There is so much to do in Tacoma to kick-off the New Year this January!
Go on an illuminated walk through light exhibits around Downtown Tacoma and catch a few performances along the way, take the plunge at Point Defiance Marina, hear some tunes inspired by Mount Tahoma, test your knowledge with a side of pizza, create beautiful fused glass tiles, catch story time and crafts at the art museum, kick-off lunar new year with a Vietnamese Tet celebration, and our favorite - officially start the hunt for Monkeyshines!
We'll see you around, Tacoma!
December 31st – January 12th
Tacoma Light Trail is back and ready to give you an illuminating experience through Downtown Tacoma and even further across the map. The festivities kick off on NYE with a Dragon Parade followed by performances and a traditional New Years blessing from the Puyallup Tribe in Tollefson Plaza. Then, through January 12th you can walk, ride, or bike to numerous lighted displays, accompanied by music, poetry, and spoken word. Check out the guided map here!
There will be a few main events as well! Check out the Light up Bike Ride on January 2nd, Illuminated Ballroom on January 4th, and T.U.P.A.C. Lit Up performance on January 11th.
January 1st
Start off the new year refreshed with a chilly dip in the Puget Sound! This all-ages event invites you to jump, run, or carefully stroll into the wintry waters down at Point Defiance Marina. You can even collect a t-shirt or sweatshirt to prove you made the plunge! Jump times are offered in half hour increments between 10am and 2pm. Choose your time here!
January 7th
Enjoy a 21+ evening of beverages, history, and song, as History After Hours features Washington’s own beloved Tahoma – Mount Rainier. Join adventurer and Mount Rainiers first ever Composer in Residence, Stephen Lias, as he presents a captivating multimedia presentation that translates Rainiers adventure, history, and wildlife into music. Admission includes two drinks tickets and access to the The Mountain Was Out exhibition as well. This engaging presentation will shine a new light on our grand Tahoma. We recommend purchasing your tickets in advance!
January 8th
Create beautiful art while learning about the local marine life of Commencement Bay at this FREE community event. Join Hilltop Artists in partnership with Communities for a Healthy Bay for a collaborative art project where you can design and construct your own fused glass tile. This family-friendly event is suitable for children 8 years and older and is hosted by the Tacoma Public Library with funding from Tacoma Creates. What a great opportunity to inspire you and your kiddos artistic skills while learning how to preserve our magnificent Puget Sound!
January 9th
Enjoy yummy pizza and a night with the kiddos at this family friendly trivia night. Puget Sound Pizza is hosting an “Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader” competition fit for all ages. With four rounds of fun, 1st place of each round receives a fun nerdy prize while 2nd and 3rd receive delicious in-house baked cookies.
January 19th
Welcome in the year of the snake at this Vietnamese Tet Lunar New Year celebration! Tet in an ancient holiday with several traditions that vary by region. At his celebration you can enjoy Lion Dancers, an Ao dai fashion show, martial art performances, lucky money giving, and of course traditional Vietnamese cuisine. This family friendly event is a great way to learn about and experience the culture of our Vietnamese neighbors and how they celebrate the beginning of spring. Admission is free!
January 25th
Enjoy some story time and crafts with the kiddos at the Tacoma Art Museum. The event kicks off with a story reading provided by Tacoma Public Library. Afterwards, you can explore a few exhibits at TAM and finish off in the art room for some hand-on arts and crafts fun! This free event is suitable for children ages 2 - 8 years old and registration is not required but recommended if you'd like to receive a reminder email!
January 29th
It’s again one of the most magical times of the year in Tacoma, Monkeyshine season! Ms. Monkey and her helpers have been busy working away in their hot shops preparing medallions and orbs adorned with year of the snake art. These beautiful glass creations will then be hidden all over Tacoma for lucky hunters to find! Starting on Lunar New Year Day, keep you eye out for one of these treasures under a bench, up a tree, placed delicately in a round-a-bout, nearly ANYWHERE in the city. These creations will continue to be hidden in the weeks following the new year, so don’t loose hope! You may even find a “rouge shine” from other artists in the area.
Help Ms. Monkey and her volunteers keep this tradition going here!
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