December 2012

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information listed. 
However, the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce assumes no responsibility for omissions, errors or changes  in  the material. 
We encourage you to confirm any item of interest with the event promoter.

(TENTATIVE)  Nov 22-Jan 1   (253) 798-4000

16th Annual Fantasy Lights at Spanaway Park

Spanaway Park, 14905 Gus G. Bresemann Rd. South, Spanaway

5:30pm-9pm. Tthe largest holiday drive-through display in the Northwest, featuring nearly 300 elaborate displays and thousands of sparkling lights. The beautiful two-mile drive along Spanaway Lake has become a memorable lakeside tradition for the entire family.  $13/vehicle.  $28/mini-bus (16-24 passengers), $45/bus (25+ passengers).

(TENTATIVE)  Nov 23-Jan 1   (253) 591-5337

ZooLights

Point Defiance Zoo, 5400 N Pearl, Tacoma

5-9pm.  Bundle up and stroll the Zoo as it comes aglow with more than a half-million lights. Sip hot cocoa while you explore seas of dazzling lights and breathtaking displays of ice-skating puffins, a preying eagle, tiger cubs, the Narrows Bridges and the massive flame tree. Warm up with the sharks in the steamy South Pacific Aquarium, experience a ride on a camel, take a turn on an antique carousel and so much more!

(TENTATIVE)  Nov 28-Dec 2   (253) 770-0777

A Victorian Country Christmas

Puyallup Fair & Events Center, 110 9th Ave SW, Puyallup

Wed-Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 10am-6pm.  Are you ready to make wonderful Christmas memories with your family and friends? Then mark your calendar for the 24th annual A Victorian Country Christmas Festival. Step back in time as the Western Washington Fairgrounds in Puyallup are transformed into a Victorian village featuring old-fashioned streets lined with over 530 Victorian stores, tended by shopkeepers in Victorian attire.$10 adults, $8 seniors (62+) /students (6-18), 5 & under free.

(TENTATIVE)  Dec 1   (253) 983-2300

14th Annual Steilacoom High School Red Ribbon Bazaar

Steilacoom High School, 54 Sentinel Dr, Steilacoom

9am-4pm.  The Bazaar features wonderful handmade arts and crafts and many other items perfect for holiday giving or enjoyment. Lunch and snacks will be available as well as activities and Santa photos for children of all ages.  This well attended event helps raise funds to support the arts, academics and athletics at Steilacoom High School. $1 general admission.

(TENTATIVE)  Dec 1   (253) 591-5339

19th Century Christmas - Fort Nisqually

Fort Nisqually Living History Museum, Point Defiance Park, 5400 N Pearl St, Tacoma

11am-4pm.  Experience a real "old-fashioned" Christmas by visiting Fort Nisqually Living History Museum's "19th Century Christmas Celebration" on Saturday, December 3, 11am-4pm. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of modern holidays and step back in time to savor the lilting sounds of penny whistles, the aroma of ginger biscuits, Christmas dances and the slower pace of the Christmas season in 1855. $6 adults, $5 seniors/students, $4 children (13-17 ), $3 children (4-12).

(TENTATIVE)  Dec 1   (253) 208-0135

University Place Christmas Tree Lighting

University Place Town Center, 3609 Market Place W, University Place

3-7pm. Join us as we celebrate our annual Christmas Tree Lighting right in the heart of University Place.  A FREE family event including Santa Claus, children’s choir, candy canes, hot chocolate and a silent auction.  This event is sponsored by America’s Credit Union and University Place Albertson’s.  Free admission.

(TENTATIVE)  Dec 1   (253) 591-5330

Victorian Holiday Celebration

WW Seymour Botanical Conservatory, 316 S G St, Tacoma

10am-3pm.  Staff and volunteers dressed in beautiful Victorian costumes will answer questions, serve refreshments and take donations of socks, mittens and/or cash for the Tacoma Rescue Mission Family Shelter. Santa will be on hand to hear holiday wishes. A professional photographer will memorialize the visit with a five by seven inch photo for $15. Kids can listen to children's stories frequently throughout the day.  $5 suggested donation.

(TENTATIVE)  Dec 1-2   (253) 403-3095

26th Annual Festival of Trees

Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center, 1500 Broadway, Tacoma

Sat 10am-3pm.  Sun11am-4pm.  This year celebrates the 25th Annual Festival of Trees - "The Spirit of Giving".  During the first week of December, each year, the Festival of Trees brings the sights and sounds of the holidays to the families of Southwestern Washington with a glittering display of approximately 70 exquisitely decorated trees.  Each tree is trimmed with holiday presents, trips and other marvelous gifts.  Set in a fairy-tale wonderland with special theme days and events, gift shops, photos with Santa, two elegant evenings of dining and entertainment, and the season's most exciting auction of trees and wreaths, the Festival truly is the holiday event of the season!  An annual event benefiting Mary Bridge Children's Hospital and Health Center.  $6 adults, $2 students (13-18), 12 and under free.

Dec 5, 12, 19, 26   (877) 24-BLOOD 

Bridgeport Center Blood Drive

St Clare Hospital Parking Lot, 11315 Bridgeport Way SW, Lakewood

1-7pm.   Support your community by donating blood! Your donation supports local hospitals such as St. Clare Hospital in Lakewood, Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital, Tacoma General Hospital and St. Joseph Medical Center.

Dec 5, 12, 19, 26   (253) 584-1480

Terry's Talk

10025 Lakewood Dr SW, Lakewood

3-4pm.  Terry's Talk - where we want to know how you do business in today's economy - by having a conversation with the doers, the movers, and shakers, the people working to improve the communities we live, work and play …KLAY 1180 AM and live streaming at www.klay118.com

Dec 6   (253) 582-9400

Lakewood Chamber of Commerce Annual Christmas Auction & Dinner!

Great American Casino, 10117 South Tacoma Way, Lakewood

5-8pm.  Great networking opportunity.  Reservations required.  $25 members pre-paid, $35 at door. $40 non-members.  Reservations required.

Dec 6, 13, 20, 27   (253) 584-6060

Lakewood United - Thursdays

Burs Restaurant, 6151 Steilacoom Blvd, Lakewood

7-8am.  Meets every Thursday. Providing first hand information to citizens on matters affecting their lives. 

(TENTATIVE)  Dec 7   (253) 983-7887

City of Lakewood's Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

Lakewood City Hall, 6000 Main St SW, Lakewood

4-7pm.  Tons of free activities.  Free Entertainment, experience the Lighting of Lakewood’s Christmas Tree, join in the Kiddie Parade, visit with Santa, and fun Christmas crafts.  Free admission.

(TENTATIVE)  Dec 7   (253) 581-1912

Steilacoom Christmas at Town Hall

Steilacoom Town Hall, 1717 LaFayette St, Steilacoom

(First Friday in December)  6pm. Join us for a holiday tree lighting and a visit from Santa Claus. Musical program provided by Cherrydale Elemendary and Saltar's Point Middle School students.

(TENTATIVE)  Dec 7   (253) 964-8121

DuPont Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony

Ross Plaza, Downtown DuPont

5pm.  Great way to get the Christmas spirit.  Free admission.

(TENTATIVE)  Dec 7-8   (425) 687-8585

WIAA Gridiron Classic

Tacoma Dome, 2727 East D St, Tacoma

Call for additional information.

(TENTATIVE)  Dec 8   (253) 582-5838

Historic Fort Steilacoom "Christmas at the Fort"

Quarters 4, 9601 Steilacoom Blvd SW, Lakewood

4-7:30pm.Reenactors will present a period candle-light Christmas celebration in the four historic buildings.  Adults $5, children $3, family $10.

(TENTATIVE)  Dec 8  (877) 943-9494

Breakfast With Santa

The Heritage Room, 605 Water St, Olympia

9-11:30am.  A fun morning with holiday activities, prizes and a delicious kid friendly holidy themed buffet.  $10/adults, $7 children (4-12) and under 3 free.  Purchase tickets on our website www.occasons-caterig.com or by calling 1-877-943-9494.   Hosted by Occassions Catering & Special Events.  A portion of the proceeds will go to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County.  Fund will help support close to 2,000 low income and at-risk youth which the clubs save through their after-school programs at four clubs in Lacey, Olympia, Tumwater and Rochester.

(TENTATIVE)  Dec 15   (253) 584-4106

Lakewold Gardens Holiday Shopping at The Garden Shop

12317 Gravelly Lake Dr SW, Lakewood

10am-3pm.  Shop! Peruse the shelves of The Garden Shop for last minute Christmas shopping for the gardening lover in your life. Bargains and stocking stuffers galore!

(TENTATIVE)  Dec 16   (253) 862-8890

Santa Runs Tacoma 5K Run / Walk and 10K Relay

535 Dock St, Tacoma

9am.  This event includes a 1K Kids run and has a USATF certified, scenic waterfront course.

(TENTATIVE)  Dec 17-21, 25-28   (253) 983-7887

Drop & Shop – Free Activities at City Hall 

6000 Main St SW, Lakewood

Come join us for stories, movies and crafts at Lakewood City Hall during Winter Break.  All activities are FREE!  Parents can drop-off their kids or stay and play.  Parent presence is required for children 6 years old and under.  All activities take place between 10 – 11:30am.

(TENTATIVE)  Dec 19, 21   (253) 225-6535

National University at JBLM

Stone Education Center, 6242 Colorado Ave, Joint Base Lewis-McChord

10am-2pm.  Every 3rd Wednesday and Friday of each month.

(TENTATIVE)  Dec 22   (253) 305-1000

Just For Fun, Jingle Bell Run

Wright Park, 316 S G St, Tacoma

5k run.  Take a break from the holiday festivities and bring your family and friends to Wright Park to enjoy a refreshing afternoon 5k run or walk.  Bring non-perishable food for the food bank or old running shoes for the mission. Sponsored by Metro Parks and South Sound Running. The first male/female finishers will win shoes from South Sound Running.

(TENTATIVE)  Dec 24-Jan 1   (360) 832-6117

Winter Wildland at Northwest Trek

11610 Trek Dr E, Eatonville

See animals throughout the park enjoy fun, holiday-themed enrichments. Then head on over to the indoor, seasonally-themed Cheney Family Discovery Center to learn about how animals deal with winter.

(TENTATIVE)  Dec 31   firstnighttacoma@gmail.com   

First Night Tacoma-Pierce County

Downtown Tacoma

First Night is Tacoma's New Year's Eve celebration. It is an opportunity for friends and families to say farewell to the old year and hello to the new. First Night is a family-friendly, alcohol-free, and most of all, a fabulously fun celebration.