All work and no play makes for a dull holiday season. Fortunately, the EDB has some great suggestions to get you in the holiday spirit, including things you can do, where you can shop and ways you can share your generosity with those in need.

Have some holiday fun

There’s no shortage of holiday fun in the South Sound. Here are a few activities and events to consider:

• Ice Lights Holiday Ice Skating, Sprinker Recreation Center, Tacoma, Nov. 29, 2024-Jan. 4, 2025
• Zoo Lights at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Nov. 29, 2024 – Jan. 5., 2025
• Fantasy Lights in Spanaway, Nov. 29, 2024-Jan. 5, 2025
• Holiday Haul Crawl, Downtown Tacoma, Dec. 3-14
• Holiday Magic, Washington State Fair Events Center, Dec. 6-8, 12-15, 18-23
• Holiday Parade of Lights and Tree Lighting, Lakewood Towne Center, Dec. 7
• Gig Harbor Art Walk and Tree Lighting, Dec. 7
• Lighted Boat Parade, Gig Harbor, Dec. 14
• Jingle Bell 5K and Kids Dash, Fort Steilacoom Park, Dec. 14
• Tacoma City Ballet presents The Nutcracker, Pantages Theater, Tacoma, Dec. 14-15, 20-22
• Tacoma Light Trail, Downtown Tacoma, Dec. 31, 2024-Jan. 19, 2025
• Snowshoeing at Mount Rainier, through winter

Shop small and local

Amid your holiday festivities and celebrations, don’t forget to support local small businesses when you’re ticking off your gift list. Here are just a few ways to do that:

• Crafters Holiday Market, Meridian Habitat Park, South Hill Puyallup, Dec. 7
• Downtown Puyallup Holiday Christmas Market, Dec. 7
• Puyallup Night Market, Dec. 12 & 19
• Holidaze at Tacoma Armory (Black Night Market), Dec. 21
• Winter Solstice Celebration Night Market and Luminary Walk, Dec. 21, Frontier Park, Graham
• Urban Shopping Pop Up Market, University Place, Dec. 21-22
• Pierce County Business Accelerator online directory. Shop local and support BIPOC, women and veteran-owned small businesses. The directory features more than 450 graduates.
• Shop Downtown Tacoma program. The online marketplace spotlights the city’s unique downtown shops, restaurants and destinations.
• Tacoma Urban League Black Business Directory. Support Black-owned businesses during the holidays and beyond.

Support local nonprofits

‘Tis the season for giving and giving back. Here are a few ways you can positively impact the lives of others during the holidays – and beyond:

• Purchase a ceramic bowl made by local artist at Empty Bowls 2024, 7. All proceeds go to Emergency Food Network.
• Organize a food drive. United Way of Pierce County’s Everything But the Turkey Food Drive runs through Dec. 15. Donations benefit Emergency Food Network.
• Help Toys for Tots distribute the generous donations they’ve collected.
• Donate to the Humane Society for Tacoma-Pierce County, and make the most of your donation through employer matching.
• Start your own fundraiser as an individual or team to benefit the Salvation Army.
• Give to one of hundreds of specialized Greater Tacoma Community Foundation funds that support specific projects, organizations, scholarships or programs.