Holiday Events Around Seattle

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With the holiday season in full bloom, a quick weekend getaway to Seattle adds to the celebration. The area is full of wonderful and fun Christmas attractions, from a teddy bear suite to Christmas light displays. If you’re looking for a fun holiday weekend getaway to Seattle, you won’t want to miss these delightful events!

Looking for more holidays events around Spokane? Make sure to check out our Events page here!

Holiday Events Around Seattle

Enchant Christmas

In its second year at T-Mobile Park, Enchant Christmas fills the baseball stadium’s infield with a maze of brightly shining lights. The lighted holiday displays, which include giant sculptures, will thrill your family as you wander through the 100,000-sq. foot maze helping Eddie the Elf and his buddy Sparky “find” Santa’s gifts that have been misplaced. In the center of the maze stands a 100-foot tall decorated tree. It’s one of the tallest trees in the country. Enchant Christmas runs Nov. 22-Dec. 29.

Santa Claus will be available to visit with children to review their Christmas lists. Enchant Christmas also features a temporary ice skating rink. Concessions are available, as well as souvenirs.

It’s recommended that you park in the Mariners’ parking garage. Also, strollers are not allowed in the maze. Enchant Christmas will have stroller valets available to secure your stroller while your family enjoys the maze and other attractions. 

Woodland Park Zoo WildLights

Imagine seeing pink elephants, red gorillas and green rhinos. All this is possible as you stroll through Woodland Park Zoo WildLights Nov. 29-Jan. 5 (the zoo is closed on certain dates). The annual event features animal-shaped lighted displays throughout the zoo. You can also visit some of the zoo’s exhibits, including the penguins and reptile exhibits. 

During your visit, stop in at the Snowmazium for winter fun, including snowball fights or building your own snowman. Food and drinks are available at concession stands. Don’t forget to do a little gift shopping while at the zoo. Who wouldn’t love a stuffed penguin toy for Christmas?

24th Annual Magic in the Market

Pike Place Market becomes Holiday Central with its Magic in the Market one-day celebration Nov. 30 as the famous farmers market kicks off the holiday season with festive music, lights, cookies, hot chocolate and – of course – Santa. Kicking off the day’s events, you can pose for pictures with Santa’s little helpers and browse the market for gift ideas. Holiday music plays throughout the day with live entertainment as you enjoy hot apple cider or chocolate and snack on a cookie or two. Santa Claus arrives during the day to visit with children and learn about their Christmas wishes. At 5 p.m. the Pike Place Market’s Christmas tree is lit, officially embracing the holiday season. 

Teddy Bears and Gingerbread Houses

Head to the Fairmont Olympic Hotel to visit the Festival of Trees and Teddy Bear Suite. With more than 20 beautifully decorated Christmas trees on display, the Festival of Trees runs Nov. 23-Dec. 4. The event also includes the hotel’s tall Christmas tree displayed throughout the holiday season.

Starting Nov. 29 and running through Dec. 26, the Teddy Bear Suite stars nearly two dozen teddy bears in a scene created by professional designers. Prior to entering the large suite, enjoy a Christmas light display. Once inside, you stroll through the rooms taking in the beauty of the holiday exhibit with teddy bears of all sizes dressed in their best holiday outfits. It truly is a special experience.

Once you finish visiting the teddy bear suite,  take a five-minute walk to the Seattle Grand Hotel where you can enjoy this year’s special gingerbread village. Kicking off its season Nov. 23 and running through Jan. 1, the 27th annual Sheraton Grand Hotel gingerbread village is a fund-raiser for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Created by some of Seattle’s best chefs and bakers, as well as several volunteers, the gingerbread houses are amazing creations, including the most minute details. Previous displays have included Star Wars and Harry Potter. 

Victorian Country Christmas and Extreme Christmas Tree Lighting

The Washington State Fairgrounds is the site for a special trip back in time as Puyallup celebrates a Victorian Country Christmas Dec. 4-8. Featuring about 500 exhibits designed to resemble Victorian-era buildings, visitors can take in the sights and shop for gifts while enjoying live entertainment on two stages. Food and refreshments will be available throughout the attractions. On Dec. 5, gather around for the Extreme Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony, beginning at 5 p.m. The 185-foot Christmas tree stands tall and shines nightly through December. Admission to the event is included with the Victorian Country Christmas. Visit Santa Claus’ reindeer while enjoying cookies and hot cider. 

Advance tickets can be purchased online. Tickets purchased at the gate are cash-only.

While in Puyallup, stroll through downtown and take in the storefront Christmas displays.

The Lights of Christmas Festival

Stanwood, about an hour north of Seattle, is the place to be for the Lights of Christmas Festival weekends beginning Nov. 29 and running through Dec. 29. Considered the largest Christmas festival in the Northwest, the festival features about a million lights showcasing six themes. As you visit the festival, take in the activities, including kiddie train rides and talking trees. You can also enjoy treats and refreshments while you shop for gifts and seasonal home décor, as well as enjoy live entertainment. 

Holiday Events in Leavenworth

Don’t want to drive all the way to Seattle? Then you can’t miss visiting Leavenworth, a three hour drive from Spokane (2 from Seattle) and truly one of the most magical places for the holidays in Washington! At Leavenworth, you’ll find holiday magic as soon as you arrive, as Leavenworth is a Bavarian-styled village with alpine-style buildings serving German food and more.

Leavenworth also has a Nutcracker Museum, which displays thousands of nutcrackers – some dating back centuries! During the holidays, you can expect a variety of activities including:

• Christmas Bazaar – holiday shopping!
• Kids Nutcracker Hunts – at the Nutcracker Museum
• Christmas Lighting Festival – every weekend through December (before Christmas). In addition, kids can partake in a cookie crawl!

If you’re looking for the perfect place to bring family or friends to and show them a ‘European Christmas’ without the European ticket prices, you must make a visit to Leavenworth during the holiday season!

Lodging Around Seattle

With hundreds of options for accommodations, such as hotels, motels, Airbnbs, and bed and breakfast inns, you may want to check here for the best lodging options. You can get a discount on your first Airbnb stay when you use our Airbnb referral code here!

As you plan your Seattle-area holiday getaway, you’ll want to maximize your Christmas experience. With so many options available, take advantage of these fun attractions and events that your family is sure to enjoy. As you head west for a quick getaway, make sure you have fun and enjoy all the lights and trees. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Did we miss any fun holiday events on the way to Seattle? Let us know on our Facebook page here!