With more people than ever before from out of town, fewer and fewer are aware of the spectacular sights and sounds Seattle has to offer all throughout the month of December.
Here you’ll find a list of some of our favorite Christmas activities both in and outside of Seattle. Some are within walking distance of our school or a short bus ride, and some require a bit of a road trip. Nonetheless, prepare to add a few items to your ‘to-do’ list this December!
WALK
Ice Skating at Winterfest
November 29 – December 31
Lower Queen Anne
Is there any winter activity as classic as ice skating? You too can lace up your skates and join fellow Seattleites at the Winterfest Ice Rink, part of the Seattle Center holiday festivities.
Urban Craft Uprising
December 7 – 8
Lower Queen Anne
Look no further for unique Christmas gifts. Just one mile away at the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall in Lower Queen Anne, Urban Craft Uprising is an indie craft show that offers many local, high-quality goods. Take a peek at their vendor gallery here.
Gingerbread Houses at the Sheraton
November 23 – January 1
Downtown
You may think you know gingerbread houses, but have you seen them crafted by professional architects? Take a brisk walk to the Sheraton downtown to see these incredible creations from local architects and chefs.
Christmas at the Market
Waterfront
Pike Place Market already has a bit of magic on its own, but during the holiday season, it truly transforms. Walk through rows of vendors sipping hot apple cider (or cocoa, if you prefer), and take in the smell of fresh pine wreaths. If you go after dark, you’ll have the added bonus of seeing Christmas lights strung across that give the market an added touch of holiday cheer.
BUS
A Christmas Carol
November 29 – December 28
Downtown
“God bless us, everyone.” A true Christmas classic, you can purchase tickets to see A Christmas Carol at the ACT Theater. Get in the holiday spirit, along with Ebenezer Scrooge, as you watch this Dickens play performed by a local theater company.
“…in the lane, snow is glistening…”
December 1-24
Bellevue, Ravenna
There are more than a few “lanes” around town that exude Christmas cheer, but none more so than Snowflake Lane in Bellevue and Candy Cane Lane in Ravenna.
Snowflake Lane is a night of holiday magic that takes place outside the Bellevue Collection every evening until Christmas Eve. Fun for kids and adults, Snowflake Lane features an interactive parade of Christmas characters, from Santa’s elves to the Snow Queen. You might even see some snow!
Candy Cane Lane is a long-standing tradition held by a neighborhood in Ravenna. During the holiday season, every house on one cul-de-sac transforms into a candy-cane wonderland complete with lights and classic decorations. If you choose to drive, you can park near the entrance and walk, or, if the night is chilly, drive through the display.
Enchant
November 22 – December 29
SoDo
There’s little you won’t find at Enchant, a Christmas light maze and market hosted at T-Mobile Park. An ice skating path, dining, and the “world’s largest light maze” are just part of the experience at this newer-to-Seattle holiday attraction.
Wildlights
November 29 – January 5
Wallingford
For the month of December, Woodland Park Zoo outfits its exhibits with lights upon lights and fun for the whole family. Gather around a fire pit with a hot beverage of your choice (hot chocolate for kids, mulled wine for adults) and see your favorite animals in a brand new, festive way.
DRIVE
Summit at Snoqualmie
Snoqualmie Pass
Though Seattle is one of the northernmost cities in the continental US, we rarely get more than a few inches of snow per year. So, if you’re looking for a way to embrace the cold, head east on I-90 to Snoqualmie Pass. There you’ll find skiing, snowboarding, sledding, cross-country skiing, snow tubing, and more!
Tip: Check the website for closures before making a trip.
Christmas Lighting Festival
December 6-8, 13-15, and 20-22
Leavenworth, WA
Leavenworth is a small, Bavarian-style village tucked away in the Cascades. But during the month of December, it turns into someplace magical, reminiscent of European Christmas markets—but within a few hours drive. Take a road trip one weekend and experience the lighting ceremony, sleigh rides, and unique shops on main street.
Lights of Christmas
November 29-December 1, December 5-8, 12-15, 18-23, and 26-29
Stanwood, WA
Also a bit of a drive, the Lights of Christmas is hosted by Warm Beach Camp & Conference Center in Stanwood. Boasting more than a million lights, you’ll be dazzled by not only the festivity but also the number of activities for kids and adults. Plus, there’s an option to stay overnight at the camp and conference center in case you don’t want to make the drive back at night.