Happy Thanksgiving week! I hope you’re stuffing yourselves full of good food and great times with family and friends. Fuel up, because this week marks the beginning of a monthlong marathon of holiday events. And you know your kids will want to do all the things.
Monday, November 19
Reindeer Festival Hear that jing jing jing-a-ling? Santa and his reindeer are in town. Meet Dasher and Comet, take holiday photos and watch a model train chug through a wintery landscape. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. Swansons Nursery, Blue Ridge.
Tuesday, November 20
Gingerbread Village These huge, intricate gingerbread creations – designed and built by Seattle architecture firms and Sheraton Seattle culinary staff – are inspired by Dr. Seuss’ “Whoville.” 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. today through January 1. Sheraton Grand Seattle, Downtown Seattle.
U Bookstore Story Time Kids ages 3 to 7 can enjoy stories, entertainment and activities. 11 a.m. University Book Store, U-District.
Wednesday, November 21
Toddler Gym Play Time Little ones can meet new friends, practice balancing, and run and wiggle to their heart’s content. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Magnolia Community Center.
PJ Library Song and Story Time Tots and toddlers can explore language, movement and rhythm. Meet in the children’s section by the castle. 11:30 a.m. to noon. Elliot Bay Book Company, Capitol Hill.
Thursday, November 22
Community Thanksgiving Looking for a safe place to share a meal? There are several community-based Thanksgivings happening across the city. Various times and locations.
5 great hikes in and around Seattle Ward off the post-turkey snooze fest with a brisk family walk.
Friday, November 23
Seattle Center Winterfest Here come the holidays! Check out the winter village with model train, ice skating, ice sculptures, dancing music and more. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today; runs through January 6.
Macy’s Holiday Parade This annual holiday parade features more than 20 inflatable floats, marching bands, hundreds of costumed characters, drill teams and Santa Claus. Parade starts at Seventh Avenue and Pine Street. 9 to 10 a.m. Downtown Seattle.
Tree Lighting at Westlake See the lighting of the Westlake holiday tree, followed by festive fireworks. Tonight also kicks off the holiday carousel ($4 donation). 4:30 p.m. Westlake Park (Downtown Seattle).
Snowflake Lane It "snows" nightly on a parade of live toy soldiers and other characters, music and a light show. Today is Santa's arrival and a tree lighting, with music, cocoa and cookies. 7 p.m. nightly through December 24. Sidewalks between NE 4th Street and NE 8th Street, Downtown Bellevue.
Saturday, November 24
Greet the Season Festive music, dance workshops, crafts and family activities at MOHAI, The Center for Wooden Boats and the Historic Ships Wharf. End the day with a viewing of the Argosy Christmas Ships. Fee for museum admission; free outdoor activities. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., South Lake Union.
Magic in the Market Enjoy lively music, free photos with Santa, free cooking decorating, and watch as Santa leads a countdown to the tree lighting. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pike Place Market.
Salmon SEEson at Piper’s Creek Watch the salmon run at Carkeek Park. Naturalists are onsite to explain the salmon's life cycle, habitat, and human influence on both. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. today and Sunday. Carkeek Park. More details on that here.
Sunday, November 25
Garden D’Lights Stroll a winter garden with more than a half-million holiday lights. No pets allowed. Free tonight through November 29 ($5 November 30-December 30). 4:30 to 9 p.m. Bellevue Botanical Garden.
Want more? Check out our Family Events Calendar, searchable by age, location and cost.
