Tacoma’s Most Magical Holiday Events

The holiday season is my second-favorite time of the year.

I know that’s not how the saying goes but summer has my heart. I was born on a tropical island and I moved to the PNW from California. I learned to maintain a sunshine state of mind no matter where I am. Did you know that you can get a sunburn while hitting the slopes? Some call it science (and it is) but I call it magic.

Here’s my fail-proof method to catch sunny magic vibes during the darkest time of the year:

Step 1: Find the Light

Sunsets will happen in the four o’clock hour between November and January. One of the best glimmers of hope during these months is just that — glimmer. It’s the town’s Christmas tree lit up at night, the neighbor that goes all out with their decorations or the string of lights that connect every business on the block.

Point Defiance Zoo does an excellent job brightening up the winter nights with their annual Zoolights tradition. Bonus: you can bring your dog for the first time ever on scheduled dog nights. For a more interactive light display, you can walk, drive or bike through downtown to see (and hear) the Tacoma Light Trail. The festival kicks off on New Year’s Eve with a parade, outdoor performances and music to welcome in the new year and bright future.

Step 2: Feel the Warmth

If summers are for feeling the warmth on your skin, then winters are for feeling the warmth from within. At least that’s what I tell myself when all the ornaments from past Christmases move from the back of the closet to the entire living room floor. Nostalgia works wonders for giving you an instant dose of the warm and fuzzies.

Keeping up with traditions gives you something to look forward to. Consider making time to see live productions of classics like The Nutcracker or A Charlie Brown Christmas at the Tacoma City Theater. And if you really want to get warm, register for the Jingle Bell Run at Wright Park. Afterwards, you can wander the Winter Flower Show at W.W. Seymour Conservatory to breathe in the magic of nature.

Step 3: Hang on Tight

If you live in the South Sound or are visiting this season, there’s one secret you ought to know: Tacoma is magical all year round. The community is the magic that holds it all together. I’ve seen people gather for countless reasons and yet there’s still a unique charm that settles over the city in the winter.

There are plenty of opportunities to experience that charm in action. Whether you’re supporting local businesses and sharing cheer with friends at the Downtown Tacoma Holiday Market or making new memories with the whole family at Holiday Magic, these events capture the spirit of togetherness. Those moments are the real magic so hang on tight.

Giveaway Time 
For a chance to immerse in all the fun that the Washington State Fair Event Center has to offer, we’re giving away two tickets to Holiday Magic, Puyallup’s Winter Festival. Tell us who you would bring to the enchanting winter wonderland and you’ll be entered into the giveaway. Let us know your answer for Day 5 in the countdown calendar linked below.

ENTER TO WIN