South Puget Sound 2024 Winter Events Guide
Winter brings us a packed calendar of festive events and happenings in the South Puget Sound! In this South Puget Sound December 2024 events guide, we’re sharing a ton of activities to enjoy this season. Everything from holiday lights and winter markets to parades and 5k runs are all on the horizon this winter.
Take a moment to browse upcoming events and be sure to mark your calendar with your faves!
November 29, 2024 - January 5, 2025: Fantasy Lights in Spanaway
Visit Spanaway Park at night to admire 300+ gorgeous light displays from your car. (Tip: Visit Fantasy Lights on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday to avoid the crowds.)
November 29, 2024 - January 5, 2025: Ice Lights Ice Skating in Tacoma
Head to Sprinker Recreation Center in the Parkland area of Tacoma for an epic ice skating experience. There’s snow falling on the rink and a beautiful light curtain wrapping the rink, along with several holiday photo ops, ice bumper cars, and more.
November 29, 2024 - January 5, 2025: Zoolights @ Point Defiance in Tacoma
Over one million sparkling lights transform the Point Defiance Zoo this time of year! Several zoo-themed light displays, treats, and even a herd of goats you can meet are all in the mix.
December 3 - 14, 2024: Holiday Haul Crawl in Downtown Tacoma
This 12-day event offers something new every day, like free holiday photos, discounts at local businesses, free access to the Tacoma Art Museum, and a scavenger hunt.
December 5 - 8, 2024: Victorian Country Christmas Festival at Washington State Fairgrounds in Puyallup
Shop for everyone on your holiday shopping list, meet Santa, enjoy musical performances, check out the wine garden, and get in the festive spirit at this beloved local tradition.
December 6, 2024: University Place Tree Lighting in Market Square
In addition to the lighting ceremony, there will be food trucks, a cozy outdoor fireplace, live character performers, a stilt dancer, and other activities. Wear something warm and head out to meet your neighbors!
December 6 - 23, 2024: Holiday Magic @ Washington State Fairgrounds in Puyallup
This immersive event has it all—ice skating, carnival rides, holiday treats, a fun Gingerbread Lane experience, Santa’s Express train rides, an Enchanted Castle to explore, and more.
December 7, 2024: Krampusnacht Bremerton
Celebrate Yuletide with this Bavarian tradition! This annual event features performers, activities, and a festive atmosphere to explore Downtown Bremerton businesses.
December 7 - 8, 2024: TideFest 2024 Fine Arts & Crafts Celebration at Gig Harbor High School
Discover tons of vendor booths, student food stands, entertainment, and more.
December 7, 2024: Santa Sleighs 5K in Port Orchard
Dress up as your favorite holiday character and enjoy fun holiday decor along the way. There’s even a 1K Reindeer Run for kids before the 5K starts, so get there early!
December 7, 2024: Holiday on the Bay Festival in Port Orchard
Join in for a community sing-along, admire the holiday parade, explore the holiday market, take photos at the Santa Village, enjoy live entertainment and more on the waterfront.
December 7, 2024: Holiday Parade of Lights & Tree Lighting in Lakewood
Head to Lakewood Towne Center to check out the holiday floats from local organizations, clubs, and businesses, and be sure to be at City Hall at 5:30pm for the tree lighting!
December 7, 2024: Santa Paws Dog Festival in at Chambers Creek Park in University Place
Dress up your pups in their finest holiday outfits and head to the park for holiday-themed activities, a variety of pet-related vendors, refreshments and more.
December 7, 2024: Gig Harbor Tree Lighting Ceremony
Enjoy this treasured annual tradition at Skansie Brothers Park on the waterfront in Downtown Gig Harbor. In addition to the tree lighting, there’s live entertainment and activities for everyone!
December 7, 2024: Meridian Park Habitat Holiday Market in Puyallup
Several local artisans and crafters will set up shop at this festive experience that also features food trucks, holiday music, and complimentary holiday photos.
December 7, 2024: Christmas Regale at Fort Nisqually History Museum in Tacoma
This special event draws on historic traditions and invites you to meet Father Christmas, make ornaments, shop for unique and handmade items, and more.
December 7 - 28, 2024: Holiday Village @ Donkey Creek Park in Gig Harbor
Dress up and bring your camera! Head to the park to find six holiday-themed photo displays to pose with. On December 14, 15, 21, and 22, Santa will visit and you can take a few pics with him, too!
December 14, 2024: 11th Annual Tacoma Santa Parade
Hundreds of participants make this Tacoma tradition extra special! In addition to the parade, you’ll also find holiday shopping opportunities, food and drink specials, and several vendors.
December 14, 2024: Lighted Boat Parade Downtown Gig Harbor
Bundle up and bring a hot cup of cocoa to Gig Harbor’s waterfront to enjoy views of boats decked out in holiday lights.
December 14, 2024: Jingle Bell Run in Lakewood
Head to Fort Steilacoom Park for this family-friendly event! Wear a fun holiday-themed costume, dress up your pet, and get ready to walk or run the Jingle Bell 5K. Get there a bit early to take part in the 1K Kids Dash.
December 21, 2024: Lighted Car Parade in Downtown Gig Harbor
100 vehicles are registered to participate this year! Cars put on their finest holiday decor and ride through town. Everyone is invited to take in the sights!
December 24, 2024: Christmas Eve Ugly Sweater 5K Run in Puyallup
Start Christmas Eve with a fun run at Bradley Lake Park! Holiday inflatables and Santa’s House are just a couple of the festive additions to this community event.
December 26 - 29, 2024: Wildland Wonderland at Northwest Trek in Eatonville
Watch animals enjoy holiday-themed treats, explore trails of wintry magic, see animals out in their natural habitats, and more.