Happy Friday, Tacoma. In today’s edition: Tacoma light trail, Symphony Tacoma: Holiday Favorites, 5th Annual Holiday Markets, and more. Let’s get to it!

— Cait Baker

📰 In the news

Six years of light: The Tacoma Light Trail returns Dec. 31 with a free walkable and drivable showcase of lights, art, and music across downtown and Hilltop, running through Jan. 11 with family-friendly events — see dates and events.

Past meets future transit: Three new Link 1 Line stations open Dec. 6, extending service to Federal Way while Tacoma’s connection inches closer, with preferred routes set and adjustments to avoid sensitive cultural sites — read the full story.

Long-awaited expansion announced: Ivar’s will open a Gig Harbor seafood bar in February 2026, its first new restaurant in seven years, offering Ivar’s and Kidd Valley menus at Point Fosdick Square — learn when and where it opens.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Identity theft is up 25%: Last year, Americans lost $12.5 billion to ID theft & fraud, and the stories behind those numbers are brutal. My friend just told me his dad’s on his fourth replacement credit card. Other folks have woken up to empty bank accounts or their personal info dumped online after a breach. Aura catches these kinds of attacks early by monitoring for new accounts, weird money movements, leaked data, and other red flags so you’re alerted before things blow up — learn more about it here.

Highlights this week

• Stroll through Ice Lights at Sprinker
• Take Santa photos at America’s Car Museum
• Buy and sell at Tacoma Ski Swap
• Experience Matilda the Musical in Tacoma
• Experience The Nutcracker with Dance Theatre Northwest
• See why December’s the best time to try new hearing aids
• This pet insurance plan reimburses up to 90%

🫶 We got your back

Hilltop winter gathering: Tacoma’s Holidaze Market pops into the Tacoma Armory on Dec. 6, 2 to 8 p.m., free. Shop 30+ local vendors, grab Buddy’s Chicken and Waffles, and catch live sets curated by DJ Reggie B. Black Santa returns for DIY photos from 4 to 7 p.m., so bring your phone. Get event details and lineup.

Neighbors turning neglect into harvest: Federal Way’s Dwight Pauls was named one of four Washington’s Community Champions after a record wave of nominations. With his wife, Shelley, he led volunteers to turn the once overgrown Hylebos Blueberry Farm into a thriving u-pick, earning a $1,000 grant and momentum for more flowers, pumpkins, and community events. Read the full story.

Keep it Tacoma sour: Tacoma’s first craft brewery, E9 Brewing Co., pours a tap list steeped in its “Keep Tacoma Sour” ethos, alongside proper pizza. The taproom is 21+, so plan accordingly with friends. Casual vibe, lively sours, and plenty to share make this an easygoing meetup spot.

Thinning hair? Same: I’ve been shedding a lot, and recently noticed my ponytail feeling thinner. After way too much panic-Googling, I decided to take Hers’ online quiz. They recommended a Biotin + Minoxidil green-apple gummy that targets regrowth and overall hair health. The whole thing was surprisingly easy: just verify your identity and a licensed provider signs off. Here’s the quiz if you want to check it out.

Makeup that actually works: My sister and I were talking the other day about how the makeup we used in our 20s… just doesn’t work now that we’re in our 30s and 40s. Laura Geller’s entire makeup line addresses this shift, with formulas that smooth, brighten, and actually stay put. If you’re in the same boat, their curated kits are worth a look.

📆 Around town this weekend

All events are subject to change without notice. This is entirely outside our control. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.

Today

👻 Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol @ Dukesbay Theater | Friday (12/5) at 7:30pm – Think Dickens, but Jacob Marley steals the spotlight in this clever, chilly twist on the Christmas classic. Expect sharp storytelling, goosebumps, and a little redemption, the grown-up kind. Pro tip, ghosts are punctual, tickets are final, and late arrivals are out after 15 minutes.

🎤 Matthew Broussard @ Tacoma Comedy Club – 6th and Proctor | Friday (12/5) at 9:45pm – Get ready for razor-sharp wit wrapped in a perfectly polished delivery—Matthew Broussard’s comedy is as smart as it is sneakily absurd. Expect rapid-fire punchlines, eyebrow-raising observations, and the kind of humor that makes you laugh and rethink your life choices. A late show means zero filters and maximum fun.

This weekend

♻️ Santa’s Seconds Rummage Sale @ Christ Episcopal Church Puyallup | Saturday (12/6) at 10:00am – Skip the mall stampede. This community rummage sale is a treasure hunt for gently loved gifts, modest prices, and solid karma, all benefiting local causes. Think holiday spirit with less plastic, more stories, and the thrill of finding that perfect weird thing.

🚂 Train Modeling workshop with the National Model Railroad Association @ Washington State History Museum | Saturday (12/6) at 10:30am – Hand the kids to the pros and let the National Model Railroad Association turn your mini conductors into modelers at Seymour’s Kids Club. They’ll get hex track, a tiny train to decorate, and tips. It’s free with registration, space is limited, ages 4 to 10.

🛍️ 5th Annual Holiday Markets @ Black Night Market | Saturday (12/6) at 2:00pm – Whether you still love a good craft table or just want to avoid mall rage, BNM’s 5th annual holiday market keeps it local and merry. Expect jazz, hands-on workshops, and handpicked vendors, plus food trucks, family-friendly fun, and gifts that don’t scream two-day shipping.

🐾 Paint your Jet Pet @ Proctor Art Gallery | Sunday (12/7) at 11:00am – Give your furball the gallery treatment and paint their glorious face in acrylics on canvas. No experience, no drawing required, all materials included, and it is 16+ only. It is $110 to immortalize your four-legged roommate, and yes, treats count as payment.

🎭The Krampus Bazaar @ The Church Cantina | Sunday (12/7) at 12:00pm – The Church Cantina’s 7th Annual Krampus Bazaar is a darkly festive holiday market featuring hyper-local vendors, creepy-cute treasures, all-ages crafts, and photos with Krampus. Expect a playful mix of seasonal fun with a quirky twist.

🎻 Symphony Tacoma: Holiday Favorites @ Pantages Theatre | Sunday (12/7) at 2:30pm – Whether you’re chasing that jingle-bell goosebump or dodging mall carols, Symphony Tacoma brings the goods. Over 200 musicians and voices flood Pantages with classics, Christmas movie scores, and a few surprises, an annual family favorite led by Geoffrey Boers, Judith Herrington, and Marlette Buchanan.

Next week

🌟 Ice Lights @ Sprinker Recreation Center | Monday (12/8) at 7:30am – Spanaway’s Sprinker is turning the rink into a winter wonderland with 35,000 lights, animated displays, and indoor snow that will not ruin your hair. Think snow globe vibes, without the shaking. Bring the kids, your patience, and cocoa-grade cheer.

🌊 Beach Monitoring @ Sunrise Beach Park | Monday (12/8) at 11:15pm – Think you know our beaches? Join Harbor WildWatch to survey South Sound at lowest winter tides after dark, because of course they do, with headlamps, rain gear, and love of Cold, Dark, and Wet. No science degree needed, just curiosity, layers, and a thermos.

🍷 Classical Tuesdays in Old Town Tacoma @ Connelly Law Offices | Tuesday (12/9) at 7:00pm – Old Town Tuesdays mean one thing, recital then wine. Rising Waters Collective offers A Lovely Light with music by Northwest composers, sung by Lucy Weber and Holly Boaz, and accompanied by Amy Boers. A benefit for free Classical Tuesdays, so sip, listen, feel virtuous.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🎶 Live music & entertainment

• 12/5 Uncle Daddy & The King Tide and more @ McMenamins Elks Temple – 5:30 pm
• 12/6 Holidaze Markets @ Black Night Market – 2 pm
• 12/6 Randy Hansen and more @ Jazzbones – 7 pm
• 12/7 Chase Matthew @ Emerald Queen Casino – 7 pm
• 12/8 The New Swing Reunion Orchestra @ Tacoma Musical Playhouse – 7:30 pm
• 12/10 Winter Concert @ Puyallup Public Library – 5:30 pm
• 12/10 The El Vez Christmas Show @ Airport Tavern – 8 pm
• 12/11 Eel Jive and more @ Jazzbones – 6 pm
• 12/13 Swiftified (Taylor Swift tribute) @ McMenamins Elks Temple – 11 am

🏠️ Price is right – Tacoma edition

How it works: We’re going to give you some facts about a home for sale, including a picture of the outside, the kitchen, and one additional room. Your job? Guess how much it’s listed for (preferably before you click to find out).

Listed by: Renee Donovan (Heaton Dainard, LLC)

Revived Tacoma North End classic on a sunny corner lot, steps to University of Puget Sound, the Proctor District, and 6th Ave. Rare off-street parking for six plus, timeless character paired with smart updates. Main level hosts an airy primary suite with walk-in and spa-caliber bath, a second bedroom, and a bright kitchen with cozy eating nook.

Upstairs delivers an oversized flex zone, think junior suite, media lounge, or creative studio. Full-height unfinished basement for storage or future plans. A finished detached office or hobby studio keeps WFH legit. City conveniences and café culture right around the corner.

Make your guess, then (and only then)… see how much it costs →