Tacoma holiday tree and menorah lighting to take place downtown this weekend

Tacoma’s annual holiday tree lighting will take place Saturday in front of the Pantages Theater.

The event, in its 76th year, will begin at 5 p.m. near South 9th Street and Broadway.

The 40-foot Douglas fir was donated by Skyline Presbyterian Church. It will be decorated with more than 250 feet of lights and traditional holiday decorations.

The event will be held both indoors and outdoors, with masks required when indoors, per state mandate. No vaccine verification or negative COVID-19 tests are required.

The Pantages lobby also will feature decorated trees and tables hosted by local arts organizations, including the Tacoma City Ballet, Symphony Tacoma, Northwest Sinfonietta and others, according to a news release from Tacoma Venues & Events.

“Attendees will enjoy Corina Bakery special cookies, hot drinks, mingling Nutcracker ballerinas, courtesy Tacoma City Ballet, and live music by an 11-piece Tacoma Concert Band brass ensemble and a joint string quartet, courtesy Symphony Tacoma and Northwest Sinfonietta,” according to the release. ”In addition, Santa and Mrs. Claus will read a traditional story and lead a fun-filled singalong of popular children’s holiday songs, followed by the tree-lighting countdown.”

On Sunday, Nov. 28, the traditional lighting of The Menorah in honor of Chanukah will be held in front of the Pantages at 5 p.m. The menorah has been presented by Rabbi Mendel Kesselman of Chabad Jewish Center of Pierce County.

“We are truly looking forward to welcoming the community to the Pantages and the gorgeous holiday tree standing out front. We’re creating a fun and festive tree lighting event with all the sights and sounds of the season for the entire family,” said Lynn Carlotto, general manager for Tacoma Theaters.