The destination offers more seasonal delights than ever with the return of Enchant, The Seattle Christmas Market, and vibrant holiday performances
SEATTLE – This holiday season, Seattle is packing a yuletide punch with the return of more than a dozen beloved holiday events, including, for the first time, both Enchant and the Seattle Christmas Market. The Seattle Christmas Market returns Nov. 21, offering a European-style holiday market in the heart of Seattle. Meanwhile, Enchant will light up T-Mobile Park starting Nov. 22 with its breathtaking light maze and winter wonderland experience. Plus, cherished traditions such as Pike Place Market’s 29th Annual Magic in the Market and a host of cheery performances promise more festive things to do than ever before. Find the full lineup of holiday events on seattleholidays.com.
FESTIVALS AND MARKETS
Following its successful debut in 2023, the Seattle Christmas Market returns Nov. 21-Dec. 24. Throughout this five-week celebration, the Seattle Christmas Market will feature over 80 vendors in the village marketplace at Fisher Pavilion and South Fountain Lawn, offering a curated selection of local and international artisan-crafted gifts, as well as delicious treats and hot drinks. The Seattle Christmas Market will also host its first Lantern Festival parade on Dec. 1 at 5 p.m. Pre-sale tickets offering an early bird discount are available for purchase during the month of October.
“We’re beyond thrilled to return to Seattle Center for year two,” said Malte Kluetz, CEO and Founder of the Seattle Christmas Market. “The warm welcome we received from the community last year has inspired us to expand with new activations, 20+ additional craft, food, and drink vendors, daily musical entertainment, and a 2024 Special Edition double-decker carousel, with unlimited free rides [with purchase of a ticket], as always.”
Making its grand return to the destination after a four-year hiatus, Enchant returns to T-Mobile Park Nov. 22-Dec. 29. Set in a magical world with an ice-skating trail, marketplace, and the “world’s largest Christmas light maze,” Enchant’s 2024 theme invites visitors to embark on a magical quest to save the holidays.
“We are thrilled for the opportunity to return to Seattle this year with a brand-new adventure. Our World’s Largest Christmas Light Maze, ‘Santa’s Magic Timepiece’, takes guests into the heart of a magical tale in which you are charged with recovering lost star fragments in the maze in order to save Christmas,” said Kevin Johnston, Founder of Enchant. “This year, we’ve added even more festive magic with our ice-skating trail, new Ferris Wheel experience, stunning photo-ops, visits with Santa, holiday party celebrations, seasonal food and drink, live entertainment, and so much more. We can’t wait to celebrate the season in this vibrant city that we’ve missed so much.”
For a taste of far-northern culture, don’t miss the National Nordic Museum’s 47th annual Julefest: A Nordic Christmas Celebration from Nov. 22-24. During Julefest, NW Market Street in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood transforms into a traditional Nordic marketplace, bustling with vendors selling artisanal goods, Scandinavian apparel, and traditional cuisine.
The 29th Annual Magic in the Market returns to Pike Place Market on Nov. 30, decking out all nine acres with holiday spirit. Revel in the magic with cookie decorating, eggnog sipping, holiday shopping, and a chance to meet Santa – all before the famous Market lighting ceremony at 5 p.m.
Even more family fun awaits at Pike Place Market with Crafty’s Handmade HoliDAYS, Dec. 16-20. Now in its third year, Crafty’s Handmade HoliDAYS festival fills the market with one-of-a-kind products and artsy experiences.
“This year marks the third annual Crafty’s Handmade HoliDAYS at Pike Place Market, a delightful week of kid-friendly arts, crafts, and live holiday music. It’s the perfect time to enjoy hands-on activities with your little ones while discovering unique gifts from our Handmade Craft Market,” said Madison Bristol, Marketing and Publications Relations Manager at Pike Place Market. “But the holiday magic doesn’t stop there. From our 29th Annual Magic in the Market lighting celebration, to free Santa photos, and the festive spirit of the Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition, the Market is bursting with joyful experiences throughout the season.”
HOLIDAY PERFORMANCES
Take in a timeless holiday show as ACT Theatre presents its production of “A Christmas Carol” for the 49th year. From Nov. 29-Dec. 27, the iconic tale will unfold on stage at the Allen Theatre, carrying on a beloved Seattle tradition.
Catch another classic with George Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker” by the Pacific Northwest Ballet at McCaw Hall, Nov. 29-Dec. 28, or sing along with the delightful Ho Ho Ho! Seattle Men’s Chorus Holiday Show at multiple Puget Sound area locations from Dec. 1-21.
The Seattle Symphony offers more jolly tunes at their annual Holiday Pops performance Dec. 6-8. Conductor Anthony Parnther and pianist Chloe Flower join the orchestra for a full program of holiday favorites, both classical and pop.
Pike Place Market’s longest-running holiday tradition, the 39th Annual Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition, will take place during the day for the first time in the event’s history this year. On Dec. 7 from 12-2:30 p.m., local caroling teams will sing to raise money for the Pike Market Senior Center and Food Bank.
ASTONISHING DISPLAYS
Running Nov. 15-Jan. 19, Woodland Park Zoo’s WildLanterns invites visitors to experience an all-new, immersive “Mystical Forest” where illuminated creatures are found at every turn.
For a mouth-wateringly sweet display, check out the Sheraton Grand Seattle’s Gingerbread Village Display made by architects, master builders, and chefs. The tasty tableau will be open and free to the public Nov. 21-Jan. 1 but donations are welcome, going to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.
Set sail during the Argosy Christmas Ship Festival, a Seattle tradition since 1949. Experience the festive cheer aboard an enchanting Argosy cruise as the ship and the city light up for the holidays from Nov. 29-Dec. 23.
Seattle Center Winter Winterfest will kick off with a special “Ice Spectacle” demonstration Nov. 29 at the International Fountain. The five-week festival will showcase seasonal live performances at The Armory, a 19th-century winter train and village display, and a World Bazaar of rotating vendors selling gifts. Seattle Center Winterfest will conclude with an impressive fireworks and light show at the Space Needle on Dec. 31 during New Year’s At The Needle.
Downtown Seattle will get festivities underway at noon on Friday, Nov. 29, at Westlake Park. Enjoy music, lights, and face painting ahead of the 5 p.m. Tree Lighting Celebration. Also back for a third year is free ice skating at Occidental Square. The pop-up rink is back Dec. 13–15, and skaters of all ages and skill levels are invited.
Across lake Washington, find even more cheery displays at Garden d’Lights 2024 at the Bellevue Botanical Garden, Nov. 30-Dec.31. This includes a special “Hands On Hanukkah” evening on Dec. 14, where the Stroum Jewish Community Center offers Hanukkah crafts and holiday fun for the whole family.
HOLIDAY HOTEL PACKAGES
The best way to enjoy a cozy holiday visit to Seattle is by taking advantage of one of the seasonal packages offered at select downtown hotels. Holiday perks range from discounted rates and complimentary cocktails to event tickets and spa credits.
Hotel Ändra Seattle’s Solstice Savings include up to 20% off the hotel’s best available rate, plus $10 off parking.
The Fairmont Olympic Hotel’s holiday traditions include their Teddy Bear Suite, a room transformed into a winter wonderland and filled with dozens of teddy bears, lights, and candy canes. The hotel also hosts the Festival of Trees, a fundraiser showcasing over 20 decorated Christmas trees that share the stories of Seattle Children’s patients. All proceeds benefit the Seattle Children’s Hospital Uncompensated Care and Autism Center.
The Enchant Winter Package at Hyatt Regency Seattle offers two tickets to Enchant at T-Mobile Park, complimentary self-parking for one car, and a waived destination fee.
Hotel 1000 is introducing a holiday pop-up bar, the Rosebay Chalet, starting November 29. The lobby bar will be transformed into a Swiss chalet through design and décor, an après-ski menu, and immersive activations.
Another seasonal pop-up, The Elf Bar, will open at Astra Hotel Seattle Dec. 4-22. This festive 90-minute experience invites guests of all ages to immerse themselves in the magic of the holiday season, filled with enchanting games, elf-themed food and drinks, and tons of festive décor.
Find more details on where to stay and what not to miss this holiday season at seattleholidays.com.
About Visit Seattle:
Visit Seattle has served as the official destination marketing organization (DMO) for Seattle and King County for more than 50 years. A 501(c)(6) organization, Visit Seattle enhances the economic prosperity of the region through global destination branding along with competitive programs and campaigns in leisure travel marketing, convention sales and overseas tourism development. Visit visitseattle.org.
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