Making seasons bright: winter event series lights up the Conservatory

No matter the season, the W.W. Seymour Conservatory sits on top of the hill in Wright Park like a crown jewel of the Stadium District. But with days getting darker and colder the conservatory’s bright poinsettia display and warm glow offer an illumination that transforms it into a beacon of winter festivity. 

This December, thanks to a partnership with Amazon, and a mutual commitment to diversity and inclusion, the conservatory is offering nearly a dozen opportunities to welcome the start of winter and all the festivities that come with it.  

“At Amazon we begin each day determined to make better, do better, and be better for the communities where our customers and employees live and work. Partnerships that create an impact, like the winter community events at the conservatory, are one way we work hard to make our customers’ lives easier every day and it’s why we are proud to partner with Parks Tacoma,” said Dean Allsop, manager of community engagement for Amazon. 

Every Sunday through Christmas Eve, children ages 12+ and adults can register for a different free botanical-themed craft project ranging from preserved moss picture frames and wintery flower arrangements to handmade holiday cards that you can have mailed on-site.  

There will be three scheduled opportunities for staged photos this year, including a Black Santa on December 2 with free professional photos available. On December 9 visitors are welcome to stop in for Selfies with Santa (you can snap it yourself or have one of Santa’s helpers take an instant photo in front of a fun background), and on December 16 a photographer will be available to take free photos in front of a variety of backgrounds, both seasonal and not. 

“We want anyone no matter what, how, or even if they celebrate, to feel welcome and be able to come down and have a free, professional-quality photo taken of themselves and their loved ones,” said Tyra Shenaurlt, the conservatory supervisor. 

Other events throughout the month include a chance to gather as a community for caroling and hot chocolate, and a winter music series featuring local artists. Listen to a live seasonal soundtrack while you sit and relax, stroll through the seasonal displays, or drop into the conservatory gift shop for a unique collection of botanical prints, jewelry, yard décor, nature-themed ornaments and more. 

Visitors are also invited to come during regular hours to enjoy the Wonder: Winter Flower Show which showcases 10 different poinsettia varieties, vibrant tropical foliage and whimsical touches. Purchase your favorites  

More information about holiday events at the conservatory and across other Parks Tacoma locations can be found online at MetroParksTacoma.org/familyfun. 

Winter Events at the Conservatory 

Black Santa Visits the Conservatory: Dec. 2 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 

Seymour Holiday Workshops: Dec. 3, 10, 17, and 24 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 

Winter Music Series:  

• Dec. 3 from 1-2:30 p.m. 
• Dec. 10 from 3-4:30 p.m. 
• Dec. 14 from 6:30-8 p.m. 
• Dec. 17 from 1-2:30 p.m. 

Selfies with Santa: Dec. 9 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 

Cocoa and Carols: Dec. 9 from 4-6 p.m. 

Festive Photos with Family and Friends: Dec. 16 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 

Poinsettia Sale 

Beginning Dec. 2 in the Conservatory Gift Shop shoppers can choose from ten different poinsettia varieties in three sizes. Quantities are limited. 

• 4” pot – $7 
• 5” pot – $8 
• 6” pot – $10 

Learn everything you need to know about poinsettia care and get a behind-the-scenes look at the conservatory’s greenhouse in this video with horticulturalist Scott Bassett.