This week is the official start of holiday madness, I mean, magic. Whether you’re a Scrooge or Buddy the Elf, this is truly a fun time of year for little ones. On Friday, Downtown Seattle will be full of holiday action with a parade, tree lighting, the carousel, and fireworks. If you go, you may want to take public transportation or scope out your parking options.
Monday, November 20
Tinkerlab Tinkerlab is a fun STEAM-based program that introduces science, technology, engineering, art, and math concepts through play, experimentation and discovery. Today, drop in and make wild creations using Little Bits and Cubelets Construction kits. 3 to 4:30 p.m. Seattle Public Library – Magnolia Branch (Magnolia).
Tuesday, November 21
Gingerbread Village Seattle architectural firms, trade associations and Sheraton Seattle culinary staff team up to design, bake and build fantastic gingerbread creations. Viewing hours are Monday through Thursday from 6:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m., Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 a.m., and Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Nov. 21 through Jan. 1. FREE, donations accepted for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Relocated this year from Sheraton Hotel Lobby to across the street at City Centre (Downtown Seattle).
Wednesday, November 22
Toddler Time with Environmental Science Center Kids ages 2 to 4 and their caregivers can enjoy songs, stories, and other seasonal themed hands-on activities followed by outdoor exploration (weather permitting). Pre-register. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Environmental Science Center (Burien).
Friday, November 24
Macy’s Holiday Parade This annual holiday parade features more than 20 inflatable floats, high school marching bands, hundreds of costumed characters, drill teams and Santa Claus.
The Parade steps off at Seventh Avenue and Pine Street and travels west to Fifth Avenue, South on 5th Avenue to University Street, west on University Street to Fourth Avenue and north on Fourth Avenue and ends at Macy's.9 to 10 a.m. (Downtown Seattle).
Snow Show at Pacific Place It "snows" nightly in the four-story atrium of Pacific Place. Enjoy live music on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. 6 and 7 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, 5 and 6 p.m. Sundays, through Dec. 24. Pacific Place (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 ($3 donation). 4:30 p.m. Westlake Park (Downtown Seattle).
Saturday, November 25
Magic in the Market Enjoy family-friendly holiday fun with live music (1 to 5:30 p.m.), free photos with Santa, free cooking decorating (noon to 2 p.m. in the Atrium Kitchen) and watch as Santa leads a countdown to the tree lighting (5 p.m.). 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Pike Place Market (Downtown Seattle).
Seattle Center Winterfest Kick off the season with hands-on activities and entertainment through Dec. 31 including the Winter Train and Village (10 a.m. to 6 p.m daily closes 4 p.m. on Dec. 24, and closed Dec. 25), performances, ice skating (through Jan. 2) and more. See online for schedule. Most activities free, small fee for ice skating rental. Seattle Center
Sunday, November 26
Sunday Public Sail. Each Sunday, the Center for Wooden Boats offers free 45-minute rides on Lake Union. Set sail on one of many classic boats. Sign up for a slot in person beginning at 10 a.m.; they fill quickly. Space is limited to 200 people for the day. Center for Wooden Boats (South Lake Union).
