I love helping people plan a special night out. Especially New Year’s Eve. So, here’s what I’m recommending: Early evening, you bring your overnight bags to the Murano (you reserved the deal below early). Then you get settled in your room, dress up, and then head down to the Lobby Bar for a cocktail. At this point, you head up to the Bite for a fantastic prix fixe New Year’s Eve feast (you made reservations as soon as you finished reading this post). Then you head out on the town.

First Night Tacoma awaits. You know—the big, family-friendly event that everyone’s buzzing about. Book it and get a special-rate room and two First Night buttons, which ensures that the music, and fire dancers, and museums are all part of your evening. Could a new year be any happier?

See ya soon,

Dale

As if lions and tigers and bears weren’t reason enough to bundle the little ones up and head off to one of their favorite places in town. The Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium will once again make magic this season with the addition of more than a half-million holiday lights. And I’m telling you, if you haven’t been, it’s truly spectacular.

Zoo Lights is definitely not your average display (imagine your show-off neighbor times a thousand). The zoo’s lights have been crafted into tiger cubs, ice-skating puffins, and so much more. The Narrows Bridge is also all aglow, and the trees are blazing. Add a toasty mug of hot chocolate, a trip through the aquarium to warm up a little, and you’ve got a great family night out.

While you’re at it, bring your old or broken string lights as part of the Holiday Lights Recycling Program and really get in the holiday spirit.

See ya soon,

Dale