Just like that, we are in the second week of 2025! And for anyone looking to keep the New Year vibes going, there’s no shortage of fun in the city. Think geographic adventures, stunning illuminations and remarkable performances. These are 10 of the best things to do in and around Seattle this week.

Sundance Film Festival Short Film Tour

The tour is your chance to embark on a remarkable cinematic journey featuring seven short films from the 2024 festival. Expect a mix of fiction, documentary, and animated shorts that are funny, sad, inspiring, and full of compelling characters.

When: Various dates from Jan. 10 – Jan. 26
Where: 1515 12th Ave, Seattle
Cost: $7 – $15

National Geographic Live: Great Barrier Reef

This is your chance to explore the wonders of Australia’s famous Great Barrier Reef without getting wet or going to Australia.

Join expert explorers on a virtual journey through the vibrant ecosystem of the reef with stunning visuals and fascinating insights about this natural wonder.

When: Jan. 12 – 14
Where: Benaroya Hall, 200 University St
Cost: $27+

UW Dance Presents

As the name suggests, this is a dance extravaganza with some amazing performances by UW students and other visiting artists.

From contemporary to classical, these shows highlight the next generation of dancers.

When: Jan. 17
Where: Meany Hall for the Performing Arts, 4040 George Washington Ln NE
Cost: $10+

Dinner in the dark

Talk about a twist on your typical dinner date!

Dinner in the Dark is literally serving up a three-course blindfolded meal. Just pick your protein preference – fish, meat, or plant-based and let the sensory adventure begin.

When: Jan. 17, 8:30 p.m.
Where: The Collective Seattle – 400 Dexter Avenue North Ste. #100
Cost: $64

Monster Jam

Here is some adrenaline-pumping automotive therapy if you ever need one.

Watch massive trucks perform gravity-defying stunts and engage in high-octane competitions. Earplugs are recommended, cheering is mandatory!

When: Jan. 17 – 19
Where: Tacoma Dome, 2727 E D St
Cost: $20+

Bohemia: A Macabre Cabare

Indulge in a night of dark humour and haunting performances.

Think gravity-defying acrobatics, duelling pianos, sultry dance moves, and tantalizing burlesque. It’s like Halloween in January but with better costumes and more existential crises.

When: Jan. 17 – 26
Where: The Triple Door, 216 Union St
Cost: $29+

WildLanterns at Woodland Park Zoo

WildLanterns is Woodland Park Zoo’s way of turning its grounds into a luminous wonderland.

From colossal lantern sculptures to interactive displays to occasional cultural performances, it’s a magical way to light up those long winter nights.

When: Until Jan. 19, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Woodland Park Zoo, 5500 Phinney Ave N
Cost: $34+

Legally Blonde: The Musical

This fun and empowering musical adaptation of the beloved film follows the pink-clad journey of Elle Woods from sorority sweetheart to Harvard Law student, only this time you get to witness the journey with catchy tunes and plenty of bend-and-snap action.

When: Until Jan. 26
Where: Everett Performing Arts Center, 2710 Wetmore Ave
Cost: $123

Astra Lumina

Experience a magical night walk through dazzling displays, astral songs, and cosmic-inspired visions at the Seattle Chinese Garden.

The immersive light and sound adventure transforms the garden into a celestial wonderland.

When: Select nights throughout Jan.
Where: Seattle Chinese Garden at South Seattle College, 6000 16th Ave
Cost: Time entry tickets start at $29

Candlelight Concerts

The magic of live music comes alive in a beautiful, candle-lit setting.

The Candlelight Concert series will continue to recreate the magic this week with tributes to Taylor Swift and Adele. There’s also the best of Hans Zimmer and Joe Hisaishi on tap.

When: various dates through Jan.
Where: multiple locations (check above)
Cost: $36 – $40

Here’s to riding the new year high a bit longer!

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Kiran Kaur

Branded Content Manager
Kiran Kaur is an imaginative storyteller who can mix the perfect cocktail of words for any topic. With 14 years of writing and journalism experience, she’s always on the road to finding the next adventure. When not writing, she’s busy road-tripping, collecting novelty coffee mugs and acing arguments with her hubby.

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