Windermere Professional Partners

Our 7 Favorite Things to do During the Holiday Season in Pierce County

December 6, 2018
Last updated September 12, 2019

Just in time for the holidays, our REALTORS® share their best tips on where to go to enjoy festivities in our area!

1. Ice Skating

When asked what the best holiday events in Pierce County are, REALTOR® Anders Ibsen says, “Frozen Fountain (formerly Polar Plaza), obviously! You can enjoy fun ice skating with family and friends.” Anders recommends enjoying a nice dinner at Point Ruston after skating, then taking a stroll around the waterfront! Frozen Fountain is part of Point Ruston’s “Frozen Fun on the Waterfront” event and is going on now through February 2nd! Rink admission is $12.50 for kids. To learn more, click here.

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My whole heart #StJohnChristmas2016

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2. Harvest Your Own Christmas Tree

“We always take an afternoon and drive out to Orting and cut down our own Christmas tree.” Shares REALTOR® Curtis Gibson. “Red Barn Tree Farm and Snowshoes Evergreen Choose and Cut are both great places to take the family. Enjoy the hot cocoa and train ride!” REALTOR® Trish Stone has another great idea on how to get your tree. “My family buys a tree permit at the Ranger Station in Enumclaw and we head to the snow to cut our Christmas tree.” Trish says, “We make a day out of it with snacks, warm drinks, and friends!”

3. Tree Lighting and Ceremonies

REALTOR® Marguerite Martin shares, “I love the FREE community tree lighting ceremony on November 24th outside of the Pantages Theater!” Marguerite suggests, “Grab a cocoa, bring the kids, say hi to your neighbors, and get into the spirit of the season!” Though the lighting ceremony has been performed this year, you can stop by to see the lights and enjoy many of their upcoming winter events like The 2018 Winter Dance Concert (Dec. 5th), Windham Hill’s Winter Solstice (Dec. 7th), or The Nutcracker Suite (De. 8th and 9th).

“We love, love, love Zoolights at Point Defiance Zoo.” says REALTOR® Regina Madiera-Gorden. “It has been a family favorite - and the purple tree is my favorite!” Regina exclaims.

REALTOR® Janet Lee tells us about Gig Harbor’s amazing lighted trees at Skansie Brothers Park. December 1st the City of Gig harbor throws a tree lighting ceremony, but it remains lighted for all to enjoy the entire month of December and New Year’s day.

When asked what her favorite holiday activities were, REALTOR® Sheryll M Tan said, “Fantasy Lights at Spanaway Park. It’s a drive through trip to see thousands of lights and hundreds of displays which is very ideal for the PNW climate and weather.” She shares, “You don’t have to leave the comfort of your car - you don’t have to freeze in the cold or get wet when it’s raining.” Sheryll also suggests, “I highly recommend going on a weeknight because weekends can be jam-packed, but if you only have the weekends available be sure to pack some food in the car because the lines can be long and you can be stuck in the car for hours.” REALTOR® Kyle Rossman shares, “My family and I have been going to Fantasy Lights at Spanaway Lake Park since I was little, as it’s a good way to get in the spirit of the season while staying dry!”

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Finally went to Snowflake Lane! #letitsnow

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4. Events & Parades

REALTOR® Morgan Mullin loves Festival of Trees on at the very beginning of the December each year. Morgan says, “Festival of Trees has always been one of my favs. It’s open to the public for a small fee during the day and you can register online if you’re interested to going to any of the event/auction nights for the trees. The best part is, it supports Mary Bridge Hospital!” This night of entertainment and giving should be on your mind for next year!

“The lighted Santa Parade in downtown Puyallup is a yearly event that celebrates the season, Puyallup style - A parade through the middle of the city!” says REALTOR® Trish Stone. “There are also vendors at Pioneer park pavilion selling crafts and festivities in Pioneer Park itself.”

REALTOR® Kyle Rossman also shares a festive parade in Bellevue. “We also enjoy Snowflake Lane in Bellevue even though the snow is mostly fake. Paired with dinner it makes for a great date night.” Snowflake Lane features a nightly parade November 23 - December 24 at 7 pm!

5. Holiday Plays

“The Scrooge play at the Champion Center really puts you in the Christmas spirit.” Says REALTOR® Star Roffe. “So much talent in the show - the actors start rehearsals in September. You won’t be disappointed - I guarantee!” REALTOR® Kyle Rossman adds, “We also go to the Scrooge play or the Singing Christmas Tree at Life Center in Tacoma as they always put on an entertaining family friendly show.”

6. Meeting Santa and Taking Photos

REALTOR® Janet Lee says, “Gig Harbor is loaded with Christmas! I love Santa coming into town on the firetruck, pics with him and the kiddos on the dock while the Christmas tree lighting is happening.” Janet adds, “Hot cocoa & cider for all along with singing. It's a community gathering together to kick off this special season.” Gig Harbor’s Holiday Tree Lighting event with Santa happens December 1st every year! Click here for more information.

REALTOR® Amber Tuck let us know that the North Pole at the Fair is a great place to see Santa! “My favorite part is the reservation to see Santa.” Says Amber. “Perfect for families with young children! No lines!” Exclaims Amber. Click here to learn more about Santa Portraits.

Amber also shares that if you go to Elbe to take part in the Polar Express Train, there is an opportunity to meet Santa at the end if you purchase first-class tickets.

7. Attractions

As REALTOR® Amber Tuck mentioned, The North Pole at the Fair is an amazing holiday attraction. “The North Pole at the Fair for Santa Portraits has plenty of kid-friendly activities to fill an afternoon of Christmas fun!” Amber says. Click here to learn more about the North Pole at the Fair.

Amber also shares, “The Polar Express Train out of Elbe is AMAZING. We've done it a few years in a row now.” She recommends, “Wear Christmas Jammies and drink hot cocoa while the Polar Express story comes to life in front of you!” Amber’s pro-tip is again to, “Splurge for first-class tickets if possible - definitely worth the extra cost to meet Santa at the end!” Click here to learn more.