Here are the best places to buy gifts in the Puget Sound region. Our list focuses on local retailers with a variety of products for every occasion and gift recipient on your list. These shopping sources feature unique gifts for every special occasion, from Valentine's Day to Christmas and graduation to retirement. Many … [Read more...] about Pac NW retailers for thoughtful gifts, party supplies & holiday decor
New Years
Annual bird count events
Bird populations are always shifting and changing. Bird count events help collect data that highlight changes in bird populations, from weather and other phenomena. Anyone can volunteer to participate, whether you are brand new to bird watching or an experienced "birder" familiar with many species. Annual bird count … [Read more...] about Annual bird count events
New Year’s Eve fireworks and other celebrations in the Puget Sound region
Today, many people around the world celebrate New Year's Eve every December 31 and New Year's Day on January 1. New Year's Eve traditions include fireworks shows, parties, drinking champagne, counting down to midnight, and kissing someone at midnight. The New York City "ball drop" in Times Square typically hosts … [Read more...] about New Year’s Eve fireworks and other celebrations in the Puget Sound region
Drive or walk the free Tacoma Light Trail
The Tacoma Light Trail is a free winter festival of light art in downtown Tacoma that features outdoor performances, dragon parades, lumens concerts, a lighted bike ride, illuminated art throughout downtown, and much more. New Year's Eve, December 31, from 6 PM to 10 PM. Kickoff event at Tollefson Plaza. … [Read more...] about Drive or walk the free Tacoma Light Trail
Christmas light displays around the Puget Sound region
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Here's our list of Christmas light displays burning brightly with 100,000 to 1,000,000 lights. Most are FREE. Many are at private homes in neighborhoods throughout the Puget Sound region that can be enjoyed from the warmth of your vehicle as you idle past. Others are drive-thru or walk-thru commercial displays with an … [Read more...] about Christmas light displays around the Puget Sound region
New Years celebrations and traditions
Today, many people around the world celebrate New Year's Eve every December 31 and New Year's Day on January 1. The date January 1 comes from traditions in the Roman empire. The solar calendar first month (January) honored Janus, the god of beginnings. As the saying goes, every day is essentially the start of a new … [Read more...] about New Years celebrations and traditions
Free and cheap holiday events (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa)
Any day of the week during the long holiday season from Thanksgiving to New Year's Day, you can find FREE and cheap things to do that put you in a festive mood. Some events are short-lived. Some begin on Thanksgiving Weekend (or before) and continue through New Year's Eve. The calendar list below will include all kinds … [Read more...] about Free and cheap holiday events (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa)
Affordable holiday champagne and sparkling wine
If you are looking for some bubblies to celebrate the New Year, there are many deliciously frugal alternatives. Local Seattle wine shops offer a great selection of sparkling wine offering good value and quality at very affordable prices. The selection includes local and domestic wines, as well as sparkling wines from … [Read more...] about Affordable holiday champagne and sparkling wine
Tips and tricks for photographing fireworks
Photographing fireworks is challenging. Below, we offer some tips from National Geographic and other sources for capturing images of nighttime fireworks shows. Also, we list some vantage points throughout the Puget Sound region where you might be able to snap a great photo. Weather permitting, of course (always a … [Read more...] about Tips and tricks for photographing fireworks
