Ugly sweater competition, markets and holiday parade happening this weekend in Tacoma
After a very wet and rainy week in Tacoma, what better way to spend your weekend than with some good food and company?
Here’s an itinerary of holiday events for you — consider it a gift from your friends at The News Tribune.
Friday: Food truck village, ugly sweater contest
▪ If you’re looking for a midday bite, check out the Puyallup Tribe’s Food Truck Village, which is operating all weekend starting at noon. From 5-8 p.m. Friday you can get a free photo with Santa, and free hot chocolate will be served. “Indulge in Frybread, Rez Burgers, Ndn Tacos, Carne Asada, Elotes and more,” the Puyallup Tribe of Indians advertised on X last month. Address: 3509 72nd St. E., Tacoma.
▪ Friday night is Incline Cider Co.’s annual ugly sweater party. To encourage attendees to get into the holiday spirit, there will be live music starting at 7:30 p.m., special holiday taps and a classic cup cider cocktail. Voting for the ugly sweater contest starts at 8:30 p.m. Address: 2115 S. C St., Tacoma.
Saturday: Merry market and holiday parade
▪ Those still doing holiday shopping should check out A Very Merry Market at the Tacoma Armory from 2-8 p.m. Saturday. There will be more than 80 small businesses owned by Black, Indigenous and people of color, as well as artists, food trucks, live performers and an opportunity to take photos with Black Santa. Address: 1001 S. Yakima, Tacoma.
▪ If you missed any of the other holiday events last week, don’t fret. The city of Lakewood’s free Holiday Parade of Lights is taking place from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Saturday. The parade starts at Park Lodge Elementary School before heading south along Gravelly Lake Drive Southwest and ending at Lakewood City Hall on Main Street Southwest for the tree lighting. At 4 p.m. there will be food trucks, photos with Santa and roaming entertainment. The tree-lighting ceremony starts at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall. Awards will be given to the floats and displays that are the most original, most spirited and best over all.
Sunday: Chanukah Village and Winter Fest
▪ Gig Harbor will host a grand Menorah lighting at Skansie Brothers Park on Sunday afternoon. Walk through the downtown Chanukah Village to enjoy activities and giveaways from 3-4:30 p.m., when the grand Menorah will be lit. There will be live music, doughnuts, Latkes and more to celebrate Chanukah, which begins Dec. 7 and ends Dec. 15.
▪ On Sunday McKinley community space and bookstore Parable will hold a Winter Fest event from 3-6 p.m. with free Caribbean food from Trini Plate. There will be activities like karaoke and crafts, and opportunities to come together and provide mutual aid during the cold season. Address: 3502 McKinley Ave., Tacoma.
