>>> SMILE

Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown!

See the ultimate sad sack Charlie Brown and his sad sack little Christmas tree find the holiday spirit in the Christmas classic, A Charlie Brown Christmas, at a dreamy locally renowned theater. Break out the "peanuts" to take in this charming Tacoma Musical Playhouse production, and watch young and aspiring local actors from the theater's innovative and premiere education program show their stuff in this quaint and heartfelt little show. To quote Linus, with his much-beloved little blanket in tow: "I never thought it was such a bad little tree. It's not bad at all, really. Maybe it just needs a little love." Awww ... sniff, sniff.

A Charlie Brown Christmas, 11 a.m. Dec. 21; 6:30 p.m. Dec. 22; 7 p.m. Dec. 23; 2 p.m. Dec. 24, Tacoma Musical Playhouse, 7116 6th Ave., Tacoma, $10 general admission, tmp.org

>>> RUN AND WALK

Jingle Your Jiggle!

When the good folks at Metro Parks say the Jingle Bell Run in historic Wright Park in Tacoma is a FUN run, believe them. On Christmas Eve afternoon, get out and about for some fresh air and a good ole' calorie burn before the big day. Run, walk or do your best elf jig along a pretty and urban 3-mile course in the park while being treated to holiday music. Don a rad holiday costume to be in the "running" for a cool prize at the event costume contest. Spread some holiday goodness by bringing a non-perishable food item for the St. Leo's Food Bank or donate your old running shoes to the Tacoma Rescue Mission's shoe drive.

Jingle Bell Run, 1:30 p.m., Dec. 24, Wright Park, 316 S. G St., Tacoma, $10 entry fee ($25 day of the race), registration info at metroparkstacoma.org

>>> HELP

Give Gifts and Get All Wrapped Up to Help Others

The Salvation Army of Tacoma has come to the aid of local families for more than 100 years. Food, shelter, clothing and support of those in need are the hallmarks of this local and historic organization. This time of year, the Salvation Army sponsors two important holiday programs, both of which are located at the Tacoma Mall shopping center. The Salvation Army Giving Tree is adorned with holiday wish tags from children and teens. It's easy to help: just pick a tag, purchase the wish list item and return it to the Giving Tree station. Your reward: making a needy child smile at Christmastime. While you are running around doing last-minute shopping this week, think of the kiddos and check out the tree (move fast though, dear spritely South Sound elves - items need to be back to the tree no later than Dec. 21). Hate to wrap gifts? Lazy? No matter. The Salvation Army has you covered for all your gift wrapping needs. For set fees, get your packages wrapped by volunteers. All of the proceeds go to the Salvation Army's good works. They'll be there on Christmas Eve, too, for you last-minute shoppers.

The Salvation Army Giving Tree and Gift Wrapping Station, Tree Dec. 18- Dec. 21; Wrapping Dec. 18-24, Tacoma Mall, 4502 S. Steele St., Tacoma, website for event times and other volunteer/donation info, salvationarmy.org

>>> VISIT

Farmer's Market Magic in Oly

When it comes to the holidays, the Olympia Farmers Market isn't fooling around, especially the last weekend before Christmas. Kill 10 elves with one stone as you cross off your last-minute holiday to-dos at this handy-dandy locally lovely market. Get food for the feast, holiday gifts and of course, have some fun, too. Saturday features a holiday trolley, kid's activities and on-site volunteers to wrap up your gifts for you while you go shopping (proceeds from the gift wrapping services benefit local nonprofits). Sunday, look for food demos and maybe even a visit from Santa. So have your sleighs and reindeer at the ready for a great visit to Olympia! Hoe, hoe, hoe (a lil' farmer's market humor).

Olympia Farmers Market, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Dec. 21-22, 700 N. Capital Way, Olympia, free cover, olympiafarmersmarket.com

>>> GO

Holidazed in Downtown Tacoma!

Break out the silver bells, South Sounders near and far. It's Christmas time in the city. Of course, downtown Tacoma has had you covered for all your holiday adventures all December long; however, Thursday, Dec. 19, precious hours before the BIG day, wouldn't it be cool to don your elfish grins and bring your last-minute holiday shopping and wish lists and pop on downtown for a variety of fun, shopping, great eats and drinks and holiday cheer? It's your pick(s) of fun: Art Mingle Thursday (tacomaartgroup.org), where the Tacoma Art Museum and other awesome local art venues open their holiday doors to welcome you. Hop aboard the December Art Bus (tacomaartbus.com) for some mobile holiday goodness, treats and guest host Rudolph. Local merchants are a holiday wonderland of local shopping love: books, jewelry, clothing, gifts; you name it. Grab some great grub and libations from a wide variety of eateries (downtowntacoma.com). Finally, if you are feeling adventurous, join friends for a skate off at Polar Plaza. Holiday perfection, if you ask us.

Downtown Tacoma, after 5 p.m. , Dec. 19, Museum District on Pacific Avenue, Tacoma, no cover for ArtMingle, other event ticket prices vary, visit websites above

>>> WATCH

Holiday Movie Madness

There's nothing better than this holiday recipe: great holiday flick, warm and cozy movie theater, hot buttery popcorn and some sweet treats. Well, the wonderful and eclectic Grand Cinema in Tacoma launches two holiday classics Saturday, Dec. 21. The movie version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas, is sure to delight the kiddies and adults alike. Based on the family classic holiday TV show, watch the creepy ole' Grinch's heart grow giddy with the holiday spirit in this endearing flick. For those who prefer a bit of a darker production, check out Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale opening the same day. Set in Finland, the unusual and terrifically bizarre plot features disappearing children, a kidnapped Santa, vengeful elves and some debauchery. Cool. Oh, and need a last-minute gift? The Grand has great movie and dinner gift certificate packages.

The Grand Cinema, show times vary, Dec. 21, 606 S. Fawcett, Tacoma, general admission $9, matinee $7 (seniors, students, military, kids, $7), grandcinema.com

>>> EAT

We (Heart) Candy

So, you really, really think that the waxy, drippy, melty, crushed chocolate Santa Claus is yummy? Tired of eating one stale candy cane after another? Don't fear, South Sounders! Get the good stuff this week before the holiday hits. The local, iconic, historic and overall delish Brown & Haley candy company in Tacoma is the real deal. Home of the classic Almond Roca candies and so many other delightful confections, Brown & Haley is your holiday one-stop shopping center for goodies for gifts or baking your own creations. Even better, check out the website's special recipe section for cookies, desserts and drinks to craft your own culinary creations. Buy at the local factory stores, a wide variety of retailers or online.

Brown & Haley, visit website for stores and hours or online purchases, available candy varieties and prices, brown-haley.com

>>> SIP

Holiday Teatime

We all know that Pacific Northwesterners are a coffee clutching and coffee guzzling species. True. BUT, what if you did something a little different this year for sipping and giving (and don't worry, caffeine aficionados, it can still deliver)? Well then, how about a little holiday teatime, eh? Aromatic and soothing teas are fun to drink, smell, buy, give and savor. Mad Hat Tea Company in Tacoma literally has, well, EVERYTHING for tea lovers and tea drinkers. Featuring more than 250 kinds of teas (yes, really!) in groovy and artistic packaging, plus neat-o tea accessories, you are sure to find something for everyone's stocking. Visit the shop in downtown Tacoma, order online, or visit one of the many very wise, very local businesses and eateries that serve and sell Mad Hat Tea. Bonus: Mad Hat's Facebook page notes that it is going to be open Sundays from 12-5 until Christmas to give you more time. Stop by and grab a cuppa.

Mad Hat Tea Company, 1130 Commerce St., Tacoma, madhattea.com

See Also

South Sound Holiday Command Center

Calendar: Arts and Entertainment

Calendar: Music and Nightlife