The dark days of winter are here, and one of the best ways to chase away the blues that can accompany this time of year is to see Christmas lights. Here in Tacoma and Pierce County, there are so many fantastic and festive light displays to enjoy on foot, in your car or even by bike. Gather the kids, pull out the hats and mittens, and get ready to enjoy holiday lights in 2025.
Fantasy Lights at Spanaway Park
With hundreds of amazing displays, including animations, Fantasy Lights at Spanaway Park features new displays each year to keep the holiday fun fresh. Turn your radio to 1700 AM to hear festive music while enjoying thousands of lights for 2+ miles. Every night from 5:30 -9:00 p.m., from November 28, 2025, to January 4, 2026, families are invited to see why this cherished memory has been a tradition for 31 years. Pre-purchased tickets are recommended online in advance.
Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium’s Zoolights
Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium is the place to see a massive amount of holiday sparkle with over 1.5 million lights. Zoolights has been charming holiday enthusiasts for 38 years with the stunning display of cheer. From November 28, 2025, to January 4, 2026, 4:30 until 10 p.m., visitors can enjoy this classic Tacoma holiday tradition. Online timed tickets are required, and it is a rain-or-shine event.
Tacoma Light Trail
For something beyond the holidays and out of the ordinary, don’t miss The Tacoma Light Trail. View the festival of light art in downtown Tacoma for free from December 31, 2025, to January 11, 2026. Also enjoy outdoor performances, dragon parades, lumens concerts, a lighted bike ride and more during the dark season. With a mission to “use light art to bring light to dark times, to lift up diverse voices and bring the community together through things we all share – truth, hope, justice, peace – symbolized by light,” this walkable and drivable trail of light art in downtown Tacoma is worthy of embarking on.
Winter Glow at Lakewold Gardens
For four nights only, on December 13, 14, 20, and 21, from 5 to 9 p.m., Winter Glow at Lakewold Gardens offers a more sophisticated holiday experience. The winter landscape of the stunning garden is illuminated with subtly lit paths and creative light displays. Then, visit the Historic Wagner House for more displays of the season’s beauty with a cozy cup of hot cocoa or cider.
Holiday Magic at the Washington State Fair Event Center
For select dates from December 5 to 23, 2025, the Washington State Fair Event Center is the place for Holiday Magic. With something for everyone in the family, this is one-stop Christmas fun. Featuring Santa’s Village, rides, a snow show, a skating rink, and a holiday market, guests will also find thousands of lights, including light tunnels for the perfect holiday photo backdrop.
Tacoma Neighborhoods With Christmas Light Displays
Pacific NW Christmas Lights provides a map of holiday displays in Tacoma, Pierce County and all around the region.
Lights of Fircrest is an outdoor holiday display contest for the month of December. With a goal to make “Fircrest the most sparkly and bright city in the Pacific NW,” participants can win in several categories. Plus, residents who don’t want to participate in the contest can still have their houses listed on the map.
Cooper Family Christmas Light Show displays over 40,000 lights synchronized to 60+ songs. Spectators are able to scan the QR code on the fence to choose the next song to play! This fabulous light show runs from 5 to 10 p.m. daily at 10017 40th Avenue E. in Tacoma.
Anderberg Christmas House on South 10th Street in Tacoma showcases tons of fun inflatables. The Ruston area is popular for viewing holiday lights, specifically 5304 North Winnifred Street. Also, check out North Yakima Avenue and North I Street.
Where’s your favorite neighborhood or place to see holiday lights in Tacoma or Pierce County? Send us an email at submit@southsoundtalk.com and let us know!
