It is Thanksgiving week, and that means kicking off all of the wonderful, plentiful winter holiday festivities all over the city and beyond. Don’t miss Seattle Center’s Winterfest Opening Weekend (or Kirkland’s if you’re on the Eastside), or catch a tree lighting in Renton or Tacoma. Finally, the highlight of the week just might be the Annual Macy’s Day Parade, headed Downtown the day after Thanksgiving.
Thursday, November 28
Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy your time with food, family, and friends!
Friday, November 29
Macy’s Annual Holiday Parade. An iconic holiday tradition! Macy's signature inflatable floats will make their annual appearance in a parade featuring 25 floats, local middle and high school marching bands, nearly 650 costumed characters, professional sports teams and community drill teams. Begins at 9 a.m. on 7th & Pine Street and ends at Westlake Center, Seattle.
Seattle Center Winterfest. It’s opening weekend for the biggest winter celebration in Downtown Seattle! See the winter train and village, live performances, ice skating, outdoor holiday decor, and much more. Check website for specific events and show times. Today through Sun., Dec. 1. Seattle Center, Downtown Seattle.
Native Holiday Gift Fair. Shop from native artisans for crafts, jewelry, cards, clothing, fine art, food and more. Today through Sun. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Duwamish Longhouse, Seattle.
Macy’s Annual Holiday Tree Lighting & Fireworks Show. For the first time this season, the Westlake Center Tree and Holiday Carousel will light up and come to life for all to enjoy. This event begins at dusk and includes a fireworks display (weather permitting). 4:45 p.m. Westlake Center, Downtown Seattle.
Gingerbread Village. Visit the Downtown Sheraton hotel for this annual event, featuring beautifully crafted gingerbread architecture. This year’s theme is “elves!” All day event, today through Jan. 1. Sheraton Hotel Lobby, Downtown Seattle.
Holly Jolly Holiday Market. This is a great weekend event that helps support small business and local vendors. There will be discounts and sales, so come see what you can check off that holiday shopping list. Today and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thomas Family Farm, Snohomish.
Free Admission Black Friday at BAM. Instead of hitting the mall, head with the family to the art museum and enjoy the world of art, craft, and design. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Bellevue Arts Museum.
Saturday, November 30
Renton Christmas Tree Lighting. Support local, small business while having a great time! There will be a kids scavenger hunt, shopping challenges, live music, holiday treats, a tree lighting, and Santa’s arrival! 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Renton Pavilion Event Center, Renton.
24th Annual Magic in the Market. Live reindeer, festive music, photos with Santa, handmade market, cookie decorating, and and the big lighting of the market at 5 p.m. Kids can create their own snowflake ornaments from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., hosted by West Seattle Art Nest. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pike Place Market, Downtown Seattle.
Kirkland Urban Winter Festival. Holiday activities including arts and crafts, music, face painting, balloon art, cookie decorating, and of course, photos with Santa. There will also be a holiday movie feature, so bring low chairs or blankets (no outside food allowed). 2 to 8 p.m. Urban Plaza, Kirkland.
Tacoma Holiday Tree Lighting. Enjoy carolers, photos with Santa and a tree lighting ceremony. This is the 74th Annual of its kind! 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Pantages Theater, Tacoma.
Discovery Days. Tour the MaST Center, the marine biology and aquarium facility of Highline College. The Aquarium holds over 15 tanks totaling approximately 3,000 gallons of flow-through seawater, and displays over 250 native Puget Sound marine species. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Marine Science and Technology Center, Des Moines.
Sunday, December 1
ArtVenture: Hidden Panels. Learn how to use textiles, printmaking and more to tell stories about the communities in which we live. 1 to 3 p.m. Henry Art Gallery (University District), Seattle.
Book Buddies. Younger kids can drop in to read and discuss books with older kids, lead by a high school student. A great activity for reluctant readers out there who are avoiding reading at home. 1 to 2 p.m. Northgate Library, Seattle.
