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

Zoolights, Tacoma

Dates: Nov. 28, 2025–Jan. 4, 2026 (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 1.5 million lights. Tacoma’s Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium (PDZA) hosts this show and welcomes families from around the South Sound and beyond. Guests can expect favorite scenes such as Sasquatch, a flaming tree, a giant Pacific octopus and the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. For the first time, PDZA is hosting Dog Nights during Zoolights so you can bring your pup along — limited tickets are available for select nights in December and January. There’s also the opportunity to meet the zoo’s goat herd up close with Groovy Goats: Zoolights Edition.

Tacoma Light Trail, Tacoma

Dates: Dec. 31, 2025–Jan. 11, 2026
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 that features a fire-breathing dragon. 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. The festival stretches into the Hilltop neighborhood and beyond.

Fantasy Lights, Spanaway

Dates: Open nightly Nov. 28, 2025–Jan. 4, 2026 (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, 2025–Jan. 4, 2026.
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. 27, 2025, through early January 2026
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 “Stars of Christmas” display this year, with jolly Santa 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