A laser show at the Pacific Science Center Alan Alabastro

Take a peek at these tried-and-true Seattle winter pastimes.

A photo of people skating on the ice at the Kraken Community Iceplex. A woman pushes a young girl on a blue seal seat across the ice.

Courtesy Kraken Community Iceplex

Hit the Ice

Hockey devotees can watch the Kraken in action throughout the year. The team plays regular-season games October through April at Climate Pledge Arena (305 Harrison St) and also hosts free open practices at its training facility, Kraken Community Iceplex (10601 Fifth Ave NE). Near-daily public skates at the iceplex are another way to get in the spirit with a glide around the rink.

Two women in black swimsuits and beanie hats sit on the bow of a hot tub boat on Lake Union. The Seattle skyline is in the background.

Courtesy Hot Tub Boats

Soak It In

Hot Tub Boats transforms the quintessential Seattle activity of boating into a year-round must-do. In one of their floating spas, with water that stays at 104 degrees, you can cruise Lake Union and soak in the heat—and the views. Prefer a stationary experience? Capitol Hill’s Hothouse Spa & Sauna (1019 E Pike St) offers private, gender-inclusive spa experiences with a hot tub, cedar sauna, and herbal steam room.

An orange Caffe Ladro cup full of coffee sits on a polished grey surface.

Courtesy Caffe Ladro

Embrace Cafe Culture

In the city that birthed Starbucks, it’s a given that Seattle has charming cafes aplenty, perfect for curling up with a book or warming up after a busy morning. Caffe Vita and Caffe Ladro are two local chainlets with several locations and consistently excellent espresso drinks, while specialty coffee shops like hello em (1227 S Weller St) put a Vietnamese spin on things with egg clouds and pandan condensed milk.

A man hands a woman in a blue shirt a beer across a bar top.

Courtesy Pike Brewing

Sip the Season

For one weekend in December, Winter Beer Festival brings dozens of spiced ales, seasonal stouts, and winter warmers to hop heads in Magnuson Park. Beer fans can also sample local brews at any number of craft breweries around town. Indulge in the roasted chocolate notes of a Bonfire Ale at Fremont Brewing (1050 N 34th St) or partake in the rich, barrel-aged Long Dark stout from Pike Brewing Company (1415 First Ave).

A photo of people playing mini golf. One person stands on the green while friends in the back look on.

Courtesy Flatstick Pub

Play On

What’s sweater weather without a little friendly competition? Challenge your companions to a round of indoor mini golf at Flatstick Pub (240 Second Ave S and 609 Westlake Ave N), where a robust tap list turns things into a real hangout. See who has the best aim at Capitol Hill axe-throwing bar Blade & Timber (H206 Broadway Ave E, Ste A), or settle in with a hot toddy and a tabletop game at Ballard’s Mox Boarding House (5105 Leary Ave NW).

A photo of a laser show at the Pacific Science Center's Laser Dome. The audience sits in a dark room while rainbow colored lights project onto the walls and ceiling.

A laser show at the Pacific Science Center Alan Alabastro

Go Old-School

Slide on your dancing shoes for a drop-in class of swing, salsa, tango, and more at the majestic Century Ballroom (915 E Pine St). Snuggle up in a plush banquette for dinner and a movie at Central Cinema (1411 21st Ave). Or go full-on retro during a late-night light show at Pacific Science Center’s (200 Second Ave N) laser dome.

This article was originally written for Visit Seattle's Official Visitors' Guide

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Winter Classics