It’s a Wonderful Life: Based on Frank Capra’s beloved cinematic masterpiece, this faithful musical adaptation follows George Bailey’s life in Bedford Falls as he discovers what the world would be like if he had never been born. Featuring a beautiful contemporary score, this heartwarming and uplifting Holiday musical captures the true spirit of the Christmas Season!
Location: 1707 Main Street, Sumner Performing Arts Center. Phone: (253) 447-7645, Ends Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017
Website: https://www.manestagetheatre.com/
Fantasy Lights: Pierce County Parks and Recreation is pleased to present the 23rd annual ‘Fantasy Lights at Spanaway Park,’ the largest holiday drive-through display in the Northwest, featuring nearly 300 elaborate displays and thousands of sparkling lights. The beautiful two-mile drive along Spanaway Lake has become a memorable lakeside tradition for the entire family.
Visitors of all ages will be treated to the magical world of animation and imagination where bears fly kites, Santa and Rudolf sail a tall ship, snow boys kick field goals, penguins slide down an igloo, and reindeer leap over your car.
You will also marvel at LED lighting throughout the park along with new displays including a giant tail wagging dog. As you drive, dial your car radio to FM 95.3 to listen to a selection of special holiday music to add to the festive atmosphere of the park.
From now until Jan. 1, 2018, Location: 14905 Bresemann Blvd. South, Spanaway Park, WA, Phone: (253) 798-4177.
Website: https://www.co.pierce.wa.us/1253/Fantasy-Lights. Time: 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM, Price: $14 per vehicle (up to 24 passengers); $45 per vehicle (25+ passengers)
A Christmas Carol: An adaptation of the story of Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey from an embittered, ungenerous creature into a giving, caring human being at the hands of three spirits, who, one Christmas Eve, show him what life means. This richly textured play brings the full spirit of the book, as well as those of Christmases Past, Present and Yet To Come, to life on the stage. Ends Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017.
Location: 5729 Lakewood Towne Ctr Blvd SW, Lakewood Playhouse, WA, Phone: (253) 588-0042
https://www.lakewoodplayhouse.org/our-current-season.html
The Polar Express Train Ride: The magic of The Polar Express™ comes to life in Elbe, Washington. This story of a child’s Christmas Eve journey comes alive on-board The Polar Express™ train ride. All ages can enjoy the warmth and fun of the Christmas season as you depart for a trip to the North Pole.
Passengers will be entertained by chefs, enjoy hot chocolate and cookies, and listen to a reading of The Polar Express™. Upon arrival at the North Pole, Santa will board the train and give each child the first gift of Christmas (a silver bell). This event will surely become an annual tradition for the whole family. Families are encouraged to wear their pajamas for the ride and join in on the magic of Christmas! Ends Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017.
Website: http://mtrainierrailroad.com/train-excursions/polar-express/
Zoolights: See the Zoo transformed into a colorful winter wonderland with more than a half-million lights. The holiday spirit comes aglow in this magical world of dazzling 3-D animal light displays. Closed on Dec. 24.
Twinkling lights, treats, animals & more: Animal light displays for 2017 include hammerhead sharks and sea turtles, carnivorous plants and their insect prey, a whimsical 30-foot-wide underwater landscape, a majestic polar bear family, and a gorgeous giant Pacific octopus.
Ride a camel, enjoy tasty treats, and take a spin on the carousel. Visit our sharks, jellies, meerkats and more. You can even wrap up your holiday shopping with our unique gift ideas. There’s always something new to see and do at Zoolights. Zoolights Dates: From now until Jan. 1, Closed Dec. 24. Open Dec. 25 & Jan. 1
Website: https://www.pdza.org/calendar?cid=363
Fire & Ice Festival: Holiday magic is filling the cone! Museum of Glass is celebrating its Third Annual Fire and Ice Festival, November 16 through the New Year, with a variety of holiday themed activities, performances, and demonstrations. See the spirit of the holidays brought to life in our Hot Shop with Visiting Artist Nancy Callan creating her signature Snow People, or get creative and make your own glass ornament on the Hot Shop floor. Stop into the Education Studio for a multitude of projects for the whole family, and be sure to grab unique holiday gifts for your friends and family in our Store. Your visit to MOG is sure to delight visitors of all ages this holiday season.
For a full list of activities and additional details, visit https://museumofglass.org/fire–ice-festival. From now until Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, Time: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Museum of Glass hours are Wednesday – Saturday, 10am-5pm, and Sunday, 12-5pm. Activity times vary. Contact us at 253.284.4719 or info@museumofglass.org with questions. Location: 1801 Dock St, Museum of Glass. Phone: (253) 284-4719
Jingle Bell Run: Take a break from the holiday hustle and bustle! Bring your family and friends to Wright Park to enjoy a refreshing afternoon 3-mile run or walk.
This race will feature hundreds of jingling bells that will definitely put you in the holiday spirit! This a 3-mile run/walk at Wright Park with race times of 10am and noon. Timing: chipped timed.
Costume contest– Wear your best holiday-themed costume. Each race will have its own contest 30 minutes prior to the race start. Costume Categories: Best ugly sweater, Best overall costume, Best group/family costume, Best dog costume
Strollers and dogs on leash are welcome.Check in will be held on the basketball court. Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017. Location: 316 South G St, Wright Park, WA, Phone: (253) 305-1000. Time: Check-in at 8:00 and 10:30. Races begin at 10:00 and 12:00. Price: $10 thru Dec. 17; $15 Dec. 18-22; $20 Day of Race.
