Seattle Stands Out as a Dazzling Holiday Destination Full of Classic Charm and Bold New Twists on Tradition

SEATTLE – Seattle is set to shine this holiday season with an enchanting mix of beloved traditions and brand new festivities, including Seattle Christmas Market’s debut of the Seattle Christmas Express, Savor Seattle’s holiday food tour of Pike Place Market, and exclusive hotel packages that make it easy to stay, celebrate, and soak up downtown’s holiday magic. Plus, classic performances and new immersive experiences deck the halls, like George Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker” by the Pacific Northwest Ballet and LIT Immersive’s “Kringle’s Inventionasium.”  For a comprehensive list of holiday events, check out seattleholidays.com.   

Shop and Stroll Seattle’s Holiday Markets and Festivals 

Seattle Christmas Market returns for its third year at Seattle Center, transforming Fisher Pavilion and South Fountain Lawn into a European-style holiday village from Nov. 20-Dec. 24. The market features expanded themed nights, new seasonal treats, and the Christmas Market Express, which transports visitors to the heart of the celebrations via the Seattle Monorail. 

“We’re delighted to debut the Christmas Market Express this year, giving Seattleites and visitors a joyful ride straight from downtown into the magic of the market,” said Malte Kluetz, CEO and founder of Seattle Christmas Market. “It’s a new way to make holiday traditions more accessible while celebrating the season together at Seattle Center.” 

Continue the yuletide celebrations at Seattle Center’s Winterfest, a joyous five-week festival from Nov. 28-Dec. 31 featuring ice sculpting demonstrations, a World Bazaar marketplace, and a 19th-century model train and village display. Winterfest culminates with the dazzling New Year’s At The Needle, a synchronized fireworks and drone show recognized as North America’s largest structurally launched pyrotechnic display. 

Indulge in Pike Place Market’s seasonal splendor by joining Savor Seattle’s Festive Flavors of Pike Place Market: Holiday Food Tours, which returns Nov. 20-Jan. 4 after its successful debut in 2024. Showcasing the holiday spirit of the iconic Pike Place Market, the tour invites guests to sample festive bites and learn about diverse traditions that bring the market to life.  

“The Festive Flavors of Pike Place Market: Holiday Food Tour is a taste of tradition, community, and holiday spirit all in one stroll,” said Heather Refvem, operations manager at Savor Seattle Food Tours. “This year we’ve added additional holiday tastings, tips on how to incorporate the market into your holiday festivities and a bonus take-home treat. Guests will enjoy over ten bites and discover new festive stories in just two hours.” 

On Nov. 29, Pike Place Market celebrates its 30th Annual Magic in the Market, turning all nine acres of the market into a winter wonderland with magic shows, choir performances, crafting workshops, and photo opportunities with Santa Claus and live reindeer. The evening culminates in the market’s famous lighting ceremony and performance by Can Can Cabaret at 5 p.m. 

To celebrate the holidays in far-north fashion, check out NW Market Street in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood from Nov. 21-23. The National Nordic Museum’s 48th annual Julefest: A Nordic Christmas Celebration is a weekend-long tradition that transforms NW Market Street into a Nordic-style marketplace featuring artisanal goods, Scandinavian cuisine, apparel, and live cultural performances. 

To find thoughtful holiday gifts, check out Native Art Market at The Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center Nov. 22-23, a vibrant marketplace and exhibition for Indigenous artisans. Discover other locally handcrafted goods at Urban Craft Uprising Winter Show from Dec. 6-7.  

Sing, Dance, and Celebrate the Season with Local Performances and Experiences 

Timeless performances and exciting new experiences return to Seattle this holiday season, offering something spectacular for all ages. New this year, Kringle’s Inventionasium by LIT Immersive is an interactive experience where guests design their own gift-worthy inventions while navigating Mr. Kringle’s whimsical toy laboratory. 

On Dec. 6, Seattle’s holiday spirit shines at The Great Figgy Caroling Competition, a beloved Pike Place Market caroling tradition and fundraiser that fills the market streets with festive music and community cheer. 

Catch classics as they take to the stage Nov. 28-Dec. 28, including George Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker” by the Pacific Northwest Balet at McCaw Hall, ACT Theatre’s 50th anniversary production of “A Christmas Carol” at the Allen Theatre, and “Elf: The Musical” at 5th Avenue Theatre. 

For even more festive performances, don’t miss Seattle Symphony’s family-friendly lineup at Benaroya Hall, with crowd favorites like Holiday Pops (Dec. 12-14), “The Muppet Christmas Carol” (Dec. 5-7), and “Holly Jolly Jingle” with Seattle Men’s Chorus (Dec. 13-23). 

Other seasonal favorites include Intiman Theatre’s production of Langston Hughes’ “Black Nativity” (Dec. 10-28), the 20th anniversary of “Land of the Sweets: The Burlesque Nutcracker” at Triple Door (Dec. 10-28), and “The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show” at Moore Theatre (Dec. 23-28).  

See the City Sparkle with Seattle’s Dazzling Winter Displays  

This holiday season, Seattle shimmers with enchanting light shows and festive displays.  

From Nov. 14-Jan. 18, Woodland Park Zoo lights up with WildLanterns, an immersive display of glowing creatures and vibrant lantern landscapes. This year, WildLanterns features illuminated versions of animals that will debut in the zoo’s upcoming Forest Trailhead exhibit, opening in 2026.  

The Sheraton Grand Seattle’s Gingerbread Village Display returns Nov. 21-Jan. 1, showcasing gingerbread masterpieces crafted by local artists and chefs. The delicious display is free and open to the public, with donations benefiting Breakthrough T1D. 

Seattle’s holiday spirit takes to the water with the Argosy Christmas Ship Festival Nov. 28-Dec. 23. A cherished tradition since 1949, the Spirit of Seattle™ sparkles with lights and carols as it cruises the city’s glittering waterfront.  

Small in scale but big in spirit, the Winter Bonsai Solstice at the Pacific Bonsai Museum on Dec. 13 illuminates its renowned bonsai collection in a dazzling display of lights. Guests can sip hot chocolate while strolling through the glowing gardens.  

Across Lake Washington, the Bellevue Botanical Garden transforms into a glowing wonderland for Garden d’Lights 2025, running Nov. 29-Dec. 31. On Dec. 7, the Stroum Jewish Community Center hosts the Festival of Laser Lights: Family Hanukkah Show, a lively celebration of the Hanukkah story set to a mesmerizing laser display.  

Check In to Holiday Cheer with Seasonal Packages and Hotel Escapes  

Enjoy a Seattle holiday getaway with a seasonal package at select downtown hotels. 

Grand Hyatt Seattle’s Seattle Christmas Market Stay Package includes two tickets to Seattle Christmas Market, two round-trip rides on the Christmas Market Express, and complimentary valet parking. 

Four Seasons Hotel Seattle celebrates the season with dining, hands-on experiences, and indulgent gifts. Guests can savor a lavish Christmas Eve feast or ring in the new year with elegant multi-course dinners and live music at Goldfinch Tavern. Holiday offerings also include a Prosecco and Pasta class with Executive Chef Andrea Ferrandi, luxurious spa gift sets, and Four Seasons gift cards.  

Fairmont Olympic Hotel Seattle brings holiday magic to life with beloved annual traditions like The Teddy Bear Suite, a cozy storybook setting filled with twinkling lights, candy canes, and cuddly bears of every size. The Festival of Trees dazzles with more than 20 elaborately decorated trees, each honoring a Seattle Children’s patient and supporting the hospital’s Uncompensated Care Fund and Autism Center.  

Lotte Hotel Seattle and Charlotte Restaurant & Lounge embrace the yuletide spirit with a whimsical gingerbread house pop-up on the 16th floor. Open all December, this festive bar, handcrafted by Pastry Chef Aris, serves up five holiday-inspired cocktails and sweet confections in a cozy setting above the city.  

At Hotel 1000, the holiday pop-up bar, Rosebay Chalet, returns for the holiday season Nov. 13. Rosebay Chalet transports guests to a chic après-ski scene of the Swiss Alps, pairing immersive design and touches of cozy comfort with decadent holiday cocktails, small bites, and a Build Your Own Gingerbread Chalet Kit. 

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.