Salmon Saturdays



Saturday, Dec 3 and Dec 10: 12 - 2 pm

FREE

Visit Swan Creek Park to welcome home the spawning salmon! Bring the entire family to learn about salmon and salmon conservation from one of the many educator booths on site.

This event takes place at the Pioneer Street entrance. Visit the website for maps and more info. 

Zoolights

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

November 25 -January 2: 4:30pm- 10pm

Step back into the Zoolights tradition you know and love: your Zoo, transformed into a colorful winter wonderland with over 800,000 lights.

Presented by

Swan Creek Salmon Challenge

December 1-11

The Swan Creek Salmon Challenge is a 2-week-long celebration of the return of salmon to Swan Creek and surrounding rivers! Complete 4 challenges from Dec 1-11 and fill out the finishers form to be entered in the prize drawing. It’s FREE!

A Conservatory Holiday

W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory

Surround yourself with the beauty of plants and music at W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory. Presented by Merrill Gardens.

Selfies with Santa – Dec 3

Wonder: A Winter Flower Show– Dec 3 - Jan 8 

Music for the Winter Weary – Dec 4

Cocoa and Carols – Dec 17

Holiday Creation Station – Dec 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

Christmas Regale

Fort Nisqually Living History Museum

December 3: 11am- 4pm

Take a break from the hustle and bustle of modern holidays and experience a real old-fashioned Christmas. 

Holiday Drop & Shop

STAR Center

December 2, 9 and 16: 6 - 9pm

Bring the kids for supervised play in Treetops Playground while you get your to-do list done!

Senior Holiday Ball

STAR Center

December 16: 1 - 4:30pm

Celebrate the season at STAR Center's Senior Holiday Ball. This festive event includes a photo booth, snacks, prizes, swag bags and more. Admission is free!

Presented by

Holiday Blast at Norpoint

Center at Norpoint

December 10: 1 - 4 pm

Join Santa Mrs. Claus and the Grinch for a holiday celebration to remember! Activities include cookie decorating, arts & crafts, holiday bingo, live music, caroling, pictures and story time.

Holiday Blast at Eastside

Eastside Community Center

December 17: 11 am - 3 pm

Bring your friends and family for a holiday celebration that includes pictures with Santa, cookie decorating, a basketball free throw contest, a small holiday market, plus live entertainment.

Jingle Bell Run

Wright Park

December 17: 10 am

This holiday 3-mile run/walk is a family favorite and a great way to spend active time outdoors during the busy holiday season.

Winter Wildland

Northwest Trek Wildlife Park

December 26 - January 1: 9:30 am - 3 pm

Breathe in the crisp mountain air and watch in delight as our animals play with holiday-themed treats and enrichments.

Polar Bear Plunge

Point Defiance Marina

January 1

Cub Plunge: 11:30 am

Adult and Family Plunge: 12 pm

Kick off the new year by plunging into Puget Sound!

Supported by

Swim Lessons

People's Pool, Norpoint Pool, Eastside Community Center Pool

Registration for the next session begins at 7 am on December 21.

Registration: Dec 21-30, 2022

Classes Held: Jan 9-Feb 4, 2023

Holiday Hours

Know before you go! Some Metro Parks Tacoma facilities may have a change in hours of operation during the holidays.