As we head into the holiday season, now is a good time to plan a special outing with family or friends. Here are some upcoming events in the South Sound area that are sure to make your season bright:

Homemade for the Holidays November 3-4, 2017, Fri 4pm-8pm, Sat 9am-4pm, Thurston County Fairgrounds. The 26th annual “Homemade for the Holidays” fills four buildings with handcrafted items from 100 talented crafters. There’s a bake sale by Lacey Presbyterian Church, and lunch available from Madeline’s Bavarian Wurst. Free admission and parking, food bank donations accepted.

Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker November 9, 2017, Thurs 7pm, Pantages Theatre, Tacoma. Marking its 25th Anniversary Tour, the Moscow Ballet will perform its acclaimed Great Russian Nutcracker in Tacoma. The event features an over-the-top production and world-class Russian artists. Or attend one of the local amateur-pro Nutcracker productions such as Tacoma City Ballet, Dec. 15-17 and 21-22, Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center.

Victorian Country Christmas Festival November 29 – Dec 3, 2017, Wed-Thu 10-8pm; Fri-Sat 10-9pm; Sun 10-6pm, The Washington State Fair and Events Center in Puyallup. Step back in time and enjoy a beautiful Victorian village filled with 566 stores. Find jewelry, ornaments, decorations, art, tools, home decor, fragrances, clothing, toys and hundreds of other gift ideas for everyone. Festival of Trees December 1-2, Fri 9am -1pm, Sat 10:30am - 2pm, Tacoma Dome. This annual display of decorated Christmas trees benefits Mary Bridge Children's Hospital Critical Care Services. Stroll through the glittering display of trees and enjoy special performances from local dance and musical groups.

Symphony Tacoma, Sounds of the Season December 3, 2017, 2:30-4pm, The Pantages Theater, Tacoma. Symphony Tacoma collaborates with the Tacoma Youth Chorus, performing classic and contemporary Christmas favorites for all ages.

Symphony Tacoma, Messiah December 14, 2017, 7:30pm – 10pm, Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church, Gig Harbor. Enjoy a moving performance of Handle’s beloved classic, including the “Hallelujah” chorus.

The Christmas Revels December 16, 17, 19, 20, 2017, performance times vary, The Rialto Theater, Tacoma. Since 1994, The Christmas Revels has produced this on-stage event, the heart of which is a large chorus of adults and children (auditioned from the community) to which is added professional actors, storytellers, singers, dancers and instrumentalists, with each show being professionally lit and costumed. This year’s theme is set in Northern Spain.

Fantasy Lights November 23, 2017 - January 1, 2018, daily 5:30pm -9pm, Spanaway Park. Pierce County Parks and Recreation presents the largest holiday drive-through display in the Northwest, featuring nearly 300 elaborate displays and thousands of sparkling lights. The beautiful two-mile drive along Spanaway Lake has become a memorable lakeside tradition for many. To avoid long lines, try going on a weekday. ZooLights November 24, 2017 - January 1, 2018, daily 5pm – 9pm, Point Defiance Park Zoo & Aquarium. Each year ZooLights features approximately a half-a-million holiday lights that illuminate paths and create replicas of 100 animal figures. You can stroll through the magical light displays while sipping apple cider or hot cocoa, munching holiday treats, and listening to live holiday music.

A Christmas Carol November 24 – December 17, 2017, Fri - Sat 8pm, Sun 2pm, Lakewood Playhouse. James Venturini’s original adaptation of the classic Charles Dickens story brings the spirits of Christmases Past, Present, and Future to life on stage. First Night Tacoma December 31, 2017, 5pm – 12am, Tacoma’s Broadway Theatre District. This year the annual New Year’s Eve event is celebrating 25 years. Instead of watching people on TV celebrate in New York City, join in on the family-oriented, alcohol-free, New Year's Eve celebration of the performing and visual arts right here in Tacoma.

You can find more information and purchase tickets in advance for these events online. Planning to attend a holiday-themed community event can make the season more magical. Planning ahead for retirement can make the next season of your life more enjoyable as well. Call us at Penny Lane Financial to schedule a one-hour complimentary retirement-planning consultation.

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