Ring in the holidays this year in the Emerald City

If you’re looking for a destination to celebrate the holidays this year, consider Seattle. The city’s pulling out all the stops with a lineup of events and activities for all ages. 

Head to “Seattle Center Winterfest” (11/24-12/31), where you’ll find sparkling lights, amusements and spirited entertainment, including live performances, a winter train and village and the annual campus lighting display. It all culminates with “T-Mobile New Year’s At The Needle,” where revelers can watch the largest structurally launched fireworks and light display in North America.

New this year is the Seattle Christmas Market, also at Seattle Center (11/24-12/24). More than sixty local vendors will help create a Christmas village and marketplace, offering an authentic European-style experience. Think traditional food, mulled wine, handcrafted goods and live entertainment, and a fifty-foot walk-through Christmas tree with over 50,000 twinkling lights. Complimentary rides will be offered on the decked-out Christmas Carousel. 

Over at the Nordic Museum, you’ll find “Julefest: A Nordic Christmas Celebration” (11/18-19). This annual tradition is in its 46th year and is a popular attraction, boasting local artists, delicious holiday specialties and Nordic cultural performances.

For other unique and authentic gifts, shop at the United Indians Native Art Market (12/15-17) and the Duwamish Longhouse & Cultural Center Native Art Market (11/24-11/26). You’ll discover everything from clothing, jewelry and woodworking to drums, art prints and more.

Pike Place Market gets into the action with “Magic in the Market” (11/25), a long-running holiday tradition with Santa meet-and-greets, caroling, eggnog and plenty of local goods for sale. Don’t miss the famous Market lighting ceremony at 5:00 p.m. Then return on 12/1 for “The Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition,” where local caroling teams vie to raise money for the Pike Market Senior Center & Food Bank.

Get in the spirit with a variety of holiday performances, including “A Christmas Carol,” opening 11/24 at ACT Theatre and “Black Nativity” at the Intiman Theatre (12/12-12/30). Or take in George Balanchine’s beloved classic, “The Nutcracker,” at McCaw Hall (11/24-12/27). 

Catch another holiday favorite, “Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas,” gracing the stage at the 5th Ave. Theatre (11/25-12-27). It’s based on the well-known 1954 film.

Over at Benaroya Hall, join the Seattle Symphony for “Holiday Pops,” (12/8-12/10). The dazzling program is full of holiday favorites, traditional carols and plenty of yuletide cheer.

“WildLanterns,” Woodland Park Zoo’s larger-than-life festival is a perennial favorite (11/10-1/14). This interactive holiday experience features gorgeously lit animal lanterns from pandas in cherry trees to giant flowers and mythical creatures.

“Winter Brilliance” returns to Chihuly Garden and Glass (11/24-2/29) for its second year. The innovative light and music experience is full of ooh and aah moments and guaranteed to inspire all. 

Celebrate at sea on one of Argosy Cruises Christmas Ships (11/24-12/23). The ships have been a Northwest tradition since 1949. You’ll board a festive boat decorated with hundreds of white lights and sail to different Puget Sound waterfront communities. A live choir and reading of “Twas the Night Before Christmas” will warm the soul. Those who prefer to remain shoreside can catch a twenty-minute choir performance broadcast from the ship or join the Parade of Boats Viewing Party (12/8). 

Sports fans take note. The 2024 Discover NHL Winter Classic will take place on New Year’s Day at Seattle’s T-Mobile Park. Home to the Seattle Mariners, the field will transform into an outdoor ice rink, where the Seattle Kraken and Las Vegas Golden Knights will battle it out, pitting the NHL’s two newest teams against one another. 

Hotel promotions and packages will be offered throughout the holiday season, with a variety of perks like complimentary bottles of wine, gift cards for holiday shopping and spa credits. 

seattleholidays.com

Photos Courtesy of Visit Seattle