It’s the holiday season, and there are so many fun things to do this year around the Puget Sound.

Pictures with Santa, looking at lights, holiday markets, we love it all! There are a ton of fun events happening in our community this year. We’ve picked a few of our favorite things – let us know where you go and of course, share pictures!  

PC: @wsuchristy

 

City Tree Lighting – Gig Harbor, WA

December 5, 2021

5:30 PM – 7:00 PM PST

The 2021 Gig Harbor tree lighting is almost here. Festivities start at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5, at Skansie Brothers Park, 3211 Harborview Dr. As a result of the pandemic, there won’t be hot chocolate at the Skansie Netshed like some years. There will be a candy cane toss, Santa will be there, and Acapella Soundsations, a group of 12 to 15, will perform.

 

Holiday Favorites Symphony – Tacoma, WA

December 5, 2021

2:30 pm

Symphony Tacoma Voices Guest artists TBA Symphony Tacoma’s annual collage of seasonal delights for the whole family. More information here.

 

Santa at the Fire Station – Gig Harbor, WA

Back by popular demand, the jolly man with a white beard and a red suit will be visiting some of our fire stations just in time for the holidays. It’s a great opportunity to bring the kids for a photo with Santa and create some lasting memories. 

Gig Harbor Fire & Medic One is partnering with FISH Food Bank this holiday season to help local families in need. Please bring non-perishable food or toy donations when you swing by to visit Santa. There will be collection bin at Station 50 (District Headquarters) through the holidays. Food & gift cards are welcome! FREE event – Donations for FISH Foodbank appreciated. 

Rosedale (Station 55), 7710 Rosedale Street 

December 6, 2021 | 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM PST

 

Gig Harbor (Station 51), 6711 Kimball Drive 

December 7, 2021 | 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM PST

 

District Headquarters (Station 50), 10222 Bujacich Road NW 

December 8, 2021 | 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM PST

 

Santa with West Pierce Fire Dept – University Place, WA

December 8, 2021

5:30 PM – 7:30 PM PST

Across the street from Station 31, located at 3631 Drexler Drive W in University Place. This will be a drive-through event. (Drivers, please access this event from Drexler Drive to help keep traffic flowing)

Food Drive
A food drive will also be held during this event in support of the Emergency Food Network. Please bring non-perishable items and Santa’s helpers will collect them directly from your vehicle. Thank you in advance for your support.

Letters to Santa
Bring your letter to Santa with you! He will take all of the letters back to the North Pole and personally answer as many as he can. Don’t forget to include a return address so he can write back!

Looking for a template for your letter to Santa? Click here to print ours!

More information here

 

Morso Lunch Sip & Paint – Gig Harbor, WA

December 6, 2021

12:00 PM – 3:00 PM PST

Morso Wine Bistro

Join Tami Figliola & Gretchen Giese at Morso’s for lunch, libations, and painting. Lunch at noon then paint this cute holiday Gnome! More information and tickets available for purchase here.

The Polar Express at Galaxy Theaters – Gig Harbor, WA

December 11, 2021 – December 12, 2021

Dec. 11th @ 10 am; Dec. 12th @ 10 am & 6 pm

On Saturday, December 11th at 10 AM and Sunday, December 12th at 10 AM and 6 PM Galaxy Theatres will be showing Polar Express. Tickets will be $5. Hot chocolate will be available for $2, or if you bring a toy for Toys for Tots, the hot chocolate will be free. More info here.

 

Cookies with Mr. & Mrs. Claus – Gig Harbor, WA

December 11, 2021

10:00 AM – 2:00 PM PST

Sehmel Homestead Park

Participants will enjoy photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, crafts, activities, vendors, and take home a cookie kit to decorate! Suggested Donation is $10 or two cans of food for our food drive. If you are donating food, use promo code FoodDrive2021 to waive the ticket fee. More information here.

Gig Harbor Lighted Boat Parade – Gig Harbor, WA

December 11, 2021

5:00 PM – 6:30 PM PST

A parade of boats, well decorated with sparkling lights, will pass twice around the harbor. The parade is sponsored by the Gig Harbor Yacht Club.

Lighted Car Parade – Gig Harbor, WA

December 18, 2021

4:30 PM – 6:30 PM PST

The Lighted Car Parade is back for its second annual roll through the Harbor on December 18th from 4:30 – 6:30pm. Last year, 77 cars participated and more are anticipated this year. There will be two parade routes, both starting from Uptown and going through downtown Gig Harbor.  At the end of the parade, the cars will be parked at Uptown for folks to view. There will be carolers and of course, opportunities for pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and a few more surprises! Prizes will be awarded for the best decorated car. A lot of pedestrian traffic is anticipated so businesses in Downtown and Uptown are encouraged to stay open late and to participate in the parade!

View the event on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Gigharborlightedcarparade

 

Zoo Lights – Tacoma, WA

November 26, 2021 – January 2, 2022

4:30 PM – 10:00 PM PST

Magical lights and a classic holiday tradition – presented by BECU. Closed Dec. 24 & 25. Open Dec. 31 & Jan. 1. Timed online tickets required. Masks are required throughout your Zoolights visit (indoors & outdoors) for all guests ages 5+. Tickets and more information here.

Fantasy Lights – Spanaway, WA

November 26, 2021 – January 2, 2022

5:30 PM – 9:00 PM PST

Fantasy Lights at Spanaway Park is the largest holiday drive-through display in the Northwest, featuring nearly 300 elaborate displays and thousands of sparkling lights. The beautiful two-mile drive along Spanaway Lake has become a memorable tradition for the entire family. Tickets and more information here.