Santa will be working more than double duty during the next month. In addition to making and delivering toys to good girls and boys around the world, Santa’s schedule is booked solid with “Santa selfie” gigs around Pierce County.
Old Town Tree Lighting
See Santa where Tacoma began, with the Old Town Tree Lighting at the Job Carr Cabin at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 5 at 2350 N. 30th St. Bring a donation of non-perishable foods for St. Leo Food Connectionto this free event. Visit jobcarrmuseum.org for more information.
Run with Santa
Get your Santa hats and jogging shoes for Santa Runs Tacoma on Saturday, December 12. The fun run includes 5k, 10k and 21k routes. All races start at the corner of 10th Street and A Street. For more information, visit Santarunstacoma.com.
Tacoma Mall
For the past 16 years, bright eyed children have enjoyed having their picture taken with Santa at the Tacoma Mall, and this year will be no different. Santa will be available for photos from when the mall opens to when it closes most days. Visit: good-santa.com/calendar1.php for a complete schedule.
Old Fashioned Holiday
For a Santa photos that has a nautical theme, the Points North East Historical Society will be hosting its 15th annual Old Fashioned Holiday Tea from 1:00 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, December 13 at the Lighthouse Keepers Cottage located at 201 Tulalip Street, Browns Point.
Guests will be able to explore the 1903 historic cottage, boathouse museum, and history museum while kids young and old can have their photo taken with Santa and Mrs. Santa as well as do some Christmas caroling and piano playing. Guests can shop for one of a kind and unique holiday gifts, free wrapping will be provided. Admission is free, refreshments will be provided. Donations for the local food bank will also be accepted.
Project Homeless Connect
Project Homeless Connect, a non-profit that focuses on providing support to the homeless, will have an event is on Saturday, December 5 at Four Heroes Elementary, 9101 Lakewood Drive SW. The event will feature stockings, toys, photos with Santa for homeless families in need of a little help during the holidays. Santa’s workshop will also include hot meals, health screenings, haircuts, games and clothing. Please contact Alanna Rodgers at 253-593-211 extension 121 or alanna@soundoutreach.org for more information, ways to donate and ways to get involved.
Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad and Museum
This holiday season, your family’s Christmas adventure could begin at the “North Pole,” located at the depot in Elbe. Sip cocoa, nibble a cookie, bring your camera and deliver your wish list to Santa in person. Relax and reconnect with friends and family during a steam train ride through the forest and foothills south of Mount Rainier. Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad and Museum trains depart several times a day during the weekends, but seating is limited, so visit: www.mrsr.com.
Tacoma Armory
The Tacoma Armory will host a Santa Brunch on Sunday, December 6 and December 13 that will include breakfast catered by the Vault and photos with Santa. The Tacoma Armory is located 715 South 11th St. For reservations, call 253-572-2933.
Gig Harbor Tree Lighting
The annual lighting of the Gig Harbor tree will take place on Saturday, December 5, at Skansie Brothers Park. The event will begin with holiday carols sung by The Dickens Carolers at 5:00 p.m. and includes a visit from Rhubarb, the Tacoma Rainiers mascot reindeer. Hats and gloves will be handed out to the first 250 children thanks to CHI Franciscan Health. Santa will arrive at 5:30 p.m. via the Gig Harbor Fire Department ladder truck and will light the city’s 45-foot tree. Santa will be available at the park following the tree lighting to meet with children regarding their holiday wishes and for photos. Details can be found at: gigharborguide.com.
In addition to these visits, Santa is also making himself present at various u-cut Christmas tree farms across the region. Check out SouthSoundTalk’s round-up of local tree farms and find out about other locations across the region where you can spot Santa (and have some hot chocolate and candy canes, too).
Fife Sightings
Fife will have five Santa sights this year, each with its own theme. Santa will first trade in his sleigh for a fire truck from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 1 at Fife City Hall to anchor the city’s official tree lighting ceremony. Free photos with Santa, cookies and hot cocoa will be provided.
Then Santa will swing by Fife again from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 5 for Breakfast with Santa at the Fife Community Center. Kids will have the opportunity to participate in holiday activities and visit with Santa about their Christmas wish lists. Admission is $5 and registration is required, call 253-922-0900 to RSVP. Breakfast will be served from 9:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.
Santa will then host fun runs around the city alongside members of the Fife Police Department and Fire Department at 10:00 a.m. on December 12, December 13 and December 19. Each route is different. More information can be found on the City of Fife’s website.
