Celebrate the holiday season in Federal Way

Nov. 20-Dec. 24

Photos with Santa Claus at The Commons mall: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Smile and say “Santa!” Arthur & Associates Holiday Photographers are hosting Santa photos at The Commons mall from Nov. 20 through Dec. 24. All visitors must wear a ask upon arrival. Santa reserves the right to keep his mask on, though visitors are able to remove their masks for their photo. Reservations are highly encouraged. For more information, visit santaphotos.com.

Nov. 27-Dec. 19

“Puss in Boots” Pantomime: Centerstage Theatre’s holiday Panto show runs from Nov. 27 through Dec. 19 at the Knuzten Family Theatre, 3200 SW Dash Point Road. Tickets are available online at centerstagetheatre.com/tickets-2/. Sensory-friendly performance for all ages is Saturday, Dec. 4. Live streaming dates are 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11. Performances are at 7 p.m. Fridays, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays.

Nov. 26-Dec. 19, Friday-Sunday

Federal Way’s Holiday Market: Support local businesses when gift giving this holiday season. Shop clothing, accessories, candles, hot sauce, baked goods and more. Free Christmas photos are available with proof of purchase from any vendor. The holiday market runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday-Sunday: Nov. 26, 27, 28 and Dec. 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18 and 19. The holiday market is located at The Commons mall (1928 S. Commons in Federal Way).

Dec. 3-18, Fridays and Saturdays

Santa Parades by South King Fire: 5-8 p.m. Santa Claus is coming to town with the help of your local fire department. South King Fire & Rescue is hosting Santa parades on Friday and Saturday evenings in December. Santa’s fire truck will tour Des Moines Dec. 3-4, Federal Way Dec. 10-11, and various areas of city limits Dec. 17-18. This year, the department will have a virtual map of Santa’s route. For more information, visit South King Fire and Rescue on Facebook.

Saturday, Dec. 4

Jingle Bell Brunch: 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Enjoy breakfast with Santa Claus at the Federal Way Community Center. Tickets include breakfast, a hot cocoa station, music, photo opportunities, letters to Santa, crafts and more. Pre-registration is required; children ages 2-12 are $12, adults are $15. For ages 12 and older, proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result within 72 hours of the event is required. Register online at: itallhappenshere.org.

Holiday Tree Lighting: 4-5 p.m. Gather one and all for Federal Way’s most festive night of the year. Celebrations close with the holiday tree lighting at 4:45 p.m. by Mayor Jim Ferrell. Local entertainers will perform throughout the event. Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and Sparky the Fire Dog are also attending the event. The event begins at 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4 at Town Square Park (31600 Pete von Reichbauer Way S.).

Federal Way Symphony Rings in the Holidays: 2:30 p.m. The Federal Way Symphony presents its holiday concert “Ring out the Old, Ring in the New” at the Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center. Music Director Adam Stern says the symphony is performing selections from The Nutcracker and Johann Strauss’ “Emperor Waltz.” Free child and youth tickets for those under 18 with the purchase of an adult or senior/military ticket. Tickets are available by phone at (253) 835-7010 or at fwpaec.org/fws-holiday-concert.

Dec. 16-18

Federal Way Cares for Kids: This local nonprofit coordinates with community organizations to support kids and families in the Federal Way Public Schools district. Each year, the nonprofit helps make the holiday season brighter for families through gift giving and other opportunities. To volunteer, visit fwcaresforkids.org. This year’s event is hosted at Grace Church (1232 SW Dash Point Road) in Federal Way.

Dec. 18

A Bonsai Solstice: 4-7 p.m. Enjoy a quiet stroll in the woods to explore bonsai illuminated by soft lights (and your flashlights). The Pacific Bonsai Museum is opened at night just once a year. This family-friendly tradition embraces the generous spirit of the holidays and community. Suggest donation $0-$10 for adults. The Pacific Bonsai Museum is at 2515 S. 336th St. in Federal Way.

The Sounds of the Season 2021: 4 p.m. Led by the Federal Way Chorale’s new artistic director, Thomas Almli. Delivering an array of familiar melodies that will warm your heart and bring back the favored memories of the holiday’s past. Celebrate together with light, love and music. All ages welcome. The concert takes place at the Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center.