Seattle’s winter season has a style all its own. Think cool air rolling off the Sound, lights reflecting along the waterfront, and neighborhoods buzzing with markets and community traditions. Whether you’re coordinating visits with friends and family or simply looking for new ways to enjoy winter, the city offers an impressive mix of holiday events in Seattle.
At SJA Property Management, we work with residents and owners across the region, so we hear firsthand which Seattle holiday events become annual traditions. This guide brings you those favorites so you can explore the most-loved seasonal activities, from classic Christmas traditions to end‑of‑year celebrations.
Event details often change as dates approach. We advise you to confirm hours and pricing before making plans.
Seattle Christmas Events and Seasonal Favorites
These cornerstone events shape Seattle’s holiday atmosphere each year. From long‑running traditions to large‑scale displays, they’re popular for good reason.
Seattle Center Winterfest
When: November 28 to December 31, 2025
Where: Seattle Center
Cost: Free entry; skating and select activities require tickets
Winterfest turns the Seattle Center campus into a hub of winter programming. You’ll find ice carving, live entertainment, seasonal décor, and a nostalgic model train display. It’s a relaxed, flexible outing and easy to pair with an afternoon visit to nearby museums or an evening stroll through the lights.
WildLanterns at Woodland Park Zoo
When: November 14 to January 18, 2026, from 4:00 to 9:00 PM
Where: Woodland Park Zoo
Cost: $45.95 for children, $50.95 for adults (13+)
WildLanterns transforms the zoo into a glowing, immersive night walk. Giant illuminated animals and imaginative light scenes line the pathways, creating a calm, colorful environment perfect for families, date nights, or first-time visitors to Seattle.
Sheraton Grand Seattle Gingerbread Village
When: December 1 to 28, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Where: Sheraton Grand Seattle
Cost: Free, with donations welcome
A beloved Seattle tradition, the Gingerbread Village exhibit showcases intricate creations built by local chefs and architects. Each display feels like a miniature world, full of detail and whimsy, ideal for photos and family outings.
Teddy Bear Suite at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel
When: Now to December 24, 2025
Where: Fairmont Olympic Hotel, Downtown Seattle
Cost: Free to view; donations welcome
For a free and family-friendly outing, you can visit Teddy Bear Suite in the second floor of the Fairmont Olympic Hotel. This is perfect for young children who would love a holiday snuggle with nearly 100 stuffed bears and twinkling lights.
Snowflake Lane at The Bellevue Collection
When: Now to December 24, 2025
Where: Bellevue Way NE, Downtown Bellevue
Cost: Free!
Snowflake Lane is a nightly holiday parade with drummers, dancers, floats, music, and “snow” falling along Bellevue Way. It’s high‑energy, very kid‑friendly, and easy to plan around because it happens at the same time every night!
Christmas in Seattle: Markets, Lights, and Family Activities
These experiences create the cozy holiday atmosphere that defines the holidays in Seattle. Expect warm treats, twinkling lights, festive shops, and family-friendly outings throughout the city.
Seattle Christmas Market
When: November 20 to December 24, 2025 with varying opening times.
Where: Seattle Waterfront
Cost: $7 or under
The Seattle Christmas Market brings European-style holiday charm to the waterfront with artisan gifts, mulled drinks, carolers, and festive décor. It is lively yet easygoing, making it perfect for browsing with friends or family. You’ll love the warm, village-like feel and the variety of holiday treats. To plan your visit, check out the Seattle Christmas Market Map and their full list of vendors.
Candy Cane Lane (Ravenna Neighborhood Lights)
When: December 6, 2025 to January 1, 2026
Where: Park Road NE off NE Ravenna Blvd, Seattle
Cost: $7 or under
Candy Cane Lane is a long‑running neighborhood tradition in Seattle’s Ravenna area, with every house on the loop decked out in coordinated lights and decorations. You can drive through slowly or park nearby and walk the route. Because it stays open through New Year’s Day, it’s one of the best options for late‑December holiday lights inside the city limits.
Seattle Great Wheel Holiday Lighting
When: Nightly throughout December 2025
Where: Seattle Waterfront, Pier 57
Cost: Free to view; rides are ticketed
The Seattle Great Wheel comes alive with coordinated light shows set against Elliott Bay. It’s a scenic stop for evening waterfront walks, and a ride offers sweeping nighttime views of the city’s holiday glow.
Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship Festival
When: Now to December 23, 2025
Where: Various departures (Seattle Waterfront, Lake Union, and other Puget Sound communities)
Cost: Ticketed, but shoreline viewing at many parks is free
One of the longest-running holiday events in Seattle, the Argosy Christmas Ship Festival brings the Spirit of Seattle to waterfront parks near Puget Sound. Decorated in holiday lights, the ship sails nightly as choirs perform carols to create a floating concert that is broadcast to boats and crowds onshore. You can book a cruise for the full experience or catch the show for free from a popular viewing spot like Lake Union Park, Gas Works Park, or Alki Beach Park.
Urban Craft Uprising Winter Show
When: December 5 to 7, 2025
Where: Seattle Center Exhibition Hall
Cost: Free, but preview night is a ticketed event
This is Seattle’s largest indie craft fair. The Urban Craft Uprising Winter Show is known for spotlighting small makers and artists, bringing together more than 150 vendors. It’s a great place to find unique gifts while supporting local creativity.
Ballard HolidayFest and Makers Market (FREE Photos with Santa)
When: December 6, 2025 from 2:00 to 8:00 PM
Where: Marvin’s Garden Park & Ballard Ave NW
Cost: Free
Ballard HolidayFest and Market is a neighborhood‑driven holiday celebration featuring local goods, live music, warm treats, and festive décor. If you’re bringing young children, you’ll especially enjoy the free Santa photos between 2:00 and 5:00 PM.
Fremont Sunday Market Holiday Edition
When: Sundays in December from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Where: Fremont (3401 Evanston Avenue North)
Cost: Free
Fremont’s famous market expands during December to offer holiday crafts, international foods, and a festive ambiance. The atmosphere is relaxed and eclectic, perfect for a leisurely afternoon of outdoor shopping for handmade items, antiques, and artisan foods.
Phinney Neighborhood Winter Festival & Craft Fair
When: December 5 to 7, 2025
Where: Phinney Community Center
Cost: Friday preview night $20-25, Saturday and Sunday $5-10, kids free
The Phinney Neighborhood Winter Festival is a long-running community festival featuring 120+ artists, live music, baked goods, and a neighborhood vibe.
Holiday Performances, Indoor Activities, and Cultural Events
When winter weather settles in, finding holiday events in Seattle can sometimes be tough. If you’re looking for artistic and cultural outings away from the weather, these events are ideal!
George Balanchine’s Nutcracker at the Pacific Northwest Ballet
When: November 28 to December 28, 2025
Where: McCaw Hall
Cost: Starting at $39
This polished, elegant production brings festive nostalgia to the stage each year. The Nutcracker at the Pacific Northwest Ballet is a perfect choice for families or holiday date nights and remains one of Seattle’s most iconic seasonal performances.
Holiday Pops with the Seattle Symphony
When: December 12-14, 2025
Where: S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium – Benaroya Hall
Cost: Starting from $40.50
Holiday Pops is a lively lineup of classic tunes, orchestral arrangements, and sing‑along moments. The mood is upbeat and welcoming, offering something for all ages. It’s the ideal event for enjoying sing-along moments and the joyful, family-friendly energy.
Handel’s Messiah at Benaroya Hall with the Seattle Symphony
When: December 18, 20, 21, 2025
Where: Benaroya Hall
Cost: Starting from $35.90
Handel’s Messiah is an annual performance by the Seattle Symphony and local choirs, creating a powerful and uplifting holiday experience. The tone is elegant and reflective, perfect if you enjoy classical music. This year’s conductor is Nicolas Ellis, the music director of The Orchestre National de Bretange, accompanied by four excellent vocalists. If you’re looking to hear the famous “Hallelujah” chorus live, this one’s for you!
Holly Jolly Jingle, the Seattle Men’s Chorus Holiday Show
When: December 5-23, 2025
Where: Benaroya Hall (Also in Tacoma and Everett)
Cost: Starting from $30
The Seattle Men’s Chorus presents a humorous, heartfelt, and inclusive holiday concert filled with big vocals and imaginative staging. It’s a highlight for those who enjoy spirited and inclusive events full of personality.
ACT Theatre’s A Christmas Carol
When: November 28 to December 28, 2025
Where: Allen Theatre at ACT, 700 Union Street
Cost: Starting from $61
ACT’s production of A Christmas Carol is a long-running Seattle tradition blending heartfelt storytelling with beautiful staging. The experience feels classic and cozy, ideal for you and your family or for a holiday date night.
Teatro ZinZanni Holiday Show at Mr. P.P.’s Clubhouse
When: October 3 to April 12, 2026
Where: Teatro ZinZanni Seattle
Cost: Starting at $118
Part circus, part cabaret, part dinner theater, Teatro ZinZanni presents this immersive show with big performances in an intimate setting. Expect acrobatics, music, comedy, and plenty of surprise moments.
Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) Holiday Exhibits and Winter Programming
When: November 2025 to January 2026
Where: Museum of Pop Culture
Cost: Ticketed
The Museum of Pop Culture, also known as MoPOP, offers a line-up of exhibits, seasonal programming, and visual installations that appeal to teens, families, and pop culture lovers. A great choice for indoor exploration on cold or rainy days. To prepare ahead, check out MoPOP’s Plan Your Visit page!
Outdoor Holiday Activities and Winter Recreation Near Seattle
Drive Through the Lights of Christmas
When: Now to December 28, 2025
Where: Warm Beach Camp & Conference Center, Stanwood
Cost: Ticketed; pricing varies by date and experience
The Lights of Christmas is one of the largest holiday light displays in the Pacific Northwest, with more than a million lights, themed areas, and a mix of drive‑thru and on‑site activities depending on the night. Although it’s about one hour outside of Seattle, families come for the tunnels of lights, festive music, and extras like Santa’s Village and seasonal treats. Because it runs on multiple weekends and weekdays through late December, it works well for planning a special outing once most in‑city events are winding down.
Bellevue Downtown Ice Rink
When: November 21, 2025 to January 19, 2026
Where: Bellevue Downtown Park
Cost: $16 on weekdays, $22 on weekends
The Bellevue Downtown Ice Rink is one of the region’s largest outdoor rinks, featuring themed nights and charming light displays. Smooth ice, roomy layout, and a festive setting make it an easy winter favorite.
Annual Pathway of Lights at Green Lake
When: December 9, 2025, on. From 4:30 to 7:30 PM
Where: Green Lake Circuit
Cost: Free!
For a laid-back stroll, bundle up and visit the Pathway of Lights at Green Lake. Every year, volunteers light up the lake circuit, path, and docks with candles as local schools and community groups hand out refreshments and perform live music. If the weather permits, you might also catch hot air balloons!
The Summit at Snoqualmie
When: December 2025 to March 2026
Where: Snoqualmie Pass
Cost: Ticketed
The Summit at Snoqualmie is a great getaway for skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and Nordic trails. It’s less than an hour away from the city, so it’s very accessible and great for both beginners and experienced snow enthusiasts. Get your season pass here.
Leavenworth Christmas Lighting and Village
When: Late November to December 2025
Where: Leavenworth, WA
Cost: Free, but some activities are ticketed
Leavenworth becomes a glowing alpine village for the season. Expect thousands of lights, holiday storefronts, hot drinks, and snowy mountain scenery.
Winter Wonderland Ice Show at the Kraken Skating Academy
When: December 20-21, 2025
Where: Kraken Community Iceplex
Cost: $22, Ages 6 and under are free
The Winter Wonderland Ice Show is a community-driven show featuring skaters of all levels performing to holiday music. It’s cheerful, family-friendly, and a wonderful way to support local athletes!
Holiday LaCrockey at the Kraken Community Iceplex
When: December 23, 2025 (6:15 Youth session, 7:30 Adult session)
Where: Kraken Community Iceplex
Cost: $16 for players, free for goalies
Holiday LaCrockey is a playful, holiday-themed hockey event at the Kraken Community Iceplex that blends friendly competition with festive fun.The upbeat environment makes it a hit with hockey fans and families alike.
Miniature Marvels: Winter Bonsai Solstice
When: December 23, 2025 (6:15 Youth session, 7:30 Adult session)
Where: Pacific Bonsai Museum
Cost: Free!
Winter Bonsai Solstice invites visitors to experience the Pacific Bonsai Museum’s collections in a peaceful setting. The earlier youth session offers a relaxed, family‑friendly way to introduce kids to bonsai, while the later adult session leans into a quieter, more reflective atmosphere. It’s a great pick if you’re looking for a calm, nature‑focused break from the busier holiday events in Seattle
New Years in Seattle: Fireworks, Parties, and NYE Cruises
New Year’s at The Needle
When: December 31, 2025
Where: Seattle Center
Cost: $37-$49
This one’s Seattle’s signature midnight moment. The Space Needle fireworks and drone show is one of the most iconic holiday events in Seattle. Get your tickets now to watch the skyline burst into color as the new year begins!
NOVA New Year’s Eve at Pacific Science Center
When: December 31, 2025
Where: Pacific Science Center
Cost: Members $95, Non-members $115
NOVA is a high-energy New Year’s Eve 21+ celebration featuring live aerialist performances, a silent disco, and a Laser Dome dance party with DJ Kween Kaysh. This NYE event also includes DIY craft stations, a photo booth, themed cocktails, and a catered menu, all leading to a 2026 countdown with a clear view of Seattle Center’s fireworks.
Posh W Seattle New Year’s Eve Party
When: December 31, 2025
Where: W Seattle
Cost: Starting at $125.45
An upscale but fun NYE celebration spanning multiple levels of the W Seattle. Expect DJs, dancing, and a buzzing social atmosphere. Get your tickets for the 2026 Posh W Seattle New Year’s Eve Party here!
Seattle NYE Fireworks Dinner Cruise
When: December 31, 2025
Where: Departs from the Seattle Waterfront
Cost: $225.93
Looking for a romantic, low-stress NYE event in Seattle? You’ll get panoramic views, dancing, and light snacks aboard a waterfront cruise that positions you perfectly for the Space Needle fireworks. Get your tickets for the Waterways NYE Cruise here!
Argosy NYE Party Cruise from Lake Union
When: December 31, 2025
Where: Departs from Lake Union
Cost: Ticketed
The Lake Union NYE Party cruise is a lively celebration with DJs, drinks, and open-air decks for taking in Seattle’s sparkling skyline. A great pick for groups and couples wanting something unique. Dress to impress!
Tips for Enjoying Seattle During the Holidays
- Dress in layers because winter weather is cool, damp, and unpredictable.
- Plan a mix of indoor and outdoor activities for flexibility.
- Book your tickets early for popular Seattle holiday events and NYE parties.
- If you’re looking to avoid crowds, visit major markets on weekdays
- Pair waterfront outings with a ride on the Seattle Great Wheel for holiday views!
Celebrate the Season with SJA
The holidays can be one of the most enjoyable but busiest times of the year. With so many events, markets, and getaways to choose from, the last thing you want to worry about is a leaky faucet, a late-night repair, or a vacant rental.
That’s where SJA Property Management comes in. We help Seattle property owners keep their homes and rentals well cared for year‑round, so the season can stay centered on memories, not maintenance. If you’re looking for support managing a Seattle property, SJA is here to help you have a little more joy in your holidays!
