Tacoma Light Trail: A Beautiful, Light-Filled Family Stroll

The fire breathing dragon at the Tacoma Light Trail

Photo:

You don’t want to miss the Dragon Parade on the opening night of the Tacoma Light Trail. Photo: courtesy Tacoma Light Trail

Taking in the wonder of art is a treasure — especially when it also evokes a spirit of community. Luckily, we are no strangers to that sentiment here in South Puget Sound. The Tacoma Light Trail, running Dec. 31, 2024, to Jan. 12, 2025, steps up to the plate to keep that spirit alive.

The light trail aims to uplift and unify our community during this dark season. The trail features 50 stunning lighted art displays in downtown Tacoma buildings, as well as in the Hilltop neighborhood and South Tacoma Way.

The switch will be “thrown” to first light up the artworks on New Year’s Eve, and they’ll be lit every night from 5–9 p.m. through Jan. 12. It’s free and fun for families to stroll around and enjoy a few or all of the art installations.

Large owl light display at the Tacoma Light Trail — Light art installations of all sizes can be found along the Tacoma Light Trail. Photo: courtesy Tacoma Light Trail

Light art installations and more

An impressive degree of collaboration and creativity among Tacoma businesses and artists was required to pull off this urban art event. Installations vary from large elaborate paper projects to more subtle light enhancements, positioned to light up a building’s doorway or an architectural feature.

Activities and special events will take place at Tollefson Plaza on select dates. On Dec. 31, turn up for the Dragon Parade that starts from the University of Washington Tacoma Prairie Trail, followed by special performances. There are more special events throughout the festival, including a light-up bike ride, lantern-making workshops and more (additional info on special events below). And the best part: All events and activities are free!

One of my family’s favorites in a previous year was the realistic paper-lantern hops hanging from the ceiling of Camp Colvos Brewing & Pizza. Inside, we got lost in the detail of the craftwork and the rhythmic changing of lights, featuring hues of green.

You can follow the trail by foot, bike, car or public transportation. On our stroll, my kids were playfully running ahead, using their phones to find the next stop.

Fire eater performance at the New Years Eve opening night event at the Tacoma Light Trail — Just one of the amazing performances at the New Year’s Eve Kick Off Celebration. Photo: courtesy Tacoma Light Trail

New for 2024–25

Several new features will make this year better than ever:

Expanded trail: In addition to Tacoma’s downtown, this year the Tacoma Light Trail is stretching into the Hilltop neighborhood and South Tacoma Way, illuminating new corners of the city.
Three commissioned light art pieces: For the first time, three new high-profile artworks have been commissioned from the following artists that will be amazing additions to the light trail:
- Anika Goyal is a Washington-based artist who has created some amazing translucent light art depicting majestic peaks, evoking Mount Rainier and Mount Adams. Find her work at 1734 Pacific Ave.
- Eileen Fitz-Faulkner, a Pacific Northwest artist, has created a stunning LED octopus, with programmable lights. Head to 1734 Pacific Ave. to see this impressive piece.
- Steve LaBerge and his crew of 15 creative masterminds have designed an immersive and interactive light art experience featured on Tollefson Plaza, inspired by a Tacoma-specific science fiction story.
Three guest art curators: This year, three talented curators are connecting light artists with venues across the city.

Hummingbird light display at the Tacoma Light Trail — A hummingbird light display peeks through a window. Photo: courtesy Tacoma Light Trail

Family time

My family has gone to this event in previous years, and my older kids enjoyed soaking in the sights of the city; we had plenty to chat about as we followed our phones to the next location — sweeping views of the bay, historical buildings, museums, and boutique shops and eateries. I highly recommend this activity as a cure for the inevitable January cabin fever.

Two girls at the Tacoma Light Trail — There are lots of fun family-friendly activities at the Tacoma Light Trail festival. Photo: courtesy Tacoma Light Trail

Tips for families

Wear gloves with touch-screen fingertips — you’ll be using your phone a lot and it’s cold out there!
Use those QR codes, as they really enhance the experience and help you navigate the trail.
Even though the light trail activities are free, bring some money and plan to eat as part of your adventure! There are just so many tempting treats and shops along the way.
Wear light-up gear if you’ve got any to make yourselves part of the show.

Tacoma Light Trail sign — Be sure to check out this fun, free winter event. Photo: courtesy Tacoma Light Trail

If you go to the Tacoma Light Trail ...

Where: The Tacoma Light Trail features light-art installations positioned around downtown Tacoma. The 2024–25 map is coming soon, be sure to check the website for updates. On foot is probably the best way for most families to experience the trail.

When: The light trail is lit up from 5–9 p.m. nightly, Dec. 31, 2024–Jan. 12, 2025.

Cost: Free

Special events:

Dec. 28, 4–5 p.m.: Before the festivities begin, you can make your own lantern at free workshops. One will be held Dec. 28 at the Swasey Branch of the Tacoma Public Library.
Dec. 31, 5:30–10 p.m.: Join the New Year’s Eve Kick Off Celebration, beginning with a Dragon Parade at the University of Washington Tacoma Prairie Line to Tollefson Plaza. Performances begin at 6 p.m. with a traditional blessing from the Puyallup Tribe of Indians. If it rains or snows, activities and performances will relocate to either the Tacoma Art Museum’s covered parking lot or the Tacoma Urban Performing Arts Center in Hilltop. Check the website for updates.
Jan. 4, 6–9 p.m.: Head to the Illuminated Ballroom, an evening of visual and auditory delight in this incredible gilt-tipped historic space.
Jan. 8, 5–7 p.m.: Join a lantern-making workshop at Camp Colvos with local artist Cheryl Rux.
Jan. 11, 6–9 p.m.: T.U.P.A.C. Lit Up will feature a performance, art, and a dance party, and host an open mic where T.U.P.A.C. (Tacoma Urban Performing Arts Center) adults or youth can perform.

Editor’s note: This article was originally published in 2022, and has been updated most recently by ParentMap’s associate editor, Kari Hanson, with information for the 2024–25 event.