Get ready to embrace the festive season in the South Puget Sound! Whether you’re looking for dazzling light displays, unique holiday markets, or outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a comprehensive guide to make your holidays magical.
Parades
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Shelton Holiday Magic Parade
Friday, Dec. 6 and Saturday, Dec. 7, 5-8 p.m.
Enjoy the sights of a lighted boat parade and more in Shelton.
Location: Downtown Shelton, WA
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Enumclaw Santa Parade
Saturday, Dec. 7, 6-9 p.m.
Bring the family to enjoy holiday floats and community spirit in Enumclaw.
Location: 1421 Cole St, Enumclaw, WA 98022
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Puyallup Santa Parade
Saturday, Dec. 7, 5 p.m.
Watch as Santa arrives in style in downtown Puyallup during their Holiday Christmas Market.
Location: 106 S Meridian, Puyallup, WA 98371
Lights and Festivals
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Zoolights at Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium (Tacoma)
Through Jan. 5, 2025, 4:30 to 10 p.m.
Walk through a breathtaking display of animal-themed lights.
Location: 5400 N Pearl St, Tacoma, WA 98407
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Fantasy Lights (Tacoma)
Through Jan. 5, 2025, 5:30 to 9 p.m.
Drive or walk through this enchanting holiday light experience.
Location: 14905 Bresemann Boulevard South, Spanaway, WA 98387
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Winter Solstice Festival at Lakewood Gardens (Tacoma)
Dec. 13 through Dec. 29, Friday-Sundays, 5 to 8 p.m.
Explore beautiful light displays in the serene setting of Lakewood Gardens.
Location: 12317 Gravelly Lake Drive Southwest, Lakewood, WA 98499
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Festival of Firs (Shelton)
Through December
Experience Christmastown’s record-breaking lighted Christmas tree maze and family-friendly festivities.
Location: Throughout Shelton, WA
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LoveOly WinterFest (Olympia)
Dec. 1 to Dec. 24, noon to 6 p.m.
Shop local and enjoy winter-themed activities in Olympia’s downtown.
Location: 5th and Washington Ave, Olympia, WA 98501
Holiday Markets
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Holiday Markets at Meridian Habitat Park (Puyallup)
Saturday, Dec. 7, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
A family-friendly market with local crafts and goods.
Location: 14422 Meridian E, Puyallup, WA 98373
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Holiday Native Art Market (Olympia)
Dec. 13 through Dec. 14, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Explore handcrafted Native art and gifts at The Evergreen State College.
Location: 2700 Evergreen Pkwy NW, Olympia, WA 98505
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Christmas on Magnolia (Centralia)
Saturday, Dec. 6-7, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Enjoy crafts, decor, and holiday cheer in Lewis County.
Location: Magnolia St, Centralia, WA 98531
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Victorian Country Christmas Festival (Puyallup)
Dec. 5 through Dec. 8, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Step back in time with this magical holiday market at the Washington State Fair.
Location: 110 9th Ave SW, Puyallup, WA 98371
Unique Holiday Experiences
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The Polar Express Train Ride (Elbe)
Nov. 30, Dec. 1, 6, 8, 13-15, 20-22
Hop aboard for a magical train ride that includes the sights and sounds of the holiday season.
Location: 54124 Mountain Hwy E, Elbe, WA 98330
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Lighted Boat Parade (Shelton)
Friday, Dec. 6 and Saturday, Dec. 7, 6 p.m.
Enjoy the beauty of illuminated boats along the Shelton waterfront.
Location: Hammersly Inlet, Shelton, WA
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Snowshoeing Adventures (Mount Rainier and Mount Baker)
All winter, varying times
Explore the serene beauty of snow-covered trails in the Pacific Northwest.
Location: Mount Rainier National Park, WA (Mount Rainier)
Location: Mount Baker Ski Area, WA (Mount Baker)
Ice Skating Adventures
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Oly on Ice (Olympia)
Nov. 22 to Jan. 20
Glide into the holiday spirit at Olympia’s seasonal ice rink, perfect for families and skaters of all skill levels.
Location: 529 4th Ave W, Olympia, WA 98501
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Ice Lights at Sprinker Recreation Center (Tacoma)
Through Jan. 4, 2025
Lace up your skates and enjoy a festive ice skating experience amidst a dazzling display of lights.
Location: 14824 C St S, Tacoma, WA 98444
Christmas Tree Farms
If you're looking to cut your own Christmas tree this holiday season, here are some local farms offering fresh trees and festive experiences:
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Cetak Family Christmas Tree Farm
Address: 6448 41st Avenue NW, Olympia, WA
Dates: November 29 – December 1, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
This farm offers a great selection of fresh-cut trees perfect for the holidays.
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Christmas Valley Tree Farm
Address: 11540 183rd Avenue SW, Rochester, WA 98579
Dates: November 29 – December 25, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Known for its wide variety of U-cut trees, this farm offers a traditional holiday atmosphere.
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Shorty B’s U-CUT Christmas Trees
Address: 7832 Rainier Road, Olympia, WA
Dates: Starting November 29
This U-cut farm is known for its welcoming environment and great tree options.
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Schilter Family Farm
Address: 141 Nisqually Cutoff Road SE, Olympia, WA
Dates: November 29 – December 12, while supplies last, 9 a.m. to dusk (Closed Tuesdays)
A family-friendly farm with seasonal activities alongside your tree-cutting experience.
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Jensen’s U-Cut Trees
Address: 2841 184th Avenue SE, Tenino, WA
Dates: November 29 – December 9, Closed Tuesday-Thursday
Offering both fresh-cut and U-cut trees, this farm is a great option for tree hunters.
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Hunter Family Farm
Address: 7401 Yelm Highway SE, Olympia, WA
Dates: November 29 – until sold out
Weekdays: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Weekends: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
A local favorite with a great selection of trees.
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Black Lake Trees
Address: 62nd Avenue SW & Delphi Rd SW, Olympia, WA
Dates: November 29 – December 24
Monday and Thursday: 2 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Friday – Sunday: 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Field closes at 5 p.m.
This farm offers both U-cut and pre-cut trees.
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Beaver Creek Christmas Tree Farm
Address: 1647 Beaver Creek Drive SW, Olympia, WA
Dates: November 29 – until sold out
Saturday – Sunday: 9 a.m. to dusk
Weekdays by appointment.
This farm offers a cozy, appointment-based experience.
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Clyde ‘n Dale’s Holiday Trees & Gifts
Address: 10712 Tracie Court SW, Olympia, WA
Specializing in a variety of trees and holiday gifts, this farm is a one-stop shop for all things Christmas.
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National Forest Trees
Dates: Now through December 31
Offering sustainably harvested trees from national forests, this is a great option for those looking for an eco-friendly tree.
Check ahead for availability, and be sure to enjoy the festive atmosphere that each farm has to offer. Many of these farms also host family-friendly events, so don’t forget to make some memories while picking out your perfect tree!
With so many festive options, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate the season. Whether you're enjoying the lights, shopping for unique gifts, or venturing into the snowy wilderness, the South Puget Sound is full of holiday cheer.
Happy Holidays!
