Nothing sparks (no pun intended) joy quite like the dazzling display of lights that can be found draped on trees, banisters, bushes, and your over-the-top neighbor’s house during the holiday season. The twinkling lights help to pull the merry spirit out of even the greatest of grinches, while also fending off the perpetual gray of the Pacific Northwest. If you’re in Pierce County and looking to kick the holiday spirit into high gear with a twinkling lights tour, then you’ve come to the right place! We give you our official holiday lights to-do guide, guaranteed to help you fa-la-la-la-lall in love with this festive time of year (and give you an excuse to belt Mariah Carey’s “All I want for Christmas Is You” in public without shame - you know you want to).
Fantasy Lights at Spanaway Park
1000 Military Road South, Spanaway, WA 98387
Catch a dazzling display of over 300 sparkling holiday lights without even having to leave the car (PNW drizzle friendly)! Fantasy Lights at Spanaway Park is offering their 29th Annual drive-through light display from November 24th through January 1st, and it’s a must-see for all Pierce County residents passionate about getting in the spirit of the season. Create memories and blast Mariah from the comfort of your Subaru Forester as you cruise along the festive two-mile stretch of Spanaway Lake. Advance online ticket purchase is highly recommended so be sure to snag your spot soon.
Zoolights at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
5400 North Pearl Street, Tacoma, WA 98407
Make your list and check it twice because you won’t want to forget adding Zoolights at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium to your holiday agenda. From a giant octopus display to a sasquatch scavenger hunt - Point Defiance Zoo is offering a winter wonderland of over 800,000 lights until January 1st for spirited display seekers young and old to enjoy. And, if the hot chocolate, animal light displays, and s’mores at the Cafe Deck weren’t enough to draw you in, they’re also offering the opportunity to meet a herd of goats rocking their very own holiday coats! Tickets are only available online so be sure to book ahead before heading over.
Holiday Magic at the Washington State Fair
110 9th Avenue SW, Puyallup, WA 98371
Looking to take your holiday light seeking experience to the next level? Well, the Washington State Fair is bringing the holiday magic to the South Puget Sound with an evening of festive displays, treats, and attractions sure to check the box for every special someone on your list. From an immersive snowfall experience to an adventure through Gingerbread Lane, even Scrooge himself would have a blast at this holiday hotspot (though that may just be the Fisher Scones talking - yum!).
Tacoma Light Trail
Downtown Tacoma, 930 Commerce Street, Tacoma, WA 98402
If December is too busy dashing through the department stores to hunt for festive light displays, the South Puget Sound still has plenty of holiday spirit to offer well into the new year with the Tacoma Light Trail. Live music, art, and of course, lots of lights are all offered for free each night from December 31 through January 14 in downtown Tacoma with its mission being to bring light to dark times and the increasingly darker days of the Pacific Northwest.
Anderberg Christmas House
2019 S 10th Street, Tacoma, WA 98405
If Clark Griswold’s holiday display in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is more your speed, then the Anderberg Christmas House should be at the top of your list this season. Giving deck the halls an entirely new meaning, each year this unassuming neighborhood home gets a holiday makeover with over 90+ inflatables contributing to a festive lights display for their Pierce County neighbors near and far to enjoy. If you find yourself cruising the streets of central Tacoma, this house is worth a stop!
Lighted Boat Parade at Gig Harbor
Gig Harbor Waterfront
Soak in the sights of the stunning Gig Harbor waterfront while getting into the holiday spirit with a lighted boat parade on December 9th organized by the Gig Harbor Yacht Club. A 50-year tradition, boats will circle the harbor twice while adorned with festive lights and even some blow-up holiday classics to usher in the spirit of the season - Pacific Northwest style! It’s free, festive, and fun for the whole family.
Lighted Car Parade at Gig Harbor
3211 Harborview Dr, Gig Harbor, WA 98335
If a parade of festive boats wasn’t enough to scratch that holiday itch, enter the 4th Annual Lighted Car Parade at Gig Harbor on Dec. 16. Find a spot along Harborview Drive and sit back to witness even the greatest of gas guzzlers getting into the spirit - dashing through the streets (at a safe speed of course) decked out in shining seasonal decor.
Did we forget your favorite place to see some dazzling holiday displays? Let us know! Tag us @traveltacoma on Instagram and Facebook.