GET OUT: UP's Christmas Tree Lighting Highlights A Weekend Of Festivities

It’s Thursday and you’ve got no idea what you’ll do for the weekend.

University Place Patch is coming to the rescue. We’ve got the best bets for your done-with-work, get-me-outta-here time. Check our picks for the activities to hit and new establishments to explore.

• Where/When: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Sat, Dec. 3 at .
• Why Go: Join the City of University Place as they usher in the holiday season with their annual Christmas Tree Lighting celebration. Enjoy musical entertainment, a silent auction fundraiser, children's games and crafts, the arrival of Santa at 3 p.m. The celebration will culminate with a candlelight parade to Market Square and the Christmas tree lighting.
• Cost: Free.

• Where/When: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Sunday at the Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center.
• Why Go: Kick of the holiday season with the 25th annual Festival of Trees. There will be a glittering display of approximately 70 exquisitely decorated trees. Each tree is trimmed with holiday presents, trips and other marvelous gifts. Enjoy special theme days and events, gift shops, photos with Santa, two elegant evenings of dining and entertainment, and the season's most exciting auction of trees and wreaths.
• Cost: $6 for adults, $2 for students and kids under 12 get in free.
  

• Where/When: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Sat, Dec. 3 at Steilacoom High School.
• Why Go: The 14th annual Red Ribbon Bazaar will be held at Steilacoom High School this Saturday beginning at 9 a.m.  Come and browse the 68 vendors who will be offering handmade arts and crafts and other items perfect for holiday season. A silent auction of table top trees and baskets will be held to benefit student groups, clubs and teams. Activities and Santa photos are available for children of all ages.  
• Cost: The $1 admission goes directly to help the artistic, athletic and academic endeavors of SHS students.

• Where/When: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday at .
• Why Go: Join the Tillicum/Woodbrook Community Center this weekend for their 26 annual Holiday Bazaar and Fundraiser. Do your holiday shopping, have lunch, win prizes, and have fun visiting with your neighbors and friends.
• Cost: Admission is free.
  

• Where/When: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Sat, Dec. 3 at the W. W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory in Tacoma.
• Why Go: W.W. Seymour botanical Conservatory staff and volunteers dressed in beautiful Victorian costumes will answer questions, serve refreshments and take donations of socks, mittens and/or cash for the Tacoma Rescue Mission Family Shelter. Santa will be on hand to hear holiday wishes. A professional photographer will memorialize the visit with a five by seven inch photo for $15. Kids can listen to children's stories frequently throughout the day.
• Cost: $5 suggested donation.