‘Tis the holiday season, which means families are eagerly seeking out seasonal activities that will…
- Keep the attention of kids from toddler to teen
- Offer easy, memory-making moments for visiting relatives
- Allow parents to actually enjoy the event, too
And, critically, this unicorn of an event should not break the bank. Of course, there are plenty of holiday happenings in the greater Seattle area, but finding one that fits ALL these criteria can be a tall order. Never fear, I have a suggestion here: the Seattle Christmas Market at the Seattle Center.
More Affordable Ticket Options
The Christmas Market, in the style of European Christmas markets, is back for its third year at the Seattle Center, but it has listened to feedback from its foundational years and has made important changes. One such change is the price. Kids 6 and younger are now free, thanks to Market sponsor, Lufthansa. Adult tickets can be found as low as $7, depending on the day and time of entry.
There are also opportunities for individual season passes:
- Adult season pass: $33/adult
- Family season passes (two adults & two youth): $70
- Workshop passes (varies by event, Market admission included)
(Image: Erika Lee Bigelow / Seattle’s Child)
Festive Weekly Themes
Another change is the addition of weekly themes, including Tuesday Date Nights, Wine Wednesdays, Karaoke Contest Wednesdays, and Themed Trivia Thursdays. All themed activities are included with admission and open to all visitors to the Market. There is also a Holiday Happy Hour, now offered on Mondays through Thursdays, where festive food and beverage deals are available from 4-6 p.m.
Kid & Parent Favorites
Kids will love the new Wishing Tree Forest, Find the Elf scavenger hunt, unlimited Jubelplatz Carousel rides, “real” snow showers, twinkling light displays, Elf Games, and the Magical Mailbox.
Parents will love the many holiday-card worthy photo opportunities by the (German) Pyramid (look up to see the live polka band), through the Lovers Lane lights, inside the 50’ Tannenbaum Tree, and around Wilkommen Square.
Santa and his merry elves, plus gingerbread figures, Holly and Jolly, will also be available for free photographs as they wander through the Market.
(Image: Erika Lee Bigelow / Seattle’s Child)
More than 80 vendors are at the Christmas Market this year, representing small businesses from all over North America. Rabid about raclette? Peckish for pirogis? Silly over schnitzel? Sweet or savory – you will find something you love to eat on Savor Street. Plus, you can shop for your entire holiday list at the many artisan haus huts in the Marktplatz. The interior of the Fisher Pavilion has been transformed into an Alpen Haus, reminiscent of a ski lodge or Oktoberfest hall. Once you’ve gathered your food, grab a table inside and listen to toasts, live performances, and more.
The moment you cross the threshold into the Seattle Christmas Market, you will be immersed in the magical sights, sounds, smell, and tastes of a European holiday. So, before you lose yourself to the continental holiday cheer, grab a hot chocolate or classic German Glühwein and pat yourself on the back for establishing a holiday tradition that everyone in your family will love.
Know Before You Go
- You do choose an entry time for your ticket, but there is no hard stop on it, so you and your family can stay as long as you like.
- Single admission tickets are non-refundable (although you may exchange for a different date up to 2 hours before the start of your reserved time)
- Restrooms with changing tables and water fountains are available inside the Alpen Haus (Fisher Pavilion)
- Strollers are fine, but no pets (except service animals) are allowed except on Yappy Hour Mondays when dogs are welcome (see the special events page for details)
- Bag and metal detector checks are part of the Christmas Market entry process. No outside food and beverage, professional cameras, backpacks, luggage, or weapons of any kind are permitted.
- Parking: You can pay to park at the Seattle Center, but another pro tip: Amazon buildings offer free parking on weekends and weeknights after 4 p.m. The Doppler building is just a few blocks away from the Center.
- Transit: Avoid cars entirely and take the light rail into downtown and hop on the Christmas Express Monorail from Westlake Center.
- The Seattle Christmas Market has partnered with KIRO 7 for their Cares Toy Drive. If you donate a new toy during your Market excursion, you can get a free re-entry ticket to the Christmas Market this season.
(Image: Erika Lee Bigelow / Seattle’s Child)
2025 Hours
- Nov 24-25: 4-9 p.m.
- Nov 28-30: 11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.
- Dec 1-5: 4-9 p.m.
- Dec 6-7: 11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.
- Dec 8-12: 4-9 p.m.
- Dec 13-19: 11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.
- Dec 20-23: 10:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.Dec 24: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
More Holiday Fun Around Seattle
Make the most of the season with these family-friendly guides:
