Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year. It is the season to be jolly, and what better way to celebrate the holidays than by exploring the fun festive events in Seattle? From enchanting cruises and captivating performances to lively markets and unique experiences, the Emerald City has something for everyone this Christmas.
In this blog post, we’ll unwrap the magic of the holiday season in Seattle with these recommendations. You’ll find a list of top-ticketed and FREE events in the city to make your Christmas merrier and brighter.
Top Free Holiday Events in Seattle
Westlake Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration
Westlake Park hosts one of Seattle’s biggest holiday traditions with its towering Christmas tree, festive music, and the official tree-lighting ceremony. Festivities begin at 1 PM, when crowds gather for performances, hot cocoa, and photos with Santa. The tree stays lit throughout the season, but this event truly marks the start of Seattle’s official holiday celebrations.
When: Nov 28, Starts at 1PM | Tree lighting at 5PM | Website
Location: Westlake Center
30th Annual Magic in the Market
Pike Place’s very own tree-lighting event happens right in front of the iconic Public Market Center sign. The Christmas tree adds an extra layer of magic to Seattle’s historic market, and the entire day is filled with fun festivities leading up to the lighting ceremony. Surrounded by local vendors, fresh produce, flowers, and handmade crafts, the tree becomes a festive centerpiece for winter strolls and holiday shopping. It’s simple, cheerful, and one of those “only in Seattle” holiday moments.
When: Nov 29, Starts at 11AM | Tree lighting at 5PM | Website
Location: Pike Place Farmers Market
Winterfest
Every year, Winterfest transforms Seattle Center into a festive holiday hub. The most iconic, and my personal favorite, installation is the Winter Train & Village, a nostalgic miniature setup loved by both kids and adults. You’ll also find multiple events happening around this time, from ice sculpting demos to cultural performances and live music. You can check the full event list in this link.
When: Nov 28 – Dec 31, 10AM – 6PM | Website
Location: The Armory at Seattle Center
Gingerbread Village
The Gingerbread Village is a fundraising and awareness event that supports research and families impacted by Type 1 Diabetes. It’s also a longtime Seattle tradition, featuring elaborate, larger-than-life gingerbread houses designed by kids with help from their teachers. Each year comes with a creative theme, from fantasy worlds to iconic landmarks, all made entirely of gingerbread, candy, chocolate, and icing. It’s truly one of the sweetest (literally!) holiday stops in the city.
When: Nov 20 – Jan 1, Sun-Thu: 9AM – 9PM | Fri & Sat: 9AM – 11PM | Website
Location: Sheraton Grand Seattle
Teddy Bear Suite
Another beloved fundraising and awareness event in Downtown Seattle, the Teddy Bear Suite has been a cherished tradition for years. Through this event, the Fairmont Olympic Hotel raises funds for Seattle Children’s Autism Center and Uncompensated Care. Designed by local Seattle talent Kevin Bradford, the suite features nearly 100 themed teddy bears, transforming the room into a magical winter wonderland. Apart from the suite, the hotel is also known for its elegant golden Christmas tree, which makes a beautiful backdrop for your holiday photos.
When: Nov 28 – Dec 24, 10AM – 5PM | Website
Location: Fairmont Olympic 🏨
Candlelight Concerts at Pacific Place
If you haven’t been to a Candlelight Concert yet, this is your chance to get a glimpse of what they’re all about while enjoying classic Christmas songs. The best part? It’s free and open to everyone. And if you end up loving the experience, I highly recommend attending one of their ticketed shows in a more intimate setting, the vibe is truly unmatched!
When: Nov 28 – Dec 19 (every Friday), 6 – 7 PM | Website
Location: Pacific Place
Snowflake Lane
Another fun holiday tradition that transforms the streets of downtown Bellevue into a winter wonderland. The famous Snowflake Lane parade is filled with live drummers, dancers, glittering floats, falling snow, and festive Christmas music. It’s one of the most popular free holiday experiences in the region and runs nightly, a huge hit with kids! Just be prepared for large crowds, especially on weekends, and consider taking public transit to avoid the parking hassle.
When: Nov 28 – Dec 24, 7 PM | Website
Location: between Bellevue Square and Lincoln Square from NE 4th to NE 8th streets
Candy Cane Lane
Candy Cane Lane is a charming residential street where every house goes all out with coordinated holiday lights and decorations. You can walk or slowly drive through to enjoy the glowing arches, themed displays, and fun inflatables. It’s wholesome, community-driven, and a wonderful tradition loved by locals year after year.
When: Dec 6 – Jan 1, Sun-Thu: 4 – 9:30 PM | Fri & Sat: 4 – 11 PM | Website
Location: Ravenna
Holiday Ice Skating Rink
If you love skating on ice rinks, Occidental Square has you covered. Their free pop-up 40×80 ft synthetic outdoor rink welcomes skaters of all ages and skill levels, and the best part is that skates are available to borrow for free. If you’re visiting on opening day, don’t miss the Occidental Square Holiday Trading Post on Dec 13, featuring 40+ local makers. It’s the perfect spot to shop for unique holiday gifts.
When: Dec 13 – 21, 12 – 6PM | Website
Location: Occidental Square (Pioneer Square)
Top Paid Holiday Events in Seattle
Seattle Christmas Market
Wrap up your festive journey at Seattle Christmas Market, a lively event offering a variety of activities. From exhilarating rides to delicious food and merry entertainment. Explore the magical European Christmas Village, participate in fun contests with your family, explore the artisan vendors, and find the perfect gifts for your loved ones.
When & Cost: Until Dec 24, Mon-Fri: 4 – 9 PM, Weekends: 11:30 AM – 9 PM | $7-33 per ticket | Website
Location: Seattle Center
WildLanterns
Step into an immersive experience at the Woodland Zoo that brings the animal kingdom to life with dazzling lantern displays. WildLanterns is a one-of-a-kind event, promising a magical adventure unlike any other, designed to be a family-friendly experience with interactive elements for visitors of all ages. Moreover, it also serves as an educational platform, offering insights into the featured species and the importance of wildlife conservation.
When & Cost: Until Jan 18, 2026, 4 – 7 PM | $32-$40 per adult | Website
Location: Woodland Zoo, Green Lake
SantaCon 2023
SantaCon is an annual event that is not to be missed! People of all ages come together to share their love for Santa Claus, dressing up as Santa Claus in the quirkiest way. If you are not interested in dressing up, worry not! You can still enjoy the celebrations by watching a sea of Santas while sipping your favorite Christmas drinks.
When & Cost: Dec 6, 13 & 20 | Starting at $10.99 | Website
Location: Pike Place Farmers Market
Bellevue Botanical Garden – Garden d’Lights
Each winter, the Bellevue Botanical Garden transforms into a glowing wonderland featuring over half a million hand-crafted lights shaped into flowers, birds, plants, and whimsical creatures. The pathways are easy to walk and perfect for families, date nights, or anyone who loves holiday lights. Tickets are affordable and sell out fast, so booking ahead is recommended.
When & Cost: Nov 29 – Dec 31, 4:30 – 9:30 PM (last entry at 9 PM) | $10
Location: Bellevue Botanical Garden
Christmas Ship™ Festival with Argosy Cruises
Embark on a holiday adventure by hopping aboard a Christmas cruise with Argosy Cruises. It’s the perfect activity to share with friends and family and has been a Northwest tradition for over 70 years. Explore the Puget Sound waterfront communities while enjoying carols, dazzling lights, and festive decor. You can find the complete schedule on Argosy Cruises’ website and tickets here.
When & Cost: Nov 28 – Dec 23, Starts at 2 PM (schedule link) | Starting at $64
Location: Lake Union Park & other locations
Christmas Dinner Cruise by Waterways Cruises
Celebrate an unforgettable Christmas with a fun dinner cruise by Waterways Cruises. Enjoy a delectable buffet, sip on champagne, and marvel at the twinkling lights reflecting on the waters of Seattle. It’s a magical way to celebrate the season in style with your family and friends. You can book your tickets here.
Please note: The menu accommodates all dietary preferences.
When & Cost: Dec 24, 6 – 8:30 PM | $135 per person
Location: Waterways Cruises at Lake Union Piers
Musicals and shows
Immerse yourself in the world of entertainment by catching Christmas special shows. From the spectacular MJ The Musical to the timeless Nutcracker ballet, Seattle’s theaters offer a festive lineup of performances to enchant audiences of all ages. Here’s a list of shows that we highly recommend:
- George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker: Nov 28 – Dec 28 | McCaw Hall | $39-$225
- A Christmas Carol: Nov 28 – Dec 28 | Allen Theatre | $69-$81
- An Improvised Christmas Carol – Nov 28 – Dec 28 | Unexpected Productions Improv (Post Alley) | $22.35 (online), $27.75 (at the door)
- The Lion King Broadway – Dec 4 – Jan 4 | The Paramount Theatre | $61-$290
- Disney’s The Muppet Christmas Carol – Dec 5-7 | Benaroya Hall | $58.90 – $142
- Holiday Pops – Dec 12-14 | Benaroya Hall | $40 – $115
- The Winds: Winter Wonderland – Dec 12-13 | Benaroya Hall | $16.80
You can also checkout the 5 must-visit historic theaters in downtown Seattle.
Winter Beer Fest
If you appreciate a good brew, the Winter Beer Fest is the place to be, a cherished tradition to honor the excellence of Washington craft beer, accompanied by delectable food and lively entertainment. Immerse yourself in all that makes Washington a standout state in the world of craft beer and beyond. Your hearts and bellies will be brimming with delight and warmth in the festive atmosphere.
When & Cost: Dec 19 – 20, Fri 5:30 PM (Early Access), 6:30 – 9:30 PM; Sat 12:30 PM (Early Access), 1:30 – 4:30 PM | Starting at $64.37 | Website
Location: Victory Hall at the Boxyard
Day-trip Worthy Christmas Locations Near Seattle
My holiday activity recommendations aren’t confined to Seattle. In this section, I’ll share some of the top cities and towns in Washington where you can experience festive holiday magic. Almost every neighborhood has something worth exploring, but here are some of the most popular events and destinations you absolutely can’t miss!
Leavenworth Christmastown: Village of Lights
Leavenworth is the most popular Christmas town in the Pacific Northwest. People from all over the USA visit this place to experience the magical Village of Lights. The entire Bavarian-style Christmastown glows with millions of twinkling lights, holiday music fills the streets, and the aroma of warm cider and pretzels lingers in the air. The festivities run all season long, featuring carolers, live entertainment, festive photo spots, and a nightly lighting moment that feels truly magical. You can read more about Leavenworth’s Christmas celebrations in this blog post.
When & Cost: Nov 28 – Dec 24, 6 AM – 11 PM | Entry: FREE | Website
Location: Leavenworth
Tulalip Lights & Ice
Tulalip Lights & Ice is a fun Christmas event organized by Tulalip Resort that brings all the sparkling winter-wonderland vibes. Expect dazzling light displays, an outdoor ice rink, holiday music, and festive activities for all ages. One great way to enjoy the event is by staying overnight, you’ll have more time to experience the resort’s amenities along with the Christmas festivities. Or you can simply take a scenic drive north of Seattle and enjoy the event for an evening. It’s a wonderful outing for families, couples, and anyone looking for a relaxed, low-stress holiday experience.
When & Cost: Dec 1 – 24, 6 – 9 PM | Entry: FREE | Website
Location: Evergreen Church, Bothell
Holiday in Port Townsend
Not many know this, but Port Townsend is one of the most charming Christmas towns in Washington State, offering a cozy, small–coastal–town twist to the holidays. The historic Victorian buildings downtown are beautifully decorated, and the town hosts holiday markets, art walks, light displays, and festive harbor views. Strolling along the waterfront with twinkling lights and seasonal music feels like stepping into a storybook seaside Christmas. It’s quieter than the bigger cities, making it perfect for a slow-paced, cozy holiday escape. You can read more about the top things to do in Port Townsend in my blog post.
When & Cost: Dec 1 – 31 | Website
Location: Downtown, Port Townsend
The Lights of Christmas, Stanwood
Stanwood is another hidden gem in the Pacific Northwest, known for its magical festive displays and the beloved Lights of Christmas at Warm Beach. This massive drive-thru/walk-thru light experience features millions of lights, themed displays, music, and seasonal treats. It’s one of the largest light festivals in the region and a must-visit if you’re looking for something magical without venturing too far from Seattle. You can also stop by downtown Stanwood to check out the holiday lights, local shops, and cozy eateries.
When & Cost: Dec 1 – 24, 6 – 9 PM | Starting at $64.37 | Website
Location: Warm Beach, Standwood
Evergreen Christmas Lights, Bothel-Snohomish
The Evergreen Christmas Lights display is a local favorite in the Bothell–Snohomish area. This community-driven light show features synchronized Christmas lights dancing to classic holiday songs, glowing decorations, and festive installations that brighten up the whole street. It’s a fun, casual, and completely free holiday outing, just tune your radio to the listed frequency, enjoy the show, and soak in the cheerful atmosphere.
When & Cost: Dec 1 – 24, 6 – 9 PM | Starting at $64.37 | Website
Location: Evergreen Church, Bothell
The city comes alive with the spirit of Christmas, offering a range of activities to make your holiday season unforgettable. So what are you waiting for? Embrace the magical season and create cherished memories with these delightful holiday activities in Seattle. For more realtime updates, follow my Instagram and YouTube page.
Happy Holiday Season 🎄🌟
