The holiday season is here! This month we've found several ways to enjoy some local shopping, see a couple parades, entertain the kiddos, ring in the New Year with live music, get in on some juicy Washington history, and yet again indulge in a brew while supporting this city we love. So, bundle up in your best or ugliest sweater, it's time to celebrate the end of a decade!
December 5th
Happy Repeal Day! Come celebrate the end of Prohibition by jumping back in time to The Blind Marmot (aka Washington State History Museum's most secret speakeasy) for some Three Magnets brew, Chateau St. Michelle wine, and a signature cocktail from Heritage Distilling made with Reverend Al's Bona Fied Potents. Stick around for stories of northwest rum-runners, print making with Write253, and live tunes from The Happy Sinners. Watch out though! The Fuzz will be on the look out as your traverse the Bootlegger Obstacle course to libation freedom. Get your tickets here and don't worry, no passwords required.
Bus Route: #1
December 7th
Twenty five years ago, Tacoma was known as one of the most troubled areas on the West Coast. In response to this, Tacoma born artist Dale Chihuly, along with co-founder Kathy Kaperick, set-up a unique program for the youth of Tacoma. Without any exceptions based on grades, disabilities, behavior, or artistic ability, students were invited to focus their energy in a safe and fun environment while flexing their creative muscles to build beautiful sculptures. Since the original 20 person class, Hilltop Artists now serves over 650 students per year and primarily focuses on glass blowing and sculpting. Additionally, they have established glass blowing hot shops at Jason Lee Middle School and Wilson High School, as well as a flame working shop at Ford Middle School. Last year alone these hard working students were able to raise over $100,000 by selling their work. All proceeds went back into the glass programs and have helped to increase graduation rates across the board in Tacoma. We hope you consider supporting Tacoma student artists this year and purchase one of a kind glass creations full of passion and heart!
(The morning slots are all full, but come by after 11:30 a.m. and the shop will be open to all!)
Bus Route: #1
December 7th
Warm-up those vocal cords, it’s time for a sing-along! Bring the kids down for a morning of Christmas carols and a chance to deliver that precious wish-list to Santa. Tacoma Musical Playhouse will be hosting Santa and his helpers and have even arranged for St. Nick himself to share a special story. Snag your tickets in advance, with such a celebrity appearance they may very well sell-out!
December 8th
6th Avenue will be shutting down from State Street to Alder to make way for a parade of holiday cheer! Bundle up and head down to the 6th Ave for live music, art, local vendors and another chance for a meet and greet with Santa. Traffic will shut down at 2pm, making way for the Santa Parade to begin at 4:30pm, which will transform the half-mile stretch of Tacoma into a winter wonderland. Get some of your shopping done, try out your jingle bell harmonies, or sit and watch local Tacoma artist’s floats cruise down the Ave. There will be something for everyone and if you stick around, you may even get a photo with the Big Guy.
Bus Route: #1
December 14th
Who-ville is coming to T-Town and a certain grumpy citizen will be venturing out of his cave to make an appearance. Come enjoy green eggs, Who-hash, and roast beast in the company of The Grinch and jolly St. Nick. There will be seating times every 45 minutes and when you’re not stuffing your face with green Grinch-cakes, kiddo cans enjoy face painting, a Christmas craft, live music, and a snow ball fight. Admission includes photos with Santa and The Grinch, so come in your Who-finest! Find tickets here!
December 14th
How fortunate are we to live in a place where not only the mountains are a short drive away but the water front is abundant and in use year round. Bundle up and head down to the water front anywhere from Anthony’s in Point Defiance to the Dock Street Marina and witness a twinkling display of boats decked out for the holidays. Sea Scout Boat Charles N. Curtis will be launching from Anthony’s between 5:30pm and 6pm and leading the rest of the fleet down Ruston and through the Foss Waterway. If you’re lucky, you may be able to snag a window seat at any of the various restaurants along the water. It’s quite the sea faring spectacle and a memorable experience for any little sailors in training.