Fun Things To Do In Seattle, WA
Welcome to your ultimate guide for discovering the best of Seattle this November!
December in Seattle is pure magic. The city comes alive with twinkling lights, festive performances, holiday markets, and the cozy, comforting rituals that make winter in the Pacific Northwest so special. The air turns crisp, the mountains glow with fresh snow, and neighborhoods—from Ballard to Bellevue—transform into winter wonderlands.
This is the season for gathering with the people you love, treating yourself to hot cocoa after an evening of holiday light displays, and enjoying the joyful buzz of celebrations throughout the city. Whether you’re strolling through downtown for Christmas shopping, watching The Nutcracker with your family, or taking a snowy day trip to Snoqualmie, December invites you to slow down, soak in the magic, and create memories that last.
Families can dive into classic traditions—tree lightings, holiday trains, festive pop-ups, and cozy indoor activities for those extra-rainy days. Outdoor lovers can explore peaceful winter walks at Discovery Park or the Burke-Gilman Trail, bundle up for après-ski fun at The Summit, or admire the dazzling waterfront views on a crisp evening.
Food lovers will find December irresistible, too. Warm seasonal menus appear at restaurants across the city, Pike Place Market fills with holiday gifts and local treats, and cafés roll out their best gingerbread lattes and peppermint mochas of the year.
Whether you’re celebrating the holidays, exploring Seattle’s most festive moments, or simply embracing the stillness of winter, December offers endless ways to connect with your community, enjoy new experiences, and make this season feel truly special.
Let’s make the most of it—one magical December moment at a time.
Seattle in December: Magic, Merriment, and Cozy Winter Moments
December in Seattle brings a vibrant, festive kind of beauty. The air is crisp, the mountains dust with fresh snow, and the entire city glows with holiday lights from downtown skyscrapers to cozy neighborhood streets. It’s the season to celebrate, gather, and savor the magic of winter in the Pacific Northwest.
This month, Seattle is fully in holiday mode. Iconic traditions return—like ice skating at Seattle Center, Christmas ships on Lake Washington, festive pop-up bars, holiday theater performances, and beloved light displays throughout the region. Downtown sparkles with holiday décor, Bellevue’s Snowflake Lane draws families nightly, and neighborhoods come alive with markets offering handmade gifts and seasonal treats.
Food lovers can indulge in rich winter flavors: warm soups, holiday pastries, peppermint mochas, and celebratory meals made with Northwest ingredients. Pike Place Market becomes a gift-giver’s paradise, packed with local produce, fresh seafood, artisan crafts, and festive specialties that make December gatherings feel extra meaningful.
Families can enjoy both indoor and outdoor adventures—from exploring the Pacific Science Center or MoPOP to strolling the waterfront under twinkling lights, riding the holiday carousel, or hopping over to Snoqualmie for a snowy day trip. It’s also the peak of light-festival season, with dazzling walk-through displays around every corner.
Whether you’re celebrating with loved ones, discovering new traditions, or simply soaking up Seattle’s cozy winter charm, December is about joy, togetherness, and the little moments that make this season special. Slow down, bundle up, and enjoy it all—this is Seattle at its most magical.
Join Us!
December in Seattle brings a brighter, more magical kind of beauty, with sparkling lights, crisp winter air, and cozy moments tucked between festive celebrations. Even as the nights grow longer and the pace picks up for the holidays, there’s still so much wonder to enjoy in this city I love calling home.
Washington Huskies Football: October Highlights
October keeps the Husky football momentum rolling, with a schedule full of can’t-miss matchups. The Dawgs hit the road early in the month before returning to Husky Stadium to defend their home turf against top Big Ten competition. Fans can look forward to crisp fall game days, packed stands, and the kind of electric atmosphere that makes autumn in Seattle unforgettable.
When: Various Dates
Where: Husky Stadium, Seattle
Astra Lumina: An Enchanted Night Walk Amongst the Stars
Wander through a magical nocturnal landscape where light, sound, and imagination converge. This immersive experience guides you along a celestial pathway, where cosmic installations dance among the forest and stars seem to fall at your feet. It’s a tranquil yet stirring journey—equal parts art, nature, and wonder.
When: November 6 – December 31, 2025
Where: Seattle Chinese Garden, 6000 16th Avenue SW, Seattle
Sheraton Grand Seattle Gingerbread Village Celebration
The Sheraton Grand Seattle Gingerbread Village invites families and friends to wander through a whimsical display of towering gingerbread masterpieces—each one crafted with creativity, culture, and seasonal cheer. Hosted by the team at the Sheraton with support from Breakthrough T1D, this spectacular event blends festive fun with meaningful purpose, offering the perfect backdrop for holiday photos, sweet inspiration, and making joyful memories in the heart of Seattle.
When: November 20, 2025 – January 1, 2026
Where: Sheraton Grand Seattle, 1400 6th Avenue, Seattle
Christmas Ship Festival: Holiday Cruise & Choir Experience
The Christmas Ship™ Festival invites you aboard a beautifully lit vessel as the choir’s beautiful voices fill the night air, transforming the waters of Puget Sound into an enchanting canvas of holiday spirit. This festive journey blends maritime magic with heart-warming performances, making it the perfect outing for friends, families, and anyone seeking a memorable seasonal experience in Seattle’s waterfront community.
When: November 28 – Dec. 23, 2025
Where: Argosy Cruises • Pier 55, Alaskan Way, Seattle
Holiday Family Preview at The Westin Seattle
Get into the festive spirit at the Holiday Family Preview hosted by Providence Regina House. This joyful gathering invites families to enjoy arts and crafts, festive entertainment, a visit with Santa, and beautifully decorated Christmas trees. Guests are encouraged to bring gently used clothing donations to support the local community and join in shopping with community partners—all in a warm and welcoming atmosphere crafted with care.
When: December 1, 2025
Where: The Westin Seattle, Grand Ballroom, 1900 Fifth Avenue, Seattle
Experience “A Christmas Carol” at Union Arts Center
Step into the timeless magic of A Christmas Carol at the Union Arts Center—a captivating adaptation of Charles Dickens’s story of hope, transformation, and the power of compassion. Whether it’s your first time or you’re returning to a cherished tradition, this production invites you to share in the joy and timeless lessons of Scrooge’s journey surrounded by Seattle’s warm holiday spirit.
When: December 4-28, 2025
Where: Allen Theatre at Union Arts Center, 700 Union Street, Seattle
Enchanting Night Walk: Astra Lumina at Seattle Chinese Garden
Discover pure magic with Astra Lumina: An Enchanted Night Walk Amongst the Stars as you wander through a shimmering, immersive light journey beneath the night sky. Set in the serene surroundings of the Seattle Chinese Garden, the experience invites you to step into a world where stars seem to fall at your feet, thousands of lights dance among trees, and nature transforms into wonder. It’s a perfect evening escape for families, couples, and anyone ready to explore a luminous adventure in Seattle.
When: December 4-31, 2025
Where: Seattle Chinese Garden, 6000 16th Avenue SW, Seattle
Disney’s The Lion King at The Paramount – A Majestic Broadway Experience
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking world of Disney’s The Lion King with its soaring songs, stunning visual artistry, and unforgettable storytelling that brings the Serengeti to life before your eyes. This Broadway adaptation enchants families and theatre-lovers alike—featuring vibrant costumes, dynamic choreography, and the heartfelt journey of self-discovery and belonging at its core.
When: December 4 – January 4, 2025
Where: The Paramount Theatre, 911 Pine Street, Seattle
2025 GeekWire Gala: Tech the Halls
Join the GeekWire Gala for an evening of celebration, connection, and innovation—with a splash of holiday spirit. This signature event brings together tech leaders, entrepreneurs, and the vibrant Seattle startup community in a festive setting where networking meets celebration. Expect lively conversations, new partnerships, and the buzz of our region’s most forward-thinking minds as we toast our year’s achievements and look ahead to the future.
When: December 11, 2025
Where: Showbox SoDo, 1700 1st Avenue South, Seattle
Magical Boat Parade on Lake Union
Set sail into a winter-wonderland on the water with the Christmas Ship™ Parade of Boats by Argosy Cruises—where brightly decorated vessels drift through Lake Union’s Fremont Cut in a shimmering holiday ballet. With twinkling lights reflecting on the sound, the parade invites families and friends to cozy up with cocoa, take in the festive scene, and feel the joyful spirit of the season unfold on the water.
When: December 13, 2025
Where: Lake Union Park, 1200 Westlake Ave, Seattle
Jurassic Quest – Dino Adventure at the Seattle Convention Center
Embark on an unforgettable journey with Jurassic Quest, where towering life-size dinosaurs, hands-on fossil digs, a raptor-training challenge, and inflatable rides all come together for a family-friendly dino extravaganza. Designed for all ages, the event blends awe, discovery, and fun—making it the perfect outing to spark excitement and wonder in both young explorers and adult fans of prehistoric adventures.
When: December 12-14, 2025
Where: Seattle Convention Center (Arch Building), 705 Pike Street, Seattle
Pathway of Lights at Green Lake
Each year the community gathers for the magical “Pathway of Lights” around Green Lake Park in Seattle—where thousands of softly glowing luminarias line the lakeside path, live music fills the air, and families stroll together through a radiant winter scene. This event invites you to embrace the season’s warmth, linger a little longer, and feel the shared glow of a beloved local tradition.
When: December 13, 2025
Where: Green Lake Park, 7201 E Green Lake Dr N, Seattle
Dining in the Dark: Blindfolded 3-Course Experience
Step into an extraordinary sensory adventure with Dining in the Dark: A Unique Blindfolded Dining Experience at The Collective Seattle. Dine without sight and allow your other senses to take the lead as you savour a specially curated three-course menu tailored for meat, seafood or vegan preferences. It’s the kind of unexpected, immersive evening that creates memorable stories—perfect for couples, friends or anyone seeking something delightfully different in Seattle.
When: December 19, 2025
Where: The Collective Seattle, 400 Dexter Avenue North, Suite #100, Seattle
Eleventh Hour Makers Market at Pacific Place
Hunt down thoughtful, one-of-a-kind gifts for loved ones at the Eleventh Hour Makers Market, a festive indoor showcase where local artists and makers bring handmade jewelry, custom art, cozy home goods, and boutique treats together under one roof. Whether you’re scrambling for the perfect gift or just want a special piece that tells a story, this craft event offers an inspiring shopping experience that fits the Seattle feel of creativity and community.
When: December 19-21, 2025
Where: Pacific Place (Concourse Level), 600 Pine Street, Seattle
Winter Solstice Luminary Walk at Washington Park Arboretum
Embrace the magic of the season with a luminous evening at the Washington Park Arboretum, where soft glows of luminaries guide your wander through peaceful winter woods. This warm and enchanting experience invites you to sip, stroll, and pause among the trees—perfect for reconnecting with nature, sharing a quiet moment, or simply enjoying the night in a beautifully lighted setting.
When: December 19-21, 2025
Where: Graham Visitors Center, Washington Park Arboretum, 300 Arboretum Drive E, Seattle
Amazing Bubble Man: A Bubble Spectacle for All Ages
Get ready to be mesmerized by the playful wonder of the Amazing Bubble Man — an unforgettable blend of comedy, art, and jaw-dropping bubble magic. Expect giant bubbles, bubbles inside bubbles, swirling bubble tornadoes, and even people inside bubbles. The show is interactive and full of laughter and amazement, making it perfect for kids, parents, grandparents — anyone who loves a bit of whimsy and wonder.
When: December 27, 2025
Where: Kirkland Performance Center, 350 Kirkland Ave, Kirkland
Boundless Curiosity: A Journey With Robert Minkoff
Boundless Curiosity: A Journey With Robert Minkoff invites you into a dazzling world where glass becomes art — a vibrant celebration showcasing masterful craftsmanship and bold contemporary visions. The collection honors Robert Minkoff’s lifelong passion for glass by presenting pieces that span traditional techniques to experimental designs, giving visitors a chance to explore how artists push boundaries and transform light, form, and color. This exhibition is a feast for the senses and an invitation to experience the wonder of glass art in a way few spaces can offer.
When: December 26, 2025
Where: Museum of Glass — 1801 Dock St, Tacoma
Explore History for Free at Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum
Step into the world of historic wartime aviation and military machinery at the Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum — where restored World War II aircraft, tanks, and armor come alive under one roof. This museum takes you on a fascinating journey across eras, with fully restored warbirds and combat vehicles that once shaped global history. It’s a rare chance to explore powerful pieces of military heritage, hear engines roar, and get up close and personal with real artifacts — all without paying an admission fee.
When: December 28, 2025
Where: Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum, 3407 109th St SW, Everett
Winterfest Train & Village at Seattle Center
Step into a cozy, whimsical holiday world at the Winterfest Train & Village — a charming model-train and miniature village display that delights both kids and grown-ups alike. This classic Seattle tradition turns a historic model railroad into a magical, hands-on experience where you can watch trains chug through miniature landscapes and even take the controls yourself. The festive atmosphere, intricate detail, and joyful sense of nostalgia make the Winterfest Train & Village a must-see for families and anyone who loves a little seasonal wonder.
When: December 29, 2025
Where: Seattle Center Armory, 305 Harrison Street, Seattle
Fremont Sunday Market
The Fremont Sunday Market is a vibrant, year-round open-air market located in Seattle’s eclectic Fremont neighborhood. Established in 1990, it draws inspiration from European street markets, offering a diverse array of handmade crafts, antiques, collectibles, vintage clothing, furniture, and international foods. With over 150 vendors, the market provides a unique shopping experience that reflects the community’s creative spirit. Open every Sunday, rain or shine, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., it has become a beloved destination for both locals and visitors seeking unique treasures and culinary delights.
When: Opens every Sunday from 10am – 4pm
Where: 3401 Evanston Ave N Seattle
Emily Cressey
PS: If you have an event you’d like for us to include in the future or if you’d like for us to feature your local business, please contact me with more details!
Let’s Go Seattle!
