Dazzling Holiday Light Displays Around Seattle, the Eastside and South Sound

Photo:
A sprawling octopus takes over Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium for Zoolights. Photo: Katie G. Cotterill, courtesy Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
Tacoma-area holiday light displays
Zoolights, Tacoma
Dates: Nov. 29, 2024–Jan. 5, 2025 (closed Dec. 24–25.); 4:30–10 p.m.
Cost: $14–$20 per person; kids ages 2 and younger enter free. Discounts available for zoo members. Timed-entry tickets are required and must be purchased online.
Location: Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, 5400 N. Pearl St., Tacoma
One of the region’s most beloved displays, Zoolights is a spectacular show made up of more than one million lights. Tacoma’s Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium hosts this show and welcomes families from around the South Sound and beyond. Guests can expect favorite scenes such as Sasquatch, a giant Pacific octopus and the Tacoma Narrows Bridge.
Tacoma Light Trail, Tacoma
Dates: Dec. 31, 2024–Jan. 12, 2025
Cost: Free
Location: Tollefson Plaza, 1548 Commerce St., Tacoma
This free winter festival in downtown Tacoma includes outdoor performances and other special events, with a kick-off on New Year’s Eve. The best thing about this light show is that its sparkle carries you well into January while some light shows go dark by the end of the year. You’ll find light art displayed around downtown Tacoma every night. This year the festival stretches into the Hilltop neighborhood and South Tacoma Way.
Fantasy Lights, Spanaway
Dates: Open nightly Nov. 29, 2024–Jan. 5, 2025 (including holidays). Hours are 5:30–9 p.m.
Cost: Tickets start at $15 per vehicle; entry on premium nights costs $20 per vehicle. Discount night tickets are $10, Dec. 26, 2024–Jan. 5, 2025.
Location: Spanaway Park, 1000 Military Rd. S., Spanaway
Fantasy Lights is a huge drive-through light show, delighting families for more than 25 years with hundreds of sparkling holiday scenes along the shore of Spanaway Lake in Spanaway Park. Visitors remain in their cars and drive the winding, 2-mile route through the park, surrounded by lights. As you drive, tune your car radio to AM 1700 for accompanying holiday music.
The Very Merry Christmas House, Kent
Dates: Nov. 28 through early January
Cost: Free; food bank donations accepted.
Location: The Very Merry Christmas House, 30211 176th Ave. S.E., Kent
The owner of the Very Merry Christmas House goes all out every year, and this year is no different. Enjoy the “Snowman Forest” theme this year, with jolly snowmen and colorful lights. Even more fun, the lights are synchronized to classic holiday music. Keep your eye on the Facebook page — there are also seasonal displays throughout the year for other holidays.
Next up: North Sound light displays