Festive Seattle-Area Holiday Activities to Make the Season Sparkle
Photo:
The W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory decorated for the holidays. Photo: courtesy Metro Parks Tacoma
Tacoma-area holiday activities
Reindeer at Watson’s Nursery, Puyallup
Date and time: Nov. 21–Dec. 24, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Cost: Free
We’re always happy to hear that reindeer pals Donder and Blitzen are due to return for their seasonal stay at Watson’s Greenhouse in Puyallup. This year they’ll arrive from the North Pole on Thursday, Nov. 21. Check the store’s Facebook page for updates, then go give them a hearty welcome!
Seymour Holiday Workshops, Tacoma
Date and time: Dec. 8, Dec. 15 and Dec. 22; 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Cost: Free; $5 suggested donation
The W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory in Wright Park gets all dressed up for the holidays and provides a lush change of scenery for South Sound-area families. On select Sundays in December, the conservatory hosts fun holiday workshops, where families can drop in and create a botanical-themed treasure to take home. They also host a Cocoa and Carols event and visits with Santa.
Festival of Trees at White River Valley Museum, Auburn
Date and time: Wednesday–Sunday, Nov. 20, 2024–Jan. 5, 2025 (closed Nov. 28 and Dec. 25). The museum is open from noon–4 p.m.
Cost: Free
The Festival of Trees sets up shop for the holidays at Auburn’s free and kid-friendly White River Valley Museum. Located inside Les Gove Park, the museum is known for its innovative and interactive exhibits. This year’s festival theme is “Once Upon a Time,” transforming the museum into a fairytale forest. (Pro tip: Don’t miss this most excellent public art sculpture if you visit Les Gove.)
Reindeer Scavenger Hunt, University Place
Date and time: Dec. 2–15, 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m.
Cost: Free
Head to Chambers Creek Regional Park for a festive scavenger hunt this December. Santa’s nine cherished reindeer are missing, and there are clues to help you find each one. Write down the location of each reindeer and turn your sheet in at the Environmental Sciences building for a prize.
Holiday Village at Donkey Creek Park, Gig Harbor
Date and time: Dec. 7–28, 9 a.m.–7 p.m.
Cost: Free
This is a holiday activity worthy of Instagram: Six holiday-themed displays are coming to Donkey Creek Park. Bring your camera and take your holiday photos at any of the festive displays. Plus, you can catch Santa (and take a photo with him for free!) on select Saturdays from noon–2 p.m.
Next up: North Sound holiday activities
