Welcome to December, Seattle! The holiday season is here and that means, it’s time to get out there and see what’s happening around the city. Seattle has plenty to do this month between live music, performances, food & drink socials, and holiday festivities. Without further ado, here are 61 of the best things to do in and around Seattle this December.
Music
English pop-rock band, The 1975 is coming to town! Fronted by Matty Healy, the band has achieved global acclaim with hits like “Love It If We Made It” and “Somebody Else,” blending genres and pushing musical boundaries.
When: Saturday, December 2nd
Where: 334 1st Ave N
Cost: $54.50
Another UK band! Alt-J is a band known for its experimental sounds and hits like “Breezeblocks” and “Left Hand Free.”
When: Saturday, December 2nd & Sunday, December 3rd
Where: 1700 1st Ave S
Cost: $156
Tennessee’s very own Moneybagg Yo is coming to Seattle. The rapper has been on the scene since his debut in 2012. He’s known for hits like “Wockesha” and “Time Today.”
When: Tuesday, December 5th
Where: 1426 1st Ave
Cost: $81
Los Angeles’ TV Girl is coming to town and tickets are seriously pricey. You’ll have to pay upwards of $400 if you’d like to see the indie pop duo but hey, maybe it’s worth it to you.
When: Wednesday, December 6th
Where: 1700 1st Ave S
Cost: $420
Enrique Iglesias, Pitbull, Ricky Martin: The Trilogy Tour
This is truly a triple-threat tour and one you probably don’t want to miss for many reasons. While the hilarity of Iglesias’ interactions with the floor has swept the internet, you’ll probably also know at least a few songs to sing along to.
When: Friday, December 8th
Where: 334 1st Ave N
Cost: $260+
Electronic music powerhouse Hot Chip is hitting Seattle with their fusion of synth-pop and dance beats. Listen to tunes like “Over and Over” and “Ready for the Floor.”
When: Thursday, December 14th
Where: 925 E Pike St
Cost: $42
Macklemore needs no introduction, he is truly a local icon. He’ll be performing at Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena and playing all of his classic tunes as well as some new ones.
When: Thursday, December 21st
Where: 334 1st Ave N
Cost: $78
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 Joe Hisaishi and Hans Zimmer as well as holiday classics like the Nutcracker.
When: Thursday, October 12th-Thursday, December 21st
Where: Participating venues
Cost: $40+
True rock icons Heart are performing here in their hometown of Seattle. Enjoy the rare opportunity to hear hits like “Barracuda” and “Alone” live from the Wilson sisters.
When: Sunday, December 31st
Where: 334 1st Ave N
Cost: $79.50
Holiday
Hometown Holidays is comprised of five events this year including Shop Small Saturday, Glorious Lights of West Seattle Festival (GLOWS), Cocoa and Coat Drive, Holiday Art Walk and Selfies with Santa in the Holiday Spirit Room.
When: Select dates, November 25th-December 16th
Where: The Junction, West Seattle
Cost: Free/Varies
Village of Lights Christmastown
Village of Lights Christmastown comes to life from November 24th, and runs until Sunday, December 24th. So visitors can expect to see Leavenworth lit up nightly for a total of 30 days.
When: Friday, November 24th-Sunday, December 24th
Where: Leavenworth, WA
Cost: Free/Varies
Luminous Lights at Westlake Park
Display highlights include a 13-foot reindeer, a giant snowflake and a candy cane twice your height. You’re invited to stroll through the brilliant light installations and enjoy the artistry of these displays built from thousands of sparkling lights.
When: Daily until Tuesday, January 9th
Where: Westlake Park
Cost: Free
Twinkle Twinkle at Freeway Park
Twinkle Twinkle is a great way to start out your holiday celebrations. You are invited to warm up with festive treats, fire and live entertainment from holiday carollers. Roast s’mores by the bonfire, sip hot cocoa, and enjoy the beautiful, twinkling holiday lights in Seneca Plaza. At 6 PM liver carollers will lead visitors in a parade to Pike Place Market to watch the Figgy Pudding Competition at Pike Place Market.
When: Friday, December 1st
Where: 700 Seneca St
Cost: Free
It’s family-friendly fun for everyone as you listen to The Polar Express, sip cocoa, and have a visit with Santa aboard the Chehalis Centralia Railroad. You’ll experience the magic of the story for yourself as you are gifted a bell and the characters from the story come to life.
When: Wednesday, November 11th-Saturday, December 23rd
Where: 1101 SW Sylvenus St, Chehalis, WA 98532
Cost: $60+ per person
This enchanting “Holiday Magic at the Fair” takes place at the Washington State Fairgrounds in Puyallup. Guests are invited to take a “wonder-filled stroll through magical lights, festive displays, and holiday joy.”
When: Begins Friday, December 1st until 23rd, 2023
Where: 110 9th Ave SW, Puyallup, WA
Cost: $25
The Lights of Christmas is a dazzling holiday world that you are invited to enjoy both from your car and on the ground. Your journey can take about 30 minutes up to 1-1.5 hours, depending on if you choose to visit any of the activity stops.
When: December 1st-3rd, 7th-10th, 14th-17th, 20th-23rd, 26th-30th, 2023
Where: 20800 Marine Drive, Stanwood, WA
Cost: $32-$60
Fantasy Lights at Spanaway Park
“Fantasy Lights at Spanaway Park is the largest holiday drive-through display in the Northwest,” according to Pierce County. The experience features “nearly 300 elaborate displays and thousands of sparkling lights” on a two-mile drive along Spanaway Lake.
When: November 24th-Monday, January 1st 2024
Where: 14905 Bresemann Boulevard South, Spanaway, WA
Cost: $15+
Beginning on Friday, November 24th, onlookers can experience the wonder of Snowflake Lane through an array of dazzling lights, and festive music in Bellevue’s complimentary nightly parade of holiday floats. You’re invited to line the sidewalks between Bellevue Square and Lincoln Square from NE 4th to NE 8th Streets every night at 7 PM.
When: Friday, November 24th-Sunday, December 24th
Where: Bellevue Way between NE 4th Street and NE 8th Streets
Cost: Free/Varies
Want to see beautiful displays on the water? The Seattle Christmas Ship Festival is one of the PNW’s most classic celebrations of the holidays. While a ride on the boat costs $74+ it is totally free to watch and listen to the event from the shore.
When: Friday, November 24th-Saturday, December 23rd
Where: Multiple departure locations
Cost: Free-$74+
Mark your calendars as the Green Lake circuit transforms into a mesmerizing spectacle adorned with thousands of sparkling candles. Hot air balloons will fly overhead as you walk the circuit in a new and joyous way.
When: Saturday, December 9th
Where: Green Lake
Cost: Free
Seattle Center will transform to a place for you to connect to a world of sparkling lights, amusements, and holiday entertainment. You’ll also be able to check out the Winter Train which has been on display annually for 40 years. The 19th-century model train and village display will be installed inside the Armory Food & Event Hall as always.
When: Friday, November 24th-Sunday, December 31st
Where: Seattle Center, 305 Harrison St
Cost: Free/Varies
Get ready to experience the Point Defiance Zoo in a new way as the grounds are transformed into a winter wonderland with over 800,000 lights. You’ll be able to see all sorts of displays both old and new ranging from a giant Pacific octopus to a flame tree and even Sasquatch.
When: Friday, November 24th-Monday, January 1st, 2024
Where: 5400 N Pearl St, Tacoma, WA
Cost: $7+
The illuminated display is fully outdoors, located along a well-lit pathway, and is accessible only by foot. In total, you will walk about 3/4 of a mile, and the overall time will depend on how long you pause at each display. On average it takes about 30-45 minutes to see everything. A map of this current year’s route is available before attending.
When: Saturday, November 25th–Sunday, December 31st
Where: 12001 Main St., Bellevue, WA
Cost: $5-$8
Explore the zoo like never before, WildLanterns is 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 hand-crafted displays.
When: Friday, November 10th-Sunday, January 14th, 2024
Where: 5500 Phinney Ave N
Cost: $29.95-$36.95+
Beginning this December, visitors can step into a world of enchantment at Wintertide Lights, taking place at the Evergreen Arboretum and Gardens. The grounds will be decorated with captivating lights and full of holiday spirit. It’s described as a “sparkling wonderland” and is open every evening in December from 4 PM until 8 PM.
When: Friday, December 1st-Sunday, December 31st
Where: 145 Alverson Boulevard, Everett, WA
Cost: Free/By Donation
Astra Lumina invites you to embark across “mysterious grounds” to discover a “celestial pathway of lustrous light” complete with “cosmic visions, and astral song.” The experience comes to life this December with lighting, projection, and sound, all connecting you with the stars.
When: Begins Friday, December 8th, Thursdays-Sundays, 5 PM- 10 PM (Saturdays open until 11:00 PM), Open daily between Thursday, December 14th and Sunday, December 31st
Where: 6000 16th Ave SW
Cost: $29+
Looking to take Santa photos this holiday season? We’ve created a list of all of the different places that you can find Saint Nick around town.
Holiday Markets
A Victorian Country Christmas takes place at the Washington State Fairgrounds with over 500 exhibits that are decorated to look like Victorian shops. Here you can shop from thousands of holiday gifts handcrafted items and even specialty foods.
When: Thursday, November 30th-Saturday, December 2nd
Where: 110 9th Avenue SW, Puyallup, WA
Cost: $12
This packed event has a Nordic Market with jewelry, rosemaling, collectables, wooden crafts, candles, soaps, gifts and a silent auction. There will also be traditional eats like pea soup, hot dogs, meatballs, waffles and porridge. Then at dusk you will get to have the unique experience of seeing vikings and a massive bonfire.
When: Saturday, December 2nd
Where: 18991 Front Street
Cost: Free/varies
Phinney Ridge Winter Festival & Crafts Fair
The Winter Festival has over 120 hand-picked artisans, each showcasing their finest work in the historic halls of the Phinney Center. There you’ll find specialty goods, from jewelry to artwork, unique pottery, and home goods, it’s a destination for one-of-a-kind finds.
When: Saturday, December 2nd & Sunday, December 3rd, 10 AM–5 PM
Where: 6532 Phinney Ave N
Seattle Night Markets is hosting the Winter Solstice Night Market at Magnuson Park Hangar 30 for two nights. The markets will take place indoors and will include boozy eggnog cocktails and 125 local crafters, artisans, and more for you to enjoy and shop from.
When: Friday, December 1st & Saturday, December 2nd
Where: Magnuson Park, Hangar 30
Cost: $9.99+
The Seattle Rep’s lobby is being transformed into two markets full of local artists and artisans, and it’s all part of your admission to Seattle Rep’s production of Little Women. Shoppers will be able to purchase items like “handmade crafts, mouthwatering eats, and delicious drinks.”
When: Sunday, December 3rd
Where: 155 Mercer St
Cost: $32+
Seattle Restored Winter Market
The Seattle Restored Winter Market has over 24 local makers, bakers, and artists participating. You’ll find body care, home goods, new and thrifted clothing, jewelry, and art.
When: Saturday, December 9th, 12 PM-6 PM
Where: 1501 5th Ave
Cost: Varies
Explore the magic of the holiday season as you wander amongst traditional wooden huts, and check out more than 60 vendors offering “local and international artisan crafts and gifts.” You can also nosh on traditional foods like “Bratwurst, Schnitzel, pierogies, roasted nuts, and Stollen.” Of course, you can also stay warm with hot chocolate or hot mulled wine.
When: Friday, November 24th-Sunday, December 24th,
Where: Seattle Center
Cost: $15.99-$35.99+
Arts & Culture
On the first Thursday of each month, Seattleites can check out the Moth StorySLAM. Each month has a different story theme so you’ll experience something new and truly unique each time.
When: First Thursday of every month
Where: 4272 Fremont Ave N
Cost: $15
Teatro ZinZanni at Lotte Hotel
Teatro ZinZanni works with artists from around the globe to create dinner shows that are a “unique celebration of cirque, comedy, and cabaret.” ZinZanni’s original brand of “love, chaos, and dinner” will be evident in their limited-time residence at the Lotte Hotel.
When: Thursday, October 12th-Sunday, March 31st
Where: 809 5th Ave
Cost: $119+
A digital map allows you to pick and choose where you stop on the Capitol Hill Art Walk. Stop by small galleries, local businesses, and more on this monthly art walk.
When: Second Thursday of every month
Where: Capitol Hill
Cost: Free
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
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 returns this year with the added flair of “surf shack” vibes. You can expect the usual kitschy and thirst-quenching goodness that this annual event brings. As Seattle’s main holiday themed cocktail event, it’s well worth digging through your closet for your best Christmas sweater.
When: Friday, November 10th-Saturday, December 30th
Where: 2505 2nd Ave #102
Miracle on Second offers a classic, festive Christmas pop up with tinsel, ornaments and easy holiday drinks. You’ll find themed cups with characters like Santa and natural wonders like snowflakes.
When: Friday, November 10th-Monday, December 25th
Where: 2332 2nd Ave
Christmas Dive Bar is the newest holiday pop up on the scene. It’s a world where thousands of bows create the perfect backdrop for photos, twinkly lights illuminate the space, and holiday decor abounds. The bar is adorned with jingle bells, classic blow molds, and vintage decor, creating the perfect holiday vibe.
Where: 1512 11th Ave
When: Thursday, November 16th through the New Year
Three Sacks Full Dinner Pop-Up
This local pop-up restaurant features a menu largely based on vegetables and grains. Every two weeks you can try an original menu with organic produce grown on the pop-up’s farm in the Snoqualmie Valley. Other ingredients not grown on the farm are always sourced from farms across Washington and Oregon.
When: Every two weeks
Where: Varies by pick-up date
Cost: Varies by dish
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 savory, we have some spots for you.
Head to your local farmer’s market
Fall is prime time for making all sorts of cozy meals. There aren’t many places better than your local farmers market to pick up fresh produce, dairy, meat, and other locally made products.
When: Weekly and on weekends
Where: Locations across the city
Cost: Varies
Outdoors & Adventure
Visit the Numerica Skate Ribbon
The Numerica Skate Ribbon is a 16′ wide and 650′ long ice pathway with a 3,500-square-foot attached rink. It’s not your everyday ice rink experience as skaters get to enjoy slight inclines and declines on their journey around the path. It’s also surrounded by a “beautiful Northwest-inspired landscape.”
When: Opens Friday, November 17th
Where: 507 N Howard St, Spokane, WA
Cost: Per hour $9.95-$38.95+
Seattle is lucky to have tons of beautiful gardens located across the city that you can visit for free or very affordably. Whether you’re looking to see rare plants, native plant displays, or fall colors, these gardens have something for you.
Love watching the ocean and its mesmerizing waves? Try storm watching this December as king tides bring multiple days of over 10 feet tides to Westport. Plus theres a tower just for watching these epic natural events.
Where: Westport, WA
Visit one of the nation’s largest public telescopes
If you’re into stargazing then get excited because one of the nation’s largest public telescopes is right here in Washington. Goldendale Observatory is worth the trip to the Columbia River Gorge, and it just so happens to be free to visit. Just make sure you make your reservations in advance.
Where: 1602 Observatory Drive, Goldendale, WA
Hours: October-March, Friday-Sunday 2 PM-4 PM & 7 PM-10 PM
Looking to stay warm this fall? Seattle’s Lake Union has two different hot tub boat rental companies. You can’t go wrong with either and they both have their own unique offerings.
Walk up the Volunteer Park Watertower
If you’re heading to Capitol Hill, you can check out the Volunteer Park Watertower. Two interior stairways spiral up opposite sides of the standpipe and lead to an observation deck. From the deck you can see parts of Capitol Hill, downtown, the Space Needle, Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains.
Where: 1247 15th Ave E
Hours: Park hours: 6 AM-10 PM, Water tower hours: 10 AM-Dusk
Looking to warm up this fall? You might as well try heading to a local hot spring. You can choose between hiking in or heading to already set-up pools and tubs. Of course, we have the best options covered for you.
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. If you’re curious, we’ve also detailed Washington’s favorite hike – also from AllTrails users.
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
There are several places to go ice skating in and around Seattle this November. Prices vary by rink and skate time. You can also choose between renting skates or bringing your own. Of course, we’ve created a list of some of the best spots to check out.
The Fremont Market is truly a classic Seattle shopping experience and it happens year-round, rain or shine. It’s a great place to find antiques, vintage clothing, and much more.
When: Every Sunday
Where: Evanston Ave N & 34th St
You may or may not know but Seattle actually has 5 museums that you can always visit for free. We’ve listed them out and given you some details so you can take yourself on the perfect adventure. Psst, your library card can also get you access to tons of local museums for free. And several museums have free days every single month.
Check out Washington State Parks
You can literally check Washington State Parks out of the Seattle Public Library. Well almost, you can check out a Discover Pass which allows you to visit Washington State Parks for free. Keep in mind if you plan on camping you will still have to pay for your spot.
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 Wednesday of the month. It’s one of the most relaxing things to do in Seattle for sure.
As we move towards colder and shorter days, you might need a breather and a reason to treat yourself. So why not treat yourself to some TLC this fall?
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
Look at all the things to do in Seattle! Have a great, December!
