Bundle up and celebrate, on and off JBLM Published Dec. 3, 2014 By Alexandra Kocik Northwest Guardian JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. -- After the piles of leaves have been raked up, the turkey devoured and the daylight scarce, it's time to start bundling up and looking for tree lightings. There are three different tree lighting events on Joint Base Lewis-McChord again this year. JBLM Main The first tree lighting event is at 4:30 p.m. Dec. 4 at Jensen Family Health & Fitness Center on Lewis Main. Joint Base Lewis-McChord Commander Col. H. Charles Hodges will once again flip the switch for the tree lights. A choir will perform on stage beside the tree. Colin Brooks, community activities for JBLM Family & Morale, Welfare & Recreation special events, said they are expecting between 500 to 600 people to attend, weather permitting. Although there will be the familiar lights and decorations on the tree and stage, the reception afterward is at Parent Central Services this year. The event will have plenty for kids to do, including face painting, a balloon artist and craft activities. Santa, Mrs. Claus and elves will be present for photos. There will be no photographer provided so parents are encouraged to bring their own cameras. The 56th Army Quintet band will be there playing holiday favorites. Winners of the Military Family Appreciation Month treasure hunt will also be announced at this event. Sponsors including Fisher House and the library will have booths set up for information on the coming year. "It's a great, festive way to bring families together on the installation and celebrate the change of the season into the holidays," Brooks said. The tree lighting will be held outside Jensen Family Health & Fitness Center, Building 2022 on Liggett Avenue and N. Division Street, and the reception at Parent Central Services, located at 2295 12 St. and Bitar Ave. Madigan Army Medical Center Another tree lighting is planned for 3 p.m., Dec. 5, at Madigan Army Medical Center. The event will be around the large tree in the hospital's Medical Mall. Around 200 people are expected to attend the event. A child from the Pediatrics area will once again turn the tree lights on. Chaplain Maj. George L. Wallace, senior chaplain clinician at Madigan Army Medical Center, said there will also be a menorah for Hanukkah. "Our JBLM Rabbi Chaplain Messinger will give remarks about Hanukkah and I will offer some remarks about the meaning of the season," Wallace wrote in an email. After the lighting events, enjoy catered refreshments and music by the Madigan Singers. Santa and Mrs. Claus are also set to visit. Madigan Army Medical Center is located at 9040 Jackson Ave. McChord Field Chapel At 4 p.m., Dec. 8 see the lighting of a tree and menorah at McChord Field Chapel. Wing Chaplain Maj. John W. Shipman said this free event has something for everyone. The 70-foot tree planted just outside the chapel and a menorah will be decorated and lit in celebration of Christmas and Hanukah. Live entertainment includes a performance by a young dance troupe and songs from the chapel choir. Santa Claus will be available for kids to sit on his lap for photo opportunities. Hot cocoa and cookies will be available. There will also be a chance to learn about resources for families. "This is an event to reach out to families and let them know that there are agencies that can help, not only during the holidays but throughout the year," Shipman said. "The Integrated Delivery System is invited to the Chapel Support Center on that night, to set up a table and to highlight how each agency can help Airmen to be more resilient." Last year, the event drew more 120 people, which was the largest group attending this event yet "We're hoping to provide an event with an inclusive religious outlook providing Airmen, Soldiers, and civilians the opportunity to celebrate during the holiday season," he said. The chapel is located at 746 Col. Joe Jackson Blvd. on McChord Field. Other events outside JBLM: Garden of Lights The Bellevue Botanical Garden turns into a habitat for mythical creatures,including a dragon, and plants using lights starting Sunday. Running until Jan. 4, tickets cost $5 per person. Free admission to ages 10 and under or those visiting on Dec. 2 and Dec. 5 and Dec. 9 to Dec. 12. Zoolights Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma has half a million lights making up familiar sights including polar bears, Mount Rainier, a tiger and a eagle snatching a salmon from the water. See Santa feed the sharks, on select nights, interact with stingrays at a live display, feed goats at the petting zoo or run wild on a jungle gym area. The lights will go up Saturday and runs from 5 to 9 p.m. until Jan. 5. Closed Christmas Eve. Tickets are $7.50 to $8.75 per person over the age of 2. Fantasy Lights Visit Spanaway Park to drive through a wonderland full of lights. Tune your radio to FM 93.7 for holiday music to accompany the drive. Begins Saturday 5:30 to 9 p.m. until Jan. 1 from Tickets are $13 per car. 69th Annual Tacoma Holiday Tree Lighting At 5 p.m. Nov. 29 watch the large tree at 9th and Broadway glow with lights. Santa Claus is scheduled to make a visit to celebrate as well. The 56th Army Band brass ensemble performs at 5 p.m. outside the Pantages Theater in downtown Tacoma. Country Village The annual Country Village Bothell features light displays, caroling and kids activities. On Dec. 7, Santa Claus visits for an event featuring a large tree lighting, caroling and chestnut roasting. Open 5 to 10 p.m Fridays through Mondays throughout December. Holiday Kids' Tree Lighting Ceremony Visit the Legislative Building in Olympia to watch a large tree light up in the main rotunda Dec. 5. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. and is open to the public. Seattle parade and star lighting The Macy's Holiday Parade and Star Lighting Ceremony begins at 9 a.m. on the corner of 7th Ave and going down Pine Avenue. There will be floats, dressed up characters and at the end, Santa. Head over to Westlake Center for special retail deals and live entertainment. At 4:45 p.m., enjoy a tree lighting ceremony with another appearance by Santa. WildLights Woodland Park Zoo's annual display showcases hundreds of thousands of LED lights throughout the park in Seattle. The special hours begin Friday and run until Jan. 4 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The zoo will be closed Christmas Eve and Day. Tickets are $9.75 for adults, $6.50 for children and free for ages 2 and under. There are no discounts, including military, for this fund raising event. Magic in the Market On Saturday, visit Pike Place Market to enjoy holiday music and visit with Santa while shopping. The trees and lights around the area will be lit up beginning at 5 p.m. Seattle Hanukkah Celebration This public event celebrates the Festival of Lights with arts and craft, food, music and storytelling Saturday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.. It is located at the Stroum Jewish Community Center, 3801 Mercer Way in Seattle. Admission is free with an item donation to Jewish Family Service. Downtown Olympia for the Holidays See a parade, watch a holiday parade and at 4:30 p.m., a large tree will be lit up with lights in Sylvester Park in Olympia from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. NAC Trip to Leavenworth Spend five hours in the Bavarian town Leavenworth for a Christmas Lighting Festival, featuring thousands of twinkling lights on Dec. 7 and 13. Passes are $55 for adults ages and those ages 13 and older, $30 for ages 4-12 and $5 for infants 3 and younger. For more information on how to register call 253-967-6263.