Whether you’ve been playing Christmas music since before Halloween, or have refrained until the last Thanksgiving plate has been washed, the waiting is over. The holiday season is officially here! Family friendly seasonal activities are the theme for this weekend’s event round-up, check out our top 5 picks below.
 
For more festivities keep an eye on our events calendar, we update it regularly so you always know what’s going on in the area, or 31 Days of Holiday Magic. This great resource provides inspiration to get in the spirit every day of December! From enchanting stage productions to outdoor recreational activities, find a daily idea for celebrating the holiday season.
 

Gingerbread Jamboree

Saturday, November 26 – Sunday, November 27
Cost: $40 for a family of four
Hotel Murano Bicentennial Pavilion, Tacoma, WA
 
Get ready to get sticky - and creative! Make the gingerbread house of your dreams using the candy buffet and of course, lots of frosting! Hosted by the Children’s Museum of Tacoma, this annual event is an essential holiday tradition.

 

CHI Franciscan Polar Plaza

Friday, November 25 – Sunday, November 27
Cost: $11 General, $10 Youth/Military/Senior, $5 Children 5 and under
Tollefson Plaza, Tacoma, WA
 
Come rain, sunshine, or snow, enjoy ice skating outdoors in the heart of downtown Tacoma. The Polar Plaza is a covered skating rink nestled in Tacoma’s Museum District, and is great way to spend an afternoon getting a little post-Thanksgiving exercise. If you can’t make this weekend, don’t stress. The Polar Plaza will be open throughout December.

 

White Christmas The Musical

Saturday, November 26 – Sunday, November 27
Cost: $22 General, $18 Student/Senior, $12 Children
Sumner Performing Arts Center, Sumner, WA
 
Lose yourself in some theatrical magic this season. Sumner’s ManeStage Theater presents Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, a classic production that will leave you filled with Christmas joy.

 

71st Annual Tree Lighting

Saturday, November 26
5:00 pm
Cost: Free
9th and Broadway, Tacoma, WA
 
Take part in this annual tradition that’s been going since World War II! Come ready for carols and photos with Santa as Tacoma’s historic Theatre District providing a beautiful backdrop for the Tree Lighting ceremony. Event happens rain or shine, please come dressed for the weather.
 

Zoolights

Friday, November 25 – Thursday, January 1
Cost: $10 at the gate, $8.50 online tickets, free for children 2 and under
Point Defiance Zoo + Aquarium, Tacoma, WA
 
It’s the opening weekend for Zoolights at the Point Defiance Zoo + Aquarium! A Giant Pacific Octopus, hammerhead shark, and polar bear are just a few of the lighted displays you’ll see as you wander through the zoo. After that, get your photo taken with a reindeer and ride the carousel! Consider making a day of it, and get a combo pass that lets you see animal habitats during the day and lighted displays after it gets dark.