Our Grit City is bursting with festive cheer this holiday season! You can dive into celebrations like the Hoppy Holiday Food Drive, shop handmade treasures at the Holidaze Market and Tacoma Winter Market, or bring the kids to the free Holiday Blast at The Center at Norpoint and Santa’s visit to the 7Seas taproom. Enjoy outdoor charm at the Downtown Tacoma Holiday Market, catch a shimmering view at the Lighted Boat Parade, and soak up the joy of the Tacoma Santa Parade. The season wraps with the dazzling Tacoma Light Trail Kick-Off, just one more way the city shines bright all winter long. There's so much to do in Tacoma!
December 2nd
All month long, twelve local breweries and cideries have been rallying in a spirit of friendly competition to collect food and funds for Emergency Food Network, and now it’s time to crown the champions at an epic celebration at Peaks & Pints! Join us for an evening filled with raffles, guest taps from participating breweries and cideries, spirited brewer caroling, and the awarding of the coveted Hoppy Holiday Food Drive Tap Handle Trophies. This is your last chance to drop off non-perishable donations or make a monetary gift to boost your favorite brewery or cidery's final totals. DJ Marcus will be spinning the jams all night long while the beers, ciders, and community generosity keep flowing.
December 6th
Holidaze Market
The holidays are approaching, and the Black Night Market is the place to be for festive fun and meaningful holiday shopping with 30+ BIPOC-owned businesses offering handcrafted art, fashion, skincare, and delicious food. More than a market, this celebration is a cultural experience rooted in creativity, connection, empowerment, and joy. Guests can enjoy live music, family-friendly activities, craft-making workshops, food trucks, and one-of-a-kind gifts from handpicked vendors, all in a warm, inviting atmosphere. Bring your family, friends, and holiday spirit to soak up the magic and make your season brighter, BNM style.
December 6th
Celebrate the season with a magical, completely FREE, family-friendly holiday event at The Center at Norpoint! Kids and grown-ups alike can enjoy cookie decorating, festive arts and crafts, holiday games, and a cozy popcorn and hot cocoa station. Wander through the decorated tree room, snap photos at the selfie station, bounce around on inflatables, and soak in the cheer with live music and caroling. And of course, don’t miss your chance to meet Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the Grinch! This joyful community celebration is proudly supported by Coordinated Care.
December 6th
Santa is making a special stop at the 7Seas Tacoma taproom, and you’re invited! Grab a delicious brew and hop in line (waiting is always easier with a pint in hand) for this free, family-friendly photo op with the big guy himself. Santa’s helpers and a professional photographer will be ready to capture the magic, then you can head back into the taproom for a smash burger from Colvos Canteen, a few rounds of pinball, and maybe one more Heidelberg.
And if you’re across the bridge, don’t worry, Santa lands at the Gig Harbor taproom on the 7th!
Get in the holiday spirit with Christmas classics on the big screen at the Blue Mouse! From kid-friendly favorites to vintage charm to late-night thrills, there’s something for everyone.
Kevin vs. The Wet Bandits. A perfect holiday kickoff.
Tim Allen becomes Santa, heartfelt, chaotic, and always fun.
A timeless reminder that every life matters.
A rare Friday Night Fright: dark, wild, and very French.
Snag your tickets online and consider bringing a NEW unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots!
December 12th
Settle into the season with a cozy afternoon of shopping local, where the sweet sounds of live music mingle with the comforting scents of holiday treats. The Tacoma Winter Market offers a beautifully curated lineup of makers, featuring handcrafted and hand curated clothing, art, ceramics, vintage finds, culinary delights, wellness goods, and more, all chosen to bring warmth and charm to your holiday gifting. Nestled inside the inviting Sons of Norway Hall, this market feels like stepping into the coziest holiday gathering. Come sip, shop, and savor a truly heartwarming seasonal experience.
December 13th
Celebrate the holiday season in Downtown Tacoma with a cozy outdoor Holiday Market filled with handcrafted gifts, sweet treats, and winter-themed delights from local makers. Theater Square will be glowing with twinkling decorations as visitors explore, snack, and soak in the festive atmosphere. This magical market is welcoming for all ages, making it the perfect stop before a show, during your downtown shopping, or just if you're seeking a little holiday cheer.
December 20th
Bundle up, grab a warm beverage, and get ready to watch the Puget Sound glow at this year’s Lighted Boat Parade. The Tacoma Yacht Club returns with its dazzling procession of boats “dressed” to the nines in festive holiday flair. Beginning at 5:30pm, the illuminated fleet will glide from the Point Defiance docks, travel through the Foss Waterway, and make its way to Dock Street Marina. Whether you find a cozy spot along Ruston Way or wait for the glittering vessels to arrive downtown, this sparkling waterfront tradition is sure to shine.
December 21st
The Tacoma Santa Parade is returning to South Tacoma Way! Starting with a festive street fair, shop local artists, catch live music on the main stage, snack of holiday treats, and even make a star of your own. The parade begins at 4:35pm and concludes with Santa himself and a special announcement as the parade passes the reigns to next years Kris Kringle. This family friendly event is great for last minutes gifts and a final bit of holiday cheer before the big day.
December 31st
Tacoma Light Trail 2026 kicks off on December 31 with a completely FREE New Year’s Eve celebration, beginning at 5:30pm with a vibrant Dragon Parade from the UWT Prairie Line to Tollefson Plaza. The night features a traditional New Year blessing from the Puyallup Tribe of Indians, followed by performances from Tacoma’s diverse arts organizations, including fire and cultural dances. Tollefson Plaza will be buzzing with free activities like circus arts, roaming dragon puppets, crafts, and lantern-making, plus a food truck offering comforting bites for purchase. All Tacoma Light Trail events are family-friendly, full of community spirit, and designed to welcome the new year with light and joy.
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