What is the ultimate harbinger of the holiday season? Busy shops, marketing emails, that coworker who starts wearing holiday sweaters in November? For us, the first and most satisfying sign that the holidays are here is the sudden arrival of holiday lights—on houses, businesses, cars, boats, the big tree downtown, and even in the dens of zoo animals. Go on and get into the spirit of things; grab your family, your significant other, and maybe a mug of something hot and toddy-esque, and come see the spectacle of holiday lights around the South Sound!
Zoolights
Nov. 29-Jan. 5
Why you should go:
How do (begin Dr. Evil voice) ONE MILLION (end Dr. Evil voice) sparkling lights sound to you? The animals may be sleeping, but their habitat at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is alive with a stunning show of multicolor tunnels and landscapes to enjoy.
Fantasy Lights
Dec. 1-31
Why you should go:
If you go to just one light show, make it this one! Fantasy Lights is the largest display of holiday lights in the Pacific Northwest, with 300 elaborate displays over a two-mile drive around Spanaway Lake. So many lightbulbs will burn into your retinas that, when you close your eyes, it’s going to look like a kaleidoscope. Neat!
Edgewood Light Show
Nov. 11-Dec. 31
Why you should go:
‘Tis the season of lines, crowds, and waiting, so why not step outside of the hubbub of Tacoma and head to Edgewood, Washington—a mere 15 minute drive east—to enjoy the Edgewood Light Show? These locals know how to keep it festive for much of the year with Halloween lights as well, and holiday lights spanning from Thanksgiving to past New Year’s Day.
Ice Lights
Nov. 29-Jan. 4
Why you should go:
Have you experienced holiday lights while floating on ice? Now’s your chance at the Sprinker Recreation Center, where you can wear ugly sweaters, listen to holiday hits, and yes, enjoy the beauty of holiday lights while circling a giant Christmas tree.
Holiday Magic at the Washington State Fairgrounds
Dec 6-8, 12-15, 18-23
Why you should go:
If you don’t get a selfie in the twinkle light tunnel at the Holiday Magic event, you’ve absolutely missed out! The twinkle light tunnel is just one part of the Light Extravaganza, and you’ll see even more lights at Gingerbread Lane and Santa’s Village.
Winter Solstice Festival at Lakewold Gardens
Dec. 13-29, Fri-Sun
Why you should go:
Lights don’t just belong on fir trees; at Lakewold Gardens, you can appreciate the sprawling grounds with all manner of seasonal plants illuminated with lights in the darkness of winter. If you are a green thumb, you’ve got to go!
Lighted Boat Parade and Lighted Car Parade
Dec. 14 and Dec. 21
Why you should go:
Sure, you could look at lights FROM your car…or you could look at lights ON a car! Or better yet, you could enjoy lights covering a boat floating on black water in the night! All this is possible thanks to Gig Harbor, a town notorious for setting their modes of transportation alight every December.
A Bonsai Solstice
Dec. 17
Why you should go:
Every year, the Pacific Bonsai Museum celebrates the shortest day of the year with activities that include a scavenger hunt, handblown glass ornaments, and more. Bring your own flashlight. (Free, with suggested donation being $12.)
Winter Solstice Luminary Walk
Dec. 21
Why you should go:
Head to the excellent Night Market in Graham for one-of-a-kind gifts and tasty local food, then get some fresh air with the original holiday lights (candles!) at the luminary walk in the park.
Tacoma Light Trail
Dec. 31-Jan. 12
The Tacoma Light Trail is about so much more than lighted gingerbread houses or twinkling sleighs—it’s illuminated art that transforms downtown Tacoma into an open air museum. Check out opening night on New Year’s Eve, and let the lights keep your spirits up deep into January.
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Looking for even more holiday magic? Check out our Holiday Magic calendar, with multiple events for every day in December!
