There are plenty of free things to do with kids during the holiday season. You might choose to try something new or enjoy creating a family tradition of going back to the same place every year.
You can also check out our Seattle’s Child Events Calendar to discover more holiday fun – both free and with an admission fee.
And for our comprehensive guide to both paid and free holiday fun, see the 2024 Seattle’s Child Guide to Holiday Family Fun,
Free Holiday Festivals & Events
November 9 – December 31, 2024. Open Daily.
Location: Swansons Nursery, 9701 15th Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98117
Cost: Free
Make an appointment to visit Santa (purchase professional photos at your visit), pick up your tree and home decor, plus see Swanson’s annual model train village for your family train outing! They will have a Charlie and the Chocolate factory-themed model train this year. It promises to be extra magical and colorful, with favorite characters from the book and movies, plus some other favorite characters (Elsa, Shrek, etc.) visiting the factory! Don’t miss Santa’s Yurt, an interactive kids’ space that will also have some unique additions. Plus, all of the usual holiday fun, including Santa Photos by appointment, holiday décor and ornaments, Christmas trees, and a special golden ticket promotion in our café.
For more holiday model train and train rides, see – Holiday Trains in the Seattle Area.
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Photo credit: Elizabeth Crook / Seattle Refined
Seattle Festival of Trees at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel
November 21-December 2, 2024
Location: Fairmont Olympic Hotel, 411 University St, Seattle, WA 98101
Cost: Free
Celebrating its 47th year, the Fairmont Olympic Hotel will host gorgeous displays of more than 20 decked-out trees. The trees will be sold, with proceeds going to Seattle Children’s Hospital.
Gingerbread Village Display at the Sheraton
November 21-January 1, 2025
Location: Sheraton Grand Seattle, 1400 6th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101
Cost: Free, but donations are welcomed
Visit the Sheraton Grand Seattle this year and see the spectacular gingerbread house village made by architects, master builders, and chefs. Displays will be ready for viewing for Free, but donations help the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. The hours are Sunday to Thursday, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 11 p.m.
November 23-December 23, 2024
Location: Multiple beaches in and around Seattle
Cost: Community events on shore are free.
Decked out in hundreds of lights, The Spirit of Seattle, Argosy Cruises’ official Christmas Ship, cruises the waters of Lake Washington from November 23rd to December 23rd. You can buy tickets to ride on-board the Christmas Ship or watch free from the beaches where Seattle Parks and Recreation, City of Kirkland Parks, and City of Bellevue Parks host beachfires and you enjoy watching a 20 minute-choir performance broadcasted from the Christmas ship. See the full schedule for both the paid events on-board the ship and free events on-shore here.
Reindeer at Watson’s Greenhouse and Nursery
November 25-December 22, 2024. Open daily. 9 am – 5 pm Monday – Saturday & 10 am – 5 pm Sunday
Location: Watson’s Greenhouse and Nursery, 6211 Pioneer Way E, Puyallup, WA 98371
Cost: Free
Welcome Donder & Blitzen to Watson’s Puyallup! They will be here throughout December, taking a well-deserved break before their important Christmas Eve journey. Bring the family to visit these beautiful reindeer!
Snowflake Lane at The Bellevue Collection
November 29-December 24, 2024. Open daily.
Location: Bellevue Square, 575 Bellevue Square, Bellevue, WA 98004
Cost: Free
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. The parade starts at 7 p.m. every night and you can watch on the sidewalks along Bellevue Way between Lincoln Square and Bellevue Square.
Photo credit: The Bellevue Collection
November 29-December 31, 2024
Location: Seattle Center, Seattle WA
Cost: Free
Kick off your holiday festivities with a trip to Seattle Center, where you’ll find a train village, a holiday market and a variety of entertainment. Don’t miss the ice artists carving spectacular sculptures at the International Fountain on opening day. See the entire schedule of events here.
Teddy Bear Suite at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel
November 29-January 2, 2025. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: Fairmont Olympic Hotel, 411 University St, Seattle, WA 98101
Cost: 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 teddy bears.
Winterfest Kent Santa Parade. Photo credit: Kent Downtown Partnership
Family Preview Christmas Event at the Westin Seattle
Monday, December 2, 2024. 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Location: The Westin Seattle, 1900 5th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101
Cost: Free admission
Vote for your favorite of 12 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 and canned goods.
Kent Winterfest Parade and Tree Lighting
Saturday, December 7, 2024
Location: Town Square Park, 426 W Smith St, Kent, WA 98032
Cost: Free
The Winterfest parade goes through Kent Station and downtown Kent and will have a tree lighting at Town Square Park. More details coming soon.
The Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition
Saturday, December 7, 2024. 12 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Location: Pike Place Market, 85 Pike St, Seattle WA 98101
Cost: Free
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 ahead and get there early.
Puyallup Santa Parade and Holiday Market
Saturday, December 7, 2024. 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Location: Downtown Puyallup, down meridian St.
Cost: Free
The spectacularly lighted Santa Parade will wind its way down Meridian St in Puyallup. There will be bands, floats, walking units and more. The Holiday Market is open 12 p.m.- 7 p.m.; Santa Parade starts at 5 p.m.
Holiday Barn Lighting at Kelsey Creek Farm
Saturday, December 7, 2024. 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Location: Kelsey Creek Farm, 410 130th Pl SE, Bellevue, WA 98005
Cost: Free
Join the Holiday Barn Lighting event at Kelsey Creek Farm. This event begins with holiday carols, sheep dressed up in lights, a visit from Santa, and a countdown to turning on the lights. The lighted barn and decorations will provide a festive background for the event’s activities, which include a special, once-per-year opportunity to go inside the barn to watch the animals eat dinner. Tickets for some activities will be sold onsite, and coffee and cocoa will be available for purchase.
Family Day: Holiday Celebration
Saturday, December 14, 2024. 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Location: White River Valley Museum, 918 H St SE, Auburn, WA 98002
Cost: Free
Join the White River Valley Museum for their Family Day Holiday Celebration and spend the day with Santa for a fun-filled holiday-themed Family Day. Pop by the museum to explore different holiday traditions from around the world.
Saturday, December 14. 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: Duvall Train Depot, 26227 NE Stephens St, Duvall, WA 98019
Cost: Free
All ages
All aboard for a day of holiday cheer at Duvall Express. Join at the historic Depot Building and Visitor Center for a free, family-friendly event filled with activities for everyone to enjoy. There will be a Lego building station, a trackless train ride, crafts with cocoa, face painting, and photos with Santa at this FREE event.
Saturday, December 14, 2024. 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Location: Pacific Bonsai Museum, 2515 South 336th St, Federal Way, WA 98003
Cost: Free, donation is suggested and welcomed
Take an evening stroll amid the soft holiday lights surrounding the Pacific Bonsai Museum’s collection of trees. Stay for holiday treats and enjoy FREE hot chocolate, listen to holiday music and view the Bonsai trees twinkling an array of lights. This is a family-friendly tradition that warmly embraces the generous spirit of the holidays.
Free Holiday Events: Lights
Tree Lighting Ceremonies – Free
Rain or shine, head to your local tree-lighting ceremony. You might find a parade, sip hot chocolate, and always will catch the holiday magic. Arrive early to stake out a prime spot for viewing.
Pike Place Market – Saturday, November 30, 2024
Snohomish – Saturday, November 30, 2024
Mountlake Terrace – Friday, December 6, 2024
Auburn – Saturday, December 7, 2024
Bellevue – Saturday, December 7, 2024
Bothell – Saturday, December 7, 2024
Kent – Saturday, December 7, 2024
Lakewood – Saturday, December 7, 2024
West Seattle – Saturday, December 7, 2024
Woodinville Tree Lighting – Saturday, December 7, 2024
Holiday Light Shows – Free
Saturday, November 2, 2024. 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Location: Armory Food & Event Hall, 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109
Cost: Free
Join in this traditional Indian holiday celebrating the triumph of light over darkness. You’ll find music, food, demonstrations, art, and more at the Armory at Seattle Center. This event is free and open to the public for all ages.
Village of Lights: Christmastown in Leavenworth
November 29-December 24, 2024. Open daily. See website for hours/days
Location: Downtown Leavenworth, 820 Front StreetLeavenworth WA 98826
Cost: 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
December 1-24, 2024. Open every night. 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Location: Evergreen Church, 3429 240th St SE, Bothell, WA 98021
Cost: Free
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.
December 1-31, 2024. 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. Open Daily.
Location:
Cost: Free, donations are encouraged
Head to the Evergreen Arboretum and Gardens in Everett to experience a wealth of twinkling lights. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged. This year’s event will include a gazebo luminary installation crafted by artist Cindy Morris and a Solstice Luminary Walk on Thursday, December 21st, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, with complimentary luminary bags and story time in the gazebo.
Saturday, December 14, 2024. 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Location: Green Lake Park, 7201 East Green Lake Dr N, Seattle, WA 98115
Cost: Free, bring a can of food for donation
Enjoy the annual seasonal event at Green Lake. Walk the inner path around the lake lined with over 1500 luminary bags and enjoy music at 3 stages along the path. Dress for the weather. Please bring a can food donation to support the local food banks.
Free Holiday Events: Markets
November 2-December 21, 2024. Select Saturdays.
Location: Edmonds, WA
Cost: Free to attend
Browse the aisles of vendors, snack at food shops, and support local businesses. The market will be happening on Saturdays, November 2, 9, 16, 23 and December 7, 14, 21, 2024. See the website for more information coming soon. The markets take place on 5th Ave N between Main and Bell.
November 22-23, 2024
Location: Renton Community Center, 1715 Maple Vly Hwy, Renton, WA 98057
Cost: Admission is free for shoppers
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.
United Indians Native Art Market at Daybreak Star Center
November 23-24 & December 21-22, 2024. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center, 5011 Bernie Whitebear Way, Seattle, WA 98199
Cost: Free
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. Free entry, but go early because parking is limited.
Holiday Farmers Market and Crafts Fair at Third Place Commons
November 24 and December 15, 2024. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Location: Third Place Commons, 17171 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park, WA 98155
Cost: Free to attend
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.
November 29-30, 2024. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: Thomas Family Farm, 9010 Marsh Rd, Snohomish, WA 98296
Cost: Free admission
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.
November 29-December 22, 2024. 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. Thursday-Sunday.
Location: Bellevue Arts Museum, 510 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA 98004
Cost: Free event
The BAM Holiday Arts Fair 2024 is a brand-new event hosted by the Bellevue Arts Museum. It will bring the magic of the holidays and the arts together for the first time. Visitors will enjoy a carefully curated selection of handmade art, perfect for holiday gifting while supporting local artists. Please note, the BAM Holiday Arts Fair will run parallel to Snowflake Lane, a time when thousands of people flock to downtown Bellevue to celebrate the season.
Magic in the Market at Pike Place
Saturday, November 30, 2024. 11 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Location: Pike Place Market, 85 Pike St, Seattle, WA
Cost: Free event
Make memories 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!
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Discovery Center: Giving Marketplace
December 6-7, 2024
Location: Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Discovery Center, North, 440 5th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98109
Cost: Free
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 and performances. Don’t miss the chance to receive a people and pet portrait, listen to live music, create your own jewelry during their Junkyard Jewels activity and more! See the full schedule here.
Urban Craft Uprising Winter Show
December 6-8, 2024. Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Location: Seattle Center Exhibition Hall, 301 Mercer St, Seattle, WA 98109
Cost: Free event except for Friday
Located at the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall, this winter show is dedicated to local artisans and crafters. Find decor for your home, a unique gift for a loved one, or explore the latest trends in art. Friday is a preview ticketed night 5-9 p.m. Free admission on Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Holiday Market at Carnation Farms
Saturday, December 14, 2024. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: Carnation Farms, 28901 NE Carnation Farm Rd, Carnation, WA 98014
Cost: Free entry
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 their local Artisan Vendors. You’ll find homemade soaps, clothes, art, sweets, gifts, and more to bring in the season!
Read more:
Holiday trains in the Seattle area
