Seattle Christmas Activities: 10 Festive Things To Do

Seattle is a city that transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. The snow-capped mountains, twinkling lights, and festive atmosphere make it the perfect place to get into the holiday spirit. Whether you're a local or just visiting, there are plenty of fun and festive things to do in Seattle during Christmas.

The city offers a wide range of activities and events that cater to all ages and interests. From ice skating and sledding to festive markets and holiday lights, Seattle has something for everyone. In this article, we'll explore the top 10 Seattle Christmas activities that will make your holiday season merry and bright.

Ice Skating at the Seattle Center

One of the most popular Seattle Christmas activities is ice skating at the Seattle Center. The rink is open from late November to January, offering a fun and festive way to enjoy the holiday season. The rink is surrounded by twinkling lights and festive decorations, making it a magical experience for both kids and adults.

Whether you're a beginner or a pro, the ice skating rink at the Seattle Center is a great place to enjoy some quality time with family and friends. You can even rent skates and take a lesson or two if you're new to ice skating.

Tip:

• Be sure to check the Seattle Center's website for ice skating schedules and prices.
• Consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid the crowds.

Seattle Christmas Market

Another popular Seattle Christmas activity is visiting the Seattle Christmas Market. Located in the heart of downtown Seattle, the market offers a festive and fun atmosphere with over 40 vendors selling everything from handmade crafts to gourmet foods.

You can find unique gifts, try local foods, and enjoy the festive atmosphere, complete with twinkling lights and holiday decorations. The market is open from late November to Christmas Eve, making it a great place to get into the holiday spirit.

Tip:

• Be sure to check the market's website for hours of operation and vendor lists.
• Consider visiting during the week to avoid the crowds.

Snow Tubing at the Summit at Snoqualmie

If you're looking for a fun and adventurous Seattle Christmas activity, consider snow tubing at the Summit at Snoqualmie. Located just an hour outside of Seattle, the Summit offers a snow tubing park with over 20 lanes and a magic carpet lift.

You can enjoy the scenic views, get some exercise, and have fun with family and friends. The Summit also offers ice skating, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, making it a great place to enjoy the winter weather.

Tip:

• Be sure to check the Summit's website for snow tubing schedules and prices.
• Consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid the crowds.

Seattle Holiday Lights

Seattle is known for its festive holiday lights, and there are plenty of places to see them. From the Seattle Center to the waterfront, you can find twinkling lights and festive decorations throughout the city.

One of the best places to see the holiday lights is at the Seattle Center, where you can find a giant Christmas tree, festive decorations, and over 100,000 lights. You can also take a stroll along the waterfront, where you can see the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound lit up with festive lights.

Tip:

• Be sure to check the Seattle Center's website for holiday light schedules and prices.
• Consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid the crowds.

Seattle Santa Parade

The Seattle Santa Parade is a fun and festive holiday event that takes place in December. The parade features floats, marching bands, and of course, Santa Claus.

You can watch the parade along the route, which runs through downtown Seattle, or get a good spot at the starting point at the Seattle Center. The parade is a great way to get into the holiday spirit and enjoy some quality time with family and friends.

Tip:

• Be sure to check the parade's website for schedules and routes.
• Consider arriving early to get a good spot along the route.

Seattle Holiday Boat Parade

The Seattle Holiday Boat Parade is a fun and festive holiday event that takes place in December. The parade features boats of all shapes and sizes, decorated with festive lights and decorations.

You can watch the parade from the waterfront, where you can see the boats sail by and enjoy the festive atmosphere. The parade is a great way to enjoy the holiday season and see the city from a different perspective.

Tip:

• Be sure to check the parade's website for schedules and routes.
• Consider arriving early to get a good spot along the waterfront.

Seattle Center Winter Fest

The Seattle Center Winter Fest is a fun and festive holiday event that takes place in December. The festival features ice skating, live music, and festive decorations.

You can enjoy the festive atmosphere, try some local foods, and browse the vendors selling handmade crafts and gifts. The festival is a great way to get into the holiday spirit and enjoy some quality time with family and friends.

Tip:

• Be sure to check the Seattle Center's website for Winter Fest schedules and prices.
• Consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid the crowds.

Seattle Symphony Holiday Concert

The Seattle Symphony Holiday Concert is a fun and festive holiday event that takes place in December. The concert features the Seattle Symphony performing holiday classics, complete with festive decorations and twinkling lights.

You can enjoy the beautiful music, get into the holiday spirit, and enjoy some quality time with family and friends. The concert is a great way to celebrate the holiday season and make some new memories.

Tip:

• Be sure to check the Seattle Symphony's website for concert schedules and prices.
• Consider arriving early to get a good seat.

Seattle ZooLights

The Seattle ZooLights is a fun and festive holiday event that takes place in December. The event features the Woodland Park Zoo transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and live music.

You can enjoy the festive atmosphere, see the animals up close, and browse the vendors selling handmade crafts and gifts. The event is a great way to get into the holiday spirit and make some new memories.

Tip:

• Be sure to check the Woodland Park Zoo's website for ZooLights schedules and prices.
• Consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid the crowds.

Seattle Holiday Shopping

Seattle is known for its unique shopping scene, and during the holiday season, it's even more special. From the iconic Pike Place Market to the trendy boutiques in Capitol Hill, you can find something for everyone on your holiday list.

You can browse the vendors selling handmade crafts and gifts, try some local foods, and enjoy the festive atmosphere. The holiday shopping season is a great way to support local businesses and find some unique gifts.

Tip:

• Be sure to check the stores' websites for holiday shopping schedules and prices.
• Consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid the crowds.

In conclusion, Seattle offers a wide range of fun and festive activities during the holiday season. From ice skating and snow tubing to holiday lights and festive markets, there's something for everyone. Whether you're a local or just visiting, Seattle is a great place to get into the holiday spirit and make some new memories.