Across Pierce County, there are many ways to celebrate the holidays, but there is something unique and special about the events and activities in Puyallup and Sumner.
From Santa parades to horse drawn carriage rides, pictures with Santa and candlelit tours, the Puyallup-Sumner area has something for everyone this holiday season. Read on for a list of jolly-inducing, merry-making and magical holiday activities in the area.
Reindeer at Watson’s Greenhouse and Nursery
Watson’s Greenhouse and Nursery has found a great way to bring the magic of the holidays to their grounds. Each year, Donder and Blitzen take a short vacation from the North Pole to bring smiles and cheer to Watson’s visitors. To enjoy this special occasion, visit Watson’s Greenhouse and Nursery during business hours from Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve. You will find the reindeer relaxing on the back patio behind the main building.
North Pole at the Fair
The North Pole at the Fair is a great stop to get photos of your kids with Santa. Explore Santa’s workshop, library and more at Santa’s house. Visitors can also enjoy a fun experience at the Elf Village where they can sing carols, participate in holiday activities and even get their photos taken in Santa’s own sleigh. To reserve photos with Santa and purchase tickets, visit the North Pole at the Fair website. North Pole at the Fair is held at the Red Gate entrance and is open from November 11 to December 23, 2017.
Christmas at The Old Cannery
Christmas at The Old Cannery is an age-old tradition in the Puyallup-Sumner area. Often times, the adjacent bridge and stretch of Valley Avenue that the Cannery is located on are the first places to be decked out in holiday decorations. From festive lights to photos with Santa and horse drawn carriage rides, The Old Cannery is the place to be during the holiday season. Photos with Santa are available each weekend from November 24 to December 23, 2017. There will be live reindeer on site at the Cannery on December 16 and 17 and horse drawn carriage rides are available December 16, 17 and 23. All events are held from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For more information, visit the events section on The Old Cannery website.
Christmas at Meeker Mansion
The historic Meeker Mansion has decorated the mansion in a Victorian Christmas style and is holding tours from November 24 through December 17, 2017. There are several events being held at the mansion for the holidays. Tour the mansion by candlelight on December 8 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., enjoy Christmas Tea from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on December 10, and celebrate the holidays with a Santa Breakfast on December 16 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. At the breakfast, children will receive a gift and are able to visit with Santa. For information and ticket prices for the events at the mansion, visit the Meeker Mansion Events section on their website.
Lantern Festival at the Fairgrounds
The Seattle Lantern Light Festival is being held from November 24 through January 7, 2018 at the Washington State Fair Grounds in Puyallup. This captivating cultural experience was brought to Pierce County to celebrate Chinese culture through lanterns, food and performing arts. The lanterns are made of a colorful silk cloth and are sure to inspire special holiday memories to last for many holidays to come. Check out the Seattle Lantern Light Festival website for tickets and more information. The festival is held at the Purple Gate entrance.
Free Festive Fun at Sunrise Village
Sunrise Village in Puyallup is celebrating the holidays with pictures with Santa, animals in a living nativity, horse drawn wagon rides, Christmas trees from the Puyallup South Hill Lions Club and much more. The festivities kick off on December 2, 2017, and continue on December 9 and 16 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Visit the Sunrise Village events section to learn more about the family fun in Sunrise.
The Santa Parade in Sumner
The Santa Parade is another cherished tradition in the town of Sumner. The parade runs down Main Street in Sumner through town to Sumner High School and Heritage Park. The celebration includes holiday floats, classic cars, caroling and – of course – Santa himself. The parade is held on December 3, 2017, at 3:00 p.m. Visit the Santa Parade section of the City of Sumner website for more information on this fun and festive event.
Yule Ball at the Puyallup Public Library
Calling all Harry Potter Fans! This holiday season, you can dance, sing, eat and embrace your inner witch or wizard at the Puyallup Library’s Yule Ball. Fans of the series will remember this dance from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by JK Rowling. At the ball, guests can enjoy, snacks, activities, a performance by Tonks and other aurors and much more. This can’t-miss event is being held on Friday, December 8 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The library encourages guests to dress in their most magical wizard attire (but Muggle clothes are okay, too). Check out the events section of the Puyallup Public Library website to learn more about this fun and fantastic occasion.
