Seattle, the weekend before Christmas has arrived and it’s time to fit in all the holiday fun possible. The city has plenty to do so grab a loved one or head out on a solo adventure before ol’ Saint Nick arrives. These are 11 of the best things to do this weekend in and around Seattle.

Seattle Christmas Market

This is a must before Christmas! The Seattle Christmas Market at Seattle Center is a traditional European holiday market with everything from sparkling lights, towering Christmas trees, live entertainment and delicious food and drinks.

Tickets are $19.99 for general admission.

When: Friday, Dec. 20 to Sunday, Dec. 22
Where: 305 Harrison Street, South Fountain Lawn and Fisher Pavilion between Climate Pledge Arena and the Seattle Center Armory
Cost: $19.99 per ticket

The Nutcracker

The magic of The Nutcracker is on all weekend. “The Nutcracker delivers a picture-perfect lobby, Tchaikovsky’s classic score (played brilliantly by the PNB Orchestra), gorgeous costumes and scenery, impressive performances, and so much more,” says the Pacific Northwest Ballet.

When: Friday, Dec. 20 to Sunday, Dec. 22
Where: 301 Mercer Street
Cost: $29 to $217 per ticket

Sponsored Pick: Head to the AGO this holiday season for the best in art & culture!

Make the AGO your destination this holiday season! Discover a wide range of art, featuring our new exhibition The Culture: Hip Hop & Contemporary Art in the 21st Century.

Extend your visit with the Holiday Afternoon Tea at the Grange, where an artfully curated menu promises to delight your taste buds and create the perfect cozy day out. Treat yourself to an inspiring blend of culture, flavour and festivity.

Plan your visit.

Legally Blonde the Musical 

Tickets to Legally Blonde the Musical are selling fast for this weekend’s shows. Performances run on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at either 2 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. The shows are happening at Francis J. Gaudette Theatre.

When: Friday, Dec. 20 to Sunday, Dec. 22 at 2 p.m. or 7:30 p.m.
Where: 303 Front Street North
Cost: $86 to $102 per ticket

Wildlanterns

The Woodland Park Zoo will have light displays and interactive exhibits as part of Wildlanterns this weekend. Hundreds of displays will line the paths of the zoo and if you’re hungry, there will be food available, too.

When: Friday, Dec. 20 to Sunday, Dec. 22 with time slots between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Where: 5500 Phinney Avenue North
Cost: $35.95 to $39.95 per ticket

Astra Lumina

Astra Lumina is happening at the Seattle Chinese Garden. The walk-through experience features “nine cosmic zones along a 1-mile celestial trail.” with projections, lighting, and music.

When: Friday, Dec. 20 to Sunday, Dec. 22 with time slots between 4:45 p.m. and 8:45 p.m.
Where: 6000 16th Avenue Southwest
Cost: $31 to $35 per ticket

Holiday Afternoon Tea

The Flora Restaurant Group is hosting afternoon tea with “favorite teas from around the globe to enjoy alongside three tiers of delights that include classic scones + jam, finger sandwiches, and gorgeous pâtisserie.”

Tickets are $55 per adult and $25 per child. Reservations can be made ahead of time.

When: Friday, Dec. 20
Where: 2901 E Madison Street
Cost: $25 to $55 per ticket

Chocolate and cheese tasting

Theo Chocolate is hosting an epic evening at their flagship store. Partnering with Street Cheese, the festivities include multiple tasting courses, delicious pairings, and entrees. Date night is all figured out.

When: Friday, Dec. 20 at 6:30 p.m.
Where: 3400 Phinney Ave
Cost: $80 per ticket

Winter Beer Fest

Tis’ the season! Winter Beer Fest is back and you can sample some seasonal brews while chowing down on eats from local food trucks. All participating breweries can be found on the event page.  

When: Friday, Dec. 20 and Saturday, Dec. 21
Where: 1201 1st Ave South
Cost: $60 to $65 per ticket

Gimme Gimme Disco

Disco the night away with some pals this Saturday. This 21+ event at The Crocodile encourages attendees to dress in their best disco outfits and boogie all night. Tickets are $20.

When: Saturday, Dec. 21 at 10 p.m.
Where: 2505 1st Avenue
Cost: $20 per ticket

Seattle Seahawks vs. Minnesota Vikings 

End your weekend cheering on your Seattle Seahawks. The Seahawks face off against the Minnesota Vikings for week 16 with tickets still available.

When: Sunday, Dec. 22 at 1:05 pm
Where: 800 Occidental Ave South
Cost: $121+ per ticket

Enjoy your weekend and happy holidays, Seattle.

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Taylor Lucas

Associate Editor – Taylor is a Toronto-based journalist with a passion for storytelling. Whether chasing a story, writing, or editing, she brings a creative spin to the media world and has a blast doing it. Taylor brings years of journalism experience in sports, local/national news, and entertainment. In her spare time, you can typically find Taylor trying out a new restaurant or cocktail bar, cooking, golfing or binge-watching true crime documentaries.

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