Discover 12 verified christmas lights in Tacoma and nearby areas.
Welcome to your guide for Tacoma Christmas lights and holiday displays, where the city transforms into a festive wonderland each winter. Whether you're a local or visiting, you'll find plenty of ways to enjoy the season's glow.
Near Tacoma, the Tacoma Light Trail downtown offers a unique experience with illuminated art and performances, while beloved neighborhood favorites like the Anderberg Christmas House light up local streets. These displays bring warmth and cheer to the community.
This guide covers everything from free walking trails and neighborhood displays to ticketed drive-through lights, helping you discover the best spots and make the most of your holiday visit.
Free walkable/driveable trail of light art with sound pairings
The Tacoma Light Trail transforms downtown Tacoma into a dazzling free winter festival of light art. Visitors can explore illuminated installations, experience live performances, and engage with a unique 'Sound Trail' that pairs art with music and poetry. Highlights include...
Over one million lights transform the zoo into a winter wonderland.
Step into a magical winter wonderland at Zoolights, where over one million sparkling lights transform Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium into a dazzling holiday spectacle. This cherished 38-year tradition invites visitors to stroll through enchanting displays, including iconic animal shapes...
Washington's fastest-growing holiday festival with free rides.
Step into a glittering wonderland at Holiday Magic, the region's fastest-growing holiday tradition. Wander through immersive light tunnels, sip cocoa, and visit Santa's Village. Enjoy free rides, live entertainment, and a holiday market filled with merry treasures. It's the South...
Northwest's largest drive-through holiday light display.
Experience the magic of Fantasy Lights, the Northwest's premier drive-through holiday light display. Journey through Spanaway Park for over two miles, marveling at more than 300 animated displays and thousands of sparkling lights. This cherished annual tradition offers a festive...
Dazzling light displays and indoor snow at an ice rink.
Step into a dazzling winter wonderland at Sprinker Recreation Center's Ice Lights. This event transforms the ice rink into a magical holiday spectacle with over 35,000 lights, animated displays, and a giant choreographed tree. Enjoy ice skating, thrilling ice bumper...
Community tree lighting ceremony with Santa and reindeer
Experience the heartwarming 'Maple Valley Gnometown Holidays' event, a cherished community tradition. This festive evening features a magical tree lighting ceremony at 6:15 PM, welcoming the holiday season with music and cheer. Visitors can enjoy performances by the MV Youth...
Community tree lighting and marina light display
Port Orchard invites you to 'Holiday on the Bay,' a cherished community tradition kicking off the Christmas season. This family-friendly event on Bay Street features opportunities to meet Santa, a delightful pet parade, and vibrant holiday markets. Enjoy live musical...
Festive holiday cruises on Puget Sound with live choir performances.
Experience the magic of the Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship™ Festival, a cherished Pacific Northwest tradition for over 75 years. Sail aboard the beautifully illuminated Spirit of Seattle, serenaded by live choirs. Choose from three unique ways to celebrate: join the...
Festive holiday cruise with onboard choir and Santa.
Embark on a magical holiday journey with the Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship™ Festival, a cherished Pacific Northwest tradition. Sail aboard the beautifully illuminated Spirit of Seattle™ as it visits numerous waterfront communities, filling the air with festive carols performed by...
Spectacular 6-foot-tall gingerbread masterpieces
Step into a world of edible enchantment at the Sheraton Grand Seattle's Gingerbread Village. This cherished holiday tradition showcases magnificent, 6-foot-tall gingerbread creations, meticulously crafted by architects and chefs. Each structure is a testament to creativity, teamwork, and the spirit...
Over 500 crèches from around the world
Discover the profound impact of Christ's birth at the Bellevue Festival of the Nativity, a cherished FREE Christmas tradition. This event features over 500 crèches from around the world, a life-size replica of the Bethlehem inn, and daily musical performances....
Complimentary nightly parade with falling snow and festive floats.
Experience the enchanting Snowflake Lane, a complimentary nightly parade that transforms Bellevue into a winter wonderland. From November 28 to December 24, 2025, witness falling snow, dazzling lights, and festive music as holiday floats, dancers, and toy drummers bring cheer....
See the location of all christmas lights around Tacoma and nearby areas
Open Map →Some of the top displays include the Tacoma Light Trail downtown, which features illuminated art and performances, and the Anderberg Christmas House known for its extensive light decorations. Nearby, Fantasy Lights in Spanaway offers a popular drive-through experience with synchronized music and festive scenes.
Drive-through displays like Fantasy Lights allow you to enjoy holiday lights from the comfort of your car, often featuring large-scale synchronized shows. Walkable options, such as the Tacoma Light Trail, let you explore illuminated art and neighborhood displays on foot, offering a more immersive experience.
Most Tacoma Christmas lights and holiday displays begin appearing in late November, with major events like the Tacoma Light Trail kicking off on New Year’s Eve and continuing into early January. Neighborhood displays often start around Thanksgiving and run through the holiday season.
Yes, the Tacoma Light Trail is a free winter festival featuring light art and performances downtown. Additionally, many neighborhood displays around Tacoma, including areas like North Tacoma and Proctor District, offer free viewing for visitors throughout the season.