Here’s where to go ice skating, watch a comedy show or explore winter gardens in Tacoma
As we settle into another dark and chilly weekend, let’s remember to take time and enjoy the winter beauty and community around us.
Amid a busy holiday season, we found some additional winter events to partake in around Tacoma. Among them is a solstice garden festival, ice skating, a Chicano comedy show, a night market and local renditions of “Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer” and “The Nutcracker.”
Friday: Solstice festival and ice skating
▪ Celebrate the upcoming Winter Solstice at the Lakewold Gardens in Lakewood this weekend from 5-8 p.m. Enjoy live music by local musicians, create a luminary and walk through the darkened winter garden, admire the festively decorated historic Wagner House and enjoy warm beverages, snacks and wine. Tickets are $20 for adults, $16 for students, seniors and military and $10 for youth ages 5-17. Address: 12317 Gravelly Lake Dr. SW, Lakewood.
▪ If you haven’t been already, Friday from 6-10 p.m. would be a good time to visit the Sprinkler Recreation Center’s Ice Lights, which ends Dec. 31. Ice skate to holiday music under a display of over 35,000 lights, admire the giant holiday tree, try out ice bumper cars and gaze at the animal displays. Tickets range from $8.50-$5.50 and skate rentals are $3.50. Address: 14824 C St. S., Tacoma.
Saturday: Comedy show and Tacoma Night Market
▪ Get ready to laugh because Saturday is the Chicano Comedy Show in Tacoma from 7-10 p.m., with Portland-based headliner Juan Forno going on at 9 p.m. Forno is the second-ever Latin Canadian-born comedian to headline a comedy club in the United States and recently released his debut special, “The Snow Mexican’ on Amazon Prime Video. “Get ready to experience hilarious jokes, witty anecdotes and side-splitting performances by some of the funniest Chicano comedians around,” Jokedaddy Productions advertised on EventBrite. Tickets cost $10-$15 and there is a two-drink minimum at the venue. Address: 515 6th Ave., Tacoma.
▪ Still have some presents on your list? The Tacoma Night Market is happening from 5-10 p.m. in Foss Hall at Freighthouse Square in the Dome District with a variety of vendors. Address: 602 E. 25th St., Tacoma.
Sunday: Rudolph and The Nutcracker
▪ Through Dec. 31, a local musical adaptation “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” will be playing at the Tacoma Little Theatre. Sunday’s performance is at 2 p.m. True to the classic tale, Rudolph learns how differences can make us special, featuring Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster and other friends. Adult tickets cost $31, with discounts for students, seniors and military members. Tickets for those 12 and younger are $24. Address: 210 N. I St., Tacoma.
▪ The Tacoma City Ballet is presenting “The Nutcracker” at the Pantages Theater at 2 p.m. Sunday, accompanied by the Tacoma City Ballet Orchestra. Doors open at 1 p.m. and ticket prices start at $27.50. Address: 901 Broadway, Tacoma.
