The “largest holiday show in the west” will bring food & a Christmas market to Washington

You’ve heard about Christmas in July, so what about Christmas in October? If you can’t wait to start crossing things off your holiday gift list, you don’t have to, because the Tacoma Holiday Festival is kicking off at the end of this month and it’s a one-stop shop for all your seasonal to-dos.

Walk in and let yourself be greeted by the dulcet notes of beloved Christmas classics, performed live by the on-site pianist. From there, you can get a head start on all the holiday cheer with Christmas vendors, gourmet food, festive family activities, and face time with the big man in red himself.

The four-day event features hundreds of local artisan shops, gourmet food vendors, and live entertainment to put you in the holiday spirit while beating the usual Christmas rush.

Who’s ready to start Christmas early?

What to expect

Holiday workshops

Learn how to put together next-level charcuterie along with tasty treats like apple and butter pecan crepes courtesy of cooking demos hosted by Chef Warnessa Victorian (Lizzie Lou’s Fife), Hudson Slater (formerly Marrow Tacoma), and Chef Jon Maley (Palihotel Seattle).

You can make your very own wreath with luxury materials at the popular on-site holiday workshop hosted by The Works Seattle. Learn all about PNW evergreens and how to make their stunning wreaths last throughout the holiday season.

Master the art of gift wrapping with a bow-making and gift-wrapping workshop courtesy of Paper Luxe. Wrap your newly purchased goodies then and there. That means you can get both your holiday shopping and wrapping done early!

Holiday shopping

It’s not a Christmas market without shopping! Get inspired with thoughtful and unique gift ideas, holiday and home décor, handmade arts and crafts, photography, health and body, clothing, and specialty foods among others. Snag some gifts for your friends and family – or get something for yourself, we don’t judge!

Pictures with Santa

Forget the long lines at the mall, you’ll already have your Santa pictures locked and loaded for all those holiday cards. Bring your little ones to the Santa Area so they can tell him their Christmas wishes alongside a professional photo! You’ll find Santa at the end of Main St. near the concession area. He’ll be there every day from 10 AM to 2 PM on Thursday and Sunday, and from 10 AM to 3 PM on Friday and Saturday. He’s a busy guy!

If you start to get a little ‘thirsty’ stop by some grown-up refreshments at The Garage and take a load off. There’s also plenty to eat at the show concessions if you get peckish, but please note that alcoholic beverages are restricted to The Garage and not allowed on the show floor.

Get ahead of the rush and knock a few things off your holiday to-do list. Make sure to snag those tickets early, because the Tacoma Holiday Festival won’t be here for long!

Tacoma Holiday Festival

When:

Thursday, October 24th | 10 AM – 7 PM
Friday, October 25th | 10 AM – 7 PM
Saturday, October 26th | 10 AM – 7 PM
Sunday, October 27th | 10 AM – 6 PM

Where: Tacoma Dome, 2727 E D St, Tacoma
Cost: $14+

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