If Hollywood’s big-screen offerings aren’t fulfilling your movie needs this fall, then head to the Capitol Theater for the 25th annual Olympia Film Festival. Kids will enjoy the Kid’s Shorts Showcase featuring live action and animation in lengths suited for shorter attention spans. Or brave All Freakin’ Night for a series of horror and thriller flicks. The festival runs Nov. 7–15; show times and dates vary. $8, members $6, ages 12 and younger $3. Passes $10–$75. Capitol Theater, 206 Fifth Ave. S.E., Olympia. 360-754-6670.
The Point Defiance Zoo must be paying one heck of an electric bill to power the half-million lights that make Zoo Lights possible. Stroll the zoo grounds and view the light displays intermixed with strolling entertainers, animal appearances and hot cocoa stations. Stop by the aquarium to warm up or head to the gift shop for holiday gift shopping. Nov. 28–Jan. 4: nightly 5–9 p.m. $7, $5.50 in advance at Bartell Drugs. Point Defiance Zoo, 5400 N. Pearl St., Tacoma. 253-591-5337.
If you’d prefer to stay in the toasty car, then head to Fantasy Lights at Spanaway Lake Park for a leisurely drive through the lakefront park with more than 300 light displays. To get in a more festive mood, tune your car radio to 93.7 FM and listen to holiday music while on the drive. Nov. 27–Jan. 4: nightly 5:30–9:30 p.m. $13 per car, $28 per mini bus, $45 per bus. Spanaway Lake Park, 14905 Gus E. Breseman Road S., Spanaway.
Don’t miss downtown Sumner’s Bridge Lighting and Processional on Nov. 28. Promptly at 5 p.m., the bridge lights will be turned on with a fireworks display to mark the occasion, and a processional will travel to Windmill Gardens for a look at the 20,000 holiday lights illuminating the outdoor garden. Free. Downtown Sumner.
—Karla Lindula