I was super surprised when I learned just how many Seattle Christmas activities there are. I’m accustomed to a lot of holiday activities and snow thanks to growing up on the east coast. When I learned Seattle doesn’t get much snow upon moving here ~15 years ago, the idea of it being a “Christmas town” was put to rest.
So you could imagine my surprise when I learned that Seattle is Christmas-y AF starting in November. Plus, snow is only an hour’s drive away. So if you’re looking for holiday craft markets, neighborhoods that are super extra when it comes to Christmas lights, and underground holiday performances, Seattle’s got it.
Here are my favorite Seattle Christmas activities that would give even the biggest grinch in your life the holiday spirit.
This post has some affiliate links, which means I’ll earn a small commission at no cost to you if you click on them and make a purchase. This is a small way I earn money to support this site. If links aren’t showing up for you, turn off your ad blocking software. Thank you for your support!
Best Seattle Christmas Activities
Here are all my favorite ways to spend the holiday season in Seattle. Jump to the type of holiday activity in Seattle that interests you:
- Christmas markets
- Holiday shows and performances
- Christmas festivals and events
- Epic Christmas light displays
- Holiday craft experiences
Christmas markets
Starting as early as mid-October, there are typically around 100 Seattle Christmas markets and craft fairs. Given my obsessive tendencies, I curate all of them in an epic roundup of holiday markets and update it each year. There’s nothing like finding the perfect gift to get you in the holiday spirit.
If you’re overwhelmed by the thought of hitting up all of these holiday markets, I’ve curated some gift guides including makers that attend these markets:
- Best Pacific Northwest Gifts for Any Interest
- Gifts for Foodies Made in the PNW
- Best Gifts for Chefs and Home Cooks
- All My Holiday Gift Guides
Or another option is to visit That’s So Festive, a 2,000-square-foot holiday pop up in Monroe, WA that will have a ton of gifts and decor all holiday long.
Holiday shows and performances
We’re so lucky to live in a theater city. Come the holidays there are a ton of Christmas shows, including more mainstream ones for the whole family to more obscure and risqué ones perfect for a date night.
A Christmas Carol
If you love the famous Charles Dickens’ story with the OG bah humbug, Ebenezer Scrooge, there are a lot of creative interpretations of A Christmas Carol around the greater Seattle metro area.
The Act Theater hosts the classic play, A Christmas Carol, every year. This year it’s November 29 – December 27. Harlequin Productions out of Olympia, WA also puts on a version of A Christmas Carol November 29 – December 24 as well if you prefer a location more south.
Want a unique take on this Christmas classic? A Very Drunken Christmas Carol is playing at Seattle Opera December 12-22.
Other holiday plays
Want to see a holiday show beyond A Christmas Carol? Taproot Theater in Greenwood is hosting their annual A Charlie Brown Christmas from December 5-28. They’re also hosting a new production called Happy Christmas, Jeeves November 27 to December 28.
ArtsWest is showing Snowed In (Again) running November 21 – December 22. It follows the story of writers taking a retreat to create the next best holiday show the world has ever seen, only to have a storm put a wrench in their plans. Will they finish? You’ll have to see the play to find out.
Seeing Miracle on 34th Street is one of the most classic Seattle Christmas activities. It’s playing at Driftwood Players in Edmonds November 22 to December 15 and The Center for Active Living in West Seattle on December 18. The Center for Active Living is also doing a dramatic reading of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas December 3.
Short Stories Live: Rogue’s Christmas is playing at Town Hall December 14. You’ll follow a crew of mistletoe misfits for holiday hijinx and yuletide yucks as they tell the stories of noted scamps Oscar Wilde, Jeanette Winterson, and more.
Another option is The Snow Queen running November 27 – January 5 at the Seattle Children’s Theater. Kids will love the story of the protagonist trying to save their friend from the snow queen’s palace.
The Nutcracker Ballet
The Nutcracker Ballet is one of the most quintessential Seattle Christmas activities. This holiday season they’re back in the theater with shows from November 29 – December 28. However, you can also enjoy streaming the ballet and watching the fairy plum dancers from the comfort of your own home with a digital version available December 20-28.
Can’t wait until Thanksgiving Weekend? STG is hosting Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet at Paramount Theater on November 17.
If you’re in South Seattle, Olympia also hosts a Nutcracker Ballet December 13-22. It’s the perfect excuse for exploring the best things to do in Olympia, WA. Or head to Federal Way for Grand Kyiv Ballet’s version of The Nutcracker December 22.
Want to see ballet, but tired of The Nutcracker story? Head to We Call It Ballet November 8 to December 13 for a rendition of Sleeping Beauty paired with a dazzling light show. Or check out Grand Kyiv Ballet’s Snow Queen playing at The Paramount Theater December 24.
Hip Hop Nutcracker
If you love The Nutcracker, but want to see a different version, definitely check out the Hip Hop Nutcracker. I went in person a few years ago and was blown away by the experience.
My assumption was that it would be The Nutcracker reimagined with hip hop music, but the music is actually the same as the original. It’s the moves that are re-imagined. I love how it shows that hip hop dancing can be done to classical music and not just tunes that drop bass.
This year they moved locations to Olympia November 12 and Bellingham November 13. If you go to the second show, it’s the perfect excuse to make a day of it and explore the areas with my Bellingham guide.
Holiday burlesque, cabaret & acrobatics
If you want a sultry take on The Nutcracker, check out on of the annual holiday events perfect for adults: Burlesque Nutcracker. This year it’s back in theater December 11-29. This makes a perfect date night out of one of the best Seattle Christmas activities!
Another option is Can Can Culinary Cabaret’s Wonderland show running from November 21 – January 5. Artists will swing from chandeliers and perform dazzling arrays of talents to awestruck guests. They also have weekend brunch option perfect for the whole family.
Love Cirque du Soleil? Then check out Cirque Dreams Holidaze happening at 5th Avenue Theatre December 6-7.
Holiday drag shows
Moore Theatre is hosting The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show December 21-24. There will be holiday-themed performances and what is described as “whip-smart comedy”. It’s bound to be a good time!
Dina Martina Christmas Show is playing at ACT Theatre December 6-24. She’ll bring a mix of festive tunes and comedy for a fun night out to ring in the holiday season.
Two other options include A Drag Queen Christmas December 8 and Jingle All the Way December 13-15.
Christmas comedies
If you need a laugh, one of the best Seattle Christmas activities is seeing a holiday-themed comedy show. The Seattle Theater Group is hosting the annual A John Water’s Christmas show December 3-4. Described as “The Pope of Trash” by William Burrough, the “Christmasly incorrect” humor in the show notes sounds like a hoot.
Scott Shoemaker’s War on Christmas is running December 6-26. Follow the cast as they make you laugh while trying to figure out why people are fighting on Christmas.
A Very Die Hard Christmas is back again this year and offering shows November 22 through December 22. This musical parody has Christmas entertainment with lots of action, 80s jokes, smooth soft rock jams, and snarky German terrorists.
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Sweater is playing December 3-15 at Seattle Rep. This improv comedy show will roast the most sacred holiday traditions…nothing is off limits!
Another option is A Merry Christmas Holiday Show with Brett Hollis is happening on December 14. Or head to Fa la la la la, ha ha ha ha for a musical extravaganza on select dates November 21 to December 21 that combines comedy and a sing-a-long.
Holiday concerts
There’s always some kind of music going on during the holidays. For example Fever’s popular Candlelight Music Series will be hosting a Holiday Special Featuring the Nutcracker December 5, 11, 19, and 20 (there’s a separate link for the Dec 11 show). You’ll get to listen to classical music versions of your holiday favorites under the glow of endless candlelights.
If you prefer classic Christmas carols, there is also a Christmas Carols in Strings candlelight show December 6 and 21. Or, skip the candles and head to A Very Sinatra Christmas Special happening on the Fairmont Olympic Pavilion rooftop December 8.
Love jazz? BlueStreet Voices will be playing a jazzy holiday concert on December 14. Similarly, Mary McPage & Susan Carr will also be playing their Annual Holiday Show on the same day.
Holiday choirs
Figgy Pudding is one of the most well-known holiday choir events in Seattle. It sounds like a British treat, but it’s an annual Christmas caroling competition. This year it’s December 7 and all ticket proceeds will support the Pike Market Senior Center & Food Bank.
If you want more intimate community choir performances, there are a ton this season:
- The Gift of Winter (Nov 23-24)
- Ho-Ho-Ho! concert (Dec 1-21)
- TREEmendous Holiday concert (Dec 1-23)
- Silver Sounds Holiday Show (Dec 4)
- Song of the Angels (Dec 6)
- This Shining Night (Dec 6-7)
- South Sound Classic Choir Holiday Concert (Dec 6, 8, 13, 15)
- Comfort & Joy: An English Christmas (Dec 7)
- A Hollywood Holiday A Capella (Dec 7)
- Hearth’s Aglow in Winter’s Snow (Dec 7)
- Noël sans Frontières (Dec 7)
- It Could Be Beautiful (Dec 7)
- Readings & Carols (Dec 7)
- Solstice & Dawn (Dec 7)
- From Darkness to Light (Dec 7)
- Handel’s “Messiah” (Dec 7 & 14)
- Festival of Lessons & Carols (Dec 7-23)
- A Choral Christmas Carol (Dec 8)
- Holiday Air (Dec 8)
- Sing Love, Shout Joy! (Dec 8)
- A Season of Light (Dec 9)
- ChristmasSounds shows in Bellevue (Dec 6), Burien (Dec 14-15)
- Christmas in Ukraine (Dec 13)
- Evergreen Ensemble Christmas Concert (Dec 13 & 15)
- Heralding Christmas (Dec 13 & 15)
- A Christmas Carol (Dec 13-15)
- Midwinter Melodies (Dec 14)
- Santa’s Love Language (Dec 14)
- Sing to the Earth (Dec 14)
- SilverSounds Northwest Holiday Show (Dec 14-15)
- Candlelight Carols (Dec 14-15)
- Winter in the British Isles (Dec 14 & 21, streaming Dec 23)
- Tidings of Joy: A Festival Carol Celebration (Dec 15)
- Wonderful World Concert (Dec 15)
- O Rising Dawn (Dec 15)
Holiday symphony
The infamous Trans-Siberian Orchestra is coming to Seattle for a matinee and evening holiday concert on November 23. Or catch them in Spokane November 22!
If you can’t make it on those few select dates, The Seattle Symphony is hosting a bunch of holiday shows this year perfect for the classical music lover:
- Leslie Odom Jr: The Christmas Tour (Dec 3)
- The Percussion: Jingle Bell Bash (Dec 6-7)
- Holiday Pops (Dec 6-8)
- Canadian Brass: Making Spirits Bright (Dec 11)
- Home Alone in Concert (Dec 13-15)
- The Snowman (Dec 14)
- Have You Heard the Bells (Dec 16)
- Handel Messiah (Dec 19-22)
- A Festival of Lessons & Carols (Dec 23)
- New Year’s Eve Concert, Countdown & Disco (Dec 31)
Christmas festivals and events
These holiday events are a must when exploring the best Seattle Christmas activities.
Astra Lumina
A new holiday tradition that started last year is now one of the best Seattle Christmas activities because it’s back again this year. Astra Lumina is an enchanting night walk at the Seattle Chinese Garden happening from November 2 through December. You can expect a mesmerizing art installation featuring a pathway of light displays moving to the rhythm of music.
Seattle Center Winterfest
Every year the area around Seattle Center and the Space Needle is transformed into a winter wonderland for Seattle Winterfest November 29 – December 31, where you can typically find popup holiday shops, ice skating, performances, and more. They also deck out the Seattle Center campus in spectacular Christmas light installations perfect for a winter stroll.
While you’re at Winterfest, check out the Seattle Christmas Market also happening at Seattle Center November 21 – December 23. It’s a large European-style holiday market with performances, makers, activities, light installations, and festive food and drink.
Winter Brilliance
Chihuly Garden and Glass is hosting Winter Brilliance November 29 – February 28. The exhibit was originally created for the Barney’s New York flagship store in 2015 for their famous holiday window display. It features ~700 hand-blown glass forms to mimic a winter landscape. Video projections and music create an immersive installation inspired by fire, ice, and the dramatic use of light.
Green Lake Pathway of Lights
Seattle Parks and Recreation hosts this free holiday event for the whole family December 14 from 4:30 – 7:30 pm. The path around Green Lake will be illuminated with thousands of twinkling candles. There will be music, refreshments, mini hot air balloons, and plenty of photo opps.
Zoo WildLanterns
Every holiday season the Woodland Park Zoo hosts WildLanterns November 15 – January 19, an outdoor event where they install festive Christmas lights throughout the zoo exhibits. I used to work at the zoo and can attest to what an awesome experience this is, particularly for young ones!
Another option is the annual Diving Santa event at the Seattle Aquarium. Take a selfie as he floats in the tanks on Friday November 29, and then every Saturday and Sunday November 30 through December 22.
Located south of Seattle? Point Defiance Zoo in Tacoma has their annual Zoolights November 29 – January 5.
Live north of Seattle? Issaquah’s Cougar Mountain Zoo hosts their Reindeer Festival December 1-23 and 26-30.
Woodinville Winterfest
Woodinville Winterfest is a town-wide holiday festival with a ton of events happening on December 7, so it’s the perfect excuse to go wine tasting at the Woodinville wineries. There will be a holiday fair and tree lighting at DeYoung Park where you can find holiday treats, Santa, kids activities, ornament making, face painting and a toy drive. There will also be a holiday breakfast that morning.
As part of Winterfest, The Schoolhouse District will have its annual holiday market December 13-14. It’ll be adults only on Friday night where you can shop sans kids while sipping from the local tasting rooms. On Saturday there will be photos with Santa, hot cocoa, and other activities perfect for the whole family.
Lastly, the Woodin Creek Village area of Winterfest will have live music, popup shops, carriage rides, light displays, the Grinch, hot cocoa, and Santa and his wine cellar with bottles you can take home for your holiday entertaining needs.
Holiday cookies
Get your fill of holiday sweets at this cookie crawl in Burien happening Saturday December 7. For $25 per person you’ll get a map with participating locations and a goodie bag to take home your treats.
Can’t make it on December 7 but want cookies? You can pre-order classic Christmas cookies from Island Chef Services and get them delivered to your door. Or order Italian Christmas cookies specifically for pick up from Tremonte’s.
Holiday in the Park
Volunteer Park in Capitol Hill is hosting Holiday in the Park December 5 from 6 to 8 pm. You can expect music, treats, kids activities, and pathways of over 600 glowing luminarias.
Downtown Holiday Lights and Delights
Every year downtown Bellevue is transformed into Snowflake Lane for the holidays. This year you’ll find elaborate light installations lining the main shopping street from November 29 – December 24. There will also be music, performances, and events throughout December, plus a daily parade starting at 7 PM.
While you’re in the area, head to The Westin Bellevue for a pre- and post-parade pop up in its lobby and restaurant December 6-7, 13-14, and 20-21. There will be a free photo booth where you can turn yourself into an elf, holiday cocktails, bites, and hot cocoa to fuel you before the parade begins.
Seattle Festival of Trees
Every holiday season the Fairmont Olympic Hotel in downtown Seattle transforms their lobby with a breathtaking Christmas tree display. And we’re not talking just one, but a ton, all decorated with different themes.
The Seattle Festival of Trees, is an annual charity event for Seattle Children’s Hospital. Each tree design is inspired by a patient, with their story displayed on a placard next to each tree. Guests can purchase the elaborate trees to adorn their own home for Christmas, with proceeds going to the hospital. There’s also a gala every year with an auction, food, drink, and entertainment.
This year the gala is being held on November 23. They also have a their Teddy Bear Suite available November 29 where you can take selfies in one of their hotel rooms completely transformed into a teddy bear workshop. Entry is free, but they suggest a donation to Seattle Children’s.
Christmas Ship Festival
Argosy Cruises is hosting a series of boat rides infused with holiday spirit. Ride the water on a ship decked out in Christmas lights during their annual Christmas Ship Festival November 23 – December 23. You can choose to ride two different boats or head to the onshore activities. There will be choirs singing Christmas carols, food, drink, and more.
Gingerbread Village
The Sheraton Grand Seattle in Downtown Seattle transforms their lobby each year into a Gingerbread Village. This year it runs daily November 21 – January 1. Visit Sundays through Thursdays from 9 am – 9 pm or Fridays and Saturdays from 9 am – 11 pm for a huge installation perfect for holiday photos.
Have kids who want to build their own gingerbread house? The Bellevue Collection is hosting Gingerbread Workshops at the Hyatt Regency in Bellevue November 29-30.
Magic in the Market
Each year Pike Place Market hosts Magic in the Market. They decorate the market with fun installations and host various events, like pictures with Santa, ornament making, carolers, and live reindeers! This year it’s on Saturday November 30 from 11 am – 6 pm. It’s a fun way to experience beautiful views of the Puget Sound while getting some holiday shopping done.
Enjoy holiday pop-up bars & cocktails
One of the best Seattle Christmas activities is to celebrate over a festive drink. Here are pop-up bars that go all out for the holidays.
The Elf Bar
The Astra Hotel in South Lake Union is hosting The Elf Bar December 4-22. There will be hundreds of elf figurines and over-the-top holiday decor perfect for a selfie. Enjoy festive cocktails and games while you basque in the merry ambiance.
Miracle on 2nd Popup Bar
Rob Roy, the cocktail bar that is home to one of the best cocktails in Seattle, hosts a holiday popup bar every year where they turn their intimate bar in Belltown into a winter wonderland and serve festive drinks sure to get anyone in the holiday spirit. It starts November 8 and runs through the holidays, so get your reservations in now before they’re all booked up.
Merry Little Christmas Bar
The Edgewater Hotel right along the Seattle waterfront is hosting the Merry Little Christmas Pop-Up Bar December 5-29. This experience has a ton of festive holiday decor, themed drinks, and Santa-approved snacks. Expect unapologetically gaudy, delightfully kitschy, and all-around festive merriments and tunes.
Christmas Dive Bar
From now through January a festive Christmas Dive Bar has popped up in Capitol Hill. You can enjoy holiday-themed drinks and plenty of photo opportunities. No reservations are required, but you can book it for private parties.
Sheraton Grand Jingle Bar
The Sheraton Grand Seattle is also hosting a holiday-themed Jingle Bar Nov 15 – Jan 1. They’ll transform their hotel wine bar into a winter wonderland where guests can enjoy a special holiday menu and festive cocktails. Each item sold, they’ll donate $1 to the Breakthrough T1D that benefits those with type 1 diabetes.
Rosebay Chalet Swiss Bar
Hotel 1000 is hosting a holiday pop-up bar from November 29 to January 2 called Rosebay Chalet. It immerses guests in the après-ski lifestyle of Switzerland with cozy decor that feels as if you’re in the Swiss Alps. There will be chalet-inspired sips and bites like fondue and hot toddies, plus plenty of photo opportunities. You can also win a $50 gift certificate by dressing up for their après ski and ugly sweater themed nights.
Holiday Drink Week
The Stranger and EverOut are hosting Holiday Drink Week December 5-11. Visit various bars around the city to try their festive takes on holiday cocktails.
Ballard Cocktail Trail
The Visit Ballard tourism board is hosting a Cocktail Trail on December 6. Guests can roam around different shops in Ballard to shop and try festive holiday drinks. Some of the best gift shops in Seattle are in downtown Ballard, so this is a great way to get a bunch of shopping done!
Kamp Christmas
Every year Kamp Social House goes ham with the holiday decor and transform their restaurant into a Christmas wonderland. They also have holiday-themed drinks and soft serve ice cream perfect for a fun night out.
Holiday decorating open house
Head to the Timothy De Clue Collection in downtown Seattle for an open house at this decor store. There will be lessons for how to decorate like a pro, plus holiday garland, wreaths, decor, and gifts available for purchase.
U-cut Christmas tree farms
I make my family chop down our Christmas tree at a farm every year because it feels more festive than heading to those tree stands on every corner. We go to Trinity Tree Farm in Issaquah every year, but here are some other spots that do u-cut Christmas trees. You can also search the Puget Sound Christmas Tree Association for more.
- Buttonwood Farm (Redmond) – 100% organically-farmed trees
- Carnation Tree Farm (Carnation)
- Christmas Creek Tree Farm (North Bend)
- Stocker Farms (Snohomish)
If you want to truly rough it, you can go into the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie Forest and cut down your own tree after getting a permit. This is probably your cheapest option, but it requires the most work!
SantaCon
Looking for an excuse to wear a Santa hat? Join hundreds of others with that same desire at SantaCon Saturday December 7, 14, and 21. This 21+ event gets you free admission to 15+ venues, drink specials, and entry into a costume contest. They insist a sugar plum fairy dies every time someone calls it a pub crawl, but it’s similar if you need an analogy.
Live up north? head to An Edmonds Kind of SantaCon December 8 for a holiday-themed bar crawl. It’ll support the Edmonds Toy Shop, a local organization that provides toys, gifts, and essentials to families in need. Participants can spread holiday cheer by donating toys at participating businesses or making contributions via Venmo or PayPal. It’s the perfect excuse to visit Edmonds best restaurants between sips!
Holiday English tea
High tea at Willowbrook Manor in Sedro-Woolley is one of my favorite things to do in Skagit County. Owner Terry Gifford built an English-style escape with her late husband and started a chamomile garden. Her family lived there while they expanded the grounds, but now she runs it as a gorgeous bed & breakfast.
A few times a year she hosts afternoon tea that my niece’s absolutely adore, and this holiday season she also added a Winter Workshop for adults to make homemade gifts. Tea runs Fridays and Saturdays December 6-14 and the Winter Workshop is November 1-2.
Pro tip: Don’t leave with a bag of her delicious scones! You can buy some a la carte or as part of a scone and tea kit.
If you want afternoon tea closer to home, check out these options:
- Holiday Tea at Hotel Sorrento (Nov 9-Dec 21)
- Fairmont Olympic Afternoon Tea (Dec 1-30)
Craven Farms Breakfast with Santa
Craven Farms in Snohomish is hosting breakfast with Santa December 14. In addition to breakfast in the farm and Santa photo opps, there will be a Christmas gift shop, Fresh Evergreen market with fresh-cut trees, garland, and wreaths, Christmas train rides and light displays, animal viewings, Christmas-themed mini golf, festive foods, an outdoor fire pit, and more.
Kringle’s Filling Station
Kringle’s Filling Station is a holiday concept developed by Hotopp Creative Studio in North Seattle. From November 29 – December 30 you can head to this gas station-themed holiday experience for pictures with Santa, hot cocoa, and games good for the whole family.
A Victorian Country Christmas Festival
Head to the Washington State Fair Grounds December 5-8 to experience Christmas as they did it in the Victorian era. The Victorian Country Christmas Festival will include performances, a holiday market, activities, and more the whole family is sure to love.
Normandy Park Winterfest
On Saturday December 7, this neighborhood south of Seattle near Des Moines will be hosting a Winterfest with free swag, Santa photo opps, performances, food, and more.
Bellevue Festival of the Nativity
This free Christmas celebration from December 7-15 includes musical performances, activities for kids, and hundreds of nativity sets from around the world.
Feast of the Seven Fishes
I’m Italian American and one of the quintessential Christmas Eve traditions my family always celebrates is the Feast of the Seven Fishes. As the name implies, it’s a big food spread featuring at least seven different fish and seafood dishes. It’s a lot of work, so luckily you can just show up at Delancey’s Feast of the Seven Fishes Dinner on December 17.
Love crab specifically? Loud Mouth, a food pop-up series, is hosting the Feast of the Seven Crabs on December 2.
Classy Christmas Soiree
Need to make some gal pals? Gals Need Pals is hosting Classy Christmas December 12 where women can come together over cocktails to mingle and make friends.
Epic Christmas light displays
When I first moved here I lived in a neighborhood that didn’t have many Christmas lights. However, one of the best Seattle Christmas activities is scouting out the areas with intense Christmas lights. Here are some of my favorites perfect for a winter walk or drive by.
Enchant Christmas
Enchant Christmas is back this year at T-Mobile Park November 22 to December 29 with Santa’s Magic Timepiece. You’ll get to walk through the world’s largest Christmas light maze. Expect 80,000 square feet of breathtaking light sculptures and twinkling installations. There will also be shopping booths, ice skating, Santa photo opps, entertainment, nightly caroling, and holiday treats.
Botanical garden lights
The Bellevue Botanical Garden puts on Garden d’LIGHTS every year where they install gorgeous light exhibits along a 1-mile walkway in the gardens. This year it’s November 30 – December 31, with a special Hands on Hanukkah experience December 14. The Evergreen Arboretum and Gardens does something similar all December long.
Another option on December 14 is seeing bonsai trees lit up at the Bonsai Solstice hosted by The Pacific Bonsai Museum in Federal Way. Guests are encouraged to bring their own flashlight and participate in a scavenger hunt for kids while enjoying treats and shopping handmade glass.
Leave on the peninsula or looking for an excuse to spend the day on Bainbridge Island? Head to Bloedel Reserve’s Solstice Walks. The botanical garden will be transformed into a winter wonderland that you can explore at your leisure or on a guided walk. It’ll be a silent walk December 18-20 and a family-friendly one December 21-22.
Drive-through light displays
The Lights of Christmas a bit north of Seattle hosts a huge drive through Christmas decoration experience every weekend November 29 – December 29. For $40 you’ll be dazzled by a blinding array of Christmas decorations.
Fantasy Lights in Spanaway Park has nearly 300 elaborate displays scattered around a 2-mile long drive-through Christmas light exhibit. It runs November 29 to January 5 and is $15+ per car. However, they also have $10 discount nights.
Holiday Magic Christmas light event
The Washington State Fair in Puyallup, WA is hosting a walkthrough light display and festival called Holiday Magic weekends December 6-23. There will also be ice skating, animals, a kids train ride, vendors selling gifts, and more.
Tulalip Lights & Ice
Tulalip Lights & Ice runs from November 23 through January 12. There will be 6 million holiday lights, picture opps with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and an ice skating rink.
Neighborhood light displays
One of the best Seattle Christmas activities is strolling neighborhood light displays. Some neighborhood associations host official light display kick off events and then have the lights on throughout the holiday season for all to enjoy. For example:
- Everett Holiday Laser Light Show (Nov 23)
- Everett Wintertide Kickoff Celebration (Nov 29)
- Snohomish Tree Lighting and Santa (Nov 30)
- Lodge at St. Edward Park Tree Lighting (Nov 30)
- Renton Holiday Lights (Nov 30)
- Evergreen Christmas Lights in Bothell (Dec 1)
- Mountlake Terrace Tree Lighting (Dec 6)
- Google Light Display in Kirkland (Dec 6)
- Redmond Lights (Dec 7)
- Kent Winterfest Tree Lighting (Dec 7)
- Snoqualmie Holiday Lights (Dec 7)
- Glorious Lights of West Seattle (Dec 7)
- Light Up Your Holidays in Stanwood (Dec 7)
If there’s nothing official in your neighborhood, you can still check out different residential areas known for going all out during the holidays. Here are some spots to check out:
- Candy Cane Lane (Ravenna)
- Olympic Manor (Crown Hill)
- Don’t miss the Nutcracker House in Blue Ridge if you go here. John Carrington, the principal harpist with the Pacific Northwest Ballet Orchestra, displays 15-foot tall nutcrackers that were donated to him by the ballet’s prop masters.
- Now is a great time to stop at Swanson’s Nursery for holiday decor and ornaments.
- Queen Anne near Kerry Park
- Timberline Neighborhood (Sammamish)
- The Very Merry Christmas House (Kent)
Find even more on this crowd-sourced Christmas light map.
Holiday craft experiences
There’s something festive about putting together your own holiday decorations. One of the best Seattle Christmas activities is creating your own ornaments or wreath. The Works hosts in-person wreath-making classes that are a ton of fun. They also host classes to create your own garland, wrapping paper, Christmas cards, and more, plus sell DIY craft kits. They’re one of the most fun Seattle experience gift ideas!
The Field Trip Society is another option for in-person wreath and card-making classes, and Monster Shop also does in-person holiday craft classes.
For those who want to learn from some of the best Seattle ceramic artists, head to Saltstone Ceramics for classes. I’m lusting after this one that Sam Dodie is running on December 1 to learn how to make her adorable food ceramics! She’s also doing a mug one November 9 and 16.
If you prefer crafts in the comfort of your own home, The Stemmery sells wreath kits in addition to hosting a few in-person events throughout the holiday season.
More wintry things to do in Washington
Need more ideas to make the most of winter? After you explore the Seattle Christmas activities, check out my other favorite things to do once the winter season arrives.
- What to Do in Seattle During Winter
- Winter Day Trips from Seattle
- Best Cross-Country Skiing in Washington
- Winter Getaways in Washington
- Why You Should Visit Lake Chelan in Winter
- Things to Do in the Best Wintry Destination: Winthrop
- Cross Off a Bucket List Item at This Winter Hot Air Balloon Festival
- Unique Hotels in Washington Perfect for a Winter Getaway
- Winter Cabins in Washington to Book Right Now
- Cozy Things to Do Come Winter in Leavenworth
- Best Restaurants in Leavenworth, Washington’s Most Christmasy Town
- The Definitive Guide to All of Mt. Hood’s Ski Areas
- Where to Eat at Whistler Village in BC
- How to Spend Winter in Bend, Oregon
- Quaint Winter Cabins in Oregon to Book Stat
Need help with holiday shopping?
I have a ton of holiday gift guides filled with items made right in the Pacific Northwest. Or give them the gift of experience by getting them a custom travel itinerary planned by me!
Most images courtesy of Visit Seattle. Hero image courtesy of Wonderlane.
