University Place Other Christmas Activities 2026

Teens work in teams of two or three to design and construct gingerbread houses from scratch. All gingerbread and decorating materials are supplied for the challenge, and participants are encouraged to wear ugly holiday sweaters. The gathering is organized by...

Spectators line downtown Main Street to watch community entries, lighted vehicles, cars, and festive floats travel past. The celebration includes live musical performances at City Hall before and after the procession. Festivities conclude with the annual municipal tree lighting ceremony...

Spectators gather along downtown streets to watch a holiday parade featuring walking groups, oversized vehicles, and floats. Parade participants walk along the route handing out candy to children and onlookers.

Spectators gather along Main Street to watch local businesses, performers, and partners showcase their holiday spirit. The procession travels east to west, starting at Meade Avenue and concluding at Kincaid Avenue.

Visitors watch a community parade featuring floats constructed by local businesses, clubs, and organizations. The festive displays showcase Christmas lights, holiday decorations, creative costumes, and props.

Attendees can enjoy live musical performances by local school choirs and bands, participate in holiday games, and make seasonal crafts. Guests can visit Santa's workshop inside the City Hall Council Chambers for photos and sample treats from on-site food trucks....

Visitors can browse an evening night market, take in the annual tree lighting ceremony, and enjoy musical performances by local choirs, bands, carolers, and a holiday DJ. The festival also features a pet costume contest, a beverage garden, and a...

Participants take part in an active three-mile holiday run or walk completing three loops through the park. Finishers receive a medal, sticker, commemorative race bib, and beanie, with complimentary hot chocolate available to warm up. Strollers and leashed dogs are...

Participants can take part in a 10K run or a 5K run and walk celebrating the holiday season. The route takes runners and walkers along the scenic Green River. After crossing the finish line, awards are presented to top finishers...

Families gather to celebrate the season with a variety of festive activities. Guests can take part in holiday-themed games and craft projects, as well as enjoy seasonal treats.

Participants handcraft a Christmas wreath using a wide variety of natural materials, including pine, fir, cedar, eucalyptus, magnolia, pinecones, dried citrus slices, and real ilex and holly berries. Attendees can assemble their wreath by hand with paddle wire or use...

Visitors drop in to create a cozy holiday gingerbread house keepsake to keep or give as a gift. Crafters can decorate their little house and personalize it by adding their favorite photo.

Participants handbuild a ceramic luminary holiday tree designed to glow from within. Instructors guide attendees through rolling and shaping clay slabs, carving decorative openings for light, and adding custom details. Students can complete their tree during an included return glaze...

Participants learn to cut, grind, and solder glass pieces and jewels to craft a Christmas tree of their own design. The workshop provides hands-on instruction and all necessary materials to complete one tree project. Guidance is led by professional stained...

Visitors line the downtown corridor to watch a community tradition filled with enchanting floats and cheerful marching bands. The route comes alive with holiday lights, music, and live commentary and announcements from the stage. Spectators are encouraged to wear festive...

Visitors can watch the mayor's welcome and the lighting of the community holiday tree. Festivities feature a performance by the Maple Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra, photo opportunities with holiday characters, and the chance to see live reindeer. Attendees can also...

Caroling teams perform live along Pike Place, filling the market with holiday music. Spectators can wander the street to listen to the vocal groups before gathering for a stage show and awards presentation. The event serves as a large community...

Guests can celebrate the upcoming ski and snowboard season with live music, food trucks, and a beer garden. Activities include ski and snowboard waxing, marshmallow roasting, and browsing vendor booths. The gathering also features contests, giveaways, and chance drawings for...

Participants complete a 4.2-mile or 10k loop through the old-growth forest of Seward Park, passing towering Douglas firs and Western red cedars along Lake Washington. The route follows a wide main path before turning onto narrower, twisting trails with roots...

Participants create unique holiday ornaments using a selection of festive stencils. The workshop teaches beginner-friendly decorative metal techniques such as stamping and piercing, with all materials and seasonal refreshments provided.

Families work together to decorate a 3D cardboard gingerbread townhome during this hands-on craft session. Participants embellish their projects with paper candies, painted frosting, and colorful accents along the rooftops and trim.

The Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord celebrates the adoration of Jesus by the three wise men who traveled from the East to pay him homage. The feast day honors the manifestation of Jesus as Messiah, together with his...

In this hands-on workshop, participants craft four unique mosaic ornaments using stained glass and beads. Students learn layout, design, and adhesion techniques on small-scale wooden substrates. The session also covers the safe use of basic mosaic tools, including wheeled nippers...

Participants dress in Santa Claus suits and festive holiday attire to parade through Downtown Seattle and Pioneer Square. The event features live entertainment, free admission to participating venues, drink specials, and a costume contest with professional photographers capturing the festivities....

Celebrate the holiday season with your furry companions at Santa Paws! This festive event invites pet owners to bring their beloved animals, dressed in their holiday finest, for a special photo opportunity with Santa Claus. Enjoy a delightful selection of...

The Federal Way Holiday Tree Lighting 2026 features a visit from Santa, live holiday music, and warm treats. The Mayor will light the tree.

Experience the magic of the Olympia Holiday Light Parades as they illuminate the city's neighborhoods. These festive events feature creatively decorated city vehicles adorned with a dazzling array of holiday lights, bringing cheer to the dark winter nights. Follow along...

Get into the holiday spirit at the LoveOly Winter Fest! This festive event kicks off the season with live music, enchanting holiday storytelling, and delightful horse-drawn carriage rides. Enjoy the twinkling festive lights and seasonal refreshments, making it a perfect...

Experience the magic of winter at Oly on Ice, a pop-up ice skating rink located in Downtown Olympia's Isthmus Park. From late November to mid-January, this seasonal attraction transforms the area into a festive wonderland. It's the perfect spot for...

Experience the holiday spirit at Auburn's annual Gingerbread Contest! This delightful event showcases impressive gingerbread creations from community members, inviting everyone to admire the festive displays. Visitors can participate by voting for their favorite entries in both youth and adult...

Get ready for SeaTac Winterfest, a delightful community celebration! This event promises a festive atmosphere with activities for everyone. It's a wonderful opportunity to connect with neighbors and enjoy the holiday spirit.

Lace up your running shoes for the Fort Steilacoom Jingle Bell Run, a festive 5K event perfect for kicking off the holiday season. Participants can choose to run or walk, making it an accessible activity for many. It's a great...

A free, family-friendly Light-Up Bike Ride tours Tacoma's light displays. Registration information will be available soon.

The historic Court House Square hosts the Illuminated Ballroom, a free, family-friendly event with performances by Guilded Lilly and Tacoma Dance Studios Belly Dance, plus art-making activities. Drinks will be available for purchase.

Join The Katinas for an uplifting Christmas concert, 'Hope Has Come,' designed for the whole family. This special event promises an evening of worship and celebration, reminding attendees of the joy and hope found in the Christmas season. It's an...

Families can decorate sugar cookies with Mrs. Claus, participate in holiday crafts, and write letters to Santa.

Unleash your creativity this holiday season by crafting a stunning Christmas wreath. Participants will learn to design and assemble their own festive decoration, perfect for adding a personal touch to their home. All materials are provided for this hands-on workshop.

Experience the magic of the holidays in Seattle's historic Pioneer Square! Join the festive Ornament Scavenger Hunt from December 1st to 20th, searching for hidden handmade glass ornaments. Discover unique gifts in local shops and contribute to the Winter Supply...