There are so many holiday activities to do in and around Seattle at 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! December 1-31.
Father Christmas at Christianson’s Nursery. (Photo by Sara Welch)
Skagit Valley holiday events
Holiday markets, Santa photos and wreath-making workshops are among the dozens of experiences and outings offered in Skagit Valley. Here’s a sampling:
Saturday, Nov. 26: Holiday tea and visit with Father Christmas, Christianson’s Nursery.
Santa photos will be taken at Skagit Acres on weekends. Reservations advised.
Dec. 2-4: U-Cut Christmas Trees at Big Lake Trees
5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3: Christmas Tree Lighting in Gilkey Square, La Conner
Dec. 4: Holiday Market at the Vinery, Christianson’s Nursery, Mount Vernon.
6-7 p.m. Saturday, December 10: Holiday lighted boat parade along the Swinomish Channel, La Conner.
Whidbey/Camano Island events
Holiday Wreathmaking at Kristoferson Farm, November 27 and December 4; 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 fresh greens grown on the farm.
Home for the Holidays, 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3; historic downtown Oak Harbor. Santa will arrive on a pirate ship around 5 pm with the tree lighting to follow.
The Greening of Coupeville, Saturday, Dec. 3: The historic buildings of Coupeville all dressed up in greens, white lights and red bows. View the traditional Christmas parade beginning at 4 p.m., with of course Santa Claus at the end. Plus, reveling continues into the evening with shopping and, weather permitting, a boat parade on Penn Cove.
Greenbank Farm Holiday Market, December 3-4 and 10-11; shop from local artists and craftspeople for your holiday gifts, and enjoy the wine, cheese and art at the farm. Stop in for pictures with Santa or his elves, while browsing more than 25 different vendors each market day.
Light Up Your Holiday, Saturday, Dec. 10; deck the halls island-style at Fort Casey State Park and the Admiralty Head Lighthouse beginning at 4 p.m. This all-outdoor evening event also includes campfires to roast marshmallows and chestnuts, carolers, games and more.
Olympia-area
Oly on Ice: Pop-up ice-skating rink through Jan. 16 at Isthmus Park. Live performances and other family activities also planned. Sensory-friendly skates with low lights, no music and a calm environment planned for 10-11 a.m. December 4, 11, 18, January 1, 8, 15.
Downtown for the Holidays: Shop-and-dine promotion features a passport to participating merchants. Get five stickers (for purchases) and receive a gift; through Dec. 24.
Thurston County tree farms with u-cuts, tree lots and other seasonal family activities.
Tri-Cities:
Red Mountain Trails winery: Wagon rides, fire pits, Christmas trees and vendors. Hours noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays in December.
Lighted Boat Parade, Festive boats sail the Columbia River from 5-6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, December 2-3.
Hometown Holiday Parade 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 3; downtown Kennewick. Afterward, Santa will be at Santa Square.
Lampson Cable Bridge Run, Saturday, December 17. Bundle up to trek across the iconic cable bridge connecting Kennewick and Pasco. There are 1 mile, 5K and 10K options. The 1-mile event is nontimed and purely for fun; kids 4 and under can do it for free.
