As winter weather settles in and evenings grow long, Tacoma becomes a canvas for festive light displays that fill the chilly air with warmth and celebration. Residents often find themselves drawn outdoors — or behind the wheel — to stroll, drive, or stroll again under holiday lights, laughing with family or lingering with friends. For many, these lights mark the start of the holiday season and offer a chance to explore familiar streets with a fresh, glowing perspective.

In recent years, the tradition has grown. From local neighborhoods to larger cultural events, Tacoma offers a range of experiences that suit families, couples, and individuals alike. Whether one is seeking a cozy drive‑through or a walkable downtown art trail, there are plenty of ways to soak in the glow. This guide highlights some of the best ways to enjoy holiday lights around Tacoma, WA — and offers tips for capturing those moments in photographs, too.

When Houses Light Up: Neighborhood Drives and Local Displays

Many people begin their light‑hunting with a simple drive around town. In Tacoma and the surrounding areas, specific neighborhoods have gained a reputation for putting serious effort into their decorations. Areas of North Tacoma — particularly near the Proctor District — often draw attention for their festive displays. West Tacoma and University Place, as well as nearby communities like Puyallup and Silver Creek, tend to feature well-lit homes that stand out during the season.

Residents often find it rewarding to meander through these streets: windows outlined in lights, rooflines trimmed with garlands and twinkle bulbs, inflatable snowmen or Santas, and wreaths glowing faintly against dark blue winter skies. For many, such drives become a relaxing holiday tradition — informal, flexible, and free (aside from fuel). The atmosphere can be especially magical when roads are quiet, and decorations stand out against an otherwise ordinary backdrop.

Even beyond the traditional neighborhoods, individual homes may surprise passersby with extravagant displays. Some display owners even coordinate lighting themes or synchronize lights to music — a fun treat if you happen to pass by at the right time. One Reddit contributor described a favorite stretch off Vassault near Bridgeport as “a great spot to take photos,” advising visitors to park a block away and walk over.

Larger‑Scale Light Events for Families and Friends

For those who want more than a casual drive, several events near Tacoma offer immersive light displays — perfect for families, couples, or groups.

One of the most popular is Zoolights at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. Each holiday season, the zoo transforms into a glowing wonderland with over 1.5 million lights illuminating exhibits, tunnels, and themed displays.

The glow invites visitors to wander through paths lined with lighted art. In contrast, festive touches like a “tunnel of lights,” animated displays, and even holiday‑themed animal encounters add to the charm. For 2025, Zoolights runs from late November through early January, operating nightly from 4:30 PM to 10:00 PM. Tickets must be purchased online, and the aquariums are closed during the event hours.

A short drive south of Tacoma brings you to Fantasy Lights at Spanaway Park in Spanaway. This is the largest drive‑through holiday light display in the Northwest: families ride along a two‑mile path adorned with hundreds of animated displays and thousands of sparkling lights. The drive‑through experience runs nightly from about 5:30 to 9:00 PM during its season. For those who prefer a stroll, walk-through sessions are sometimes scheduled before the drive‑through begins; a chance to see the lights up close on foot before the crowds arrive.

For a broader festive vibe, the Tacoma Light Trail offers a different take. Rather than focusing on houses or park shows, this is a city-wide light art trail that stretches through downtown Tacoma, and sometimes expands into neighborhoods like the Hilltop area and South Tacoma Way.

Light sculptures, installations, and projections combine with music and community events — creating a gallery‑like holiday path available to walk or drive. For 2025, the trail runs from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM nightly, starting December 31 and continuing through early January.

Behind the Scenes: Who Brings Holiday Lights to Life

These displays don’t appear by accident; many are the result of community effort, coordination, and volunteer labor. From individuals decking their homes with strings of lights to organizations planning significant events, a vast network of people helps make the season bright. Volunteers, local artists, event staff, city planners, and supporting community groups all contribute.

For instance, the Tacoma Light Trail involves artists who create light‑art installations, city staff who coordinate permits and logistics, and community members who spread the word. Events such as the Fantasy Lights at Spanaway Park rely on volunteers and park staff to assemble displays, manage ticketing, and handle safe crowd navigation at night. The result is a combination of civic pride and holiday spirit that shows how community participation can transform ordinary spaces into places of wonder.

Similarly, homeowners who decorate for the season often plan for weeks in advance — stringing lights on roofs and trees, installing projectors and inflatables, and sometimes designing synchronized music‑and‑light shows. In some cases, these decorations become informal local landmarks, drawing passersby from across Tacoma and the surrounding areas.

Tips for Capturing Stunning Holiday Photos at Night

Photographing holiday lights presents its own challenges — but with a few simple tips, residents can capture beautiful memories. First, use a tripod or steady surface whenever possible; low light and long exposure times make handheld shooting prone to blur.

Experiment with exposure settings: allowing more prolonged exposure (without flash) helps the camera capture the glow of lights, illuminating streets or displays while retaining detail in darker parts of the scene. If shooting by car windows, try pressing the camera lens against the glass to reduce glare, or open windows to avoid reflections.

For creative compositions, look for reflections — lighted houses or installations reflected in wet pavement or windows can add depth. Capture both close-ups (ornaments, light strands, unique decorations) and wide shots (entire houses, drive-through displays, or city art trails) to tell a fuller story. If possible, arrive just after sunset — the sky still retains some color, offering contrast between the deepening blue backdrop and warm lights, which often results in more striking photos.

Finally, embrace movement. Light trails from passing cars, pedestrians bundled against the cold, or the glow from nearby buildings can add life to photos; using a slow shutter speed can turn these elements into soft, dynamic components of your images.

Planning a Holiday Lights Outing: What to Know Before You Go

It helps to plan ahead. For major events like Zoolights or Fantasy Lights, purchasing timed tickets online is recommended — these events sell out quickly, especially on weekends and holidays. For walkable or drivable neighborhood views, going on a weekday evening or before heavy-traffic hours increases your chances of easier parking and fewer crowds.

Dress warmly and prepare for winter weather: evenings can be chilly and wet, and standing or walking outdoors means bundling up — scarves, hats, gloves, waterproof shoes. If you plan to photograph, bring a few backup batteries; colder weather drains them faster.

Respect the neighborhoods you visit. Stay on public sidewalks or in your vehicle; avoid blocking driveways or being too loud late at night. Leave no trace — avoid leaving trash behind and treat decorations with respect.

Why Holiday Lights Matter for Tacoma

Beyond the glimmer and glow, holiday light displays offer residents a shared experience during the darkest time of the year. They invite people outdoors, encourage gatherings, and create memories with loved ones. For many families, driving through the lights becomes a cherished tradition, while for others, a spontaneous walk downtown reveals art and community spirit they might otherwise miss.

These lights also reflect the character of Tacoma — its willingness to come together, to celebrate as a community, and to share joy. When a home lights up for the holidays, when a park transforms under thousands of bulbs, or when downtown becomes a gallery of art and light, Tacoma shows that even in cold winter nights, warmth can be found in connection, creativity, and light.

For residents of Tacoma, Washington, these displays offer a way to see familiar streets anew. Whether one favors the cozy glow of neighborhood lights, the spectacle of a zoo‑wide display, or the art‑filled paths of a citywide light trail, there’s a bit of holiday magic waiting to be discovered.

Sources: tacomalighttrail.org, piercecountywa.gov, pdza.org, pdza.org, greaterseattleonthecheap.com
Header Image Source: tacomalighttrail.org