Best Seattle Christmas Activities for Families

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Heading to Seattle in winter? Don’t miss out on these amazing Seattle Christmas activities and events. Keep scrolling to hear why Seattle makes the ultimate PNW weekend getaway during the Holidays.

This post about Seattle Christmas activities was written by family travel expert Marcie Cheung and may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.

Experience the magic of the holidays in Seattle this winter. As a Seattle-based family travel blogger who’s called this beautiful city home my whole life, I can tell you there’s nothing quite like Christmas in the Pacific Northwest.

From twinkling lights that rival the stars to festive markets that smell like cinnamon and hot chocolate, Seattle knows how to do the holidays right.

Whether you’re a local looking for new traditions or visiting from out of town, these Seattle Christmas activities will fill your season with wonder.

I’ve rounded up my favorite spots that make the holidays truly special in the Emerald City.

Fairmont Olympic Hotel: A Downtown Winter Wonderland

The Fairmont Olympic Hotel transforms into pure holiday magic every December, and it’s always our first stop when the season begins.

Walking into the lobby feels like stepping into a Christmas dream. The decorations are stunning, carols play softly in the background, and there’s this energy in the air that just screams celebration.

The Teddy Bear Suite

The Teddy Bear Suite is the star of the show. This room gets completely redesigned each year with a different theme, but one thing stays constant: it’s absolutely packed with teddy bears. We’re talking nearly 100 adorable stuffed friends waiting to greet you.

The suite is open daily from November 28 through December 24, between 10 AM and 5 PM. Admission is free, though they encourage donations to benefit Seattle Children’s Autism Center and Uncompensated Care.

Staff members make sure only a few families enter at a time, so you never feel rushed and there’s plenty of room for photos. Kids can cuddle with the bears and snap as many pictures as you want. Every child even leaves with a special treat.

Pro tip: Strollers aren’t allowed inside the suite, but there’s plenty of parking space in the hallway. The Fitness Center is just down the hall if you need a diaper changing station.

Festival of Trees

The Festival of Trees fills the Fairmont’s lobbies with breathtaking Christmas trees, each with its own unique theme. These aren’t your average decorated trees; they’re works of art that support a wonderful cause.

Every tree is auctioned off to benefit local children’s health organizations like Seattle Children’s Hospital. Most trees are displayed in the main lobby, with additional ones in the lower lobby. They make gorgeous backdrops for holiday selfies, and you’ll want to capture every single one.

If you’re nursing or need to feed your baby, the lobby provides a perfect warm spot to relax while soaking in all the holiday cheer.

The Gingerbread House

Right inside the main doors in the lower lobby, you’ll find a life-size gingerbread house. It’s more like a short tunnel, but kids absolutely lose their minds over it. Mine walked through it more times than I could count.

The house is adorable and smells amazing. It’s one of those simple joys that kids remember forever.

Want to make your visit extra special? Consider booking a stay at this iconic hotel. The Fairmont Olympic offers luxury accommodations right in the heart of downtown Seattle’s holiday festivities.

Pike Place Market: Holiday Magic at Seattle’s Iconic Marketplace

If you normally only visit Pike Place Market in the summer, bundle up and head there during the holiday season. The market takes on a completely different personality when decked out for Christmas.

Beyond being the perfect spot to pick up handcrafted gifts while supporting local artisans, the entire market gets festive decorations that make you smile around every corner. Look for the little touches, like the pigs on the roof dressed up as reindeer.

Magic in the Market

Mark your calendar for November 29, 2025, when Pike Place Market celebrates its 30th Annual Magic in the Market. This beloved tradition transforms all nine acres of the market into a winter wonderland.

The event features magic shows, choir performances, crafting workshops, and photo opportunities with Santa Claus and live reindeer. The evening culminates in the market’s famous lighting ceremony at 5 PM, complete with a performance by Can Can Cabaret.

The iconic Pike Place Market sign provides the perfect backdrop for holiday photos. This is where you’ll want to capture those frame-worthy family shots with the festive vibes of Seattle’s most famous location.

Speaking of photos, if you want professional shots that truly capture the magic, check out Flytographer. They’ll meet you at Pike Place Market and photograph your family against the holiday decorations, the fish-throwing vendors, and all those quintessential Seattle backdrops. Plus, you save $20 when you use my link.

Insider tip: There are 300 parking spots in the MarketFront Garage, making it easier than you might think to visit during the busy holiday season.

Wild Lanterns at Woodland Park Zoo

Head to Woodland Park Zoo after sunset for a truly magical experience. Wild Lanterns features massive, colorful lanterns shaped like animals that glow against the dark winter sky.

The 2025-2026 season runs from November 14, 2025, through January 18, 2026. Hours are typically 4-9 PM, though they’re closed most Mondays (check the calendar for specific dates).

Music plays throughout the zoo, and food stands serve hot chocolate and snacks to warm you up. They even set up cozy igloos for a more magical dining experience if you want to treat yourself.

This isn’t your typical zoo visit. The lantern displays are breathtaking, with themed areas including an underwater seascape, jungle canopy, African savanna, and interactive zones where kids can dance on light-up piano boards and play with changing colored stars.

Traditional Chinese cultural performances happen nightly, including lion dances, umbrella juggling, and face changing. It’s entertainment you won’t see anywhere else in Seattle.

The zoo offers low-sensory nights on December 2, 2025, and January 8, 2026, for families who need a gentler experience. Zoomazium transforms into Zoomazium Nightlights, a designated low-sensory space with dimmed lighting and gentle background sounds.

Tickets start around $34 for adults and $30 for children, with members receiving 20% off. Kids 2 and under are free.

Looking for a place to stay nearby? The Grand Hyatt Seattle puts you in the heart of downtown with easy access to the zoo and all of Seattle’s holiday attractions.

Seattle Christmas Market

The Seattle Christmas Market returns to Seattle Center from November 20-December 24, 2025, transforming Fisher Pavilion and South Fountain Lawn into a European-style holiday village.

This authentic German Christmas market features over 60 wooden vendor stalls offering handcrafted goods, traditional treats, and that cozy atmosphere that makes European markets so special.

You’ll find hot chocolate, traditional German Glühwein (hot mulled wine for the adults), roasted chestnuts, fresh-baked strudel, and bratwurst that’ll warm you from the inside out. The aroma alone is worth the visit.

Live music and festive entertainment fill the air, and a double-decker carousel offers unlimited free rides. It’s the perfect way to support local businesses while soaking up authentic holiday spirit.

Tickets are required and sold by timeslot, so book in advance to secure your preferred visiting time.

Seattle Center Winterfest

From November 28 through December 31, 2025, Seattle Center transforms into a holiday wonderland for Winterfest. This five-week celebration offers something for everyone seeking seasonal spirit.

The campus gets decorated with twinkling lights, creating a magical glow that lasts until mid-April. Throughout the season, you’ll find ice sculpting demonstrations, the Winter Train & Village display, and weekend entertainment on the Armory Stage.

Winter Train & Village

The Winter Train & Village has been a Seattle tradition for nearly 45 years. This intricate late 19th-century model train display is set up inside the Armory Food & Event Hall, and it’s absolutely captivating.

Kids can take turns controlling the model train during designated times throughout the day. There’s a suggested $2 donation, but the experience is priceless for little ones who dream of being train engineers.

New Year’s Eve Celebration

Winterfest wraps up with Seattle’s famous New Year’s Eve celebration. The event includes live music by The Blue Wave Band, a Fountain of Light show at the International Fountain with DJ Arson Nicki at 9 PM, and the spectacular Alaska Airlines New Year’s at the Needle fireworks show just before midnight.

Most Winterfest events are free, making this an accessible way for families to enjoy the holidays without breaking the bank.

If you’re planning to explore multiple Seattle Center events, the Hyatt Regency Seattle offers a convenient downtown location within walking distance.

Pacific Northwest Ballet’s The Nutcracker

No list of Seattle Christmas activities would be complete without mentioning The Nutcracker. Pacific Northwest Ballet performs George Balanchine’s version of this holiday classic from November 28-December 28, 2025, at McCaw Hall.

This isn’t just any Nutcracker. It’s a stunning production featuring gorgeous costumes, elaborate scenery, Tchaikovsky’s timeless score performed live by the PNB Orchestra, and talented dancers who bring the magic to life.

The lobby gets transformed into a picture-perfect holiday setting, and the entire experience feels special from the moment you arrive. It’s the kind of tradition that families return to year after year.

Shows run throughout December, with multiple performance times to fit different schedules. Tickets range from affordable to VIP Sugar Plum Boxes for the ultimate deluxe experience.

More Seattle Holiday Festivities

Beyond these top picks, Seattle offers dozens of other ways to celebrate the season:

The Green Lake Pathway of Lights on December 14 lines the park’s pathways with thousands of twinkling lights. Families can enjoy live music from local schools, free hot cocoa, and contribute to the FamilyWorks food bank drive.

Julefest: A Nordic Christmas Celebration takes over NW Market Street in Ballard from November 21-23, transforming the area into a Nordic-style marketplace. The National Nordic Museum’s 48th annual tradition features artisanal goods, Scandinavian cuisine, and live cultural performances.

For train lovers, check out the Northwest Railway Museum’s Santa Train or the Polar Express at Mt Rainier Railroad. Both offer magical experiences that kids talk about all year long.

If you’re visiting Seattle for the first time or want to maximize your sightseeing, consider a Seattle CityPASS that includes admission to top attractions like the Space Needle and Seattle Aquarium. It’s a great way to save money while experiencing the best of the city.

You can also explore other Christmas activities in Seattle or venture north to experience holiday festivities in Vancouver, BC, including Bright Nights at Stanley Park.

What to Pack for Seattle Christmas Activities

Seattle winter weather keeps you on your toes. You’ll want to dress in layers and be prepared for anything from crisp, clear evenings to drizzly afternoons.

A good waterproof jacket is essential for the whole family. Trust me, nothing ruins holiday magic faster than cold, wet kids. I also recommend bringing a portable phone charger since you’ll be taking tons of photos and using your phone for tickets and reservations.

For Wild Lanterns and other outdoor evening events, battery-operated hand warmers are lifesavers. Kids can slip them in their pockets and stay cozy while exploring.

Don’t forget comfortable walking shoes. You’ll be on your feet a lot, and Seattle’s hills don’t take a holiday break. A good pair of waterproof walking shoes will serve you well.

Plan Your Seattle Holiday Visit

As a family travel expert and Seattle local, I can promise you that the holidays here are truly special. The combination of Pacific Northwest beauty, festive traditions, and that signature Seattle warmth creates memories that last a lifetime.

Whether you’re catching snowflakes on your tongue at Wild Lanterns, sipping hot chocolate at the Christmas Market, or watching your child’s face light up in the Teddy Bear Suite, Seattle delivers holiday magic in spades.

Start planning your magical Seattle holiday adventure today, and don’t forget to pack layers – Seattle winter weather can be unpredictable, but that’s all part of the charm.

The holidays in Seattle are calling, and trust me, this is one winter wonderland you don’t want to miss.

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