Beyond lights and markets, Seattle offers unique seasonal experiences throughout the Puget Sound region. From ice skating at Westlake Center in downtown to waterfront celebrations and festive ferry rides, the city provides diverse holiday fun. Explore zoo events, museum exhibits, and Pacific Northwest traditions blending outdoor adventure with cozy winter celebrations.
Holiday Blast at the Center at Norpoint
Location: Tacoma
Dates: Saturday, December 6, 2025
Cost: FREE
The Holiday Blast at the Center at Norpoint features live music, caroling performances, and opportunities to meet Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the Grinch for photos. Guests can enjoy festive cookie decorating, holiday-themed games, and arts and crafts projects while indulging in popcorn and hot cocoa. The event also showcases a room filled with beautifully decorated trees and a selfie station for memorable moments.
Venue: Center at Norpoint
Address: 4818 Nassau Ave NE, Tacoma, WA 98422
Phone: 253-404-3900
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Enjoy live music and caroling performances.
- Meet and take photos with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the Grinch.
- Indulge in popcorn and hot cocoa.
Puyallup Lighted Santa Parade
Location: Puyallup
Dates: First Saturday in December
Cost: FREE
The Puyallup Lighted Santa Parade features a spectacular display of illuminated floats and festive participants as Santa Claus makes his grand entrance. Attendees will enjoy a vibrant procession through downtown Puyallup, showcasing dazzling light displays on various floats and vehicles. This event attracts crowds eager to witness the magic of the parade in person.
Venue: Downtown Puyallup
Address: 118 W Main, Puyallup, WA 98371
Phone: 253-840-2631
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Experience the magic of Santa's arrival in a spectacular lighted parade.
- Witness a vibrant parade featuring illuminated floats and festive participants.
- Marvel at the dazzling light displays on floats and vehicles as they wind through downtown Puyallup.
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The Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition
Location: Seattle
Dates: December 6, 2025, 12:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Cost: $
The Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition is a vibrant community event held at Pike Place Market, marking its 40th annual celebration. This fundraiser invites caroling teams to perform across the market, filling the area with music and holiday cheer. Participants can also volunteer and contribute to fundraising efforts through donations or sponsorships.
Highlights:
- The 40th Annual Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition, a major fundraiser.
- A vibrant community gathering filling Pike Place Market with holiday cheer and music.
- Form a caroling team to raise funds and perform during the competition.
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Cirque Dreams Holidaze
Location: Seattle
Cost: $$$
Cirque Dreams Holidaze is a holiday-themed circus performance at the Paramount Theatre featuring international performers showcasing acrobatics and breathtaking choreography. Attendees will be treated to a spectacular display of dazzling lights, music, and unique circus acts that embody the festive spirit of the season.
Venue: Paramount Theatre
Address: 911 Pine Street, Seattle, WA 98101
Phone: 206-682-1414
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Enjoy a spectacular holiday-themed circus show featuring a cast of talented international performers.
- Immerse yourself in a festive atmosphere with dazzling lights, music, and captivating performances.
- Experience a dazzling spectacle of acrobats, aerialists, and performers showcasing incredible feats of strength and artistry.
Alaska Airlines New Year's at the Needle
Location: Seattle
Dates: New Year's Eve
Cost: $$$$
Alaska Airlines New Year's at the Needle offers a breathtaking fireworks and drone show at the iconic Space Needle, celebrating the New Year in the Pacific Time Zone. Guests can enjoy panoramic views of Seattle while experiencing North America's largest structurally launched fireworks display, synchronized to music, along with a captivating drone light show.
Highlights:
- Celebrate the Pacific Time Zone's New Year with a world-class fireworks and drone spectacle.
- Enjoy the unique vantage point of the Space Needle for an unforgettable New Year's Eve experience.
- Share your favorite moments from the show using the hashtag #NYENEEDLE.
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Holiday Barn Lighting at Kelsey Creek Farm
Location: Bellevue
Dates: December 6, 2025
Cost: FREE
The Holiday Barn Lighting at Kelsey Creek Farm marks the start of the festive season with a special ceremony where guests can meet Santa Claus and enjoy carols sung by the community. Attendees will witness the festive countdown to illuminate the barn, which is uniquely decorated and adorned with lights, as farm animals enjoy their dinner inside the barn.
Venue: Kelsey Creek Farm
Address: 410 130th Pl SE, Bellevue, WA 98005
Phone: 425-452-7688
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- The annual Holiday Barn Lighting ceremony marks the start of the festive season.
- A special opportunity to visit with Santa Claus.
- The unique chance to observe farm animals during their dinner inside the barn.
Edmonds Holiday Trolley
Location: Edmonds
Dates: Saturdays, December 6, 13, & 20, 2025, from 11am to 6pm
Cost: FREE
The Edmonds Holiday Trolley offers a free, festive ride through downtown Edmonds, running every 30 minutes. The trolley allows guests to hop on and off, providing a fun way to explore local shops and restaurants while enjoying the company of elf companions spreading holiday cheer.
Highlights:
- Ride the free Edmonds Holiday Trolley for a fun and festive way to experience the town.
- The trolley runs every 30 minutes, making it easy to hop on and off for shopping and dining.
- Hop on and off the trolley to explore downtown Edmonds, visiting shops and restaurants.
City of Auburn's Lighted Santa Parade & Tree Lighting
Location: Auburn
Dates: December 6, 2025
Cost: FREE
The City of Auburn's Lighted Santa Parade & Tree Lighting Ceremony features a vibrant parade along Main Street, culminating in the annual tree lighting at City Hall. Families can enjoy live music performances before and after the parade, and meet Santa Claus in a festive atmosphere filled with holiday cheer.
Highlights:
- Experience the City of Auburn's spectacular Lighted Santa Parade.
- Participate in the cherished tradition of the annual Tree Lighting ceremony.
- Enjoy a magical visit with Santa Claus following the parade and tree lighting.
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Electric Cookie Run 5K/10K
Location: Seattle
Dates: December 6th, 2025
Cost: $$
The Electric Cookie Run 5K/10K at Green Lake Park is a holiday-themed running event offering participants a choice between a 5K or 10K course. Following the race, participants can enjoy a post-race cookie tasting from renowned Seattle bakeries, along with the chance to earn a commemorative medal.
Highlights:
- A festive 5K/10K run around Green Lake with a holiday theme.
- Post-race cookie tasting from renowned Seattle bakeries.
- Opportunity to earn a commemorative medal and wear it proudly.
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Holiday on the Bay 5K
Location: Everett
Dates: Sunday, December 7
Cost: $$
The Holiday on the Bay 5K is a scenic run/walk event taking place at Port of Everett Waterfront Place, featuring beautiful views of the bay and mountains. Participants can join in a Kids Dash for children aged 7 and under, and all finishers receive a long-sleeved race shirt and medal.
Venue: Port of Everett Waterfront Place
Address: 1205 Craftsman Way, Suite 200, Everett, WA
Phone: 425-259-3164
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- A festive 5K run/walk event with a holiday theme.
- Scenic route along the waterfront with bay and mountain views.
- Includes a long-sleeved race shirt and finisher medal for participants.
Cookies with Santa
Location: Lynnwood
Dates: Sunday, November 30, 2025 | 12:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Cost: FREE
At Heritage Cottage, families can meet Santa Claus and capture memorable holiday photos in a charming setting. This free open house event features opportunities to explore historical exhibits, including the impressive vintage Interurban Trolley, and tours of the museum located in the Wickers building. It's a perfect way to engage with local heritage while enjoying holiday cheer.
Venue: Heritage Cottage
Address: 19903 Poplar Way, Lynnwood, WA 98036
Phone: 425-775-4694
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Meet and take photos with Santa Claus.
- Explore historical exhibits and a vintage trolley.
- A free, family-friendly holiday open house event.
Magic in the Market
Location: Seattle
Dates: November 29, 2025
Cost: FREE
Pike Place Market's annual holiday kickoff on November 29 with Santa, live performances, and tree lighting at 5 PM. Festivities start at 11 AM and are free.
Venue: Pike Place Market
Address: 85 Pike Street, Seattle, WA 98101
Phone: 206-682-7453
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Tree lighting ceremony
- Santa visits
- Live performances
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Holiday Night Market at Pike Place
Location: Seattle
Dates: December 11, 2025, 5-9 PM
Cost: FREE
Pike Place Market hosts Holiday Night Market on December 11, 5-9 PM with after-hours shopping, festive cheer, and Santa visits.
Venue: Pike Place Market
Address: 85 Pike Street, Seattle, WA 98101
Phone: 206-682-7453
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- After-hours shopping
- Meet Santa
- Evening market
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Bellevue Downtown Ice Rink
Location: Bellevue
Dates: Late November 2025 - mid-January 2026
Cost: $
Region's largest seasonal ice rink in Bellevue, open late November through mid-January near Seattle.
Venue: Downtown Bellevue
Address: Bellevue, WA
Highlights:
- Largest seasonal rink
- Bellevue location
- Extended season
Occidental Square Pop-Up Rink
Location: Seattle
Dates: Throughout December 2025
Cost: $
Temporary outdoor ice rink in downtown Seattle's Occidental Square during holiday season.
Venue: Occidental Square
Address: Occidental Avenue S, Seattle, WA 98104
Highlights:
- Downtown pop-up rink
- Pioneer Square area
- Outdoor skating
Kraken Community Iceplex
Location: Seattle
Dates: Throughout December 2025
Cost: $
Year-round indoor ice rink in Northgate with public skating sessions throughout winter.
Venue: Kraken Community Iceplex
Address: 10601 5th Avenue NE, Seattle, WA 98125
Phone: 206-925-6100
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Year-round rink
- Northgate location
- Public sessions
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Christmas Ship Parade of Boats
Location: Seattle
Dates: December 13, 2025
Cost: FREE
Decorated boats parade on Lake Union on December 13 viewable from shore or by booking lead ship.
Venue: Lake Union
Address: Lake Union, Seattle, WA
Highlights:
- Decorated boat parade
- Lake Union views
- Free from shore
Woodland Park Zoo Wild Lights
Location: Seattle
Dates: Throughout December 2025
Cost: $$
Woodland Park Zoo features Wild Lights with illuminated animal displays and festive atmosphere throughout December.
Venue: Woodland Park Zoo
Address: 5500 Phinney Avenue N, Seattle, WA 98103
Phone: 206-548-2500
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Zoo with lights
- Animal displays
- Family-friendly
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Seattle Aquarium Holiday Visits
Location: Seattle
Dates: Throughout December 2025
Cost: $$
Seattle Aquarium on waterfront offers holiday visits with marine animals and festive decorations.
Venue: Seattle Aquarium
Address: 1483 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98101
Phone: 206-386-4300
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Waterfront aquarium
- Marine animals
- Holiday atmosphere
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Museum of Pop Culture Holiday Exhibits
Location: Seattle
Dates: Throughout December 2025
Cost: $$
MoPOP at Seattle Center features holiday exhibits with pop culture and music displays.
Venue: Museum of Pop Culture
Address: 325 5th Avenue N, Seattle, WA 98109
Phone: 206-770-2700
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Pop culture museum
- Seattle Center
- Unique exhibits
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Chihuly Garden and Glass Holiday Visits
Location: Seattle
Dates: Throughout December 2025
Cost: $$
Chihuly Garden and Glass at Seattle Center showcases stunning glass art with holiday atmosphere.
Venue: Chihuly Garden and Glass
Address: 305 Harrison Street, Seattle, WA 98109
Phone: 206-753-4940
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Glass art museum
- Seattle Center
- Unique experience
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Pacific Science Center Holiday Programming
Location: Seattle
Dates: Throughout December 2025
Cost: $$
Pacific Science Center offers holiday programming with IMAX, planetarium, and interactive exhibits.
Venue: Pacific Science Center
Address: 200 2nd Avenue N, Seattle, WA 98109
Phone: 206-443-2001
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Science museum
- IMAX theater
- Family programming
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Resources
Helpful information and links for planning your holiday season in Seattle.