6-Pack of Things To Do: Tuesday December 15 2020

Stir crazy? January is yet to come, but cabin fever can descend upon the soul at any time. Life’s stresses and obligations can create the sense of being hemmed in. It may behoove you, then, to get some air — if not ozone, at least the rarefied air of human expression. Remember that Ebenezer Scrooge and the Grinch were reluctant at first, but the holiday spirit seeped its way through to even them. Maybe you could get there, too, with today’s 6-Pack of Things To Do.

SANTA PHOTO: No matter what name you know him by (Sinterklaas, Santa Claus, Kris Kringle, St. Nick, or Tim Allen), it’s no secret that Santa is better at “adulting” than the lot of us. How else would you explain his insane productivity (cheap elf labor?), varied interests, and ability to be in multiple places at the same time (quantum physics)? Anyway, he’s made a list, checked it twice, and regardless of whether you’ve been naughty or nice, he is going to show up at the Tacoma Mall. It’s called responsibility — and it’s the true meaning of adulthood (whether you’ve aged a few decades or a few millennia). Santa and his helpers wear masks. You wear a mask. Your child wears a mask. Everyone socially distances. Make a “Simon Santa Photo Experience” reservation here. 1-7 p.m., 4502 S Steele St, Tacoma

BEER FLIGHT: Every December — while the bartenders close down our Proctor District craft beer bar, bottle shop and restaurant for the night — Peaks & Pints co-owner Pappi Swarner grabs three holiday beers, heads upstairs to his office, cranks his computer speaks to an 11 and watches holiday Youtube videos. Obviously, he can’t perform his holiday tradition this year … at Peaks & Pints. No, his holiday glee now takes place inside his home, much to the chagrin of his wife and daughter. In the spirit of giving, we offer you the chance to share his joy. Today, he pairs three Christmas season beers with three Christmas carols in a flight he calls, Peaks and Pints To-Go Christmas Beer Flight: Christmas Beer Carols. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., 3816 N. 26th St., Basecamp Proctor, Tacoma

BAD PARKING: We get it. We’ve all been there: You’re rushing. You’re busy. The last thing on your mind is whether you’ve parked perfectly in that space. All you want to do is get to your destination pronto. Sometimes, just some attention to detail can be the difference in when trying to park your car. One of Peaks & Pints favorite social media series is #badparkingatdoyles on Doyle’s Public House’s Instagram. Yes, the Tacoma Stadium District pub and whiskey bar has a small parking lot — one they share with King’s Books, but seriously folks! And, Doyle’s owner Russ Heaton does pull any punches: “‘You Shall Not Pass’ – said the two buttholes who parked like this”; “Because parking 5 feet away from the wall is what you’re supposed to do…. sure”; “Come on Red Prius owner. Come. On.” Grab an Ex Novo Brewing Nevermore barleywine from the Peaks & Pints cooler, jump on Doyle’s Instagram, and enjoy!

ZOOLIGHTS: You’re sick and tired of driving through the neighborhood looking at the homes of people who think they deserve an award for their light displays. You deserve to take a night to go see Zoolights at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. Billed as the region’s biggest walk-through light show, ZooLights 700,00 lights don everything from Santa’s reindeer to walruses and the 23-foot Mount Rainier. There is an infusion of newness in this year’s event, for obvious reasons. A very limited number of timed online tickets are now available at pdza.org/zoolights. Aquariums, goat area and the carousel will be closed during Zoolights to keep everyone safe, but parking is free. 5-9 p.m., 5400 N. Pearl St., Tacoma, online timed tickets required, $5.50-$14

BANNED BOOK CLUB: Each year, the American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom compiles a list of the top 10 most frequently challenged books in order to inform the public about censorship in libraries and schools. Alex Gino’s George appeared in the number five slot on the list for 2017, and it was also included on the 2016 list, because it’s believed to encourage children to clear browser history and change their bodies using hormones. That doesn’t sit well with King’s Books owner, sweet pea. The Gino book will be front and center at King’s Banned Book Club Zoom discussion tonight. 7 p.m., email David at rafferty2@earthlink.net for Zoom link

HOLIDAY LIGHTS: Established over two decades ago, Fantasy Lights is a highly celebrated drive-thru display of awe-inspiring light exhibits held annually during the holiday season at Spanaway Park. The jaw-dropping two-mile drive includes elaborate sparkling scenes and pieces that evoke a profound sense of wizardry and reverence for people of all ages. Open tonight through Jan. 3, Fantasy Lights has added additional safety measures to keep you and their staff safer throughout your visit. 5:30-9 p.m. nightly, Spanaway Park, 14905 Bresemann Blvd. S., Spanaway, $15-$20 per vehicle