Happy Friday News Briefs – November 13

Posted on by Avery Goodstine

BY ANDE DUNN for WEEKLY VOLCANO | 11/13/26

Neighborhood News

West Tacoma’s James Center Fred Meyer Closes Jan. 30

  • Mark your calendar, West End shoppers. The Fred Meyer at James Center (6901 S. 19th St.) shuts its doors when its lease runs out on Jan. 30, 2027, affecting about 100 union workers. Kroger told the union a rent increase drove the decision. Once it’s gone, the Stevens store at 4505 S. 19th St. will be the only Fred Meyer left in the city, with Mayor Anders Ibsen calling the loss “a gut punch” and promising to court new grocers. Source: kiro7.com.

Prosser Piano & Organ Plays Its Final Note After 71 Years

  • After 71 years selling pianos and organs in Tacoma, Prosser Piano & Organ is closing as its owners retire. A retirement sale is running at both the Tacoma and Shoreline (18505 Firlands Way N.) stores through Dec. 23 or until the inventory is gone. If you’ve been eyeing a baby grand, this is your moment. Source: hoodline.com.

Army Vet Builds a South Sound Fitness Mini-Empire

  • Ciara Boyce credits the Army with turning her life around, and she’s been paying it forward ever since. Boyce opened HOTWORX University Place with her mom, Tracey Pidge, in 2023, once sitting outside the studio for hours signing up members herself. Today the University Place and Lacey studios each count more than 600 members, South Sound Business named her to its 2026 40 Under 40 class, and she opened the brand’s first Alaska studio in August. Both local studios are running Workouts for Heroes through Nov. 30, benefiting the National Breast Cancer Foundation’s Military Women’s Patient Relief Fund. hotworx.net.

Free Turkeys at the Tacoma Dome | Tuesday (Nov. 17), 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

  • The fourth annual Turkey Giveaway returns to the Tacoma Dome, with Tacoma Venues & Events teaming up with the Tacoma Police Department to help hundreds of families stock the holiday table. Distribution runs in parking lots G and F from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. or while supplies last. Commencement Bank and TVE are also bringing back Hams for the Holidays in December, so watch tacomadome.org for details.

Free Stuff Swap @ Tacoma Public Library Main Branch | Saturday (Nov. 28), 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

  • Tacoma Sharing Community is hosting its next free stuff swap at the Main Library (1102 Tacoma Ave. S.). Bring what you don’t need, take what you do, and keep a few things out of the landfill while you’re at it. Volunteers are needed to help run the day; sign up at forms.gle/4F96ToSj5MZJyAGb8.

South Tacoma Neighbors Talk Development, Walkability, and Winter Prep

  • The South Tacoma Neighborhood Council’s Nov. 2 meeting covered a lot of ground. Residents raised traffic and groundwater concerns about a proposed medical office development near a South Tacoma middle school, and a push to make the Pacific Avenue/56th Street area more walkable could tap WSDOT grant money. City staff updated the group on emergency shelters and future affordable housing at 82nd and Pacific, TPD Lt. Ryan Hovey reported declining crime and a new Youth Engagement Officer program, and Tacoma Public Utilities walked through winter preparedness, bill assistance, and multilingual resources. Get involved at tacoma.gov/neighborhoodcouncils.

MultiCare Grows South and Launches a Medicare Plan

  • Tacoma-based MultiCare’s affiliation with Oregon’s Samaritan Health Services is now official, with MultiCare committing $700 million over 10 years to the Oregon provider while keeping Samaritan’s local leadership in place. Closer to home, MultiCare also launched a Medicare Advantage plan with prescription drug coverage in Pierce, Thurston, and Spokane counties, aiming for a couple thousand members in year one. Medicare open enrollment runs through Dec. 7. Visit multicare.org.

Thun Field Runway Back in Business

  • The runway at Pierce County Airport-Thun Field in South Hill reopened at 10:30 a.m. Nov. 3 after a reconstruction closure that started July 27. Some additional site work is still expected around the airfield. piercecountywa.gov/airport.

Tribal Artifacts Found at New Bethel High School Site

  • The Puyallup Tribal Historic Preservation Department and Bethel School District discovered multiple Tribal artifacts during a survey of the grounds at the newly developed Bethel High School, according to Puyallup Tribal News. It’s a reminder of how much history sits just under our feet. Read more at thecascadian.com.

UPS Launches $150 Million ‘Greater, We Ascend’ Campaign

  • The University of Puget Sound has officially kicked off the largest fundraising push in its nearly 140-year history. The $150 million campaign targets experiential learning, educational access, and institutional excellence. Visit pugetsound.edu.

Bird Flu Detected at Pierce County Poultry Facility

  • The Washington State Department of Agriculture detected bird flu at a commercial poultry facility in Pierce County, and officials are monitoring the site. No human cases have been identified, according to the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department. Backyard flock keepers can find biosecurity tips at agr.wa.gov and tpchd.org.

Condo Prices Dip as Home Inventory Nears 12-Year High

  • Condo prices across the Northwest Multiple Listing Service’s 27-county area fell to a median $435,000 in October, the lowest since early 2023, while overall home inventory hit its highest level in nearly 12 years. Translation for buyers: a little more breathing room. nwmls.com.

Local Governance

Tacoma Voters Back Tenant Protections; Transit Measure Passes

  • Election results are still being finalized, but two big local measures are leaning yes. Tacoma’s Initiative Measure 1, “Safe Homes for All,” led with more than 59% in early returns. It would add rental licensing fees, tougher penalties for rental-law violations, and required negotiations between landlords and tenant unions, making Tacoma the first city in the state with protections at that level. Countywide, Pierce Transit Proposition 1 passed with 57.7% on election night, funding a 47% increase in bus service through a 0.3% sales tax (3 cents per $10), the agency’s first local funding bump since 2002. Pierce County voters also appear to be rejecting amendments to change the office of sheriff. Results at piercecountywa.gov/elections; context at ballot.piercetransit.org.

Tacoma Budget Could Cut Crisis Response Team

  • To close a $40 million general fund shortfall in the 2027-28 budget, City Manager Hyun Kim has proposed eliminating the Tacoma Fire Department’s HOPE team, which responds to behavioral health crises, along with the police department’s Community Service Officer program. Residents spoke against the cuts at the Nov. 3 council meeting, and some council members have voiced concerns. The council is expected to vote on the budget this month, so now is the time to weigh in at tacoma.gov/budget or cityclerk@tacoma.gov.

Tacoma Weighs Dropping Parking Minimums | Public Hearing Tuesday (Dec. 1)

  • Tacoma’s Planning Commission has recommended eliminating minimum off-street parking requirements citywide, in response to recent changes in state law, along with updates to accessible parking rules. Parking wouldn’t be banned; developers just wouldn’t be required to build a set number of spaces. The City Council hearing is part of its Dec. 1 meeting at City Hall (747 Market St.) and on Zoom. Written comments are due by 5 p.m. Monday (Nov. 30) to cityclerk@tacoma.gov. Details at tacoma.gov/parkingcodeupdate.

Port of Tacoma Budget Hearing | Tuesday (Nov. 17)

  • The Port of Tacoma Commission holds a public hearing on its 2027 budget Nov. 17 at the Fabulich Center. Written comments are due by noon Monday (Nov. 16). Agendas and comment info at portoftacoma.com.

Tacoma Gives Land for Affordable Housing

  • Tacoma’s City Council voted to transfer three vacant parcels in unincorporated Pierce County to the county for free, clearing the way for affordable housing development. Small move, real impact. tacoma.gov.

Tacoma Gets Tougher on Repeat Nuisance Properties

  • The City Council approved an update to Tacoma’s property maintenance code, adopting International Property Maintenance Code standards and adding new tools to address repeat and chronic violations. The goal: fewer neglected properties dragging down neighborhood livability. Details at tacoma.gov.

Lakewood Adopts Parks Plan, Eyes Growth Near the Rail Station

  • Lakewood’s City Council adopted a new parks plan, opened sign-ups for holiday parade floats, and is moving to promote growth around the Lakewood Sounder station. The city publishes a lengthy weekly bulletin worth a skim if you live or work there: cityoflakewood.us.

University Place Starts Its 2027-28 Budget Process

  • U.P.’s City Council is building its next biennial budget, and the city made a short video explaining where its revenue comes from, including property tax. Watch and weigh in at cityofup.com.

Ferry Cuts Spark Outcry on Anderson Island

  • Ferry service cuts are prompting an outcry from residents of a Pierce County island, according to The News Tribune. The county ferry is the only public link for Anderson and Ketron islands, so schedule changes hit hard. Track service updates at piercecountywa.gov/ferry. 

Sound Transit Shares Tacoma Dome Link Station Feedback

  • More than 6,000 people visited Sound Transit’s online open house on early Tacoma Dome Link Extension station designs, 150-plus attended in person, and 625 filled out surveys. The results are out in a new Station Planning Engagement Summary. Also new: a Sound Transit pet policy pilot. soundtransit.org/tdle.

Steilacoom Officers Now Carry Naloxone

  • Steilacoom Public Safety has partnered with the Washington State Department of Health to provide naloxone and overdose training to officers and town staff. townofsteilacoom.org.

Arts & Entertainment

DuPont Puzzle Competition | Friday (Nov. 13)

  • DuPont Parks and Recreation invites teams to hit the road, figuratively, for its annual puzzle competition with the theme “The Great American Road Trip.” Register at dupontwa.gov.

Tacoma Dragon Parades | Saturday (Nov. 14), Friday (Nov. 20), Sunday (Nov. 22), 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

  • Follow a fire-breathing mechanical dragon, designed and built by Steve LaBerge, as it marches through three Tacoma neighborhoods with the Tacomarama marching band. Bring glow sticks and lights. Parades hit McKinley on Saturday (11/14), Central on Friday (11/20), and the South End on Sunday (11/22). Free. Routes and details at facebook.com/share/p/16N5sXcJQXi.

JazzVox House Concert: Kate Kortum @ JazzVox Tacoma | Saturday (Nov. 14), 7 p.m.

  • Houston-born, New York-based vocalist Kate Kortum, winner of the 2025 Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, brings her bebop-meets-Broadway sound to an intimate JazzVox house concert in Tacoma with pianist Joel Wenhardt. She also plays Bainbridge Island (Nov. 13) and Camano Island (Nov. 15). Seats are limited, and the address comes with your ticket. jazzvox.com.

Viking Days @ Normanna Hall | Saturday (Nov. 14), 10 a.m.

  • No horned helmets required. Viking Days brings Scandinavian dancing, traditional garb, hands-on crafts, meatball sundaes, pea soup, and plenty of coffee to Normanna Hall (1106 S. 15th St.). A cozy excuse to carbo-load and call it culture.

Voices Rise @ Mt. Tahoma High School | Saturday (Nov. 14), 6 p.m.

  • The all-female trio Las Cantineras joins Northwest Sinfonietta musicians for one night of Latin and global influences, original collaborations, and storytelling. Presented with Mi Centro and Tacoma Arts Live, it’s free and family friendly. tacomaartslive.org.

Joanne Shaw Taylor & The Wreck @ Rialto Theater | Friday (Nov. 13), 7:30 p.m.

  • British blues-rock guitarist Joanne Shaw Taylor brings soulful vocals and searing guitar to the Rialto, backed by The Wreck’s roadhouse swagger. Tickets at tacomacitytheaters.org.

Parrot Thankful Holiday @ People’s Community Center | Sunday (Nov. 15), 11 a.m.

  • Tacoma’s parrot people gather every third Sunday, and November’s meetup is a holiday potluck that gives back. Bring a dish to share plus nonperishable food, clean adult clothes, or blankets to donate. No bird? No problem, you can still come.

The Matador Turns 20 with $5 Margaritas | Tuesday (Nov. 17), All Day

  • The Matador is celebrating 20 years in Tacoma by thanking the neighborhood the best way it knows how: $5 margaritas all day Nov. 17. Cheers to two decades.

Tacoma Festival of Light @ Eastside Community Center | Saturday (Nov. 21), Noon to 5 p.m.

  • Grit City Studio’s all-volunteer team brings back the second annual Tacoma Festival of Light, celebrating unity, culture, and togetherness. The festival follows the City of Tacoma’s proclamation of Nov. 8 as Diwali Day (DuPont’s mayor issued one too). The organizers are still about $20,000 short to pay performers and buy workshop materials, so sponsors are welcome. gritcitystudio.org.

2nd Annual Elks Holiday Brewfest @ McMenamins Elks Temple | Saturday (Nov. 21), 2 to 8 p.m.

  • Dig out your ugliest sweater. The Spanish Ballroom fills with Northwest holiday ales and ciders, festive cocktails, wine, and spirits, plus live Christmas classics from Dancer and Prancer (2 to 4:30 p.m.) and Kristen Marlo and James Coates (5:30 to 8 p.m.). Santa poses for photos from 4 to 6 p.m., and yes, there are reindeer games. 21+. Tickets are $35 in advance or $40 at the door and include 10 tokens and a brewfest glass. mcmenamins.com.

6th Annual PNW Holiday Market @ Emerald Queen Casino | Saturday (Nov. 28), Noon to 6 p.m.

81st Annual Tacoma Tree Lighting @ Pantages Theater | Saturday (Nov. 28)

  • Tacoma’s tree lighting tradition turns 81. Gather on the Pantages steps for the glittering ceremony, treats, and warm drinks with your neighbors. Times and details coming soon at tacomacitytheaters.org.

Balloon Roof Baking Co. Opens in Tacoma

  • The farmers market favorite now has a home. Balloon Roof Baking Co. moved into the former It’s Greek to Me space, serving sourdough, pastries, and Olympia Coffee, with plenty of seating if you’d rather linger. 

My 4 Sons BBQ Opens in Downtown Gig Harbor

  • Brisket, pork, and chicken by the pound or plate have landed in downtown Gig Harbor. My 4 Sons BBQ is in a soft-open phase with select-day meat specials and sides like smoked mac and cheese, BBQ beans, and a surprisingly refreshing broccoli salad. 

New Dome District Banners Bring the Color

  • Spotted the bright new welcome banners around the Dome District? They’re the work of local artist Delaney Saul’Aisea, reimagining art she originally created for the Tacoma Dome’s 40th anniversary. “I love my city,” she says, and it shows. Give her a shout-out on social. tacomavenues.org.

Tacoma Art Museum Names Interim Director

  • Tacoma Art Museum has named Helen McGovern-Pilant interim executive director while it searches for a permanent leader. She has held the interim role at TAM before. tacomaartmuseum.org.

Lakewood History Book Becomes a Regional Bestseller

  • “Our Lakewood: A Sentimental History,” compiled by Puget Sound native Emily Happy from generations of family archives, has become an immediate regional hit. Pick it up at local bookstores or the Lakewood History Museum. thecascadian.com.

The Signature Crown & Founders’ Day Brunch @ The Meridian & UW Tacoma | Thursday (Dec. 3) and Saturday (Dec. 5)

  • Alpha Phi Alpha’s Iota Mu Lambda Chapter celebrates the fraternity’s 120th anniversary with Threads of Our Legacy. Thursday (Dec. 3) brings The Signature Crown, a hands-on hat design workshop with Felton Love at The Meridian in Puyallup (10312 120th St. E.), 6:30 to 10 p.m. ($150, $250 per couple; includes hat, materials, and a wine sample). Saturday (Dec. 5) is the Founders’ Day Brunch & Ceremony at UW Tacoma’s William W. Philip Hall (1918 Commerce St.), 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. ($85), with an address by Dr. Cedric Howard, historic quilts, and Yellow Rose Honors. Tickets at alphafd26.iotamulambda.org.

Christmas Regale @ Fort Nisqually Living History Museum | Saturday (Dec. 5), 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

  • Step out of the modern holiday rush and into an 1850s Christmas. Make ornaments and clove-studded clementine pomanders, play parlor games, browse the holiday market, and help bring in the Yule Log, then take home a fresh cut of it. Arrive early to meet Father Christmas. Tickets at fortnisqually.org.

Museum of Glass Grand Opening | Saturday (Dec. 12), 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

  • Museum of Glass celebrates the end of its capital renovation with a 10:30 a.m. ribbon cutting, light bites, and the debut of the new Lino Tagliapietra Legacy Gallery and its first show, Lino Tagliapietra: Maestro, with docent tours all day. Looking ahead, Clearly Indigenous: Native Visions Reimagined in Glass opens Feb. 6, featuring 115-plus works by 29 Native American artists, four Pacific Rim artists, and Dale Chihuly. Tickets at museumofglass.org.

Uncle Don’s Ukulele Club Holiday Concert | Thursday (Dec. 17)

  • Tiny instruments, big hearts. Uncle Don’s Ukulele Club plays a community concert fundraiser for Steilacoom’s Junior Explorers Preschool Program. townofsteilacoom.org.

Opportunities

Pierce County Seniors: Apply for Property Tax Exemption by Dec. 31

  • Washington homeowners 61 and older (plus some others) have until Dec. 31 to apply for the senior property tax exemption that applies to next year’s bills. It can wipe out excess levies and part of the state school levy and freeze your home’s taxable value. Apply through the Pierce County Assessor-Treasurer at piercecountywa.gov.

Everything But the Turkey Food Drive, Through Friday (Nov. 20)

  • United Way of Pierce County is collecting side-dish staples and culturally diverse foods for families’ holiday tables, with drop-off spots in Tacoma and Lakewood. Think stuffing, canned veggies, rice, and spices. uwpc.org.

Volunteer Work Party @ Browns Point Playfield | Friday (Nov. 13)

  • Parks Tacoma needs hands to weed, prune, clear woody debris, and spread mulch. Tools provided. Show up, work outside, do good. parkstacoma.gov.

Weigh In on Your Watershed @ Clover Park Technical College | Monday (Nov. 16), 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.

  • The Chambers-Clover Creek Watershed Council invites South Sound residents and property owners to a hands-on Watershed Systems Scenario Workshop in the CPTC Rotunda (Building 3). A chance to help shape the future of the creeks in your backyard.

SBIR Coffee Hour @ Lacey MakerSpace | Wednesday (Nov. 25), 9 to 10 a.m.

  • Building cutting-edge tech? Washington APEX Accelerator’s monthly hybrid meetup covers SBIR/STTR federal funding basics, expert talks, and Q&A. November features the Innovator Roster for finding collaborators. Free. washingtonapex.ecenterdirect.com/events/855583.

Serve on the Tacoma Community Redevelopment Authority Board

  • Tacoma’s City Council is looking to fill seven volunteer seats on the TCRA board, which administers loans for low-income homebuyers, affordable housing developers, and businesses that create jobs. Seats include at-large representatives and positions for people with legal, accounting, or housing development experience. Apply at tacoma.gov/cbcapplication.

Nominate Tacoma’s Top Volunteers for City of Destiny Awards, Starting Tuesday (Dec. 1)

  • Know someone who quietly makes Tacoma better? Nominations for the City of Destiny Awards open Dec. 1, with the ceremony planned for May 2027. tacoma.gov.

Nominations Open for EDB’s Excellent 10 and Golden Shovel Awards

  • The Economic Development Board for Tacoma-Pierce County wants nominations for its 2027 Excellent 10 and Golden Shovel awards, recognizing businesses, projects, and initiatives shaping the regional economy. choosetacomapierce.com.

Help LeMay Build Its Next Exhibit

  • LeMay – America’s Car Museum is inviting vehicle owners, collectors, and car lovers across the South Sound to help build a new exhibit. Got a car with a story? americascarmuseum.org.

Book Lakewood’s 2027 City Day at McGavick Conference Center

  • Lakewood is accepting applications from organizations for a 2027 City Day at Clover Park Technical College’s McGavick Conference Center. cityoflakewood.us.

Puyallup Farmers Market Seeks a New Manager

  • Love local food and wrangling vendors? The Puyallup Farmers Market is hiring a market manager. Apply at indeed.com.

Teens: Be a Page at the State Capitol

  • Students ages 14 to 16 can spend a week as a page during the 2027 legislative session in Olympia, delivering messages on the floor and learning how laws get made in Page School. Applications for the 2027 session are open this fall; you’ll need parent permission and a teacher recommendation. Scholarships are available for travel and housing. app.leg.wa.gov/pageapplication.

Help Grit City Studio Launch a Storytelling Program

  • Beyond sponsoring the Festival of Light, Grit City Studio is raising $24,000 to launch The Other Side of the Street, an eight-week storytelling and media training program for 10 people experiencing homelessness, with meals and a weekly cash stipend. gritcitystudio.org.

Get $300 to $1,200 Toward an E-Bike

  • Washingtonians 16-plus can apply for a $300 or $1,200 rebate through WSDOT’s WE-Bike program any time before March 29, 2027, with winners selected monthly. For low-income riders, 2nd Cycle has launched an e-bike lending library too. ebikerebate.wsdot-sites.com.

Win a Point Ruston Getaway by Booking a Parks Tacoma Venue

  • Reserve a Parks Tacoma room or venue by Dec. 1 for an event before March 31, 2027, and you’re entered to win one of four getaway packages at the Silver Cloud Inn Point Ruston. parkstacoma.gov.

Recreation

Veterans’ Appreciation Days @ Point Defiance Zoo & Northwest Trek | Through Sunday (Nov. 15)

  • Through Sunday, anyone who currently serves or has honorably served in the U.S. military gets free admission to Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and Northwest Trek Wildlife Park. Immediate family members get half off general admission. Bring military or veteran ID; the offer is good at the admission window only. pdza.org and nwtrek.org.

Family Nature Walk: Fall Colors @ Point Defiance Park | Saturday (Nov. 14), 10 to 11 a.m.

  • See Point Defiance from a kid’s point of view and learn how plants and animals adapt to the seasons. Meet at the Fort Nisqually picnic shelter. Free, best for ages 3+, rain or shine. Register at parkstacoma.gov.

Parks Tacoma Bird Walks | Sunday (Nov. 15) and Sunday (Nov. 22)

  • Sharpen your birding skills with a Park Guide at Titlow Park on Sunday (Nov. 15) and Point Defiance Park on Sunday (Nov. 22). Bring binoculars and patience. parkstacoma.gov.

Specialized Recreation Open House @ STAR Center | Saturday (Nov. 14), 10:30 a.m. to Noon

  • Parks Tacoma’s Specialized Recreation programs for adults with disabilities include day groups, a young adult afternoon club (ages 18 to 35), and The Independent Chef cooking class. Come see what’s planned and meet staff. parkstacoma.gov.

50+ Thanksgiving Potlucks @ Parks Tacoma Community Centers

  • Adults 50+ can share a holiday meal and good conversation at Eastside Community Center (Thursday, Nov. 19), People’s Center (Monday, Nov. 23), or STAR Center (Tuesday, Nov. 24). Parks provides the main course and drinks; you bring a favorite dish. parkstacoma.gov.

Fantasy Lights Season @ Spanaway Park & Sprinker | Starting Friday (Nov. 20)

  • Pierce County’s 32nd Fantasy Lights season kicks off with a new free Kickoff Celebration on Friday (Nov. 20) from 4:30 p.m. at Spanaway Park: performances, warming stations, Santa selfies, a snow machine zone, food trucks, and the lighting of a giant LED tree by County Executive Ryan Mello at 5:30. Want to get out of the car? The Fantasy Lights Walk runs Saturday (Nov. 21) and Sunday (Nov. 22), with sessions from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. or 7 to 9 p.m. ($5 per person, $6 reserved parking at Sprinker; buy ahead). The two-mile drive-through opens Nov. 27 and runs nightly through Jan. 3 ($20 to $30 per car), while Ice Lights turns Sprinker’s rink into a 35,000-light winter wonderland Nov. 27 through Jan. 2 ($5.50 to $10, skate rental $5, ice bumper cars $12). piercecountywa.gov/FantasyLights.

Norpoint Turkey Trot @ Center at Norpoint | Thursday (Nov. 26), 9 a.m.

  • Tacoma’s original Thanksgiving fun run (since 1995) offers a chip-timed 5K or 3K through Northeast Tacoma. Registration is $40 ($45 day-of) and includes a long-sleeve shirt, medal, sticker, and bib; skip the shirt and save $15. Kids 5 and under run free with a registered adult. Strollers and leashed dogs are welcome. Bring shelf-stable snacks (instant noodles, fruit cups, protein bars, juice boxes) for Northeast Healthy Kids. ParksTacoma.gov/runs.

Zoolights @ Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium | Nov. 27 to Jan. 3, 4:30 to 10 p.m.

  • More than 1.5 million lights, larger-than-life displays, and Thomas Dambo’s whimsical trolls light up the zoo this year. Special nights include Dog Nights, a Sensory-Friendly Night, and Scouts Nights, plus holiday goat encounters. Tickets are on sale now at pdza.org.

Holiday Trains, Trolls, and Tire Chains Around Rainier

  • Heading to the mountain? From Nov. 1 through May 1, every vehicle in Mount Rainier National Park must carry tire chains or traction devices, four-wheel drive included. The Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad’s holiday excursions are rolling out of Elbe (mrsr.com), and Northwest Trek’s Winter Wildland returns Dec. 26-27 with giant trolls roaming the park (nwtrek.org). More trip ideas at visitrainier.com.

Ugly Sweater 5K @ Foothills Trail, Orting | Saturday (Dec. 12), 9:30 a.m.

  • The uglier the sweater, the better. Run, jog, or stroll Pierce County Parks’ chip-timed 5K on the flat, paved Foothills Trail. Check-in starts at 8:30 a.m., with free coffee and cocoa, a photo booth, and a commemorative mug at the finish. Park at Orting Main City Park (Washington Ave. and Bridge St. SE). piercecountywa.gov/7758/Ugly-Sweater-5K.

Jingle Bell Run @ Wright Park | Thursday (Dec. 24), 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.

  • The family-favorite three-mile fun run/walk returns on Christmas Eve with two start times. Registration is $35 through Dec. 4, then $40 ($45 day-of), and includes a Jingle Bell Run beanie, medal, and bib; free hot chocolate at the finish. Bring blankets, coats, socks, and hygiene items for Tacoma Rescue Mission. ParksTacoma.gov/runs.

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