Happy Friday Newsletter 12.5.25 -

Neighborhood News

Fill a Bowl – Help Neighbors in Need
- Emergency Food Network’s warehouse is usually home to machinery working around the clock to help feed Pierce County. On December 6, it becomes a handmade holiday market where more than 1,000 bowls made by local artists stretch across the space. Visitors can wander the market with warm soup in hand, knowing each purchase helps provide meals for neighbors in need through Emergency Food Network. The fundraiser will be held from noon to 3 p.m. at The Greens, 311 92nd Street South, Lakewood. Bowls are individually priced.

Yule Like Tacoma: A Pretty Gritty Experience
- Step into Tacoma’s storied past this holiday season with Yule Like Tacoma: A Pretty Gritty Experience. Beloved historian, author and tour guide Chris Staudinger presents an intimate, theater-style journey through Tacoma’s Christmas history, filled with fascinating tales and local legends that illuminate the city’s unique yuletide traditions. The event takes place at Edison Square on Thursday, December 11. Doors open at 7pm for the 7:30pm show. Staudinger’s book Secret Tacoma will be available for purchase, with an opportunity for signing. Tickets are available at https://www.facebook.com/share/p/161nx7jVZL/

Holiday Blast at Norpoint
- Bring the family for holiday fun at The Center at Norpoint on Saturday December 6 from 1 to 4pm. Visitors can enjoy cookie decorating, arts and crafts, holiday-themed games, a decorated tree room, selfie station, inflatables, live music and caroling. Santa, Mrs. Claus and the Grinch will be available for photos. This event is free to attend.

Toy Drive at Home Depot, Dec 6
- The First Annual Hope for Teekah, Joy for Every Child will take place Saturday December 6, from 10am to 2pm in the Home Depot parking lot on Center Street in Tacoma. Organizers will collect new, unwrapped toys, as well as donations for people experiencing homelessness, including gently used or new clothing in all sizes, canned and non-perishable goods, blankets, and other warm items.

PSE Kicks Off Third Annual Warm Winter Campaign
- Puget Sound Energy has allocated more than $250,000 through its Warm Winter campaign to help people stay warm across the Puget Sound region this winter. This year’s recipients include 85 nonprofit organizations and 12 Washington tribes across 14 counties. In addition to community donations, PSE offers winterization programs, rebates to help lower energy bills, and bill payment assistance programs. Funding for these programs does not come from customer rates and is funded independently by the company.

New Government Assistance Portal
- Early in 2026, Washington will launch the first public version of its new Resident Portal, an expanded platform built on wa.gov that will give users a single access point for online government services. The goal is to save time, reduce frustration, and create a more streamlined experience similar to private-sector websites while maintaining public accountability. Following a completed pilot in June, the statewide rollout will begin in January 2026. The portal builds on more than twenty-five years of digital government efforts that began with Access Washington in 1998 and will feature tools optimized for cellphone users within a unified system spanning more than 140 agencies.

Tacoma’s Tax and License Team is Here to Help
- Did you know? Tacoma’s City Council supports growth and encourages new businesses. To support this direction, Tacoma offers a variety of tax credits including: Multiple Activities Tax Credit, Tacoma Work Opportunity Tax Credit, New Family-Wage Job Tax Credit and Small Business Phased Tax Credit. You can learn how these credits can benefit your business and more by visiting tacoma.gov/taxandlicense

Holidaze Market Returns with Black Santa
- The Tacoma Armory will glow and pulse with the return of the Black Night Market Saturday, December 6. Part marketplace and part celebration, the 30+ Black and BIPOC vendors will transform the space into a tapestry of handmade art, fashion, food and music that will put the whole family in a festive mood. The holiday market will take place 2-8pm and is free and for all ages.

Seussical the Musical Opens at Lakewood Playhouse
- Seussical the Musical is a truly delightful experience that will transport old and young to a place where imagination knows no bounds, and voices are found and heard. Performances run December 5 through December 28 with shows Friday & Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sunday matinees at 2:00pm. Pay What You Can/Industry Night performance on December 21 at 7:30pm. Tickets at lakewoodplayhouse.org.

Are You the Next Director of Neighborhood & Community Services?
- The City of Tacoma is seeking a dynamic, visionary leader to serve as Director of Neighborhood and Community Services. The position provides strategic direction, leadership and oversight to a multifaceted department focusing on human services. The Department also leads the City response to homelessness services. Integral to all the work of the Department is the partnership with the community to facilitate safe, clean, attractive neighborhoods. Learn more at governmentjobs.com/careers/Tacoma

2026 Neddy Awards Application Now Open
- The 2026 Neddy Artist Award application is open through January 9, 2026! The Neddy Artist Award is one of the longest-running awards for visual artists in the State of Washington, now providing two awards of $30,000, and six of $3,000, to artists living and working in the Puget Sound region. Application closes at 11:59pm PST on January 9, 2026. Learn more and apply: https://www.cornish.edu/neddy-artist-award/

City of Destiny Award Nominations Accepted Through January 29, 2026
- The City of Tacoma’s Events and Recognitions Committee is accepting nominations for the City of Destiny Awards, a tradition that honors outstanding local volunteers since 1987. These awards celebrate contributions across a wide range of categories including: Adult and Youth Leadership, Lifetime Service, Environmental Sustainability, Economic Development and Equity & Empowerment. Nomination forms and additional information can be found at tacomavenues.org.

Jingle Bell Fun Run Returns on Christmas Eve
- Shake off holiday stress and let the kids burn off some energy at the Jingle Bell Run at Wright Park. This three-mile run and walk has long been a family favorite for enjoying fresh air and activity before Christmas. Participants may choose either the 9am or 11am start time on Christmas Eve. The race is chip timed, and strollers and leashed dogs are welcome.

Father Christmas is Coming to Fort Nisqually
- The annual Christmas Regale is happening Saturday December 6 from 11am to 4pm. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the modern holidays and experience a traditional Christmas at Fort Nisqually Living History Museum. Kick off the holiday season with ornament making, harvesting of the Yule Log, caroling, parlor games and a visit with Father Christmas.