Tacoma Christmas Lights 2025

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.

All Christmas Lights Around Tacoma

Tacoma Light Trail

Free

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...

Holiday Light DisplaysFree EventCommunity Celebration

Zoolights

$$

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...

Holiday Light DisplaysFamily FriendlySeasonal Activities

Holiday Magic

Puyallup, WA 8 mi from Tacoma
$$

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...

Holiday Light DisplaysFamily FriendlySanta Visits

Fantasy Lights

Spanaway, WA 9 mi from Tacoma
$$

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...

Holiday Light DisplaysDrive Through DisplaysFamily Friendly

Ice Lights at Sprinker Recreation Center

$$

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...

Holiday Light DisplaysIce SkatingFamily Friendly

Maple Valley Gnometown Holidays

Maple Valley, WA 21 mi from Tacoma
Free

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...

Tree LightingSanta VisitsLive Music

Holiday on the Bay

Port Orchard, WA 22 mi from Tacoma
Free

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...

Community CelebrationSanta VisitsPet Parade

Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship Festival

Seattle, WA 25 mi from Tacoma
$$

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...

Holiday Light DisplaysFamily FriendlySeasonal Activities

Christmas Ship™ Festival

Seattle, WA 25 mi from Tacoma
$$

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...

Holiday Light DisplaysFamily FriendlyLive Music

Sheraton Grand Seattle Gingerbread Village

Seattle, WA 25 mi from Tacoma
$$

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...

Holiday MarketFamily FriendlyCommunity Celebration

Bellevue Festival of the Nativity

Bellevue, WA 27 mi from Tacoma
Free

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....

Nativity ScenesFree EventCommunity Celebration

Snowflake Lane

Bellevue, WA 27 mi from Tacoma
Free

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....

Holiday Light DisplaysParadesFamily Friendly

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top Christmas light displays in and around Tacoma?

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.

What is the difference between drive-through and walkable light displays near Tacoma?

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.

When do Tacoma Christmas lights typically start each year?

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.

Are there free Christmas light displays available in Tacoma?

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.

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