happy Holidays! If you are looking for some holiday fun this season, please refer to the list of live and virtual events happening in the greater Seattle area. If you want to submit your event for consideration, please use the form at the bottom of this page.
The coldest month of the year has arrived. Whether you stay indoors comfortably or go out to enjoy the celebrations in the area, here is a guide to movies, performances, light shows, concerts and more in the Seattle area this winter.
Click below or scroll down to browse different categories to learn about local festivals.
Lights | Festivals | Markets | Music | Theatre and Dance | Special Events
Explore an immersive experience at Woodland Park Zoo from 4 to 8:30 pm, including large animals and natural landscape lanterns representing wild areas from all over the world. Online ticket purchase; 30.95 USD/13 years old and above, 25.95 USD/3-12 years old, free for 2 years old and below. 5500 Phinney Ave. N., Seattle; 206-548-2500; Zoo website
Holiday tree lights celebrations including the countdown to the outdoor Christmas tree in West Lake Center, the light sculpture in West Lake Park, and the Holiday Star event starting from 5 to 6 pm will also be broadcast online and on the WARM 106.9 Facebook page. free. 401 Pine Street, Seattle; 206-623-0340; Downtown Seattle
Experience the miracles of falling snow, dazzling lights, music, toy drummers and dancers in the free holiday float parade at 7pm. Bellevue Northeast Fourth Street to Northeast Eighth Street; Snowflake.com
Join the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium and experience the holiday tradition of indoor and outdoor lighting. Tickets are purchased online at 4:30-10 in the afternoon; US$12-15. 5400 N. Pearl St., Tacoma; 253-404-3800; pdza.org
Garden d'Lights has more than 500,000 plants, birds, animals and glittering lights in the shape of a cascading waterfall from 4:30 to 9 every night. Buy tickets online; $5, free for 10 years and under. 12001 Bellevue Avenue; bellevuebotanical.org
Free from 4pm to 9pm, stroll among light-covered trees, make shadow puppets, play with color changers and explore imaginative lighting exhibitions. 3801 E. Mercer Way, Mercer Island; 206-232-7115; sjcc.org
Cities such as Bothell, Kenmore, Lake Forest Park, and Shoreline have teamed up to host the 2021 Winter Porch Light Parade to celebrate the community. The four cities invited their communities to create light displays that will become part of the virtual map, marking many of the holidays and traditions celebrated in winter. Participants are encouraged to be creative through displays, including decorating spaces (porches, terraces, balconies, windows and even cars). Online registration (as of December 19); free. The location varies; sites.google.com/view/winterporchlightparade
Stimulate your senses in DAZZLE’s festive lighting magic, a new Christmas tradition. Walk on the trails from 4:30-8 PM to enjoy the lights, activities, and memories worth taking pictures. Buy tickets online; $12/normal, free for 10 years and under. 21401 244th Ave. SE, Maple Valley; dazzlenw.com
The residents, organizations and businesses of Marysville will turn the city into a magical wonderland and invite you to visit the lights at 5-9 pm. free. The location varies; 360-363-8000; marysvillewa.gov
A tradition in Seattle since 1949, Candy Cane Lane invites visitors to drive or walk through circular carousels and houses decorated with giant candy canes, displays and lights, Monday to Thursday from 4pm to 9.30pm, weekly 5. Saturday afternoon from 4 to 11 pm and holidays. The University District Food Bank accepts food donations. Northeast Ravenna Avenue and Northeast of Park Road; facebook.com/SeattleCandyCaneLane
Enjoy the glowing lighting cycle around Kenmore from 4pm to 7pm. There will be more than 600 lighting, food vendors and music performances. free. 18120 68th Ave. NE, Kenmore; 425-398-8900; kenmorewa.gov
Explore Tacoma’s Winter Festival of Lights, Art and Sound in downtown Tacoma from 5 to 9 pm. Driving, cycling or strolling through the windows and buildings in more than 30 light art exhibits, each has its own music or poetry. Participate in live music, circus, oral and light art performances at Tollefson Square from 6pm to 8pm on Friday and Saturday nights, as well as community art production, hot chocolate and food trucks. There will also be a light parade at 5:30 pm on New Year’s Eve. free. 1548 Commerce St., Tacoma; tacomalighttrail.org
Argosy Cruises Christmas Boat Festival returns to the water at different times with live choir, full bar, gift shop, Santa Claus, Grinch, etc., to visit different Puget Sound waterfront communities. Decorated boats from the region will hold a grand final in Lake Union on December 23. Buy tickets online; $68. 1101 Alaska Road, Seattle; argosycruises.com
Connect to a world of flashing lights, entertainment and entertainment in the Seattle Center. Enjoy the winter train and village (10 am to 6 pm every day), ice sculptures (noon on Saturday), the annual campus light show, the New Year with the Needle firework show, and more. free. 305 Harrison Street, Seattle; 206-684-7200; Seattle Center website
Enjoy food and dessert carts, courtyard games, live music and carols from 4pm to 6pm. Santa Claus arrives at 5 pm, and the home holiday Christmas tree will light up at 5:30 pm for free. 23089 SE Fir St., Black Diamond; facebook.com/TenTrails
Bellingham Yacht Club invites everyone to participate in a festive light parade in Bellingham Bay at 5.30pm. Visitors are welcome to watch the boats parading under the festive lights from Boulevard Park and Fairhaven Cruise Terminal. free. 2625 S. Harbour Loop Drive, Bellingham; 360-733-7390; byc.org
Jump into the icy waters of Sammamish Lake from Sunset Beach from 10:30 to 11:30 in the morning with friends and family. Plungers will receive a coupon for Ivar's free clam chowder and a special souvenir. Buy tickets online; $10. 2000 NW Sammamish Road, Issaquah; 425-577-3657; Lakesammamishfriends.org
Enjoy German-style mulled wine, delicious food, and a wonderland of lights, music, and more than 80 suppliers in our neighboring big city in the north. Buy tickets online; $7.99-17. 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC; vancouverchristmasmarket.com
Enjoy the sale of handmade products made by members of Pacific Northwest Needle Arts Guild from 10 am to 4 pm on Friday and Saturday. free. 4649 Sunnyside Ave. N., Room 120, Seattle; 206-783-2489; pnnag.org
Shop for hundreds of handmade products made by members of the Bainbridge Craftsman Resource Network BARN, including jewelry, woodworking, fiber art, molten glass, etc. free. bazaar.bainbridgebarn.org
Rainier Beach Community Club provides a virtual Rainier Beach market, offering aromatherapy, ceramics, fabrics, glass, jewelry, literature and more. The artist will hold on-site sales from 11 am to 2 pm on December 4th. Prices vary. 6038 Pilgrimage Street, Seattle; Rainier Beach Community Club.org
The price of enjoying the Christmas tree sale from 10 am to 7 pm varies. 9703 NE Juanita Drive, Kirkland; kirklandkiwanis.org
Christmas trees, garlands, wreaths and candies are sold every day from 10 am to 9 pm. 65-185 USD. 9703 NE Juanita Drive, Kirkland; kirklandkiwanis.org
Vasa Park Resort holds a winter market, and various vendors are provided free of charge from 10 am to 6 pm. 3560 W. Lake Sammamish Parkway SE, Bellevue; 425-746-3260; vasaparkresort.org/wintermarket21
Enjoy the seventh annual Historic Shell Holiday Shop from noon to 6 pm from Friday to Sunday. Browse the work of more than 30 local artists and producers in a festive atmosphere. free. 232 Front St. N., Issaquah; 425-281-9083; andsothere.com/shellholidayshop
From 9 am to 3 pm, enjoy a variety of handmade products sold by local Snoqualmie Valley artists for free. Carnations, 4610 Stephens Avenue; 425-333-4152; snovalleysenior.org
Purchase selected handmade products and baked goods donated by MEOW volunteers and supporters. Pet beds and toys, decorations, knitted clothing, seasonal goods, etc. are provided from 10 am to 3 pm. Arrange shopping time online; free. 232 Fifth Ave. S., Kirkland; 425-822-6369; Cat Rescue Network
Enjoy the outdoor market, there are more than 50 stalls, full of handicrafts and fresh baked goods, food trucks, music, etc., free from 2-7 pm. 10100 Main St., Bothell; facebook.com/bothellholidaymarket
Join West Seattle Junction to participate in the holiday night market and tree lights activities, and find local handmade products from more than 40 local craftsmen from 3-7 pm. Watch Santa at Santa’s House at the Holiday Night Market from 4-7 pm. There will also be a full stage performance hosted by Elvis Presley this year. free. Alaska Street, Southwest Seattle; 206-935-0904; wsjunction.org
From 10 am to 8 pm on December 10th and from 10 am to 3 pm on December 11th, the European Christmas Market on San Juan Island goes back in time. The Brickworks building will flash sparkling lights to illuminate the island’s handicraft market, where there are local food vendors, farm production, live festival music, spirits garden, and activities suitable for children and adults. free. 150 Nichols St., Friday Harbor; 360-378-9551; visit sanjuans.com
The Sunset Mountain Community Association organizes a holiday art fair featuring hiking tours, attended by more than 20 artists, and is free from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 3003 Northwest 66th Street, Seattle; 206-784-2927; Sunset Hill Community Website
Explore the fresh floral celebrations of this festival. Look for flower pop-up shops, flowers from local flower shops, flower workshops, demonstrations, etc. free. 600 Pine Street, Seattle; 604-506-3221; fleursdevilles.com
At 7:30 in the evening, Dimitrio’s Jazz Alley welcomes jazz soul singer Jose James to tour to support his new album. The performance will be mainly holiday tunes, mixed covers and originals. Taali (vocals), Christian Sands (keys), Ben Williams (bass) and Jharis Yoakley (drums) complete James' band. Buy tickets online; $30.50. 2033 Sixth Avenue, Seattle; 206-441-9729; jazzalley.com
7:30 PM with the internationally renowned Celtic folk song trio, celebrate the beginning of the festival with Celtic folk music, Christmas carols, dances, stories and festive cheers. Online ticket purchase; 10-25 USD (four or more people) Discounts are available). 410 Fourth Avenue, Edmonds; 425-275-9595; edmondscenterforthearts.org
Every day from noon to 6 pm, more than 35 clay artists will display works for sale, including holiday gifts. free. 5900 Lake Washington Avenue S., Seattle; 206-762-6248
The Western Pacific Lutheran University Choir, University Choir and University Symphony Orchestra will hold their annual Christmas music on December 4th and 11th at 8pm, December 5th and 12th at 2pm, and December 6th at 7pm Will "hope". Howard's works Darke, Brian Galante, Richard Nance and others mix traditional carols with seasonal pop songs to celebrate hope and revival. Buy tickets online; $10-37. 12180 Park Ave. S., Parkland (December 4-5 and 11-12) and 200 University Street, Seattle (December 6); 253-535-7602; Education Edition
Magical Strings celebrates 43 years of the annual Celtic Christmas concert held throughout the Northwest Territories. Concerts such as dulcimer, concertina, and accordion will be held, accompanied by violin, cello, whistle, accordion and harp. Buy tickets online; prices vary. The location is different; 253-857-3716; Moxian.com
The Northwest Chamber Choir’s December concert will perform Johannes Brahms, Steven Sametz, Frank Ticelli on December 5th at 3pm and December 11th at 7:30pm Waiting for music. Audiences will hear the new chorus arrangement "Clear Blue Morning Light," and new twists of familiar holiday songs. Tickets purchased online; free-$25. 7500 Greenwood Avenue, Seattle; 206-523- 1196; Northwestchamberchorus.org
Tickets for the Christmas Voice of Pacific Lutheran University singers and the Cavaliers Choir are available online at 8pm; free-$10. 12180 Park Ave. S., Parkland; 253-535-7602; Education Edition
The Seattle Opera House will stage two live performances by Seattle’s beloved drunken tenor Rob McPherson at 7:30 pm on December 10th and 4 pm on December 12th, against Charles Dickens. (Charles Dickens)’s time-honored holiday classic is a comedy retelling. 45 dollars. 363 Mercer Street, Seattle; 206-389-7676; Seattle Opera House
Broadway and opera star N'Kenge will host a festival concert with the Seattle Symphony Orchestra for the first time. Looking forward to hearing from "Let it Snow" to "Christmas Song" and "Let It Go" from "Frozen" on Broadway. Buy tickets online; US$41-101. 200 University Street, Seattle; 206-215-4700; Seattle Symphony Orchestra
BlueStreet Voices will host a Cool Yule holiday party and concert at 7:30 in the evening. BlueStreet will use Dave Barduhn's jazz festival tunes and standards to perform their own musical signature this season. Buy tickets online; 22 USD/adult, 18 USD/senior and student. 4649 Sunnyside Ave. N., Seattle; 206-739-7558; bluestreetvoices.com
This festival concert by Tacoma Concert Band features seasonal music from different countries, including traditional favorites such as Leroy Anderson's "Sleigh Ride" and less familiar music such as Shelley Hanson's adaptation of "Patapan" and Alfred Reed's 7-point "Russian Christmas Music": 30 pm online ticket purchase; $18-36, free/18 years and under. 901 Broadway, Tacoma; tacomaconcertband.org
NW Sound Choruses presents the sights and sounds of the holiday season through Northwest Sound and Northwest Mix at 2pm and 7pm. 20-40 dollars. 31510 Pete von Reichbauer Way S., Federal Way; 253-835-7010; Phoenix Net
A random combination of Eastside Symphony’s classical music and holiday music, reply online at 3-5 pm; free. 17272 NE 104th St., Redmond; East Side Symphony Orchestra
Join the Marysville Opera House’s holiday variety show, which will include the best Motown Christmas melodies and The Jewel Tones, adult interpretations of children’s holiday dramas, and a Christmas carol at the end from 7:30-9:30 in the evening. The night will include gifts and prizes. Buy tickets online; $18. 1225 Third Street, Marysville; 360-363-8400; marysvillewa.gov
At 7pm, the most popular pearl Django and singer Gail Pettis from the Northwest, hosted by KNKX jazz ambassador Abe Beeson, performed this season's music. The combination of students from Seattle JazzED will kick off the show. free. 1119 Eighth Avenue, Seattle; 877-677-5659; Zhihu
This Taproot Theatre's work tells the journey of Babette through thousands of miles in search of refuge; times are different. Buy tickets online; $20-50. 204 N. 85th St., Seattle; 206-781-9707; Taproottheatre.org
Unexpected Productions improvisers weave Dickens' story about Ebenezer Scrooge in various comedic ways. Every night will be a new version of this classic holiday story. Buy tickets online; $20/online, $25/door. 1428 Post Alley, Seattle; 206-587-2414; unexpected production.org
The historic Lincoln Theatre tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge. Buy tickets online; US$16-28. 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon; 360-336-8955; Lincoln Theater website
Join the Pacific Northwest Ballet and enjoy the classic story of "George Balanchine's Nutcracker". Buy tickets online; prices vary. 301 Mercer Street, Seattle; 206-441-9411; pnb.org
British comedy legend James & Jamesy went to the Pacific Northwest to buy tickets online with joy and laughter in the classic show "O Christmas Tea" at 7:30 pm; prices are different. 410 Fourth Avenue, Edmonds (November 29) and 1303 NE 45th St., Seattle (November 30); jamesandjamesy.com
At 2 pm, Emerald Ballet Theatre's full-length work "The Nutcracker" featuring brand new costumes, youth and adult performers, brings the magic of the holiday back. Buy tickets online; USD 23-47. 18125 92nd Ave. NE, Bothell; 425-298-3449; npacf.org
The Variety Plus Theatre will perform an original musical adapted from the "Snow Queen" at 4 pm and 7 pm on December 4th and 4 pm on December 5th, composed of 55 youth and adults in the Seattle area. Buy tickets online; $17. 1717 SE Maple Valley Highway, Renton; 206-368-8386; Variety Show
Ginger Minj, the star of "RuPaul's Drag Race" and Netflix's "Dumplin'" and "Super Drags", collaborated with Gidget Galore during the 7pm holiday to spend the holidays in this non-denominational musical. 30 dollars. 1625 Broadway, Seattle; obsessedwith.co/ginger-minj-presale
Twelfth Night Productions will host live radio shows on December 10, 11, 17 and 18 at 7:30 pm and December 12 and 19 at 3 pm. US$21/adult, US$18/student and senior citizens. 7904 35th Ave. SW, Seattle; 206-937-1394; Twelfth Night Production.org
Reflections School of Dance will host a winter holiday dance performance "One Uncontainable Gift" from 4pm to 5pm at a price of US$12. 1508 136th St. SE, Mill Creek; 425-338-9056; Reflection School Dance Network
Six performances at the Rialto Theater in Tacoma at different times. The performance includes storytelling, songs, high-energy dances, canoeing and magical tours. Buy tickets online; $15-29. 310 Ninth Street, Tacoma; 253-346-1721; pugetsoundrevels.org
Come and join a musical adventure that is different every time at 7pm. Encourage the audience to participate and sing together, because Aunt Dottie, her nephew and ex-husband will take you through some classic and not-so-classic holiday songs. Buy tickets online; $17/adult, $12/senior and student. 507 S. Third Street, Renton; 425-226-5529; rentoncivictheatre.org
Global drag idols and "RuPaul's Drag Race" stars BenDeLaCreme and Jinkx Monsoon appeared on stage in the "Post-Apocalypse" show of comedy and song. Buy tickets online; US$29-99. 1303 NE 45th St., Seattle; jinkxanddela.com
The Chehalis Centralia Railway provides a one-hour train ride on a Christmas-themed North Pole hike and read the book "Polar Express". On the way back to the station, every passenger will receive a gift from Santa Claus. Encourage the children to come in in their pajamas, just like in a movie. Cocoa and biscuits will be provided on board, as well as singing and dancing. Buy tickets online; $39, free for 2 years and under. 1101 SW Sylvenus St., Chehalis; 360-748-9593; steamtrainride.com
Participate in the second annual wreath walk in Edmonds. During the festival, original wreaths designed and decorated by artists are hung in selected companies and stores in downtown Edmonds. You can also bid on your favorite people to win them! The online auction will last until 8pm on December 16. Find maps online; free. Edmonds City Center; 425-298-7947; artwalkedmonds.com
The Bellevue Downtown Association brings back the largest holiday skating experience in the East End for the 24th year. The skating rink has a spacious viewing area, on-site discounts, free parking nearby and various special events. Buy tickets online; 13 USD/working day, 16 USD/weekends and holidays. 10201 NE Fourth Street, Bellevue; 425-453-1223; bellevueicerink.com
The 44th Qixi Festival held by the Nordic National Museum is back again; from 10 am to 5 pm, Julefest has 30 suppliers offering handmade crafts and other Scandinavian gifts, live entertainment, gourmet food, Nordic cuisine, etc. Online response; free (including free entry to the museum). 2655 Northwest Market Street, Seattle; 206-789-5707; Nordic Museum
Shopping at participating stores in downtown Edmonds will receive a holiday decoration for every $40 spent. The price is different. Edmonds city centre; edmondholidays.com
During this holiday season, Santa Claus will broadcast live at seven locations in Puget Sound every day from 11 am to 7 pm. Find the location, date and time on santaphotos.com; prices vary. The location varies; 206-783-5227; santaphotos.com
Enjoy this interactive game, photo and entertainment holiday activity from 5 to 10 pm Monday to Friday and 10 noon on Saturday and Sunday. $10, free for 5 years old and below. 8211 Aurora Ave. N., Suite 101, Seattle; kringlesfillingstation.com
Enjoy the annual festival celebrations at Pike Place Market, including festive lighting, live music, glass blowing demonstrations, carving demonstrations, festive drinks, etc., from 11 am to 5:30 pm. Santa Claus can take pictures for free from noon to 4 pm. 85 Pike Street; 206-682-7453; pikeplacemarket.org
Every Saturday between Thanksgiving and Christmas, enjoy free festive drinks and snacks from 2-6 pm, buy food truck fares, games, live performances and other family-friendly park activities. 401 Pine Street, Seattle; 206-623-0340; Downtown Seattle
The Northwest Railway Museum welcomes Santa Claus and his elves for a 25-minute holiday tour. Passengers boarded a seasonally decorated antique bus at Snoqualmie Depot, headed west to Snoqualmie Falls, and stopped at the top of the mountain to admire the beauty of the valley below. Every child on the boat will receive a small gift from Santa Claus. Buy tickets online; $25. 38625 SE King St., Snoqualmie; 425-888-3030; trainmuseum.org
Enjoy the beauty of this year’s holiday on the Providence O'Christmas Trees Express in 2021, a drive-through celebration, online auction and fundraising event. The 37th annual event will include a drive-in tree viewing activity at the Westin Seattle, a photo with Santa, children’s cookies and milk, and a gingerbread house kit to take home. You can also buy a take-out dinner for a family of four. USD 25-125. 1900 Fifth Avenue, Seattle; 425-333-2733; Providencewa.ejoinme.org/otrees2021
Enjoy a 10-day adventure open to Seattle residents of all ages and their friends and family. Download a bingo-style clue sheet from 3-7 pm, search all 25 locations, or search just a few locations. Submitting a selfie is eligible to win a gift card from a local business, including a $100 prize. Find instructions online; free. Locations vary; Wondersinaliceland.com
As you stroll through Edmonds, join a holiday pub tour and taste seasonal drinks carefully prepared by local restaurant owners and bartenders. Receive bingo cards at participating locations, order specialty drinks and get stamps. Find participation details online; free. Edmonds city centre; edmondholidays.com
Enjoy food and handicraft vendors, photo scenes, bonfires and other activities from 4pm to 7pm. There will also be an electric light parade at 6:30 in the afternoon, where vehicles, floats and walking groups are decorated with sparkling holiday lights. The parade will start along State Avenue from the Municipal Court and end at Comford Park. free. 514 Delta Ave., Marysville; 360-363-8000; marysvillewa.gov
Edmonds Holiday Trolley provides an easy way to explore the seaside town of Edmonds. Ride the car from 11 am to 6 pm, find the best places to eat and shop, and then get off for a walk. The tram runs every 30 minutes. free. Edmonds city centre; edmondholidays.com
On Sundays in December, find Happy Holidays Booths in Westlake Park from 11 am to 2 pm and stop to meet with a group of happy characters, listen to live holiday music, enjoy food, hot cocoa, and gifts. 401 Pine Street, Seattle; 206-623-0340; Downtown Seattle
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