Bored on Thanksgiving break? Here are some events happening in Tacoma this weekend
Whether you’re looking to entertain family this weekend or thinking of trying something new on your time off, we put together a to-do list of events happening in the Tacoma area.
Friday: Zoolights and movie night
▪ Friday evening kicks off the annual holiday light show at Point Defiance Zoo. Zoolights will be running until Jan. 1, with more than 800,000 LED bulbs lighting up the zoo. See magical 3D animal light displays, hop on the holiday carousel and more. Timed online tickets are required and the event goes from 4:30-10 p.m. Weekend prices are $18, with discounts for members. Children 2 and younger are free, and parking is free, too.
▪ The nights are getting dark early, but that doesn’t mean you have to stay in. Grab a bite, beer or cocktail downtown, then check out a movie at the Grand Cinema. Playing Friday night is “Napoleon,” “The Holdovers,” “Priscilla,” “Next Goal Wins” and “Shrek.” Address: 606 Fawcett Ave., Tacoma.
Saturday: Shop small businesses, downtown tree lighting
▪ Forget Black Friday and shop small business Saturday this year. Explore Antique Row and other shops in town to get started on your gift list. Downtown Sumner is also promoting small business Saturday on its main street.
▪ At 5 p.m. Saturday is the 78th annual Tacoma Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony at the Pantages Theater. There will be free refreshments, free photos with Santa and live entertainment courtesy of the Joint Base Lewis-McChord Brass Quartet. A “Joy to the World” performance from the Tacoma Concert Band at the Pantages starts at 3 p.m., with tickets free for people under 18. Address: 220 S. 9th St., Tacoma.
Sunday: Point Defiance hike and holiday market
▪ Early forecasts show that the weather will be nice, although a bit chilly Sunday. What better way to spend it than taking a stroll through Point Defiance Park with a cup of local coffee?
▪ Now that Thanksgiving is over, it’s officially the holiday season. If you’re looking to get out of the city, check out a holiday market on a farm in Puyallup. A family friendly market at Farm 12 will feature local vendors, delicious food, pictures with Santa and more from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Address: 3303 8th Ave. SE, Puyallup.
