Maybe Seattle isn’t the first city that comes to mind for Christmas. But it is actually a great place to celebrate. This beautiful city has tons of great kid-friendly Christmas events you’ll love! And Seattle’s mild winter temperatures and early winter sunsets make outdoor Christmas lights doable and lots of fun, even for families with younger children.
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Here are a few of our favorite Seattle area family Christmas events.
1. WildLanterns at Woodland Park Zoo, Everett
Zoo Lanterns at the Woodland Park Zoo is one of my family’s favorite Christmas activities in the Seattle area. The lanterns are so detailed, bright, and fun. Plus there are just a million types of lanterns all over the zoo. I think we lantern versions of every animal found at the zoo, plus dinosaurs, giant insects including butterflies and praying mantis, beautiful flowers, giant beasts, fish, a dragon and so much more. The event is big enough that it feels like a fun evening out, and because its outdoors and kids can run and play, it doesn’t feel overwhelming.
Several of the exhibits were interactive with opportunities to ‘shoot’ the canon, jump on spots on the ground for them to light up, and swing in a glowing swing. Many others had moving parts allowing us to watch a dinosaur ‘hatch’ from an egg or a monster growl at us.
The zoo also has food stands open to get a quick meal or a treat.
A couple of notes: The Zoo Lanterns are spread out all over the zoo, so you’ll need over an hour to take it all in. Bundle up so you won’t be too cold to enjoy this event!
2. Watch a show at the Seattle Children’s Theatre
The Seattle Children’s Theatre is putting on the Snow Queen this year, which is a new interpretation of the Hans Christian tale, and it looks so fun! Our family is really looking forward to seeing it this holiday season!
We love the Seattle Children’s Theatre because they put so much effort into making their shows approachable for children. So children, even the wiggly and hard-to-keep silent ones, feel really welcome at this theatre. I love that they have special sensory-sensitive shows where they make sure there are spaces for kids to move around, volume isn’t too high, parts of the theatre are kept light, and more. They also have ASL performances, masked performances- whatever your family may need to enjoy the show.
The show is at the Charlotte Martin Theatre, at the SeattleCenter. The show runtime is about 80 minutes without an intermissions, so this might be a bit long for some wiggly youngsters. But the theatre is so kid friendly, particularly during sensory-sensitive performances that this show is great for everyone.
3. Winterfest at the Seattle Center
If you are heading down to the Seattle Center to watch a the Christmas show at the Seattle Children’s Theatre, why not make a day of it and enjoy everything else the SeattleCenter has to offer this time of year!
Winterfest at the Seattle Center is a great way to spend your day this holiday season. There are tons of kid-friendly things to do! Check out the Christmas train display and try your luck at the scavenger hunt inside the Armory. The Seattle Children’s Museum usually adds a few fun Christmas exhibits- and a huge hit for the kids. Stick around until dark for the beautiful Space Needle lights. The rest of the park, including the sculptures, are also lit up for the holidays, and there is a special light and water show at the International Fountain.
4. Seattle Center Christmas Market
Yet another fun Christmas activity at the Seattle Center- the Christmas Market is back for its second year! The event features food, local artesian vendors, and entertainment like carolers, Santa, a double-decker carousel, and, of course, plenty of beautiful Christmas lights. My family hasn’t gone this event yet, but it looks like a fun, unique experience!
5. The Nutcracker
The Pacific Northwest Ballet performance of the Nutcracker is absolutely beautiful. The sets and costumes are bright and sparkly and the dancers and orchestra are flawless and so fun to watch. Watching the Nutcracker is such a fun tradition and we love that there is such a great performance right here in Seattle. I thought it was neat to see that the PNW Ballet Company felt uncomfortable with the stereotyping and costumes used for Tea Dance, so they changed it! The PNW Ballet was given approval by the George Balanchine Trust, who licenses this particular version of the Nutcracker, and the old character was replaced with the Green Tea Cricket with brand new choreography to match.
Note: The Nutcracker runs just over 2 hours and has one 25-minute intermission. Because of the length, we don’t recommend it for toddlers and very young children.
Love a live show but not ready for the Nutcracker? Check out the Seattle Children’s Theatre. They do a kid-friendly Christmas play even younger children will love!
6. Astra Lumina
This beautiful Christmas light event is back for its second year in Seattle! And it was a huge hit last year! It is located at always-beautiful Seattle Chinese Garden, and has 9 separate space-themed viewing areas. This show is different from a standard-holiday lights show, and each one is bright and amazing.
This event is another event my family is thrilled to visit, and we know yours will be as well!
7. Holiday Tea at the Fairmont
Looking for something extra special to do with your kids this holiday season? The Fairmont offers a special holiday afternoon tea during the month of December. The Fairmont offers the usual cookies, scones, and sandwiches with a bit of a Christmas twist. Plus, the Fairmont is decked out it beautiful holiday decor for the season. Prices for Holiday Tea are high, but they do give a discount for children. It’s a really special way to bring in the holiday season!
Note: There are not a lot of reservations available for Holiday tea so they do go quickly. Be sure to book early!
8. Teddy Bear Suite
Visiting the Fairmont for Holiday tea? Don’t forget to check out the Teddy Bear Suite, which is created every year for the holidays. It’s free to visit, but a donation benefitting Seattle Children’s is encouraged. The Teddy Bear Suite is SO cute with a ton of teddy bears, large and small, as well as fun lighting and Christmasy decor. Kids will LOVE visiting.
9. Gingerbread houses at the Sheraton Grand Seattle
Every year, the talented crew at the Sheraton picks a theme, like Harry Potter, Star Wars, or the Grinch, and creates an amazing gingerbread house village. The gingerbread houses are open to the public for the month of December, free, and a ton of fun! The Sheraton also serves holiday- themed drinks and snacks the bar, and has live music every Friday and Saturday night.
10. Magic in the Market at Pike Place Market
This special, one-day-only event takes place annually the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Because it’s just a one day event and it gets crowded, it might be a little bit difficult for families to visit. BUT it’s worth a mention because it’s a unique, totally Seattle experience that some families will love! Magic at the Market features Santa visits, tons of fun treats and snacks, the annual lighting of the market ceremony, and TONS of photo ops.
11. Snowflake Lane
Snowflake Lane, located in Bellevue is a super fun little event. The parade is every night from the day after Thanksgiving until Christmas Eve at 7 pm. It’s free and super cute! You’ll see lots of Christmas characters, including Santa, some of the characters from the Nutcracker, arctic animals, and some just silly Christmas characters. The costumes and actors are amazing, with lots of dancing and music, making it feel a bit more like a little party than a parade. And at the end, you’ll even see snow!
Note: This event is popular so you’ll want to arrive early to find a good spot to watch. We recommend bringing a blanket to sit on and a hot cocoa or coffee to sip on while you wait.
12. Garden d’Lights – Bellevue Botanical Garden
This holiday light display is fantastic for all ages, plus, it’s SUPER budget friendly. Adults are $8, and children under 11 are free! You can expect to see flowers, plants, animals and even lakes and rivers made from lights. The little pretend pumpkins and apples are adorable and the flowers make from lights really quick beautiful And an under-the-sea is even included! The gardens are smaller, making it a perfect event for those who don’t want a HUGE night out, or who are visiting with tiny children. Plus, the path is stroller friendly!
13. Staycation, or vacation downtown!
Doing a little staycation in the city is a great way to make the holiday a little extra special without the trouble of holiday travel. If you are visiting Seattle for the holidays, there are a few hotels we love that really do it up for the holidays!
The Grand Sheraton is a classic, luxury hotel in downtown Seattle, perfectly located within walking distance of tons of Seattle attractions. The hotel is also famous for its Annual Gingerbread Village- this year’s theme will be Iconic Destinations and it looks amazing!
The Olympic Fairmont is stunningly beautiful historical hotel in downtown Seattle, and home of the famous Festival of Trees, Teddy Bear Suites, and Holiday Afternoon Tea.
Both the Olympic Fairmont and the Grand Sheraton Seattle are walking distances to each other, and other holiday events, like the Westlake Park Lights, the holiday carousel. Plus you can hop on the monorail to get from Westlake Park to the Seattle Center for Winterfest.
The Hyatt Regency Bellevue is another great option during the holidays. You can catch up on your holiday shopping next door at Bellevue Square, and head down for Snowflake Lane, right there at the hotel every evening at 7pm. The hotel has its own gingerbread house display, and tons of holiday decor, and special menus making the a stay during the holidays totally worthwhile (even for a staycation).
14. Christmas Trains
If your kids love trains and Christmas, there are some really great options this year!
First, check out the Northwest Railway Museum Santa Trains in Snoqualmie, Washington. There are two types available. The first is the short, 25 minute Yuletide Express. Trains are decorated beautifully for the holidays, and riders get to take a quick trip down to view Snoqualmie Falls. Kids will get a small gift from Santa, and a peppermint stick. The second train type is the Santa Limited, which is 2 hours long and offers a bit more- the decorated train, a caboose tour, a Christmas craft, a gift from Santa, and a cookie.
Another Great option, finally back, is the Polar Express at the Chehalis-Centralia Railroad. This train ride is about 45 minutes long. During the journey, guests will be served hot chocolate and cookies, and will hear the book The Polar Express. Then, they’ll be visited by Santa and receive a gift- a sleigh bell!
Note: These historic trains are beautiful but not well temperature controlled. Dress for the weather to stay comfortable.
15. Argosy Christmas Ships
The Christmas ships are a great Seattle-area tradition. We love that its a unique and special way to celebrate.
There are two ways to enjoy the Christmas Ships, onboard, or onshore.
Onshore, you can enjoy a 20 minute choral performance, which is broadcasted from the ship, enjoy a bonfire hosted by Seattle Parks, and watch the ships from the shore. Check out the schedule here.
If onshore is your preference, be sure to check out the Parade of Boats viewing party, where you can watch a ton of decorated boats while enjoying drinks and treats from one of the wonderful venders.
Prefer to go onboard? Ships leave from 6 different locations, so you can pick a convenient option for you. Note that ships don’t leave from every location every night, so make sure you check the schedule. The boat ride is an hour and half long, and you’ll hear choir performances, a reading of Twas the Night Before Christmas and enjoy drinks and pre-ordered food.
Be sure to dress warm for both onshore and onboard events as it can feel very cold out on the water!
16. The Lights of Christmas in Stanwood, WA
This event is located an hour north of Seattle, but it just may be worth the drive! The event remains a drive through event, but with a couple of activity stops where you can get out of the car for special activities, if you chose. The venue is HUGE, over 15 acres, and there are just so many lights! Even by car, there is a lot to see. We love that there are lighting displays of all kinds- some are classic, some are fun and whimsical, and some have intricate designs. And there are even drive-through snacks!
17. Leavenworth Village of Lights: Christmastown
OK this one isn’t in Seattle, or even in the greater Seattle area, but it’s totally worth the 2.5 hr drive
This beautiful little town, nestled high in the North Cascades east of Seattle, is completely Bavarian-themed, making it fun to visit any time of year. But in the winter, it is transformed into a magical Christmas dream, with the stunning Icicle Ridge Mountains as a backdrop, and 500,000 lights decorating the already gorgeous town. The festivities are kicked off the last week in November with the Christmas market, Christkindlmarkt, which boasts handmade gifts, Bavarian food, and entertainment, among other things.
Then, beginning the first weekend in December, and lasting all month, a Christmas Lighting Ceremony occurs every Saturday and Sunday. The city hosts tons of events, including frequent visits from Santa Claus, music and dance performances, and kid’s activities. Plus, you’ll find skiing, sledding, tubing, ice skating, and even a really amazing reindeer farm right in the area making it a great holiday getaway for your family.
Note: Leavenworth is a popular destination in December. Expect restaurants to be crowded, and hotels to book up early.
18. ZooLights at Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium in Tacoma
Zoolights at Point Defiance is truly for animal lovers. Most of the lights displays depict animals, including an enormous crab, a huge turtle, and tons of baby animals. Plus kid will have the opportunity to feed goats, and ride a camel, or take a ride on the beautiful carousel. Head over early so that you can experience the zoo and aquarium while it’s fully open, then get a combo pass for a great price.
Looking for more Christmas fun in the Pacific Northwest? Check out some of our favorites in Vancouver, B.C.