Winter settles softly over Washington’s South Sound, but in Pierce County, the season arrives with a burst of light, music, and small-town charm. This year, Visit Tacoma-Pierce County has bundled the region’s most beloved seasonal traditions into its Holiday Magic Calendar—a curated guide to the parades, festivals, markets, and illuminated spectacles that transform Tacoma and its neighboring cities into a winter wonderland.
Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or crafting a full itinerary of family fun, the county’s festive lineup brings together the best of the season, from waterfront boat parades to cozy markets wrapped in Victorian nostalgia.
A County That Shines: Zoolights and the Northwest’s Biggest Drive-Through Display
Holiday magic in Pierce County begins where the lights are brightest. At Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Zoolights returns with its signature glowing menagerie—massive squid, dazzling jellyfish, and a radiant recreation of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge stretching across the grounds. The annual spectacle has long been a regional favorite, drawing visitors of all ages for an evening of color and whimsy.
A short drive south, Spanaway Park hosts Fantasy Lights, the largest drive-through light display in the Pacific Northwest. The two-mile route winds through animated scenes, tunnels of twinkling bulbs, and towering illuminated installations—ideal for families eager to enjoy the season from the warmth of the car.
Round out the winter fun at Ice Lights at Sprinker Recreation Center, where festive decorations and shimmering displays surround the outdoor rink, turning each skate session into a postcard-worthy moment.
Small-Town Charm, Holiday Style
Beyond Tacoma’s waterfront, Pierce County’s smaller communities celebrate the season with traditions that feel plucked from a storybook.
In Sumner, the annual Bridge Lighting bathes the historic span in holiday glow, marking the unofficial start of small-town festivities. Puyallup’s Victorian Country Christmas transforms the Washington State Fairgrounds into a world of lantern-lit stalls, handcrafted gifts, live entertainment, and vintage yuletide charm.
Lakewood’s Parade of Lights and Tree Lighting fills the streets with floats, music, and crowds of bundled-up spectators, while nearby Fife brings neighbors together with its own classic Tree Lighting celebration. On the waterfront, Gig Harbor’s Lighted Boat Parade offers one of the region’s most unique traditions: a flotilla of festively decorated vessels drifting across dark winter waters, casting shimmering reflections across the harbor.
Stay for the Sparkle
With so many events spread across the season, visitors are encouraged to linger—and Pierce County’s mix of boutique hotels, waterfront inns, and family-friendly lodgings makes it easy. Spend a night in downtown Tacoma, where art museums, coffee shops, and craft breweries sit just minutes from the lights. Or book a room overlooking Gig Harbor’s quiet marina, where the glow of the holidays meets the calm of the Sound. Near Puyallup, market lovers will find comfortable stays close to the region’s biggest seasonal fairs and festivals.
Wake up with a warm cup of coffee, wander through local shops, explore Tacoma’s museums and galleries, and end your day beneath a canopy of twinkling lights—it’s a holiday escape that asks you to slow down and savor the season.
Plan Your Winter Getaway
For the full Holiday Magic Calendar, travel inspiration, and lodging options, visit VisitPierceCounty.com/Holidays.
Visit Tacoma-Pierce County is the region’s official destination marketing organization. More information can be found at VisitPierceCounty.com.
