Tacoma has a model-train fest and more

Take a nostalgic trip to the golden age of railroads at the Model Train Festival at Tacoma's Washington State History Museum Friday through Jan. 3.

Nine model-train displays join the museum's huge model-railroad display of Tacoma landmarks and history, the largest permanent model-train installation in the state.

From 1865 until the widespread use of automobiles, trains were the main mode of transportation in the United States. This golden age of railroads is portrayed in elaborate layouts by local model-railroad clubs and train-related activities for all ages. Kid-friendly exhibits include Lego and Playmobile displays and special activities by Children's Museum Tacoma on Saturday and Sunday. A Jan. 3 lecture, "The Preservation Express: Passenger Trains in America's Sustainable Future," will help you learn about the future of trains as portrayed in contemporary art.

Sound Transit's Tacoma Link streetcar line stops outside the museum, making for easy hops to Tacoma Art Museum and downtown restaurants, and the Museum of Glass is a short walk away via the Chihuly Bridge of Glass.

Also in Tacoma, Zoolights at Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium continues through Jan. 4, with elaborate evening light displays and recycling bins to recycle your old strings of holiday lights to reduce waste in landfills and raise money for zoo conservation activities.

Tacoma's all-ages New Year's Eve festival, First Night Tacoma, includes performances at several downtown venues — indoors and outdoors — and features the Grand Procession parade down Broadway at 7 p.m. Wednesday, showcasing performers and artists including fire arts, acrobatics, drums, Tacoma Scots bagpipe band and more.

Model Train Festival

Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Jan. 3, until 8 p.m. Jan. 1. Special children's events 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Cost: $8/adult, $7/ages 60+, $6/ages 6-7 and military, $25/family, two adults and up to four children; free admission 5-8 p.m. Thursdays, including Jan. 1.

Location: Washington State History Museum, 1911 Pacific Ave., Tacoma.

Getting there: From Interstate 5, take the City Center exit, Exit 133. Follow the I-705/City Center signs to 21st Street, turn left, then right onto Pacific Avenue. Museum parking $2-$4 for up to three hours, $6-$8 all day. Sound Transit information: 800-201-4900 or www.soundtransit.org.

More information: 888-238-4373 or washingtonhistory.org.

Zoolights

Time: 5-9 p.m. daily through Jan. 4; call to check for weather closure information.

Cost: $7/person.

Location: Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, 5400 N. Pearl St., Tacoma.

Getting there: From I-5, take Exit 132 (Highway 16 West). Exit at Sixth Avenue and turn left. Take the next right on to Pearl Street.

More information: 253-404-3822 or www.pdza.org.

First Night Tacoma

Time: 6 p.m.-midnight Dec. 31, hours vary by location.

Location: Throughout downtown Tacoma.

More information: 253-279-8213 or www.firstnighttacoma.org.