A warm glow illuminates the night as the winter chill settles over South Sound. It’s the magic of the holiday season, and the region’s homes and businesses are decked out in dazzling displays of Christmas lights. So come one, come all as we explore Tacoma and South Sound’s holiday lights in 2024!
Tacoma Lights Trail
The Tacoma Light Trail is set to illuminate downtown Tacoma this New Year’s Eve, kicking off on December 31 and continuing through January 12, 2025. What began as a beacon of hope in 2020 has blossomed into a magical festival that lights up Tacoma with dazzling light art installations and community events.
This year, the festival will feature an expanded trail, stretching beyond Downtown Tacoma into the Hilltop Neighborhood and South Tacoma Way, illuminating new corners of the city. For the first time, the festival is commissioning three stunning high-profile light art pieces that will be highlights of the trail.
The New Year’s Eve festivities will kick off with a vibrant dragon parade, captivating fire and cultural dances, and a series of dazzling light art installations that will brighten downtown Tacoma. Participants can enjoy 50 stunning light art installations throughout Tacoma, from illuminated sculptures to mesmerizing projections, available nightly from 5 to 9 p.m. Additional events such as a lighted bike ride, interactive art installations, and family-friendly lantern-making workshops at local libraries will also be part of this festive celebration that’s sure to light up all of Tacoma!
Zoolights
5400 North Pearl Street, Tacoma
Starting November 29 and running until January 5, 2025, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium will once again transform into a winter wonderland with its beloved Zoolights event. This festive tradition features over one million sparkling lights, including beloved displays like the giant octopus, tiger face, and iconic Flame Tree. Stroll through a tunnel of lights, warm up with seasonal treats from the cafe, and enjoy the magical atmosphere. Don’t miss the chance to pet holiday-clad goats in a special Groovy Goats experience. Remember, tickets must be purchased online in advance, and the aquariums will be closed during the event.
Nearby the Zoolights, be sure to stop by 5112 N. Ruby Street in Tacoma. This house and the surrounding neighborhood join in on the festivities and have spectacular lights and displays to celebrate the holiday season.
Fantasy Lights
1000 Military Road South, Spanaway
From the end of November to early January, Spanaway Park will shine brightly with the annual Fantasy Lights event. This drive-through holiday light show, from November 29, 2024, to January 5, 2025, is a beloved holiday tradition featuring nearly 300 elaborate displays and thousands of sparkling lights, creating an enchanting experience for all ages. Guests can enjoy a two-mile drive through the park, enjoying the beautiful light displays along the way. The drive-thru event runs from 5:30 to 9 p.m. each evening. Don’t forget to tune in on your car radio to AM 1700 for a special selection of holiday music to really set the scene for this magical holiday journey.
For those who prefer a more interactive experience, the Fantasy Lights Walk offers a chance to stroll through the park and enjoy the lights up close. Walkers can choose from two sessions each night: 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Tickets for the walk must also be purchased in advance, and reserved parking is available at Sprinker Recreation Center. Both the drive-thru and walk options provide a festive atmosphere, with food vendors offering sweet treats and hot beverages. The event is perfect for creating cherished holiday memories with family and friends.
Winter Solstice
12317 Gravelly Lake Drive Southeast, Lakewood
Experience the enchanting Winter Solstice Lights at Lakewold Gardens, where light and music come together in a unique, immersive display. From November 29, 2024, to January 5, 2025, this multi-media installation uses real-time weather data to create an audio-visual experience, transforming the garden into a living canvas. The “data music,” composed by Samuel Stubblefield, translates environmental data from NASA and NOAA into mesmerizing light and sound, connecting visitors to the natural world in a truly magical way.
Holiday Magic
110 9th Avenue Southwest, Puyallup
From December 6 to December 23, the Washington State Fair Events Center in Puyallup will host the enchanting Holiday Magic event. This festive celebration brings the holiday spirit to life with thousands of dazzling lights, free carnival rides, and a live animal manger. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including ice skating on the glistening Glice rink, posing for holiday photos at multiple selfie stations, and exploring the whimsical Gingerbread Lane.
The Light Extravaganza is a highlight of the event, featuring a Twinkle Light Tunnel and a variety of fabulous light displays that transport guests to their favorite winter wonderlands. Wander through the enchanting light tunnels and be swept away by an arching sky of twinkling lights that create a bright, magical atmosphere.
In addition to the light displays, Holiday Magic offers a range of family-friendly activities. Kids can embark on a Gnome Scavenger Hunt, hop aboard Santa’s Express Train, and enjoy the festive atmosphere at Santa’s Clubhouse and Santa’s Village. The event also includes a Holiday Magic Singing Cooking Show, a Holiday Selfie Studio, and the joyous melodies of the Singing Christmas Tree. Meanwhile, the Let it Snow Experience brings the magic of a snow-filled winter evening to life, while the Enchanted Castle and Sugar Plum Merry-Go-Round offer whimsical adventures for all ages. This is one holiday event that’s sure to make your Christmas merry and bright!
From Tacoma to Puyallup, the holiday lights of South Sound create unforgettable moments for families and friends. Embrace the season and let the lights guide you to a joyous holiday season in 2024!
