At the time of this writing, Tacoma paints a familiar picture: a post-Christmas malaise, skies soupy with clouds, and a damp drizzle seeming to settle in for the long haul. Those currently lighting candles for Hanukkah have the right idea; the Pacific Northwest winter can be difficult, particularly when it comes to its dark and dreary days, so every little bit of extra light that can be lent to the landscape can work to brighten our moods and lift our spirits.
Now entering its fifth year, the Tacoma Light Trail is a concerted effort to bring some much-needed illumination to the streets of Tacoma. Beginning on December 31 and running through January 12, the Tacoma Light Trail will line the streets of downtown Tacoma with light art installations — and, for the first time this year, will extend into Hilltop and South Tacoma Way. Everything gets going on New Years Eve at Tollefson Plaza, with a Dragon Parade, as well as performances from Sabor Flamenco, Asia Pacific Cultural Center, Tacoma Cabaret, Tacoma Urban Performing Arts Center and DJ Summersoft.
The entire free event will be blessed by the Puyallup Tribe of Indians, and food trucks will be on hand to make this a perfect, family-friendly way to ring in the new year.
The Light and Sound Trail, running nightly from 5 to 10 p.m., features 50 installations, with an interactive map to ferry you from spot to spot. While the installations on the trail are provided by a number of contributors, three Pacific Northwest-based artists have been commissioned for spotlighted pieces: Anika Goyal has crafted translucent peaks meant to represent Mount Rainier and Mount Adams; Eileen Fits-Faulkner has made a giant octopus that transfixes with its programmed, color-changing patterns; and Steve LaBerge and his crew have created an immersive installation that draws inspiration from a sci-fi story set in Tacoma.
As packed as the first night of festivities is, there are plenty more events taking place during the run of the Tacoma Light Trail. On January 2, there will be an all-ages light-up bike ride, where participants will be given lights and reflectors to gussy up their cycles and go for a ride through the trail from downtown to Hilltop. Those looking to take in the sights and sounds in a cozier environment can check out the Illuminated Ballroom on January 4, inside Court House Square, with projected art and live music accompaniment. On January 11, Hilltop’s TUPAC help bid farewell to the Tacoma Light Trail with DJs, live performances, and a poetry open mic.
The Tacoma Light Trail got its start in the deeply dark days of 2020, in an effort to shine a little light for those who were craving something positive on the horizon, and to bring a community together. In the years since, it has powerfully grown in ambition and luminescence, effectively creating a new, beautiful Tacoma tradition. And, even though 2020 is blessedly off in the rearview mirror, there’s no shortage of trying times that could benefit from the warm glow that the Tacoma Light Trail provides.
WHAT:
Tacoma Light Trail
WHEN:
Light Displays lit 5-10 p.m., Dec. 31 through Jan. 12
New Years Eve Celebration 6 – 10 p.m., Dec. 31
Light-Up Bike Ride starts at 6 p.m., Jan. 2
Illuminated Ballroom 6-9 p.m., Jan. 4 |T.U.P.A.C. Lit Up 6-9 p.m., Jan. 11
WHERE:
Downtown Tacoma through Hilltop and South Tacoma Way
COST:
Free
LEARN MORE:
https://www.tacomalighttrail.org/