The month of December brings out family oriented holiday activities and events all over Washington. Included below are lists of events that are happening
Holly Buchanan Staff Writer
Chelatchie Prairie Railroad in Yacolt, Washington
A volunteer non-profit organization that offers steam and diesel engine train rides also gives Christmas and Santa train rides for the holidays on Dec. 1, 7, 8, 14, and 15 at 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Trees can be added for an additional cost. For those purchasing less than four tickets single passengers tickets are $18 for one adult, $17 for seniors 60 and older, $13 for ages 5-12, $11 for ages 2-4 and children under two get in free of charge. Be prepared with warm clothes as the passenger cars are open.
Zoo Lights at the Point Defiance Zoo in Tacoma
Point Defiance lights up their zoo with over a half-million lights now until Jan. 5 (excluding Christmas Eve/Day and New Year’s). Tickets are $8.75 at the gate, $16.25 for adults, $15.75 for seniors, $15.25 for ages 5-12, $13 for ages 3-4 and free for ages 2 and under. Parking is free. A scuba-diving Santa swims with sharks on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 6p.m. on Dec 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 and 18. Be sure to dress warm as this event takes place outside for the most part.
Fantasy Lights in Spanaway Park
Fantasy Lights is the largest holiday drive-through display in the Pacific Northwest. There are about 300 displays of lights making thousands of lights to fill a park. It’s a two-mile drive parallel to Spanaway Lake. During the drive families can tune their car radio to 93.7 FM to hear holiday music performed by local high schools. This event is taking place now through Jan. 1 from 5:30 to 9 p.m, including Christmas and New Year’s Day. Tickets are $13 per vehicle including mini-buses for up to 14 passengers and $45 per bus holding 25 or more passengers. Ten dollar tickets will be sold until they run out at Lakewood Community Center, Sprinker Recreation Center, and Garfield book Company at PLU. Discounted tickets are not available for buses. Customers also can print a $3 off ticket on the Pierce County website (http://www.co.pierce.wa.us).
Seattle Center Winterfest
Seattle Center is holding a Winterfest that includes everything from an ice skating rink to an ice sculpting show. The ice rink is now through Jan. 5, Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. located in the Fisher Pavillion. Ticket prices, which include skate rentals, are $7 for adults, $5 for ages 6-12 and $2 for ages 5 and under. Winterfest ice sculpting will take place on Dec. 7, 14, 21 and 28 from noon to 2 p.m. This event is located outside the Fisher Pavillion and is free. To check out more events going on at Seattle Center’s Winterfest, go online at www.seattlecenter.com/winterfest.
Pacific Northwest Ballet’s Nutcracker
In Seattle the Pacific Northwest Ballet features the Nutcracker ballet performance with an orchestra, original set and costume designs. There are over 200 dancers and snow falling in every performance. The orchestra will be performing Tchaikovsky’s music. This event takes place now until the end of December excluding Christmas Day. Tickets range from $43 to $133 and vary by seat chosen.
