It's the last weekend before Christmas, and those who got their shopping done early deserve some relaxation and entertainment. While the weekend is still technically a couple days away, with so many holiday events happening and holiday cheer going around, every day feels like a weekend. That said, here are Travel Tacoma + Pierce County's hand-picked Top 5 events:

1. Third Thursday Free Admission to Tacoma Museums (Thursday, Dec. 21; Tacoma Museum District, Tacoma)
From 5 - 8 p.m. on the third Thursday of every month (December included) local museums offer free or discounted admission, and often feature special activities. For example, on Thursday, the Museum of Glass is offering a glass-fusing workshop where you'll craft your own glass ornament for just $12. 
 
2. White Christmas Sing-Along (Thursday, Dec. 21; The Grand Cinema, Tacoma)
This is your last chance until next year to gather your family and friends, head to Bing Crosby's home town (Tacoma) and sing along with him at the Grand Cinema;s annual sing-along to a screening of White Christmas.
 
3. 22nd Annual Model Train Festival (now through Jan. 1; Washington State History Museum, Tacoma) 
History and holiday magic unite during the Annual Model Train Festival in December. Bring your family, friends, and the railroad enthusiasts in your life to see this showcase of the most spectacular and detailed model railroad scenes in the Pacific Northwest! It Includes the largest permanent model train layout in Washington. Santa will be there for photos this Friday, Dec. 22 and Saturday, Dec. 23.
 
4. 12 Beers of Christmas (now through Dec. 24 Harmon Taproom and Harmon Restaurant, Tacoma)
In the spirit of the season of sharing, Harmon wants to share the small-batch brews they've been saving all year, and they're tapping a new one each day for 12 days in a row.  Stop by to enjoy one of their rare craft beers, or attend every day to get a stamp toward earning a custom engraved glass mug. 
 
5. Lantern Light Festival (now through Jan. 7; Washington State Fairgrounds, Puyallup)
"Holiday lights" taken on a whole new meaning, at this amazing evening of dazzling lights and shapes. The Lantern Light Festival is a celebration of a Chinese tradition that started over 2,000 years ago, with enormous lanterns hand-crafted by Chinese artisans, acrobatics and plenty of attractions and activities for the young ones.

These few not what you're looking for? Here's a comprehensive look at the other holiday happenings this weekend: 

Thursday, December 21
Tacoma Museum District, Tacoma
 
The Grand Cinema, Tacoma
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Tacoma
 
Mount Rainier Railroad, Elbe
 
Washington State Fairgrounds, Puyallup
 
Spanaway
 
Gig Harbor
 
Harmon Taproom and Harmon Restaurant, Tacoma
 
Friday, December 22
Washington State History Museum, Tacoma
 
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Tacoma
 
Mount Rainier Railroad, Elbe
 
Washington State Fairgrounds, Puyallup
 
Spanaway
 
Gig Harbor
 
Harmon Taproom and Harmon Restaurant, Tacoma
 
Paradise Theatre, Gig Harbor
 
Saturday, December 23
Museum of Glass, Tacoma
 
Washington State History Museum, Tacoma
 
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Tacoma
 
Mount Rainier Railroad, Elbe
 
Washington State Fairgrounds, Puyallup
 
Spanaway
 
Gig Harbor
 
Harmon Taproom and Harmon Restaurant, Tacoma
 
Paradise Theatre, Gig Harbor
 
Sunday, December 24
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Tacoma
 
Mount Rainier Railroad, Elbe
 
Spanaway
 
Gig Harbor
 
Harmon Taproom and Harmon Restaurant, Tacoma
 
Paradise Theatre, Gig Harbor