Light Rail Grand Opening: Celebrate the grand opening of the light rail in this event hosted by Sound Transit and the FW Black Collective. From 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 6, enjoy vendors, artists, performers and more, and take a first ride on the new trains. The light rail station is located at 31911 23rd Ave. S. in Federal Way. Organizers are still seeking participants, so reach out to the FW Black Collective to get involved.

Jingle Bell Brunch: At 10 a.m. Dec. 6, Santa’s stopping by for breakfast at the Federal Way Community Center. Join the city for Jingle Bell Brunch for a morning of holiday fun, crafts, music, and breakfast with Santa. All ages are welcome, but most activities and crafts are designed for ages 2-10. The breakfast will take place at the Federal Way Community Center located at 876 S. 333rd St. in Federal Way, and costs $18 per person.

Holiday Market at Poverty Bay Cafe: From 3 to 7 p.m. Dec. 6, shop for gifts with a variety of local vendors and sip or snack on a tasty treat from Poverty Bay Cafe to support local nonprofit FUSION. Poverty Bay Cafe is located at 1108 S. 322nd Place in Federal Way.

Tree Lighting: This year’s tree lighting and free holiday celebration will begin at 4 p.m. Dec. 6 at Town Square Park, located at 31600 Pete von Reichbauer Way S., Federal Way. Everyone is welcome to enjoy Santa’s big arrival, live music, free cocoa and cookies, and the tree lighting with Mayor Jim Ferrell.

Legislative Agenda Breakfast: Meet with your local representatives in this special city council meeting at 7:30 a.m. Dec. 10 at the Federal Way Community Center where city council members and the Mayor will share the city’s priorities with the community’s representatives for the 2025 Legislative Session that begins in January. Address: 876 S. 333rd St., Federal Way.

FW Public Market Community Engagement Event: Join the FW Public Market online to hear updates about the project to create a permanent Public Market in Federal Way from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10. Register at https://www.facebook.com/share/1aJq9mtuST/

Carols by Candlelight: From 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12, Federal Way Church of the Nazarene, 1525 SW Dash Point Road, is hosting a free celebratory night of singing favorite Christmas Carols, secular and sacred. This is a night for the whole family and includes special song numbers for the kids and young at heart. Santa Claus will be available for pictures. The night will close with a Christmas Cookie Extravaganza to enjoy and take home. All are welcome. Info: 253-839-6085.

Winter Bonsai Solstice: On Dec. 13, join the Pacific Bonsai Museum for a dreamy evening to remember as they illuminate the world-renowned collection with soft holiday lights for our annual Winter Bonsai Solstice. Come for an evening stroll to take in beautiful bonsai twinkling in an array of lights while sipping free hot chocolate to stay warm. This is a family-friendly, community-favorite tradition that warmly embraces the generous spirit of the holidays. Suggested donation: $12 for adults. No reservations or advance tickets are needed.

O Christmas Tea: Don’t miss “O Christmas Tea” at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14 at the Performing Arts and Event Center located at 31510 Pete von Reichbauer Way S. in Federal Way. Rich in wordplay, comic physicality, and cleverly crafted interactive elements, “O Christmas Tea” is uproarious fun, yet it is the starring duo’s boundless imagination and endearing chemistry that provide the real magic and heart of this play.

Jingle Bell Family Skate Night: Fife Elementary PTA presents a skate night from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18 at El Centro Skate Rink in Federal Way located at 34222 Pacific Highway S. The event will be $9 for those who bring their own skates and $10 for rentals.

Cookies with Mrs. Claus: Enjoy a magical evening with Mrs. Claus from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Dec. 18 at the Federal Way Community Center located at 876 S. 333rd St. in Federal Way. This event is perfect for children ages 2-10 and includes cookie decorating, photo opportunities, cocoa, and music. Admission is $5 per person. This is one of the city’s most popular events and always sells out fast. Pre-registration is strongly recommended, as day-of tickets may not be available.

FW Cares for Kids: This annual event is coming up on Dec. 20 and provides a joyful holiday atmosphere for families in Federal Way. Parents will have the chance to “shop” for and wrap their children’s gifts while their children enjoy the kids zone. More information at fwcaresforkids.org

2nd Annual Champagne Party: PYC Sweets and Wine Bar is hosting this event for the second year in a row from 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 27. Live music will be performed by Randy Campbell from 6 to 8 p.m. 32925 1st Ave S Suite S in Federal Way.

New Year’s 9-Pin No-Tap Tournament: Secoma Lanes presents a bowling tournament from 1:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. New Year’s Day, Jan. 1, 2026. Secoma Lanes is located at 34500 Pacific Hwy. S. in Federal Way. Competitors will throw out their lowest of 5 games and they will have Bloody Mary and mimosa specials.

Send your Federal Way calendar events to editor@fedwaymirror.com.

The staff of the Federal Way Performing Arts and Event Center hosted a well-attended Holiday Festival on Nov. 29 which featured face painting, Santa Photos, inflatable bounce houses, games, crafts, cocoa, a free movie and more. Photos by Bruce Honda.