This time of year brings endless ways to spend money, but fortunately, getting into the holiday spirit need not be one of them. Check out our list of holiday happenings that are free (or nearly free) and get that cheer flowing!
Gingerbread Village
Seattle architectural firms and Sheraton Seattle culinary staff team up to design, bake and build fantastic gingerbread creations. 24 hours daily through Jan. 1. FREE, donations accepted for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Sheraton Seattle, 1420 Fifth Ave., Seattle.
Reindeer Festival
Visit reindeer Dasher and Blitzen, a holiday yurt, and listen to live music, plus see a model train layout in a Star Wars theme. 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Dec. 23. FREE. Swansons Nursery, 9701 15th Ave. NW, Seattle.
Seattle Center Winterfest
Connect to the spirit of the season with activities and entertainment through Dec. 31, including Winter Train and Village (10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, closes 4 p.m. Dec. 24, closed Dec. 25), performances, ice skating (through Jan. 1), and more. See online for schedule. FREE, fee for ice skating. Seattle Center Armory and Fisher Pavilion, 305 Harrison St., Seattle.
Teddy Bear Suite
Visit a festively decorated suite filled with teddy bears of all sizes. Daily, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., through Dec. 26. Admission by suggested donation, benefiting Seattle Children’s Hospital. Fairmont Olympic Hotel, 411 University St., Seattle.
Holiday Carousel
Ride the Holiday Carousel at Westlake. Various hours through Jan. 1 (closed Dec. 25, see schedule online). $3, benefits Treehouse. Westlake Center, 410 Pine St., Seattle.
Snow Show
It snows nightly in the four-story atrium of Pacific Place. Monday-Saturday, 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. 6 p.m., Sunday, 5 and 6 p.m., through Dec. 24. (no show Dec. 25). Entertainment schedule online. See Santa on the second level. FREE. Pacific Place, 600 Pine St., Seattle.
Winter Wonderland
Ride the carousel or skate on a synthetic ice rink daily through Jan. 1. A holiday train takes guests around the center and there are plenty of performances and events throughout the month. FREE, fee for skating, train and carousel. Hours vary, check website. Redmond Town Center, 7525 166th Ave. NE, Redmond.
Bellevue Magic Season: Snowflake and Celebration Lanes
It snows nightly on a parade of live toy soldiers and other characters,not to mention the cheerful music and an awe-inspiring light show. Snowflake Lane 7 p.m. daily through Dec. 24. FREE. Sidewalks of Bellevue Way and Northeast Eighth Street, Bellevue.
Fun with Frosty
Meet Frosty the Snowman, plus enjoy crafts, games and a magic show. Saturday, December 16 and Sunday, December 17, noon to 3 p.m. FREE. Country Village, 23718 Bothell Everett Highway, Bothell.