Christmas in Seattle is a magical time filled with festive parades, dazzling light shows, and unique holiday markets. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the city offers many activities that capture the holiday spirit. Let’s dive into the top 15 must-do activities to make your Seattle Christmas unforgettable!
- Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade: Kickstart your holiday season with the vibrant Macy’s Parade—Marvel at the colorful floats, bands, and the iconic Santa Claus. Take advantage of the fireworks and the star lighting atop Macy’s! More info
- Winter Festival & Crafts Fair: For a unique shopping experience, head to the Phinney Center’s Winter Festival. Shop from over 120 artisans, enjoy live performances and indulge in delicious treats. Details here
- Winterfest at Seattle Center: Immerse yourself in the holiday cheer with Winterfest’s mini village, ice skating, and New Year’s Eve fireworks. A perfect blend of tradition and fun. Learn more
- Sheraton Grand Seattle Gingerbread Village: Witness local architects’ and chefs’ impressive gingerbread creations, all for a charitable cause. A feast for the eyes and the heart! Event info
- Lumaze: Lost in Lights: Explore the indoor wonderland of lights at Lumaze. Interactive light gardens and local artisan shopping await you at this luminous festival. Tickets here
- Westlake Center’s Tree Lighting: Experience the traditional tree lighting ceremony with music, snow flurries, and a festive atmosphere. Arrive early for the best views! More details
- Pike Place Market – Magic in the Market: Dive into the festive buzz of Pike Place Market. Enjoy live music, Santa meet-and-greets, and many local holiday gifts. Explore here
- Winter Beer Festival: The Winter Beer Festival is a must for beer enthusiasts. Sample unique brews and enjoy the seasonal atmosphere at the Seattle Center. Get your tickets
- Ice Skating at Winterfest: Lace up your skates and glide into the holiday spirit at Seattle Center’s ice rink. Perfect for families and friends alike. Skating details
- SantaCon: Join the festive bar crawl dressed as Santa! This 21+ event is a fun way to explore downtown Seattle’s best pubs and bars. SantaCon info
- Argosy’s Christmas Ship Festival: Sail the Puget Sound on the beautifully lit Christmas Ship, with onboard choirs and shore performances. A unique Seattle tradition. Book your cruise
- Holiday Carousel at Westlake Park: Bring the kids to ride the festive carousel and enjoy holiday treats from the nearby food truck. A delightful family activity. Carousel hours
- Diving Santas at Seattle Aquarium: Watch Santa dive among the fishes at the Seattle Aquarium. A quirky and fun addition to your Christmas itinerary. Visit the aquarium
- Enchant Christmas at T-Mobile Park: Be mesmerized by the world’s giant light maze, ice skating, and holiday entertainment at T-Mobile Park. Event details
- Festival of Trees at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel: Explore over 20 beautifully decorated Christmas trees and enjoy various holiday activities. Your participation supports a noble cause. Learn more
Conclusion:
From traditional parades to unique beer festivals, Seattle’s Christmas activities offer something for everyone. These 15 events are just the beginning of what the city offers during the festive season. Embrace the joy, lights, and cheer of a Seattle Christmas and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Happy Holidays!