There’s no shortage of free Christmas events in Seattle for families who want to soak in the season without breaking the bank. Twinkling light displays to neighborhood tree lightings, holiday markets, concerts, parades, and more, there are dozens of ways to make memories this season.
Your family might like to return to a beloved annual tradition, or discover something new each year — this guide gathers the best free holiday events around Seattle, the Eastside, South King County, and beyond. You can also check out our Seattle’s Child Events Calendar to discover more holiday fun – both free and with an admission fee.
Seattle Christmas Lights: Free Holiday Light Displays
Seattle is packed with bright, family-friendly light displays that don’t cost a thing. From neighborhood setups that go all-out with inflatables and synchronized music to community displays that glow throughout December, our Holiday Lights Around Seattle guide highlights the best spots for a twinkling, free night out.
Green Lake Pathway of Lights | December 13, 2025 | 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. | Green Lake Park, 7201 East Green Lake Dr N, Seattle | Free | All ages | Enjoy this annual seasonal event at Green Lake that has been a Seattle tradition for over 40 years. Walk the inner path around the lake lined with over 1500 luminary bags and enjoy live music along the path. Dress for the weather. Please bring a food donation to support the local food banks.
More to explore: We also have a full parent guide to Green Lake’s Pathway of Lights, with tips for parking, best viewpoints, and what to expect along the glowing shoreline. It’s a yearly Seattle favorite for families, and our guide helps you plan your visit with kids in tow.
Candy Cane Lane | December 6-24, 2025 | NE Park Rd., Ravenna | Free | All ages | A Seattle holiday classic for more than 70 years, Candy Cane Lane transforms a quiet Ravenna cul-de-sac into a glowing wonderland of twinkling lights, themed displays, music, and festive characters. Many families make this a yearly drive-through tradition — but you can also bundle up and walk the loop for an up-close view. Parking can be tight, so arriving earlier in the evening is recommended.
Plan your visit: Want even more details before you go? Our full Candy Cane Lane guide includes tips on the best times to visit, where to park, what to expect if you walk vs. drive, and how to navigate crowds with kids. It also highlights special displays, accessibility notes, and nearby stops to make the outing extra festive.
Evergreen Christmas Lights | Daily December 1, 2025 – December 24, 2025 | 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | Evergreen Church, 3429 240th St. SE, Bothell | Free | All ages | 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. New this year: take a stroll on the low-sensory walking path for a calmer, more relaxed area with beautiful photo opportunities.
Plan your visit: Want a deeper look at this Bothell tradition? Our Evergreen Christmas Lights parent review shares insider tips, sensory-friendly notes, and the best times to visit. It’s one of the region’s most popular free light displays, and this guide helps families make the most of it.
(Image courtesy Evergreen Lights)
Free Christmas Events in Seattle
Swansons Nursery Holiday Magic | November 8 – Late December, 2025 | 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily (check website for extended holiday hours) | Swansons Nursery, 9701 15th Ave NW, Seattle | Free | All ages | 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! At the train you’ll find a holiday activity booklet filled with fun games and activities for the whole family. Don’t miss Santa’s Yurt, an interactive kids’ space featuring 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.
Seattle Festival of Trees | Daily November 17 – December 2, 2025 | Fairmont Olympic Hotel, 411 University Street, Seattle | Free | All ages | 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.
Gingerbread Village Display at the Sheraton | Daily November 20, 2025 – January 1, 2026 | Sheraton Grand Seattle, 1400 6th Ave, Seattle | Free, donations welcome | All ages | Visit the Sheraton Grand Seattle this year and see the spectacular gingerbread house village made by architects, master builders, and chefs. Displays can be viewed for free, but donations support Breakthrough T1D and type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. The hours are Sunday to Thursday, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Seattle Center Winterfest | Daily November 28 – December 31, 2025 | Seattle Center, 305 Harrison Street, Seattle | Free | All ages | 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 28 – December 24, 2025 | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily | Fairmont Olympic Hotel, 411 University Street, Seattle | Free, donations welcome | All ages | Snuggle in with some cuddly bears for a picture-perfect holiday outing. Every year, in partnership with Seattle Children’s Autism Center and Uncompensated Care, the Fairmont fills a hotel suite with teddy bears. Children receive a special take-home treat.
Family Preview Event at the Westin Seattle | December 1, 2025 | 4-7 p.m. | The Westin Seattle, 1900 5th Ave, Seattle | Free, donations welcome | All ages | 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.
Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition | December 6, 2025 | 12:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. | Pike Place Market, 85 Pike St., Seattle | Free | All ages | Head over to Pike Place Market for the 40th annual Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition. 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.
Kids love the Swansons Holiday Train. (Image courtesy Swansons)
Seattle Tree Lightings & Seasonal Ceremonies
Tree Lighting Ceremonies: Rain or shine, head to your local tree-lighting ceremony. You might find a parade, sip hot chocolate, and always catch the holiday magic. Arrive early to stake out a prime spot for viewing.
- Auburn | Saturday, December 6, 2025
- Bellevue | Saturday, December 6, 2025
- Bothell | Saturday, December 6, 2025
- Kent | Saturday, December 6, 2025
- Lakewood | Saturday, December 6, 2025
- Mountlake Terrace | Friday, December 5, 2025
- Pike Place Market | Saturday, November 29, 2025
- Snohomish | Saturday, November 29, 2025
- West Seattle | Saturday, December 6, 2025
- Woodinville Tree Lighting | Saturday, December 6, 2025
Free Christmas Markets & Holiday Markets
Whether you’re looking for handmade gifts, winter treats, or a festive afternoon of browsing, the region’s many holiday markets offer tons of free, family-friendly fun. Our Holiday Markets Guide rounds up dozens of markets — even if you’re just window shopping!
Edmonds Holiday Market | Select Saturdays November 1 – December 20, 2025 | Downtown Edmonds, WA near 5th & Bell | Free | All ages | Browse the aisles of vendors, snack at food shops, and support local businesses. The market will be happening on Saturdays, November 1, 8, 15, 22 and December 6, 13, 20, 2025. See the website for more information coming soon. The markets take place on 5th Ave N between Main and Bell.
City of Renton Holiday Bazaar | November 21 & 22, 2025 | Renton Community Center, 1715 Maple Valley Fwy, Renton | Free | All ages | 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 Indian Cultural Center | November 22-23 & December 20-21, 2025 | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center, 5011 Bernie Whitebear Way, Seattle | Free | All ages | 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 Farmer’s Market and Crafts Fair at Third Place Commons | November 23 & December 14, 2025 | 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Third Place Commons, 17171 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park | Free | All ages | 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.
Holly Jolly Holiday Market | November 28 & 29, 2025 | 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Thomas Family Farm, 9010 Marsh Rd, Snohomish | Free | All ages | Featuring more than 120 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.
Magic in the Market at Pike Place | November 29, 2025 | 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Pike Place Market, 85 Pike St, Seattle | Free | All ages | Make memories at Pike Place Market, with over nine acres of shopping and holiday cheer during this year’s 30th annual Magic in the Market. Snap a photo with Santa, enjoy DIY kid’s crafts, live holiday music, live reindeer, a holiday scavenger hunt, and much more!
Santa & Sips Holiday Pop-Up | November 29, 2025 | 3:00–6:00 p.m. | Copperworks Distilling, Kenmore | Free | All ages
Santa’s setting up shop where adults can enjoy themselves, too! While little ones visit with Kris Kringle from 3–6 p.m., grownups can sip a craft cocktail and browse local artisan vendors including Papa’s Apothecary, Allelon Chocolate, Salt Blade Meats, and Walker Art Glass. Enjoy bites from farm-to-kitchen concept De La Soil, spirits from Copperworks, and handmade gifts sure to delight everyone on your list.
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Discovery Center: Giving Marketplace | December 5 & 6, 2025 | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Discovery Center, 440 5th Ave N, Seattle | Free | All ages | 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 art, and more! See the full schedule here.
Urban Craft Uprising Winter Show | December 6 & 7, 2025 | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sunday | Seattle Center Exhibition Hall, 301 Mercer St., Seattle | Free | All ages | Located at the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall, the 21st annual 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 from over 150 vendors. 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.
Carnation Farms Holiday Market | December 13, 2025 | 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Carnation Farms, 28901 Carnation Farms Rd., Carnation | Free | All ages | 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!
(Image courtesy Carnation Farms)
Snowflake Lane in Bellevue
Snowflake Lane at The Bellevue Collection | November 28 – December 24, 2025 | Nightly at 7 p.m. | Bellevue Square, 575 Bellevue Square, Bellevue | Free | All ages | 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.
Make the most of your visit: We put together a complete Snowflake Lane guide that covers parking, crowd expectations, accessibility, character interactions, and how early to arrive to get great views. If Snowflake Lane is part of your family’s holiday tradition, this guide makes the night even smoother.
(Image courtesy Bellevue Collection)
North + Eastside Holiday Events
Holiday Barn Lighting at Kelsey Creek Farm | December 6, 2025 | 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. | Kelsey Creek Farm, 410 130th Pl SE, Bellevue | Free | All ages | Join the Holiday Barn Lighting event at Kelsey Creek Farm. This event begins with holiday carols, sheep dressed in lights, a visit from Santa, and a countdown to the lights being turned on. The lighted barn and decorations will provide a festive backdrop for the event’s activities, which include a special, once-a-year opportunity to go inside the barn to watch the animals eat dinner. Tickets for select activities will be sold on-site, and coffee and cocoa will be available for purchase.
Gingerbread Decorating Social | Sunday, December 7 | 11 a.m.–2 p.m. | Copperworks Distilling Co., Kenmore | Cost: Free (RSVP recommended) | All ages | Copperworks teams up with De La Soil for a festive gingerbread decorating party where kids can make a joyful mess outside the house. Families will receive gingerbread cookies, edible decorations, and take-home ornaments. Kids enjoy complimentary beverages, while grown-ups can sip a Hot Toddy and relax in the holiday atmosphere. RSVP to secure your spot.
Light up the barn at Kelsey Creek Farm. (Image: Heidi Cox)
South King County & Tacoma-Area Free Holiday Fun
Kent Winterfest and Tree Lighting | November 28 – December 6, 2025 | 2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. | Kent Town Square Plaza at 2nd Ave. & Smith Street | Free | All ages | The Winterfest parade goes through Kent Station and downtown Kent and will have a tree lighting at Town Square Park. Visitors will enjoy food booths, community booths and local craftspeople, the Winterfest parade, performances from local students, Santa, the annual tree lighting, and more!
Christmas Ship™ Festival | November 28 – December 23, 2025 | Check website for sailing schedules | Departure locations in Seattle, Kirkland, Renton, Ballard, Edmonds, and Tacoma | Free onshore viewings, tickets to ride the ship available online | All ages | Decked out in hundreds of lights, The Spirit of Seattle, Argosy Cruises’ official Christmas Ship, cruises the waters of Lake Washington from November 28th to December 23rd. You can buy tickets to ride on board the Christmas Ship or watch for free from the beaches where Seattle Parks and Recreation, City of Kirkland Parks, and City of Bellevue Parks host beachfires, and you can enjoy watching a 20-minute choir performance broadcast from the Christmas Ship. See the full schedule for both the paid events on board the ship and free events on shore here.
Puyallup Lighted Santa Parade | December 6, 2025 | 5:00 p.m. | Downtown Puyallup, down Meridian Street | Free | All ages | The spectacularly lighted Santa Parade will wind its way down Meridian St in Puyallup. There will be bands, floats, walking units and more. The Santa Parade begins at 5 p.m.
Auburn Lighted Santa Parade and Tree Lighting | December 6, 2025 | 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Main Street in Auburn, from Auburn High School to City Hall | Free | All ages | Lighted entries and live music will fill Main Street with holiday joy! The parade will feature lighted vehicles, floats, cars, and walking entries. The evening will conclude with a tree lighting at City Hall and a visit from Santa.
White River Valley Museum’s A Season of Giving and Sharing Family Day | December 13, 2025 | 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. | White River Valley Museum, 918 H Street SE, Auburn | Free | All ages | Join the White River Valley Museum for their Family Day Holiday Celebration for a fun-filled holiday-themed Family Day. Pop by the museum to explore different holiday traditions from around the world. Enjoy a special holiday storytelling with renowned storyteller Karen Haas at 12:00.
Bonsai Solstice | December 13, 2025 | 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. | Pacific Bonsai Museum, 2515 South 336th St, Federal Way | Free | All ages | 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.
(Image courtesy Pacific Bonsai Museum)
Regional Holiday Favorites Worth the Drive
Village of Lights: Christmastown in Leavenworth | Daily November 28, 2025 – December 24, 2025 | Downtown Leavenworth, 820 Front Street, Leavenworth | Free | All ages | 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.
