We’ve officially made it to the last month of the year. As 2022 comes to a close, we’re welcoming the holiday season, especially because December is looking like a great month. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to hear live music, see beautiful nature and enjoy some enchanting liver performances. So without further ado here are 50 of the best things to do in and around Seattle this December.
Music
Ah yes, 2013 Tumblr is calling, The 1975 is in town and as you might have guessed tickets are only at resale prices right now. If you’re willing to shell out almost $200 to see them, go for it.
When: December 2nd
Where: 800 Occidental Ave S
Cost: $155+
If you like indie music then chances are you know who Soccer Mommy is. Artist Sophia Regina Allison is coming to Seattle for what is sure to be a groovy show at the Moore Theatre.
When: December 6th
Where: 1932 2nd Ave
Cost: $29.50
If you like all things ambient and relaxing this is an absolute must-see concert. Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith is a composer, producer and so much more.
When: December 7th
Where: 925 E Pike St
Cost: $41
One of Tiktok’s favorite artists Yung Gravy is taking over WAMU Theatre with fellow artist bbno$ this December. It’s sure to be one of the most fun concerts you’ve been to in a while.
When: December 14th
Where: 800 Occidental Ave S
Cost: $43.50
Snoop Dogg’s Holidaze of Blaze with T-Pain, Warren G, & Ying Yang Twin
With a lineup like this, it’s an automatic yes. Have one of the most unforgettable holiday experiences and concerts of your entire life this December at the Tacoma Dome.
When: December 16th & 17th
Where: 2727 E D St, Tacoma, WA
Cost: $97
If you can’t make it to Snoop Dogg’s Holidaze of Blaze then you should go see Azizi Gibson and ill Chris. The rappers will be taking over Madame Lou’s for
When: December 16th
Where: 2505 1st Ave
Cost: $24+
There’s a lot of Kenny G energy in the air these days, his old house is on the market, and now he’s treating his hometown to a show. Enjoy an unforgettable performance at Seattle’s legendary Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley.
When: December 27th-30th
Where: 2033 6th Avenue
Cost: $82.50
Local legend DJ and producer Sango is taking over Neumos for a night of upbeat tunes sure to help you end the month on a high note.
When: December 29th
Where: 925 E Pike St
Cost: $60+
Holiday Events
This is the largest indie craft fair in both Seattle and the Pacific Northwest as a whole. You’ll find over 150 vendors selling all sorts of wares perfect for gift giving this holiday season. There’s a preview night on the 2nd and you’ll be able to check out the full fair on the 3rd and 4th.
When: December 2nd-4th
Where: Seattle Center Exhibition Hall
Yonder Cider’s Holiday Makers Market
You can enjoy a pint, cider or both at Yonder Cider’s Holiday Market. You’ll also be able to get some holiday shopping done thanks to amazing local businesses that will be selling their handmade wares at the market.
When: December 4th
Where: 826 NW 49th St
South Lake Union Winter Market
If you miss Urban Craft Uprising you can check out the South Lake Union Winter Market which is a smaller extension of the larger fair. It’s all outdoors and each day you’ll find a different vendor.
When: December 8th & 9th
Where: 2250 7th Ave
If you’re into all things handmade then this market is for you. You’ll find over 50 small businesses selling all sorts of wares perfect for giving to your family, friends and SO this holiday season.
When: December 18th
Where: 115 Bell St
The Fremont Market isn’t exclusively a holiday market as it happens year round. That being said, it is a great place to find antiques, vintage clothing and much more.
When: Every Sunday
Where: Evanston Ave N & 34th St
Kicking off on November 11th, WildLanterns is an opportunity to explore the zoo like never before. It’s a lantern festival unlike any in the Northwest due to its specific focus on nature and animals. No matter how old you are, you’re sure to be wowed by the size and diversity of the displays that the zoo and BECU create. After all, its one of the most classic holiday lights in Seattle.
When: November 11th, 2022-January 22nd, 2023
Where: 5500 Phinney Ave N
Cost: $31.95
The Bellevue Botanical Garden transforms into a magical kingdom of garden delights this holiday season. Plan to walk about 1 mile, as you enjoy the one-of-a-kind displays scattered throughout the garden. See butterflies, birds and plants like never before.
When: November 26th–December 31st
Where: 12001 Main Street, Bellevue, WA
Cost: $8
From November 25th until December 31st, you can hop in your car and check out this holiday outing for everyone. You’ll get to see over a million spectacular lights and dazzling displays, all while you wave to Santa and Mrs. Claus. For some added ambiance you can tune into The Lights of Christmas radio station from your car at 101.9 FM. It’s 30 minutes of Christmas fun that you can check out with your friends, family, or even solo.
When: November 25th-27th, December 1st-4th, 8th-11th, 14th-23rd, 26th-31st
Where: 20800 Marine Drive, Stanwood, WA
Cost: $27-$60 per car
Village of Lights: Christmastown
On November 25th, Leavenworth will light up with the spirit of Christmas. The town’s lights are visible nearly everywhere, you’ll see them on trees, on buildings, and maybe even on a horse-drawn carriage or two. They’re a beautiful and relaxing way to start your holiday season and are also a great backdrop for any holiday pics you’re wanting to take.
When: November 25th-December 24th
Where: Leavenworth, Washington
Cost: Free
Arts & Culture
Candlelight Concerts have happened in over 100 cities around the world with more than 3 million attendees. For the Seattle series there are 10 different concerts being offered with a selection of available dates. Hear renditions of your favorite artists like Radiohead, Taylor Swift and Coldplay.
When: December 7th 2022-February 14th 2023
Where: Participating venues
Cost: $30+
Seattleites and visitors alike can head to McCaw Hall to watch as the Pacific Northwest Ballet’s school and professional company bring the classic holiday tale to life. Watch as Clara navigates the joys and obstacles of The Land of Snow all under the classic choreography of George Balanchine.
When: November 25th-December 27th, 2022
Where: 321 Mercer St
Cost: $27+
Moulin Rouge! The Musical Seattle
This December, you can enter a world of splendor, romance, glitz, and grandeur at Seattle’s Paramount Theatre. Watch as bohemians and aristocrats rub elbows in the stage adaptation of Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary film. The show is directed by Tony Award winner Alex Timbers meaning you’ll get an enchanting performance.
When: December 14th-January 23rd
Where: 911 Pine Street
Cost: $40+
Ready to sing to your heart’s content in front of a bunch of strangers or your friends? It might just be time to head to karaoke at Cafe Racer. You’ll find a professional sound system, lights, a real stage, and an impressive library of music.
When: Every Monday
Where: 1510 11th Ave
Cost: Free
The Green Book Tour is a new self-guided history tour created by the soon-to-open Black & Tan Hall. It’s available both online and as an app depending on your needs. When taking the tour you’ll be transported back in time to the 1920s and 30s as you learn all about the Black-owned and Black-friendly businesses that operated along Seattle’s Jackson Street.
Free Public Tours of Washington Park Arboretum
The Arboretum is one of Seattle’s best spots for getting outdoors, especially in the summer. While you can walk it by yourself at any time, you can also enjoy free tours on the first Thursday of each month from 11:30 am-1 pm.
When: First Thursday of every month
Where: 2300 Arboretum Drive E
Cost: Free
Each first Saturday Kremwerk puts on SIN, a fetish, EBM, and industrial night. You can expect fetish performances, drinks, and dancing. Additionally, you can see features by Seattle Shibari and professional photography by Jason Renek. If you’re looking for something new, this might just be worth checking out.
When: First Saturday of each month
Where: 1809 Minor Ave #10
Cost: $15
Each Tuesday you can attend a drag happy hour at 7 pm at Capitol Hill’s Queer Bar. You’ll be able to watch drag icon Jane Don’t and also see weekly guests, and enjoy great eats, & drink specials. It’s sure to be the most fun you’ve had at a happy hour in a while.
When: Tuesdays
Where: 1518 11th Avenue
Cost: Varies
Contact High: A Visual History of Hip-Hop
If you’ve ever wanted to see behind-the-scenes images of your favorite hip-hop artists, this exhibit is for you. MoPOP’s newest exhibit, Contact High allows visitors to see over 170 images of hip hop’s most influential artists like Missy Elliott, Jay-Z, Queen Latifah, Tupac, and more. See four decades of photography, from the late 70s to today, documenting a revolution across different aspects of life.
When: Tuesday-Thursday 10 am–5 pm
Where: 325 Fifth Ave N
Cost: $30 – $32.50
Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design at MoPOP
At the exhibition, you’ll be able to see more than 60 costumes designed by Academy Award-winning designer Ruth E. Carter. You’ll not only get to see the costumes but also her vision and the in-depth process she uses for each project. Some of the featured costumes come from films like Black Panther, Roots, Do the Right Thing, Selma, Malcolm X, and more.
When: Daily 10 am–5 pm
Where: 325 5th Ave N
Cost: $25+
Silent Reading Party: In-Person
The beloved Silent Reading Party is back in person if you’d like to have the experience of reading amongst strangers inside the beautiful Hotel Sorrento. Keep in mind there is a $20 food and drink minimum on top of your ticket price.
When: First Wednesday of each month
Where: 900 Madison St
Cost: $8-$40
Food & Drink
Sippin Santa Seattle at Navy Strength
Sippin Santa is on now at Navy Strength with it’s usual kitschy and thirst-quenching goodness. It’s Seattle’s main holiday themed cocktail event and you don’t want to miss it. So start digging through your closets now and dust off those Christmas sweaters.
When: Throughout December
Where: 2505 2nd Ave Suite 102
Cost: Varies
As we face colder temperatures, it’s time to head indoors and start your weekends off right with a tasty brunch. From classic offerings to experimental fusion dishes, these spots are worth a try. We’ve compiled a list of the best brunch spots to check out in Seattle this winter.
Grab a drink at a beautiful lobby bar
If you’re looking for a new place to grab drinks in Seattle this weekend, heading to a local hotel is a great choice. Many of our city’s hotel’s have beautiful bars that also happen to be available to the public. Here are 5 of the swankiest hotel bars you can grab a drink at in Seattle.
Local natural wine shop and bar La Dive actually offers a monthly wine subscription! When you sign up you can choose between three different subscription options. The first option is two bottles a month for $42, then four bottles a month for $84, or six bottles a month for $120.
Comfort food is an easy choice when you’re hungry and looking for something to eat. It just so happens that Seattle has a ton of options scattered around the city with most of them being pretty affordable. From sweet to savoury, we have some spots for you.
Outdoors & Adventure
Is there anything more fall than visiting a pumpkin patch? Probably not. Get out there and enjoy a day in the field picking the perfect pumpkin or pumpkins for your home.
Hike to some frozen waterfalls
Snow and freezing temperatures are coming to our state’s wilderness. While winter might seem like the best time to stay indoors, it’s also the only time that you can see one of our state’s coolest natural wonders. Many of Washington’s waterfalls are frozen in time, waiting for you to explore.
Try one of Washington’s best hikes
If you’ve ever wondered what the best hikes in Washington are, we have your answer. We took a look at AllTrails rankings and have compiled 10 of the state’s most popular hikes for you to enjoy.
Take a road trip to a themed hotel
Have you been wanting to drive down the West Coast? Why not make your trip a little more lively by staying at a themed hotel? From romantic suites to pirate-themed bedrooms, we’ve found several hotels worth checking out.
Walking tours are cool and all but why not experience Seattle from a birds-eye view? Don’t worry, you don’t have to have a pilot’s license, instead, you can choose from one of several plane tours offered in and around the Seattle area.
Misc
Find the perfect Christmas tree
The Christmas tree rush is right around the corner here in Seattle. Now that Thanksgiving has come and gone it’s time to start planning where to grab your tree this year. From Charlie Brown trees to massive trees, these spots have you covered. Here’s where to get a Christmas tree in & around Seattle.
Ice skating is a fall and winter favorite and also a great way to get in the holiday spirit. These days it does feel like a bit of a blast from the past with fewer spots to enjoy the past time. However, there are still several places to enjoy ice skating. Here are a few of the best spots to go ice skating in and around Seattle.
Have a cat? Want to take it outside to meet other cats? On the first Saturday of each month, you can bring your fuzzy friend to Cal Anderson and socialize with fellow cat owners and their cats. It’s perhaps one of the more unique monthly things you can do in Seattle.
When: First Saturday of each month
Where: Cal Anderson Park, 1635 11th Ave
Cost: Free
It’ll be the holiday season before you know it and for many, that means the giving season. Washington is generally regarded as one of the most generous states in the nation, with three local cities being recognized last year. Don’t know where to start? We have you covered.
A new month means tons of new additions. December’s Netflix additions are a mix of new originals and some old favorites. So treat yourself to a little TV time this month.
Fall is one of the best times to enjoy dates, especially here in Seattle. Whether you just met someone or have been with your SO for years, we have some ideas on how you can make this fall’s dates the best yet.
For those of you that love the Silent Reading Party but are more comfortable at home, you can still enjoy the virtual version. You’ll also get to hear piano tunes from pianist Paul Matthew Moore as you read amongst strangers over zoom.
When: Every other Wednesday
Where: Online
Cost: $5-$20
Mindfulness Meditation at the Frye
Need to take some time to get back in touch with yourself? You’re in luck because The Frye has a free, mindfulness meditation that you can attend on the first Wednesdays of the month. It’s one of the most relaxing things to do in Seattle for sure.
Get some work done in a new space
Next, a trio of some “regular”, but still fun, options around the city. If working from home is getting a little old, then maybe check out our roundup of some of the best cafes in the city to get some work done.
Where: Click the link above for our picks
Snapshot Brewing offers an all-day happy hour for casual tabletop gamers! You can either borrow theirs or bring your own; fill up our punch card and win cool stuff. And get sweet deals like $9 house growler fills every Sunday.
When: Every Sunday
Where: 8005 Greenwood Ave N
Cost: Free/Varies
See? Look at all the things to do in Seattle! Have a great December, we’ll see you back here in the new year.
