About The Tacoma Light Trail

The Tacoma Light Trail is a winter festival of light art and sound in downtown Tacoma. Using light to symbolize hope, truth and understanding, it unites the community, lifts up diverse voices and brings joy and healing during dark times. It also creates a vibrant downtown, supporting businesses and artists.

Our History

The Tacoma Light Trail launched in December 2020 with the first light festival ever in Tacoma. It was a grassroots community effort, almost entirely powered by volunteers, including founding Director Rosemary Ponnekanti. Over 50 artists filled 35 locations downtown with a Covid-safe trail of light art, music and poetry navigable on a website and map with QR code posters at each location. The Trail garnered huge community accolades, media attention and a City of Destiny Award. In 2021 we established the Trail as an organization and annual event, guided by a professional community team, with fair payment for artists. This year, Rosemary Ponnekanti passed the director reigns over to Michelle Matlock who previously produced our New Year's Eve events at Tollefson Plaza in Downtown Tacoma. Michelle is currently working with a team of amazing artists and organizers to bring Tacoma Light Trail 2023/24 back to downtown Tacoma.

The Tacoma Light Trail festival begins Dec. 31 with a flaming dragon parade from the UWT leading to fire dancing, music, light art and more in Tollefson Plaza, and it’s all free. The festival continues to light up downtown through Jan. 14, 2024 with a light and sound Trail, live indoor events and a Lighted Bike Ride Jan. 4.