January in Tacoma 2022

Happy New Year, Tacoma! We're hoping you and your family are cozy and healthy as you head into 2022. We've found a few ways to enjoy this January! Take a polar plunge to rejuvenate yourself, drink for a cause while bringing food to families all over Pierce County, explore the planets and stars in surround sound, or travel the Light Trail through Downtown Tacoma's glittering exhibits.

See you around, Tacoma!

January 1st

Tacoma Runners Polar Plunge

New Years resolutions are coming in hot, so why not start the year with a nice icy dip? Tacoma Runners is hosing their 12th annual Polar Plunge! Join early for a brisk 3mile run to start that “get in shape” resolution, then join the gang at Dickman Mill Park to take a nice refreshing plunge into the new year at 8:30am. Then head into town to reward yourself with a hot breakfast. Start 2022 refreshed!

December 31st – January 16th

Tacoma Light Trail

The beautiful Tacoma Light Trail is back! Enjoy spectacular light displays right from the sidewalk all throughout Downtown Tacoma. The Light Trail can be walked, cycled, or driven all at your own pace. Additionally, a Sound Trail has been compiled of music and poetry to pair with each display. Simply scan the QR code at each display or search the display in the A-Z Light Art List. The Light Trail has also added live performances every Friday and Saturday from 6pm – 8pm in Tollefson Plaza. Get out for that brisk walk and let the lights (and the Light Trail map) guide you!

January 6th

Hoppy Holiday Food Drive Celebration at Peaks & Pints

The third annual Hoppy Holiday Food Drive is coming to a close and YOU are invited to celebrate! Join us and our nine participating breweries at Peaks & Pints for a night of raffles, local brews, and the final weigh-in. Our brewery and cidery friends have been collecting non-perishable items and monetary gifts since Giving Tuesday to support Emergency Food Network. It’s time to see who brought in the most and crown them (or tap-handle them) the Hoppy Holiday winner! Be sure to add to your favorite brewery or cidery’s total by bringing in non-perishable items, or making a monetary donation towards their totals online! Come thirsty because each participating brewery/cidery will have one of their signature brews on tap. Help us ensure Emergency Food Network’s mission that “no person goes hungry” in Pierce County!

January 17th

Celebrate MLK Day at the Washington State History Museum

The History Museum is offering FREE museum admission to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Come explore museum exhibits and be sure to stick around for the live performances and art activities. Two live performances of “The Right to Dream”, the story of Raymond and Ruby risking their lives to fight for the right to vote in the South, will take place at 1pm and 3pm. From 12pm – 4pm you can try art-making inspired by Dr. King’s visit to Washington 60 years ago (in 1961) with artist Valencia Carroll.

BONUS

The museum is still offering their FREE Neighborhood Nights every Thursday from 5pm - 8pm!

January Planetarium Shows at Pierce College Science Dome

Pierce College has been busy upgrading their projectors in the planetarium and are excited to announce they will be re-opening for public shows this January! Travel to Mars, learn how the moon, stars, and planets move across the sky, discover hidden universes, and settle it once and for all, “Is Pluto a planet?” The planetarium offers vibrant showings of cosmic proportions to any curious astronomer. You’ll even find a few shows that explore or own home planet, Earth.

Birriera Gourmet

Originally starting as a "pandemic proof" food truck, Birriera Gourmet is soon to be a brick and mortar establishment! Specializing in birria style beef, they use premium cut meats whether it’s grass-fed beef or higher-end cuts, such as the Australian halal wagyu F1. Yeah, you read that right. The style of slow cooked birria originated in Jalisco Mexico, which is exactly where owner Moises Villasenor and his family are from. They truly believe that birria is so special that it, "is something that you have to try at a birrieria truck or a birrieria restaurant on a first visit." The Villasenor family use the birria meat in classic dishes such as tacos, burritos, tortas, and in the style of quesabirria, but they've also gotten creative and come up with dishes like birria ramen (YUP) and birria burgers. Birriera Gourmet plans to open this month in the old Straight From Philly building at 1126 Commerce Street. So keep your eyes open and come hungry!

Read Dine Pierce County's full article on Birriera Gourmet here.

Also, be sure to check out some of the best 2021 restaurant openings in Pierce County here!

Keep the “Spirit of Giving” Going!

Donate:

Cascade Regional Blood services is celebrating 75 years! They first opened their doors in 1946 and have been saving lives ever since. Did you know only 5% of those who are eligible to give blood do? One pint of blood can help three people in need and there is a person in need every two seconds in the U.S. With those numbers, there's a reason blood banks are often in urgent need. Not sure if you can donate? Check out the guidelines that have recently been updated. It's only an hour of time from check-in to cookie!

Adopt, Foster, or Volunteer:

The Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County has recently received an influx of neglected dogs. So much so they are offering $50 off adoption fees through January 16th! If you’ve considered bringing another furry friend into your home, please check out the Humane Society website for adoptable dogs. On the fence but still want to help? Consider fostering. This gets these adoptable used to human interactions and opens space for other incoming animals. There are also volunteer and donation options available.