Dash Away to all the Holiday Magic
/'Twas the month before Christmas, and all through the North End, all creatures were stirring to get out of the house. It's the holiday season, and there is so much to do; the children are excited, and the parents are, too.
It's true; December is full of seasonal activities and events. Here are a few local events to add to your holiday list:
Zoolights
With our dark winter evenings, we seek out all the lights, and Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium lights up our nights. While the animals sleep, you can walk through the zoo and see spectacular light scenes of animals, mountains, and tunnels. Grab a hot cocoa at the cafe, and enjoy the magic and sparkle! Zoolights opens November 24th and runs until January 1st, 2024.
Fort Nisqually Christmas Regale
Take a step back in time and enjoy the holiday spirit at Fort Nisqually during their Christmas Regale. During the regale, you get to enjoy the arrival of the yule log with toasts and carols. There are games, ornament, and pomander-making opportunities. Then, a grand visit from Father Christmas. The Christmas Regale is a one-day event on December 2nd!
Ice Lights
This ice rink is no ordinary, everyday ice rink; this is a winter wonderland. The Sprinker Recreation ice rink becomes wonderfully festive with an amazing display of lights, sprinkling snow, and a giant 20-foot tree in the rink's center. All ages can skate, and they have ice walkers to help beginners stay steady. Add to the joy with some ice bumper cars before you put on the skates! The ice rink stays festive in December, but sessions fill quickly, so make a reservation in advance.
Proctor's Peppermint Place
Our North End district, Proctor, gets into the holiday spirit with their Peppermint Place. The decorated shop windows, peppermint poles, and local business events. The Blue Mouse Theater will have some Christmas movies weekly. Be sure to check the Proctor events calendar and Instagram so you can come to join in all the fun!
All the Events (that I can think of)
And now, since you follow the blog, a few extra activities and events to share beyond what I wrote in Greet!
First Weekend of December
University Place Christmas Tree Lighting with Anna and Elsa: December 1st
Fort Nisqually Christmas Regale: December 2nd
Santa Photos at the Seymour Conservatory: December 2nd
Sumners Santa Parade: December 2nd
Ebony and Ivory Santa: December 2nd
Julefest Poulsbo: December 2nd
Alchemy Skateboard Kickflipin Kringle & Photo Booth: December 2nd
Tacoma Santa Parade: December 3rd
7 Seas Brewing Tacoma Santa: December 2nd
7 Seas Brewing Gig Harbor Santa: December 3rd
Fircrest Tree Lighting & Market: December 3rd
Holiday Haul Crawl: December 3rd, 10th (carriage rides)
(Wednesday) Weatherly Inn White Market & Santa: December 6th
Second Weekend of December
Selfies with Santa + Coco and Carols at Seymour Conservatory: December 9th
Cookies with Mr and Mrs Claus: December 9th
Reindeer Run 5K: December 9th
Santa Visit at Galaxy Gig Harbor Theater: December 16th & 17th
Third Weekend of December
Jingle Bell Run: December 16th
Waterfront Market Shop with an Elf: December 16th
Festive Family & Friends Photos at Seymour Conservatory: December 16th
Zenith West Holiday Open Gym: December 16th
Ocean 5 Meet Santa: December 17th
Multiple Day or All Month
Knutson Christmas at the Farm: November 21st to 23rd
Sprinker Recreation Ice Lights & Bumper Cars: December 1st to 31st
Fantasy Lights: November 24th - January 1st
Zoolights: November 24th - January 1st
NW Trek Winter Wildland: December 25 - January 1st
North Pole at the Fair: Now - December 23rd
Tacoma Little Theatre Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: December 8th to 31st
Blue Mouse Christmas Movie Series: Various Weekends
Watson's Nursery Reindeer & Gnome Hunt: Now - December 23rd
Waterfront Market Jingle the Elf Hunt: November 24th - December 24th
Model Train Exhibit at Tacoma History Museum: December 22nd to January 1st
Snapology Winter Break Workshops: December 18th - 20th, 21-22nd
Zenith West Winter Wonderland Camp: December 18th - 22nd
Reindeer Scavenger Hunt at Chambers Bay: December 1st - 15th
Candy Cane Hunt at Cross Park: December 1st - 22nd
With all these events, there's plenty to do. Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away, all!