The winter holidays bring some of the most magical family moments of the year — and the Seattle area is filled with festive ways to celebrate. Whether you’re searching for Christmas lights near you, Santa photos, holiday markets, kid-friendly shows, or free holiday events, our 2025 Holiday Guide has everything families need to plan a season full of joy.
From dazzling light displays and beloved Santa train rides to Nutcracker performances, winter break activities and family-friendly New Year’s Eve ideas, here are the best holiday events and Christmas activities happening across Seattle and the Puget Sound.
Holiday Festivals, Parades & Family Events
The Polar Express™ | Weekends, November 15-December 21, 2025 | $66 per person, kids 2 and under ride free on an adult’s lap | Chehalis Centralia Railroad and Museum | All aboard the Polar Express for a 75-minute round-trip to the North Pole to see Santa Claus. Hear the story of the first gift of Christmas, have hot cocoa and cookies, and see the man in the red suit. Presented by The Chehalis Centralia Railroad.
Christmas With the Clauses on Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad | November 21 – December 23, 2025 | Tickets starting at $38 per person, kids 2 and under ride free on an adult’s lap | Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad, 54124 Mountain Hwy E, Elbe | Depart for a trip to the North Pole on this 75-minute round-trip immersive theatrical experience. Chefs will entertain passengers, enjoy Hot Chocolate and Cookies, and listen to a reading of The Polar Express. Upon arrival at the North Pole, Santa will board the train and distribute a gift to each child.
The Big Give at Snohomish High School | November 23, 2025, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Snohomish High School, 11316 5th Street, Snohomish | Free | The Big Give is a fun holiday event for the whole family featuring free holiday-themed games, crafts, and activities from their Chamber nonprofit organizations. Stroll through the festively decorated halls and enjoy the holiday music. Enter to win a prize at the raffle- $5/ticket.
Village at Totem Lake Santa Photos & Festivities | November 23-December 24, 2025 | Dates and times vary | The Village at Totem Lake, 11901 NE Village Plaza, Kirkland, WA 98034 | Visit Santa at the Village at Totem Lake. Santa visits are scheduled in 10-minute time slots to allow for check-in and preparation time. All photos are printed on site and delivered at the time of your visit. They have a silent Santa for those children who require a quieter setting on December 7 and 14. Check the website for more details and other special events like pet photos, breakfast with Santa, and more!
Santa Limited Train at North Bend Depot | Weekends, November 29 to December 21, 2025 | Advance ticket purchase required: $40 per person (Under age 2 ride free) | North Bend Depot | The 2-hour Santa Limited starts from North Bend Depot and takes kids to meet Santa. Each child will receive a small gift and enjoy seasonal crafts, and each ticketholder will receive a cookie.
Seattle Festival of Trees at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel | November 17-December 2, 2025 | Free | Fairmont Olympic Hotel | Celebrating its 48th year, the Fairmont Olympic Hotel will host gorgeous displays of more than 20 decked-out trees. Each tree is thoughtfully designed and dedicated to the story of a courageous young patient. The trees will be sold, with proceeds going to Seattle Children’s Autism Center.
Seattle Children’s Museum’s Rainier Ridge | November 19, 2025 – January 26, 2026. | Seattle Children’s Museum | Experience included in admission ticket price | Hit the slopes, spin on a sock skating rink, build snow people, and browse seasonal wares and crafts this winter during the Rainier Ridge event at Seattle Children’s Museum.
White River Valley Museum Festival of Trees | November 19, 2025 – January 4, 2026 | Free | White River Valley Museum | Join the White River Valley Museum for its annual Festival of Trees exhibit. View themed trees decorated by community partners.
Kringle’s Inventionasium | November 22-December 24, 2025 (Select dates) | Timed entry tickets starting at $36 per person. | 1000 1st Ave South, Seattle | Step into the whimsical, wacky fantasy world of Kringle’s Inventionasium where your group will be guided through a holiday adventure unlike any other. Interactive story-telling pairs with STEM activities, and every guest becomes part of the story. Ages 2+. Peak dates: Dec 6-7, 13-14, 19-23
Christmas Ship™ Festival | November 28-December 23, 2025 | Tickets start at $54 for ages 4 and up, kids age 3 and younger free | Various locations | Decked out in hundreds of lights, each sailing of the Christmas Ship includes Cookies with Santa and a coloring surprise (2 p.m. sailings only) and a choir performance. Prone to seasickness? Watch from local beaches and shorelines as the ships cruise by.
Seattle Winterfest | November 28-December 31, 2025 | All ages | Seattle Center | Kick off your holiday festivities with a trip to Seattle Center, where you’ll find a train village, a world bazaar, a European-inspired Christmas market, and a variety of entertainment. Don’t miss the ice artists carving spectacular sculptures at Mural Amphitheatre each Saturday starting at 12 PM.
Small Town Holiday at Lake Chelan | November 28, 2025-January 1, 2026 | All ages | Lake Chelan | 123 W Woodin Ave. Chelan, WA 98816 | Lights at the lake, Santa sightings, holiday shopping, and winter sports include skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, and more — that’s what you’ll find at Chelan in Eastern Washington during the holiday season.
Snowflake Lane at The Bellevue Collection | November 28-December 24, 2025 | Nightly, 7 p.m. | Free | The Bellevue Collection | Snowflakes fall to the ground as a parade of costumed characters and magical floats glide down the street, spreading holiday cheer. Stake out your favorite viewing spot early in the season and show up well before showtime.
Diving Santa at the Seattle Aquarium | Dates and times vary; Santa will begin diving on November 28, 2025 | Seattle Aquarium | Celebrate the holidays at the Seattle Aquarium and see Diving Santa as he swims in the 120,000-gallon Window on Washington Waters habitat. New this year, kids can meet Santa on land for festive photo ops. Santa dives on Nov. 28 and on weekends (Nov. 29-Dec. 21) at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Catch him on land Fridays, Nov. 28- Dec. 19, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Dec. 24 (9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.), and Dec. 25 (11:30 a.m.-6 p.m.).
KidsQuest Children’s Museum | November 28-29, 2025 | Hyatt Regency, Bellevue | Prices vary | Your little ones are invited to enjoy Gingerbread Workshops from November 28 – 29, 2025. Workshops feature hundreds of gingerbread houses, yummy candy buffets, and excerpts from the Nutcracker performed by Flight Feathers Ballet! Stay to construct a gingerbread masterpiece.
Issaquah Reindeer Festival | November 28-December 23 and December 26-30 | Book online for timed entry | Cougar Mountain Zoo | Kick off your holidays with this unique experience at the Cougar Mountain Zoo. Visit Santa, Rudolph, and all his friends.
Teddy Bear Suite at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel | November 28-December 24, 2025 | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Fairmont Olympic Hotel | FREE. | Snuggle in with some cuddly bears for a picture-perfect holiday outing. Every year, in partnership with Seattle Children’s Hospital, the Fairmont fills a hotel suite with nearly 100 teddy bears.
Gingerbread Village Display | Displays can be viewed from November 30, 2025 – January 1, 2026 | Sheraton Grand, Seattle | Free, but donations welcome | Support Breakthrough T1D and type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and visit the Sheraton Grand Seattle for the 30th year of this spectacular event! See the intricate gingerbread house village made by architects, master builders, and chefs.
Providence O’Christmas Trees Family Preview Event | December 1, 2025 | 4-7 p.m. | FREE | Westin, Seattle (Grand Ballroom) | Vote for your favorite designer-decorated Christmas trees at Family Preview, with Santa, festive entertainment, and free arts & crafts for kids. They will be accepting donations of gently used clothing to support Providence Regina House.
Holiday Magic at The Fair | Select dates December 5-23, 2025 |Purchase tickets online for the best pricing | Washington State Fair Event Center | Purchase your tickets to the Holiday Magic event at Washington State Fair Event Center and enjoy interactive exhibits, light displays, an ice rink, food, shopping, and more.
The Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition | December 6, 2025 | 12:00-2:30 p.m. | Free | Pike Place Market | Head over to Pike Place Market and cheer teams of carolers roving the streets as they compete to raise money for the Pike Market Senior Center and Food Bank. More than 10,000 spectators are expected, so plan and get there early. Consider public transit.
Holiday Barn Lighting | December 6, 2025 | 5-6:30 p.m. | Free | Kelsey Creek Farm | Join Kelsey Creek Farm for their Holiday Barn Lighting event. This event begins with holiday carols, sheep dressed up in lights, a visit from Santa, and a countdown to turning on the lights. Activities include a special, once-per-year opportunity to go inside the barn to watch the animals eat dinner.
Yuletide Express Train at Snoqualmie Depot | December 12 and 19, 2025 | Advance ticket purchase required: $30 per person (Under age 2 ride free) | Snoqualmie Depot | Depart the Historic Snoqualmie Depot for an excursion with Santa and his elves aboard seasonally decorated antique coaches and travel west to Snoqualmie Falls and Back. Friday excursions are 40 minutes round-trip, while Saturday excursions are 25 minutes round-trip. Enjoy a small gift from Santa and a peppermint stick for your ride home.
C-ID Santa visits Wing Luke Museum | Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025 | Noon-3 p.m. | Wing Luke Museum | Advanced timed-entry tickets are required. Each time slot starts at $14 and includes one physical photo and digital access. Additional prints cost $14 each (Museum members save 50% on prints). Meet Santa in the historic Chinatown-International District. Pay homage and reconnect with a space that is the foundation of many cultures and heritages. The event is open and welcomes all.
Bonsai Solstice | December 13, 2025 | 4-7:00 p.m. | Free, but a $12 donation is suggested for adults | Pacific Bonsai Museum | Take an evening stroll amid the soft holiday lights surrounding the Pacific Bonsai Museum’s collection of trees. Stay for holiday treats and more.
Menorah Lighting Kirkland | December 22, 2025 | 4:15 p.m. | Free | Marina Park Pavilion, 25 Lakeshore Plaza Drive, Kirkland | Join the annual Menorah Lighting at Marina Park Pavilion for lively music and dancing, holiday treats, fun holiday swag, and entertainment.
Holiday Light Displays & Christmas Lights
Swansons Nursery | November 8, 2025 – January 1, 2026 | Free | Swanson’s Nursery | Wander in the garden to enjoy a magical holiday outing replete with thousands of twinkling lights. Don’t miss the model train village or a visit to Santa’s Yurt (Register for a Santa visit and paid professional photos on their website).
Astra Lumina at Seattle Chinese Garden | November 12 – December 31, 2025 | Timed-entry tickets are $25-$33 per person | All ages | Seattle Chinese Garden | Reconnect with the beauty of nature as you take a nighttime stroll through a transformed landscape. Entry includes immersive light displays, 360-degree creations, and an original soundtrack to guide you on your journey.
Wild Lanterns at the Woodland Park Zoo | November 14-January 18, 2025 | See the website for prices | Woodland Park Zoo | The creators of Wild Lanterns have put together a brand-new show this year, and the event promises to dazzle visitors with large light displays and interactive areas. November 14, 2025-January 18, 2026. Prices vary by day, and by “scheduled date” or “flexible date” entry, 2 and younger free.
Fantasy Lights at Spanaway Park| Daily showings November 28, 2025-January 4, 2026 | 5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | $15-$20 per vehicle | Spanaway Park | Discount days December 26-January 4 | Cozy up in your car as you drive 2.2 miles through more than 300 elaborate displays with thousands of sparkling lights. Choose a weekday, either early or late in the season, to avoid crowds.
Village of Lights: Christmastown | November 28-December 24, 2025 | Free | Drive over to Leavenworth, where the town celebrates the holidays with over half a million lights, music and entertainment, holiday characters, kids’ activities, roasted chestnuts, Santa photos, and more.
Zoolights at Point Defiance Zoo | November 28, 2025-January 4, 2026 (Closed December 24 & 25) | $14-$28, children 2 and younger free | Point Defiance Zoo | With over a million lights, the Point Defiance Zoo transforms its exhibits and pathways into a sparkly winter wonderland with lighted classics like the octopus, flame tree, and tiger face. Don’t forget to meet the groovy goats, then warm up with festive treats from the café.
Lights of Christmas at Stanwood | Select nights November 28-December 28, 2025 | Advance tickets required and can be purchased online | $20-40 per car | 20800 Marine Drive, Stanwood 98292 | Located an hour north of Seattle, this drive-thru light show in Stanwood is a must. As you drive, turn on the radio and listen to the display guide, Bruce the Spruce, as he takes you through each light display. Choose between activity stop nights that allow you to exit the car and enjoy activity stops along the route, or choose a drive-thru only night for a streamlined experience at a discount. Enjoy fun activities for the whole family, photo ops, a gift shop and snack stands.
Bellevue Botanical Garden presents Garden d’Lights | November 29-December 31, 2025 (Closed December 25) | Timed-entry tickets required, $10/person, children 10 and younger free. Watch for $5 nights, weekdays, during the show’s first two weeks | Bellevue Botanical Gardens | As you follow the pathways through the garden, you’ll discover a variety of brightly lit displays, plant and animal shapes, rock formations, butterflies, bees, and birds. Be prepared: It’s a 1-mile walk.
Evergreen Christmas Lights | December 1-24 | Nightly, 6-9 p.m. | Free | Evergreen Church | A Bothell tradition: Hundreds of thousands of lights will cover an entire church building and will be synchronized to music. Stop into the pavilion for warm cookies, treats, a winter village, and a train exhibit.
Redmond Lights | December 6, 2025 – January 5, 2026 | 5 p.m. – 11 p.m. | Free | Downtown Park at 16144 Cleveland St, Redmond | A free month-long celebration of art and light in Downtown Park and Esterra Park. Visit the kickoff event at Downtown Park on December 6th for live performances, free workshops, activity booths, and a luminary walk.
Holiday Shows, Concerts & Performances
Seattle Children’s Theatre | “The Pigeon Gets A Big Time Holiday Extravaganza” | November 20, 2025 – January 4, 2026 | Prices vary | Seattle Children’s Theatre | A musical party for the whole family! Featuring beloved characters from Mo Willems’ children’s books and plenty of catchy tunes and silly antics.
The Trans-Siberian Orchestra | Shows are on November 22, 2025 | 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. | Prices vary | Climate Pledge Arena | The orchestra is back at Climate Pledge Arena. This year’s show, “The Lost Christmas Eve,” is a story about the importance of community. Expect an all-new, dazzling show packed with pyrotechnics, lasers, and story-telling.
5th Avenue Theatre | “Elf – The Musical” | November 28-December 28, 2025 | Prices vary | Ages 5+ | The 5th Avenue Theatre | A musical adaptation of the hit holiday movie. Young and old will enjoy this performance full of heart, adventure, comedy, and holiday cheer.
ACT | “A Christmas Carol” | November 28-December 28, 2025 | Prices vary | Ages 5+ | Union Arts Center | Enjoy the 90-minute story of Ebenezer Scrooge and the visitors that lead him to gratitude and giving at the Allen Theatre.
Pacific Northwest Ballet | “George Balanchine’s Nutcracker” | The Nutcracker November 28-December 28, 2025 | Prices vary | Ages 5 +| McCaw Hall | The classic holiday story of Clara and a nutcracker that comes to life, featuring Tchaikovsky’s magical music.
Taproot Theatre | “A Charlie Brown Christmas” | December 4-27, 2025 | $7.50-$30 general admission | All ages | Taproot Theatre, Isaac Studio, 212 N 85th St. Seattle | A musical adaptation of the cartoon classic. Join beloved characters like Charlie Brown and Linus as they search for the true meaning of Christmas. Closed captioning and sensory-friendly performances available.
Paramount Theatre Disney’s “The Lion King” | December 4, 2025 – January 4, 2026 | Prices vary | Recommended for ages 6+ and all attendees must have a ticket | Paramount Theatre | Awe-inspiring visual artistry brings this Disney classic to life. Experience the unforgettable music and theatrical storytelling of this Broadway spectacular.
Seattle Symphony: Family Movie & Live Music | December 5-7, 2025 | Tickets starting at $34 | Ages 5+ | S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium – Benaroya Hall | Celebrate the holidays with your family and a classic children’s film. Featuring The Snowman (rated G) or Disney’s The Muppet Christmas Carol at Benaroya Hall, Seattle. Ages 5+. Showings December 5-7, 2025, check their website for times and details about which movie will be shown at each performance.
Magical Strings Annual Celtic Yuletide Concert | December 7, 2025 at 3:00 p.m.. | Ticket prices range from $20-$30 | Kent-Meridian Performing Arts Center, 10020 SE 256th Street, Kent | The Boulding Family’s musical celebration of the holiday season is a treasured tradition and afternoon of enchanting Yuletide music in Kent. Pam and Philip Boulding perform on Celtic harps, hammered dulcimers, whistles, strings, percussion, and harp-like instruments from around the world. Guests add Irish step dancing, drumming, and storytelling for a festive and memorable performance.
Seattle Festival Orchestra | “Once Upon A Sleighride” | December 13-14, 2025 | 2 p.m. | Free | St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church | Join Seattle’s friendliest orchestra for a cup of cheer at our Holiday Extravaganza Family Concerts. Featuring seasonal favorites and their annual Carol Sing Along. Wear your brightest holiday sweater and celebrate the season with Santa and the SFO.
Seattle Men’s Chorus | Holly Jolly Jingle | Kids’ show on December 20 in Seattle | 11 a.m. | Benaroya Hall | The Seattle Men’s Chorus brings holiday cheer with comedy, costumes, dancing, sing-alongs, and the premiere of NOTcracker Suite. This 4-minute rendition includes hilarious lyrics, props, and more. Regular shows are in Tacoma, Everett, and Seattle (Dec. 5-23).
Holiday Markets, Craft Fairs & Christmas Bazaars
Edmonds Holiday Market | November 15 & 16, 2025 | Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | 201 2nd Ave. S. at Dayton Street | Browse the aisles of vendors, snack at food shops, and support local businesses.
Seattle Christmas Market | November 20-December 24, 2025, closed November 27 | Timed entry tickets required, and prices vary | 305 Harrison Street, Seattle | Inspired by traditional German Christmas markets, this month-long celebration takes place at Seattle Center. Browse aisles of artisan crafts, gifts, traditional food and drink, interactive installations, live performances, seasonal decorations, and more. Join the event newsletter for more details.
City of Renton Holiday Bazaar | November 21 & 22, 2025 | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free | Renton Community Center | Get a head start on your holiday shopping and support local artists. Featuring handmade, upcycled items for purchase. More than 7,000 visitors are expected, so be sure to get there early for the best selection.
Nordic Museum’s Julefest: A Nordic Christmas Celebration | November 21-23, 2025 | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Members and children: free, Non-members: $5-$20 | Nordic Museum | Explore Nordic dance, treats, and music at this cultural holiday market. Shop for one-of-a-kind gifts for loved ones. Celebrating its 48th year, the Nordic Museum hosts local retailers and artists while exposing visitors to Nordic holidays and traditions. Experience traditional foods, live music, and more.
Crossroads Bellevue: Holiday Makers Market | November 22, 2025 | 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m | Free | Crossroads Bellevue | The Makers Market features an array of gifts made by local artisans. Spend the day shopping, listening to live music, enjoying foods from around the world, and more.
United Indians Native Art Market | November 22-23 & December 20-21, 2025 | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free, donations gladly accepted | Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center | Head over to the Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center for the annual Native Art Market. A variety of Native American art, jewelry, crafts, textiles, and other authentic gifts will be on display and for purchase. Admission is free, but please arrive early, as parking is limited.
Holiday Farmers Market and Crafts Fair at Third Place Commons | November 23 and December 14, 2025 | Outdoor Craft Fair, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Indoor Craft Fair, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Free | Third Place Commons | Grab your grocery bags and head to this market just in time for Thanksgiving. A great place to buy your produce and other supplies for your holiday meals, then browse the selection of handmade items from local artisans.
Holly Jolly Holiday Market at Thomas Family Farm | November 28-29, 2025 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Free | Thomas Family Farm | Featuring more than 80 vendors, food trucks and more! This is a great place to start your holiday shopping and support your local community at Thomas Family Farm in Snohomish. There will be food and espresso trucks on site, and Santa will be visiting on Friday.
Novelty Hill Farm Holiday Markets| November 28 – December 14, 2025: Black Friday plus Saturdays and Sundays | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free | Novelty Hill Farm | Visit Novelty Hill Farm in Duvall for their annual weekend holiday markets. Featuring a variety of artisans, shoppers can find a selection of hand-crafted items made locally. Shop for unique gifts and visit the on-site Christmas tree farm!
Magic in the Market | November 29, 2025 | 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (Lighting ceremony at 5:00 p.m.) | Free | Pike Place Market | Make memories at the 30th annual Magic in the Market. Located at Pike Place Market with over nine acres of shopping and holiday cheer. Snap a photo with Santa, enjoy DIY kid’s crafts, live holiday music, and much more!
Victorian Country Christmas Festival | December 4-7, 2025 | Thursday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Tickets $11-13. Kids 12 and under are free | Washington State Fair Event Center | A Victorian Country Christmas is returning to the Washington State Fair Events Center, transforming the venue into a magical winter wonderland. This beloved holiday tradition offers something for children and adults alike, with hundreds of unique vendors, captivating live entertainment, and festive attractions.
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Discovery Center: Giving Marketplace | December 5-6, 2025 | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free | Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Discovery Center | Find unique gifts from dozens of vendors, with the proceeds supporting immigrants and refugees, women and girls, global health, education, the environment, and much more at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Discovery Center. Enjoy family-friendly holiday activities, then discover ways to take action on issues you care about.
Urban Craft Uprising: Winter Show | December 5-7, 2025 | Friday is a preview ticketed night, 5-9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Seattle Center Exhibition Hall | This winter show is dedicated to local artisans and crafters. Featuring over 150 vendors, find decor for your home, a unique gift for a loved one, or explore the latest trends in art.
Phinneywood Winter Festival | December 5-7, 2025 | December 5, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. and December 6 & 7, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Tickets are $25 on Friday preview night (21+), $10 Saturday and Sunday, children 12 and under free | Phinney Center | 6532 Phinney Ave. N., Seattle | The Phinney Ridge Neighborhood Association will be spreading holiday cheer with its 45th annual holiday market, and artists will share their unique gifts for purchase. Ticket purchases help fund hot meals, senior services, memory-loss programs, kids’ activities, tool lending, and more. Attendees are invited to bring donations for their canned food drive in support of FamilyWorks.
Holiday Market at Carnation Farms | December 13, 2025 | 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Free | Carnation Farms | Visit the Holiday Market at Carnation Farms and enjoy hot food and drinks from Culinary Team, take a history tour around the main grounds with their Archivist, snap a selfie in the holiday-themed photo booth, and pick up winter decor from the local Artisan Vendors. You’ll find homemade soaps, clothes, art, sweets, gifts, and more to bring in the season!
