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Seattle sparkles during the holidays. As the Pacific Northwest’s largest city, it combines urban charm with cozy traditions and natural winter beauty. Whether you’re enjoying Christmas in the heart of downtown or exploring neighborhoods rich in festive flair, Christmas in Seattle 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most magical ever.
With a mix of iconic events, local charm, and new attractions, this is your definitive guide to celebrating Christmas in the Emerald City—perfect for families, couples, and solo holiday travelers.
🌟 Christmas in Seattle 2025 – Can’t Miss Events!
Seattle’s calendar from late November through New Year’s Day is jam-packed with festive happenings:
🎄 Seattle Center Winterfest
This five-week celebration transforms Seattle Center into a holiday wonderland with:
- A holiday-themed ice skating rink
- Daily light shows and winter scenes
- Live music, dance, and school choirs
- A winter train village that delights all ages
Dates: Nov 29 – Dec 31
Location: Seattle Center Armory + Fisher Pavilion
Website: seattlecenter.com/winterfest
✨ Enchant Christmas at T-Mobile Park
One of the largest Christmas events in the U.S., Enchant turns a baseball stadium into a glowing holiday universe. Attractions include:
- A breathtaking light maze
- Real ice skating trail
- Local artisan Christmas market
- Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus
- Food, drinks, and cozy fire pits
Dates: Late Nov – Dec 29
Tickets: Required. Book online for early discounts.
🌆 Westlake Center Tree Lighting Ceremony & Carousel
Nothing kicks off downtown’s Christmas season quite like this event. Highlights include:
- Lighting of the 60-foot Christmas tree
- Holiday music, cocoa stands, and food trucks
- A magical holiday carousel for kids (and nostalgic adults)
Tree Lighting Date: Nov 29
Carousel Dates: Nov 29 – Jan 1
Location: Westlake Park
🚢 Argosy Christmas Ship Festival
The beloved floating holiday parade! Each night, beautifully lit ships travel the Puget Sound accompanied by onboard choirs.
- Multiple viewing options: onboard, at parks, or in waterfront neighborhoods
- Popular stops: Alki Beach, Carillon Point, Seward Park
Dates: Dec 1 – Dec 23
Tickets: Book through Argosy Cruises
🧝 SantaCon & Krampus Night
For adult revelers, SantaCon brings hundreds of people in Santa suits to Seattle’s bars for a jolly pub crawl. Looking for something darker? Krampus Night blends European folklore with Seattle nightlife.
- Dates: Early December
- Ages: 21+ only
- Tip: Dress up and bring small toys or donations for charity events tied in!
🧑🎄 Best Family Christmas Activities in Seattle
🎅 Visit Santa Across the City
Seattle offers unique opportunities for Santa photos and interactions:
- Nordstrom Santa Lane (Downtown) – High-end, nostalgic experience
- Swansons Nursery – See Santa and live reindeer in a natural garden setting
- Museum of Flight – Watch Santa fly in on a real plane!
🧸 Gingerbread Village at Sheraton Grand
Marvel at elaborate, themed gingerbread creations built by architects and chefs. Past themes included movies, city skylines, and fantasy worlds.
Location: Sheraton Grand Seattle
Dates: Late Nov – Early Jan
Admission: Free, donations encouraged
🧵 Holiday Crafting Workshops
Creative families can make keepsakes at:
- Seattle Art Museum’s Holiday Studio Saturdays
- KidsQuest Children’s Museum in Bellevue
- Seattle ReCreative’s Holiday Makers Markets
Crafting fun includes ornament painting, cookie decorating, and more.
🛍️ Holiday Markets & Local Shopping Spots
🛍️ Seattle Christmas Market at Seattle Center
A European-style Christmas village featuring handmade gifts, mulled wine, and cozy vibes.
Tip: Go at dusk to enjoy the lights and carolers!
🪡 Urban Craft Uprising Winter Show
The go-to spot for indie and handmade gifts—from candles and prints to jewelry and knitwear.
- Dates: First weekend of December
- Location: Seattle Center Exhibition Hall
🌙 Pike Place Market Holiday Nights
This iconic market twinkles after dark with live jazz, late-night bites, holiday light installations, and photo ops under the giant lit-up pig.
🌌 Christmas in Seattle 2025 – Light Displays Around Seattle
🦁 WildLanterns at Woodland Park Zoo
Not a traditional Christmas display, but this immersive lantern festival celebrates animals and ecosystems in glowing fashion.
- Dates: Nov 22 – Jan 19
- Perfect for: Kids, families, photographers
🏰 Snowflake Lane – Bellevue
A nightly holiday spectacle just 20 minutes from downtown Seattle. Enjoy toy soldiers, falling snow, drummers, dancers, and music along Bellevue Way.
- Dates: Nov 29 – Dec 24
- Location: Bellevue Square
🎡 Seattle Great Wheel Holiday Show
The waterfront Ferris wheel features thousands of LED lights synced to festive music. Nightly displays and great views of Elliott Bay.
🏞️ Hidden Gem: Olympic Manor Neighborhood Lights
This quiet North Seattle neighborhood goes all out with synchronized yard displays, lights across every home, and creative inflatables.
- Best Dates: Mid-December through New Year
- Admission: Free — drive or walk through
🏨 Christmas in Seattle 2025 – Where to Stay!
🎁 Best Downtown Hotels for Holiday Travelers
- The Fairmont Olympic – Historic, elegant, with Christmas trees and carolers in the lobby
- Hotel Theodore – Centrally located with modern warmth
- The Charter Hotel (Hilton Curio) – Walkable to Pike Place and the waterfront
🔔 Romantic Holiday Stays
- The Edgewater Hotel – Waterfront rooms with fireplaces and holiday views
- Inn at the Market – Intimate and located within decorated Pike Place
👨👩👧 Family-Friendly Hotels
- Staypineapple’s Maxwell Hotel – Playful and close to Seattle Center
- Hyatt Place Seattle/Downtown – Spacious rooms, breakfast, near the Space Needle
🧳 Travel Tips for Christmas in Seattle 2025
- Weather: Rain is common; snow is rare but possible. Pack layers, boots, and waterproof coats.
- Getting Around: Consider using the Seattle Streetcar, Link Light Rail, or Uber/Lyft for events.
- Book Early: Hotels, Enchant tickets, and dinner reservations fill fast.
Christmas in Seattle Neighborhoods
- Green Lake
- Northgate
- Greenwood
- Lake City
- Wedgewood
- Ballard
- Capitol Hill
- First Hill
- Central District
- Madison Valley
- Montlake
- Eastlake
- Alki
- Admiral
- Westwood
- Delridge
- Fauntleroy
- Arbor Heights
- Rainier Valley
- Beacon Hill
- Mount Baker
- Seward Park
- Georgetown
- South Park
- Belltown
- Pioneer Square
- Denny Triangle
- Waterfront
- International District
❓ FAQ: Christmas in Seattle 2025
What’s the best Christmas event in Seattle?
It depends! Families love Winterfest and Enchant, while locals rave about the Argosy Christmas Ship Festival and Pike Place Holiday Nights.
Is Seattle a good place to visit for Christmas?
Yes! Seattle offers a unique blend of cozy holiday cheer, city lights, waterfront charm, and world-class attractions.
What’s open on Christmas Day in Seattle?
Most major attractions are closed, but some hotels offer special Christmas brunches and the Great Wheel may operate on a limited schedule. Always check ahead.
Where can I take holiday photos in Seattle?
Top photo ops include:
- Seattle Center’s Winterfest
- Pike Place Market under the holiday lights
- Olympic Manor neighborhood light displays
- The Seattle Great Wheel at night
Are pets allowed at holiday events?
Many outdoor events allow leashed dogs. However, indoor attractions like Enchant or Zoo lights may restrict pets. Always check event guidelines.