There are so many holiday activities to do in and around Seattle during the holidays (here’s our master list!) But the city doesn’t have a monopoly on fun! Communities near and far have their own holiday celebrations, so if you’re ready for a little road trip and change of pace, here are some new places you could check out. Let us know if you find a new favorite!
Leavenworth Holiday Events
Village of Lights Christmastown
Drive over to Leavenworth as the town celebrates with more than half a million lights, music and entertainment, holiday characters, kids’ activities, roasting chestnuts, Santa photos and more! Christmastown is open November 28-December 24, 2025, and the lights are on from November 27-February 28. Check here for the schedule.
Skagit Valley Holiday Events
Holiday markets, Santa photos, U-Cut Christmas Trees, and Santa Breakfasts are a few of the holiday events in Skagit Valley.
- November 14 to December 21 (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays) | Santa Photos will be taken at Skagit Acres.
- December 5-7 | 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. | U-Cut Christmas Trees at Big Lake Trees
- December 6 | Santa Breakfast and Craft Fair | Eat pancakes with Santa 8-11 a.m. and then enjoy the craft fair from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- December 13 and 14, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Holiday Market at the Vinery, Christianson’s Nursery, Mount Vernon.
- Saturday, December 13 | 5-6 p.m. | Holiday lighted boat parade along the Swinomish Channel, La Conner.
- Saturday, December 13 | 1-3 p.m. | Weave a Wooden Wonderland with Alan Smith at the Museum of Northwest Art. In this family-friendly workshop, we will create cozy driftwood houses and pine cone woodland animals using natural materials like wood and seashells. Ages 8+, kids under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
- December 13 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Skagit Symphony Presents Winter is Coming
- December 14 | 2-4:30 p.m.| Winter With You, Skagit Valley Chorale
Whidbey/Camano Island events
Wreathmaking at Kristoferson Farm | December 6 and 7 | 11 a.m. | Get in the spirit at this family-owned farm on Camano Island. This hands-on wreathmaking workshop shares how to create and take home a beautiful wreath from greens grown on the farm.
Light Up Your Holiday | Saturday, November 29th | Ring in the holidays at the Admiralty Head Lighthouse for our annual Light Up Your Holiday event. Enjoy holiday music from the All Island Band and the CUKES Ukulele Group, meet Santa, and take part in fun children’s activities.
Whidbey Island Fair’s Country Christmas | November 28-30 and December 5-7 | 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Along with unique gift ideas, enjoy cookies, coffee, and hot chocolate, plus a children’s craft table and a special visit from Santa Claus!
Bayview Farmer’s Holiday Market | Nov. 29, Dec. 13, Dec. 20 | 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Bring festive cheer to your holiday season. Get ready to browse unique local crafts, seasonal treats, and farm-fresh goodies—perfect for gifts or a little indulgence.
Lighting of Langley | On Saturday, November 29, at 3 p.m., the community comes together to sing carols, greet Santa, and light our Christmas tree at Langley Park. Hot Cocoa and Candy Canes will be served! Fun for the whole family! Stay after and shop in our Langley shops!
Camano Island Schoolhouse Lighting the Wonder of Christmas | On November 29 at 6 p.m., help us flip the big switch as we illuminate the historic 1906 Camano City Schoolhouse. Bundle up the family and enjoy hot chocolate, hot cider, and holiday treats! Get your photo taken next to our 1935 Christmas fire truck.
Holly Jolly Parade | On Saturday, December 6 at 11 a.m., Langley’s beloved Holly Jolly Parade returns to First and Second Street with musicians, youth groups, festive floats, families, and even a few four-legged friends marching through town.
Greening of Coupeville Parade and Tree Lighting | On Saturday, December 6, at 4 p.m., the historic buildings of Coupeville will all be dressed up in greens, white lights, and red bows. View the traditional Christmas parade, including Santa, from charming Front Street. The Coupeville Chamber of Commerce organizes the parade and caps off the evening with a tree lighting.
Holiday Lights Boat Parade | On December 6, at 4:30 p.m., you can view the decorated boats from the Coupeville Wharf. The Boat Parade arrives at approximately 5:30 p.m., following the land parade down Coupeville’s main street. Please note that this event is weather permitting.
Greenbank Farms Holiday Market | December 6–7, 13–14, and 20–21, offers a unique opportunity to connect with talented artisans and explore their beautifully handcrafted goods. Greenbank Farm will be transformed into a winter wonderland, with Santa Claus arriving by fire truck at 3:00 on Sat, Dec 6th. Each weekend, Santa will be at the Farm from 11:00 to 3:00.
Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting Freeland | At 4 p.m. on December 7, the Freeland Holiday Parade starts at the Frontier parking lot and ends at the Whidbey Tel parking lot at 1651 Main Street in Freeland where the tree lighting will happen. Other activities include visits and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, Elsa and Olaf, caroling, live entertainment,️and treats for the whole family.
Olympia Area Holiday Events
- Oly on Ice is a pop-up ice-skating rink open November 21- January 19, 2026, at Isthmus Park. Live performances and other family activities are also planned, as well as sensory-friendly skates will be offered on select dates, see website for up-to-date information.
- Tenino Holiday Market| Shop local artisan gifts Friday, November 28- Sunday, November 30. 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.
- Thurston County tree farms offer u-cuts, tree lots, and other seasonal family activities.
Tri-Cities Holiday Events
Christmas Tree Jubilee | Located at the Benton-Franklin Fairgrounds and open daily every day November 21-December 23. Offering the Tri Cities largest selection of PNW-grown and fresh-cut Christmas Trees, delicious handcrafted sweet treats, holiday workshops for the whole family, a giant petting barn, family fun games, gift shopping, a cozy campfire, and Mr. and Mrs. Claus all season long – this is the destination for you!
Christmas Market at the Farm | On November 22, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., tour the farm and take selfies! Sip hot chocolate! Meet the alpacas and their new babies! Meet the great pyrenees livestock guardians! Meet the chickens and visit the fish pond! Shop all the new vendors and the farm store! A wonderful family event!
Hometown Holiday Parade | Saturday, December 6, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. If you’re itching to find out if you’re on the naughty or nice list, head to Kennewick for the Hometown Holiday Parade and enjoy an old-fashioned holiday extravaganza with floats, characters, police and fire trucks, and even the big man himself, Santa.
Richland’s Winter Wonderland at John Dam Plaza is a must-see. December 1-31, evenings until 10 p.m., the park comes alive with illuminated trees, shimmering pathways, and the return of the historic alphabet village featuring the charming small houses that add an extra touch of magic throughout the plaza.
Pasco Winterfest | Saturday, December 13 | 3-6 p.m. | Pasco’s Winterfest will include the Candy Cane Scavenger Hunt, food trucks and vendors, the Heritage Tree Lighting, a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, a kids’ zone, and live entertainment!
Benton City Winterfest | On Saturday, December 13, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Benton City’s Winterfest will be jam-packed with fun! Enjoy a full day of winter activities, including the holiday bazaar, family-friendly events, a silent auction, a lighted parade, and the grand finale: a Christmas tree lighting!
