One thing I noticed when I moved to Seattle over a decade ago is that this city knows how to celebrate the Christmas season. From the dazzling tree lighting at Westlake Center and festive light displays throughout Westlake Park to the annual Sheraton Grand Seattle Gingerbread Village, The Teddy Bear Suite at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel, and more recently, the Seattle Christmas Market, there’s no shortage of holiday cheer for families to enjoy.
This year, there’s another experience to add to the list: Kringle’s Inventionasium experience is back in Seattle and tucked next to Lumen Field at the LIT Immersive building. This immersive, interactive holiday adventure invites families to step inside Santa’s elite toy-making workshop and play along with his whole team.
Welcome to Santa’s elite toy-making workshop. (Image: Janet Kim / Seattle’s Child)
The Experience
When you arrive, one of Santa’s elves greets you and sets the stage for the fun ahead. While waiting for your session to begin, you’ll meet whimsical characters like Eyesly, a quirky figure with a single eyeball for a head. My kids really enjoyed Eyesly, and it was the first of many picture opportunities to capture the day.
Once your reservation begins, you’ll walk through a sparkling hallway and move from room to room, meeting different characters along the way. It’s impressive how each person you meet stays in character and really engages with the kids. Each character has a storyline, weaving together the imaginative journey. The entire experience unfolds inside Mr. Kringle’s Inventionasium (toy invention lab) in Seattle, where guests are encouraged to design, invent, and dream up the next great holiday toy.
Hi Eyesly! (Image: Janet Kim / Seattle’s Child)
Here’s a breakdown of each stop:
- First, we met with Mr. Fuzzy Hat, who helped us choose playful new names we’d use throughout the experience.
- Next, we entered the toy-making area with Ignatius Glitch, where brainstorming begins, and guests select parts to build their creations.
- In the ideation room, we used a “magic elixir” to paint before we brought our ideas to life.
- There was even time for a STEM-inspired activity, making snow!
- Then we were ready to build our creation. There were other completed toys for added inspiration, but this is where the brainstorming we did at our other stops comes together to bring your toy to life.
- Afterwards, we crafted recipes for Christmas cheer and experimented with colored balls in a test tube to follow patterns.
- The journey concludes with a private visit to Mr. Kringle himself, which is the highlight of the experience. We got to visit with him in a private setting, which is available with certain ticket packages.
Parents will appreciate how seamlessly the Inventionasium blends play with learning. The snow-making activity introduces basic chemistry, while the moving ball patterns spark curiosity about patterns, physics and patterns. It’s a reminder that holiday magic can also nurture creativity and critical thinking.
The toy-making area with Ignatius Glitch. (Image: Janet Kim / Seattle’s Child)
Family Impressions
This was an experience for the whole family to enjoy. My boys, ages 6 and 9, were captivated by the magic, and my husband and I found ourselves delighted by their delight. Santa’s gentle warmth felt like a gift in itself. My 6-year-old, who can be particular around new people, went right up to Santa, and my 9-year-old couldn’t stop talking about how much he loved the whole experience.
This was such a joyful addition to Seattle’s holiday traditions – one that sparks imagination and brings families together!
Build your creation! (Image: Janet Kim / Seattle’s Child)
Know before you go
- Location: Kringle’s Inventionasium Seattle, LIT Immersive at 1000 1st Ave. South, Seattle, WA 98134 (the Palmer Building), across from Lumen Field.
- Arrival: They recommend arriving 25 minutes before check-in. The whole experience lasts around 60 minutes.
- Age Suitability: The Inventionasium is a sensory-rich experience best suited for children ages 3 and up, though younger children are welcome. Infant tickets are complimentary, but infants must be carried as strollers are checked upon arrival.
- Accessibility: Staff were sensitive to sensory needs, making it inclusive for a wide range of families. If anyone in the group requires special accommodations, notify them at check-in.
- What to wear: There is no formal dress code, and we saw everything from matching holiday outfits to cozy Christmas pajamas. Since you’ll be taking photos with Santa, it’s a good idea to arrive camera-ready.
- Cost: Ticket prices vary by package from $24-$63 per guest. There is also a VIP package for $348-$468, which will give you a completely private experience for your party.
- Parking/Transit/Parking
- Link Light Rail. There are two Link Light Rail stations near the LIT Immersive, which are Stadium and ID/Chinatown, making Light Rail a convenient option for getting to the venue.
- Street Parking. There is 2-hour parking available on a first-come, first-served basis, on 1st Avenue and other surrounding streets from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
- Lumen Field Parking Garage. Located south of LIT Immersive and attached to the Lumen Field Event Center. Prices will vary depending on stadium events.
- Parking lots. There are a variety of private parking lots near the LIT Immersive and prices vary based on distance and demand.
More to Explore: Seattle Holiday Favorites
If Kringle’s Inventionasium has you feeling festive, there’s plenty more holiday magic to discover around the Seattle area. Continue your seasonal adventures with these family guides:
- Where to Take Santa Photos Around Seattle. From classic mall experiences to cozy boutique studios, this guide rounds up the best places for Santa photos — including sensory-friendly sessions and unique themed setups perfect for your holiday cards.
- Seattle Christmas Market: What Families Need to Know. European-inspired winter village right at Seattle Center, the Christmas Market features local makers, festive treats, twinkling lights, and plenty of family-friendly activities.
- Holiday Events Guide: The Biggest Celebrations Across Seattle. Looking for even more? Our comprehensive holiday events guide covers light displays, parades, performances, community celebrations, and everything in between to help you plan your most joyful season yet.
Some of the products, services, or experiences mentioned in this article may have been provided at no cost or at a discount. However, all opinions expressed are solely those of the author and/or the Seattle’s Child editorial team. Our coverage remains independent, and we only feature things we genuinely believe will be of interest to our readers.
