Winterfest and the Seattle Christmas Market
For about five weeks, Seattle Center becomes a holiday hub during Winterfest. Catch concerts and dance performances, watch ice sculpting, and take in the light shows. With so much happening on one campus, it makes an easy outing for families.
The heart of the season here is the Seattle Christmas Market, a European-style market that first opened in 2023. Founder Malte Kluetz modeled it on the holiday markets he loved as a child in Germany, after first launching a similar market in Vancouver, BC. Wander among stalls glowing with lights under the Space Needle, and pause at the walk-through Christmas tree, a favorite spot for photos.
Come hungry, since food stalls have served German spätzle and Hungarian goulash, and grab a hot chocolate to carry while you browse. Local artisans sell soaps, jewelry, puzzles, crochet work and glass ornaments, which makes this a great place to find gifts you will not see at the mall.
Seek out the Nutcracker Haus, stocked with hand-crafted nutcrackers, Christmas pyramids, light arches and carved ornaments in the German tradition. Live entertainment comes with admission, and past seasons brought Motown Christmas music on Sundays. Visit the market's official site for current ticketing and the performance schedule.
WildLanterns at Woodland Park Zoo
Head to Woodland Park Zoo after dark, where WildLanterns lights up the grounds for roughly two months each winter. Dozens of oversized lanterns take the shape of animals, from leopards to tropical birds. Kids tend to make a beeline for the interactive play area, so leave a little extra time there.
Holiday Shows and Caroling Cruises
Some of December's most memorable evenings unfold on the water or from a theater seat. Both are lovely choices when the rain rolls in, and both are worth booking early.
The Christmas Ship Festival
Climb aboard the Spirit of Seattle, dressed in holiday lights, for the Christmas Ship Festival from Argosy Cruises. Sailings travel around Puget Sound, Lake Union and Lake Washington while choral groups sing carols on board. Warm drinks, along with planned bonfires and tree lightings on the shore, round out the trip. Routes vary by sailing, so check the official schedule.
Pacific Northwest Ballet's The Nutcracker
Settle in for Tchaikovsky's holiday classic, staged each season by Pacific Northwest Ballet with choreography by George Balanchine. It is a natural pick for families and for anyone craving a dressy night out. Look up the company's current performance dates and seating before you plan your evening.
Indoor Fun for December Days
Gray, damp days come with a Seattle winter, and locals have plenty of ways to stay warm through them. These ideas work any day of the month, holiday or not.
Soaks, Saunas and Hot Tub Boats
Cruise Lake Union in a floating hot tub with Hot Tub Boats, a classic Seattle pastime that runs year-round. The water stays at 104 degrees, and the city views surround you on every side. Prefer dry land? Hothouse Spa & Sauna on Capitol Hill offers private, gender-inclusive sessions with a hot tub, cedar sauna and herbal steam room.
Coffee Shops for Chilly Mornings
Starbucks got its start in Seattle, but the local cafe scene goes much deeper. Warm up at Caffe Vita or Caffe Ladro, small local chains known for reliably excellent espresso. For something different, try hello em, where Vietnamese flavors like egg clouds and pandan condensed milk find their way into the drinks.
Games, Dancing and a Laser Show
A little friendly competition makes the dark evenings fly by. Play indoor mini golf with a deep tap list at Flatstick Pub, try axe throwing at Blade & Timber on Capitol Hill, or order a hot toddy with your tabletop games at Mox Boarding House in Ballard.
If you would rather move, drop in on a swing, salsa or tango class, among others, at Century Ballroom. Central Cinema pairs dinner and a movie in plush banquettes. For a retro night out, catch a late laser show in the dome at Pacific Science Center.
Winter Beer and Hockey
Winter Beer Festival at Magnuson Park
Raise a glass at Magnuson Park, where the Winter Beer Festival pours dozens of spiced ales, seasonal stouts and winter warmers for one weekend in December. Miss it, and local breweries keep the season going. Order Fremont Brewing's Bonfire Ale for its roasted chocolate notes, or sip Long Dark, a rich, barrel-aged stout from Pike Brewing Company.
Seattle Kraken Games and Public Skates
December lands squarely in the Kraken's regular season, which runs October through April at Climate Pledge Arena. Watch the team at free open practices at Kraken Community Iceplex, then lace up yourself, since the iceplex offers public skate sessions on most days.
Ringing in the New Year
Seattle says goodbye to December at the Space Needle. Recent celebrations lit the sky with about 500 drones, followed by what is billed as the nation's largest fireworks show launched from a structure. Plans can change each year, so watch for official Space Needle announcements as the holiday nears.
Looking for more ideas beyond the holidays? Browse our guide to things to do in Seattle all year long.
