are Friday–Saturday, Dec. 6–7, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Play games in the lobby, have your picture taken with Santa, enjoy live community entertainment and more.
Price: $6/adult; $2/child ages 5–12; kids ages 4 and younger free; or, for free admission, bring a non-perishable food item (preferably individually wrapped, grab-and-go snacks); donations will benefit families staying at Tree House while their child receives care at Mary Bridge.
Santa Visits the Conservatory, Tacoma
The historic W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory in Wright Park welcomes Santa on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Have a photo taken with St. Nick amid the beautiful displays of holiday greenery and poinsettias. Enjoy refreshments served by volunteers and staff in period dress and crafts for kids.
Price: $3/person suggested donation for entry to the conservatory; separate fee for professional photo with Santa.
Providence Christmas Forest, Olympia
Find another display of beautifully decorated trees in Olympia at the Providence Christmas Forest. Tree displays are open to the public Saturday–Sunday, Dec. 7–8, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday is Kids’ Day, featuring a visit from Santa, kid-friendly performances and crafts hosted by Hands On Children’s Museum.
Price: $5/adult; kids ages 12 and younger free.
Christmas Ships viewing
Head to a local beach to watch the lighted boats of the Christmas Ships go by and listen to the music of on-board choirs broadcast to shore, all for free. Check the schedule for South Sound-area stops in 2019, including on Dec. 8, 9 and 12.
Santa Visits Old Town, Tacoma
Step back in time for charming holiday fun at the Job Carr Cabin Museum in Tacoma’s old town. The cabin is a replica of one built by early Tacoma settler Job Carr. Each year, the museum holds a free holiday event with carolers, treats, a craft area and, of course, photos with the man himself, this year on Saturday, Dec. 14, from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Photos with Santa and refreshments are provided while supplies last. Donations of non-perishable food items requested for St. Leo’s Food Connection.
Price: Events at the Job Carr Cabin Museum are pay-what-you-can. For this event, the museum requests attendees bring non-perishable food donations. Santa photos will be available for free to download one week following the event.
Dickens Festival, Tacoma
For old-fashioned fun of a different era, Tacoma’s Dickens Festival takes place in the Stadium district on Saturday, Dec. 14, from noon–5 p.m. Meet Santa at the Stadium Thriftway, take a horse-drawn carriage ride, and enjoy music, magic and more! Check the festival’s Facebook page for details and updates.
In coordination with the Dickens Festival, the W.W. Seymour Conservatory in Wright Park offers children’s stories, crafts, music and staff wearing period Victorian costumes. It also features a grand holiday floral display that is sure to impress the whole family!
Price: Dickens Festival, free; Seymour Conservatory entry, $3 suggested donation.
The Grand Cinema’s free holiday movie
The Grand Cinema in Tacoma hosts a free family flick every month. December’s holiday-edition screening takes place this year on Saturday, Dec. 21. The feature is the heartwarming Christmas comedy “Elf,” sure to leave you full of Christmas cheer. It’s rated PG and runs about 90 minutes. Free seats are limited to the first 100 people, so you’ll want to arrive early. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. for the 10 a.m. showing.
Free puppet shows at local libraries
Pierce County Library hosts free holiday marionette puppet shows. Shows take place at many branches and are open to all. Check the Pierce County Library events page and search for “puppets” (tip: expand the date range to include the full month of December to see all of your options).
More holiday haps
Maple Valley Hometown Holidays: Enjoy the annual tree lighting, photo ops with beloved holiday characters, a horse-drawn trolley and train rides, real reindeer and more at Maple Valley Hometown Holidays on Thursday, Dec. 5, 6–8:30 p.m.
Downtown Auburn Santa parade and tree lighting: On Saturday, Dec. 7, decorate cookies, drink hot cocoa and read a story with Mrs. Claus (2:30–4 p.m.) before a Santa parade and tree lighting (4:30–5:30 p.m.) in downtown Auburn.
Puyallup Santa Parade and Holiday Market: Come to Puyallup on Saturday, Dec. 7 for a Santa Parade (5–6 p.m.) and indoor Holiday Market (noon–7 p.m.).
Enumclaw’s 54th annual Christmas parade: Immerse yourself in Christmas magic at this annual parade down Cole Street on Saturday, Dec. 7, 6–8 p.m.
Residential Christmas light displays: If your family likes to see what do-it-yourself lights aficionados can dream up, check out this awesome website developed by a local Christmas lights enthusiast to find all the best homemade displays. While it’s obviously free to drive yourself around, you may want to bring some canned food, as some houses take donations on behalf of the food bank.
If you have a favorite South Sound-area event we missed, or a seasonal deal we should know about, let us know in the comments. Happy holidays!
Editor’s note: This article was originally published a few years ago and was just updated for 2019.
