Make Festive Holiday Family Memories in Tacoma, Washington

Plan a weekend of fun downtown, at the zoo and on Mount Rainier

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Travel Tacoma

Nov 02, 2017, 06:12 ET

TACOMA, Wash., Nov. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Lights, parades, sledding and a downtown New Year's Eve party add up to a festive family getaway to Tacoma this winter. Pack a jacket, book a cozy hotel room and check out these activities suggested by Travel Tacoma + Pierce County:

NOVEMBER

Mount Rainier National Park and surrounding areas are a playground for snowshoeing, skiing and sledding. Enjoy these and many other holiday and winter activities on a visit to Tacoma, Washington. (Jeff Caven photo)
Mount Rainier National Park and surrounding areas are a playground for snowshoeing, skiing and sledding. Enjoy these and many other holiday and winter activities on a visit to Tacoma, Washington. (Jeff Caven photo)
  • Outdoor ice skating, Nov. 10-Jan. 2: Rent skates or bring your own to the seasonal ice rink at Point Ruston. This premier waterfront destination includes restaurants, shops, a movie theater and a walking trail lined with small parks with views of Mount Rainier.
  • The Polar Express™ Train Ride, Nov. 17-Dec. 31: Listen to a reading of The Polar Express on a magical, musical train ride through the forest from historic Elbe aboard the Mt. Rainier Railroad. Santa will greet riders and give each child a sleigh bell, just like in the movie.
  • Zoolights, Nov. 24-Jan. 1: Wander through lighted displays of hammerhead sharks, sea turtles and other scenes (half a half million lights total!) at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. While you're there, take a spin on the carousel, feed friendly goats or even ride a camel.

DECEMBER

  • Santa Parade, Dec. 2: Kids and lights are the focus of the evening parades through nearby Sumner and Puyallup. Youth groups, school bands and Santa march through downtown before the community tree-lighting event.
  • Snow sports, usually open by mid-December: Mount Rainier National Park offers acres of playland for skiing, snowmobiling, sledding and snowshoeing. Another option is Crystal Mountain, the state's largest and highest-altitude ski resort. Stay the night in a cabin, inn or chalet for a true mountain getaway.
  • First Night Tacoma, Dec. 31: Colorful, musical and the only family friendly activity in Puget Sound that goes all the way to midnight, First Night will mark its 25th year as downtown Tacoma's New Year's Eve celebration. This year's highlight is the "Iditarace"—human-powered dogsled teams welcoming in the Year of the Dog. Attractions include a kids' tent and entertainment indoors and in the streets.

Plan a visit
Hotels around Tacoma offer enticing rates this time of year, making it easier to plan a weekend of family fun. Visit traveltacoma.com for itineraries, an events calendar and more.

SOURCE Travel Tacoma