'Tis the season to celebrate the holidays right here in Pierce County!
We've wrapped up 12 activities in 12 Pierce County cities and towns that yule love.
Ugly Sweater Fest at Point Ruston
1

Ruston

Grab your ugly holiday sweater and head to Ugly Sweater Fest at Point Ruston! Celebrate National Ugly Sweater Day at Point Ruston where you can enjoy live, food trucks, holiday lights and more. For more information, visit Point Ruston's website

When: Friday, Dec. 17, 3 - 7 p.m. 
Where: Point Ruston, 5115 Grand Loop, Tacoma, WA 98407
Elf Hunt at Chambers Creek in University Place
2

University Place

Santa’s Elves were excited when Mrs. Claus said they could continue their exploration of Washington State and make their way to Chambers Creek Regional Park. Make sure they get back to the North Pole in time for Christmas! Come out and enjoy some hot chocolate and freshly popped popcorn while you search the North Meadow at Chambers Creek Regional Park for these adventurous elves. Learn more about the Elf Hunt.

When: Saturday, Dec. 18, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. 
Where: Chambers Creek Regional Park, 9850 64th Dr. W., University Place, WA 98467
Lighted Car Parade in Gig Harbor
3

Gig Harbor

It's time for the annual Gig Harbor Lighted Car Parade! This festive parade brings out dozens of vehicles decorated in holiday cheer. The parade has two routes that viewers can choose from. The parade begins at 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 18. After the parade, make sure to bring unperishable food and unwrapped toys for FISH Food Bank this holiday season. Take a look at the parade routes here.

When: Saturday, Dec. 18, 4:30 p.m. 
Where: Uptown, 4701 Point Fosdick Dr., Gig Harbor, WA 98335
Christmas at Knutson Farms in Sumner
4

Sumner

Walkin' in a winter wonderland! It's the last weekend to celebrate the holiday season at Knutson Farms in Sumner. Open Friday and Saturday 4:30 - 10 p.m. and Sunday 2 - 7 p.m., stop by the farm for lights, snow machines, hayrides, barn animals, fire pits, photo opportunities, food trucks and more. Tickets available for purchase at the farm, or online.

When: Friday - Sunday. Check hours online before you go! 
Where: Knutson Farms, 16406 78th St. E., Sumner, WA 98390
Holiday Village at Sunrise Village in South Hill
5

South Hill

Take a break from your holiday shopping at the South Hill Mall and decorate some delicious holiday cookies! On Tuesday, Dec. 22 at 2:30 p.m., stop by the decorating station next to Game On! inside the mall for a sugar pick-me-up. Cookies and supplies are available while supplies last.


When: Tuesday, Dec. 22 at 2:30 p.m.

Where: South Hill Mall, 3500 S. Meridian, Puyallup, WA 98373

Santa Parade in Milton
6

Milton

Santa Claus is coming to town, and on Dec. 22, that town is Milton! While the kids are on winter break, take a walk in Milton to enjoy the annual Santa Parade. Take a look at the parade's route on the City of Milton's website. After the parade, check the city's Facebook page to vote on your favorite float. 

When: Wednesday, Dec. 22, 12:30 - 3 p.m.
Where: Parade starts at City Hall, 1000 Laurel St, Milton, WA 98354. Check the parade route to view a map.
Explore Historic DuPont Village
7

DuPont

This holiday season, enjoy gorgeous holiday displays in historic DuPont! Each night since Dec. 10, a new uniquely-decorated holiday window will be added to the walking map. Get in the holiday spirit and enjoy the creativity of the neighborhood. Windows are lit every night from 6 to 9 p.m. until the finale on Dec. 22. The DuPont Museum will host an open house to celebrate the displays, have refreshments and even a children's craft. Take a look at the walking map (updated daily) to get started! 

When: Nightly from 6 - 9 p.m. through Dec. 22. Finale on Dec. 22 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. 
Where: DuPont Historical Museum, 207 Barksdale Ave., DuPont, WA 98327
Photos with Santa at Buckley Public Market
8

Buckley

Time to get your annual photo with Santa! It's not too late to have your photo taken with St. Nick at the Buckley Public Market. Afterwards, make sure you support Washington vendors and shop local to finish off your holiday list. Appointments are required. Santa is available Dec. 16, 17, 18, 19, 22 and 23. Learn more on the market's website.

When: Dec. 16, 17, 18, 19, 22 and 23. 12 - 6 p.m. Hours vary by day. 
Where: Buckley Public Market, 29393 State Route 410 E., Buckley, WA 98321
Ice Lights at Sprinker Recreation Center
9

Parkland/Spanaway

ICE lights is a new lighted ice experience being offered during the holiday season at Sprinker Recreation Center! This year, the ice rink will be transformed into a winter wonderland with over 35,000 lights and animated displays. Bring the whole family for ice skating, snow falling inside the rink and mail your letter to Santa.

When: Daily though Jan. 2. Times vary. Check online before you go!
Where: Sprinker Recreation Center, 14824 C St. S., Tacoma, WA 98444
Holiday Magic at the Washington State Fair
10

Puyallup

Take a wonder-filled stroll through magical lights, festive displays and holiday joy. This year's event will feature more light displays, interactive exhibits, an ice skating rink and more! Most of the exhibits and displays are indoors, which makes it perfect for any type of weather. Learn more on the fair's website.

When: Dec. 17-23, and 26-31, 5 - 10 p.m. (last entry at 9:30 p.m.)
Where: Washington State Fair Grounds, 110 9th Ave., SW, Puyallup, WA 98371
Zoolights at Point Defiance Zoo in Tacoma
11

Tacoma

Zoolights is a classic holiday tradition in Tacoma! Bundle up to walk through the zoo and view over 800,000 lights in this colorful winter wonderland. A giant octopus, tiger face, Seahawks tree, and Sasquatch are just some of the displays you will see this year.

When: Now through Jan. 2, 4:30 - 10 p.m. daily.
Where: Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, 5400 North Pearl St., Tacoma, WA 98407
Fantasy Lights at Spanaway Park in Spanaway
12

Spanaway

Fantasy Lights at Spanaway Park is 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 tradition for the entire family. Looking for a bite to eat on the way to Fantasy Lights? Stop by Sprinker Recreation Center Food Truck area before driving through Fantasy Lights. 

When: Nightly through Jan. 2. 5:30 - 9 p.m. 
Where: Spanaway Park, 14905 Bresemann Boulevard South, Spanaway, WA 98387