It just wouldn't be the holiday season for most people without a trip to an overcrowded mall to buy gifts.

Luckily for most airmen and soldiers living in the South Sound, there are plenty of malls within 30 miles driving distance that offer a chance to have a nice sit-down meal, catch a movie and shop for both toys and high-end items.

For those looking to head south of McChord and Fort Lewis, the Capital Mall in Olympia is located off Highway 101 and Black Lake Boulevard. The mall features more than 120 stores such as Aeropostale, American Eagle Outfitters, Borders, JCPenney and Macy's. For complete holiday hours, visit www.westfield.com/capital.

Heading north off Interstate 5 and the 38th Street exit is the recently renovated Tacoma Mall. The brand-new Nordstrom offers a bistro on the second floor, and there is a BJ's Brewhouse restaurant in the new lifestyle building located on the south side of the mall. The Tacoma Mall also offers retailers such as Macy's, JCPenney and Sears. Mall hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.

In Puyallup, off Highway 512 and the 104th Street East exit, is South Hill Mall. The mall has more than 120 stores, five restaurants and a movie theater. The shopping center is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Supermall in Auburn is just a short drive north on Highway 167 from Puyallup. The mall is located at the intersection of Highway 167 and Highway 18. The Supermall features several outlet stores, including Banana Republic, Eddie Bauer, Gap, Wilson's Leather and Tommy Hilfiger. For complete holiday hours, call (253) 833-9500 or visit www.supermall.com.

Back on the Interstate 5 corridor heading north, the Commons at Federal Way is located at the 320th Street exit. The Commons features Target, a 16-screen Century Theatres, Borders, Panera Bread, McGrath's Fish House, Zumiez, Wet Seal, and several other stores. The center is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Friday's hours are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. while Saturday it's open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. On Sunday, hours run from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The holiday hours vary, and people can call guest services for more information at (253) 839-6150.

Heading north into South King County on Interstate 5, shoppers can see Southcenter Mall from the freeway, located at the Southcenter Boulevard exit.  A recent three-level expansion to the mall includes an additional 400,000 square feet featuring 75 new stores, five new sit-down restaurants and a 16-screen AMC Theatre, making it one of the largest malls in the state. The center's shopping hours are 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.