Just in time for its darkest days, Greater Seattle is getting a glow-up! These dazzling favorites are sure to light up your holidays and banish those rainy day blues. Bring an umbrella and bask in breathtaking outdoor light shows, or cozy up and enjoy from the comfort of a cruise ship or theater seat…

Seattle  |  Eastside & South

 

SEATTLE EVENTS

Winterfest at Seattle Center

This month-long festival features sparkling lights, holiday shopping, and live entertainment (including ice sculpting!) all building up to the New Year’s Eve Celebration with fireworks.

305 Harrison Street, Seattle, WA 98109
www.seattlecenter.com/winterfest

Map  |  Guidebook

• Dates/Times: Nov. 28 – Dec. 31, 2025. Campus holiday lighting from Nov. 20, 2025 – Mid-April 2026; ice sculpting on Saturdays at 12 pm from Nov. 29 – Dec. 27; Winterfest train & village open daily Nov. 28 – Dec. 31 | 10 am – 6 pm; Seattle Christmas Market open Nov. 20 – Dec. 24.
  
• Cost: General admission is free for all ages; Seattle Christmas Market is $7-$22 for adults (buy tickets)
  
• Parking: Paid parking available at the Mercer Garage, 5th Ave N Garage, and Theatre Commons ADA Lot. Click here for the campus map.
• Food: A multitude of dining options await you in the Armory.
• Special Events: Movie nights on select Fridays; live stage entertainment at the Armory; the Winter Train & Village; New Year’s Eve Celebration Dec. 31 from 8 pm-12 Midnight; and more!
• Holiday Closure: Christmas day

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Candlelight Concerts at Pacific Place

Come enjoy live music performances illuminated by the warm glow of candlelight at this free holiday and pop concert series.

600 Pine St, Seattle, WA 98101
downtownseattle.org

• Dates/Times: Every Friday from 11/28/25 – 12/19/25 | 6-7 pm
  
• Cost: Free for everyone
• Parking: Paid parking in the garage (enter on 6th Ave or 7th Ave), or check out the city’s Interactive Parking Map
• Food: Ample dining choices in the mall

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The Nutcracker by Pacific Northwest Ballet

A favorite Northwest holiday tradition for all ages with stunning dances set to a live symphonic performance of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite.

McCaw Hall | 321 Mercer St, Seattle
pnb.org/nutcracker/
Tickets

• Dates: November 28 – December 28, 2025
• Cost: $39-$246 per seat
  
• Parking: Mercer Street Garage or Other Nearby Parking
• Food: Beverages and snacks are available for purchase

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Westlake Center Tree Lighting

A beloved annual tradition featuring crafts, giveaways, food, and a fireworks show!

401 Pine St., Seattle, WA 98101 (Westlake Park)
downtownseattle.org/events/holidays

• Date/Time: Friday, Nov. 28th from 1-6pm in Westlake Park (tree lighting is at 5pm).
• Cost: Free for all ages
• Parking: Access the Westlake Tower Garage from Olive Way between 4th & 5th Ave, or check out this interactive map of city parking

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WildLanterns at Woodland Park Zoo

Immerse yourself in a series of trails illuminated by magnificent, interactive, animal-themed lanterns.

West Entrance: 5500 Phinney Ave. N, Seattle, WA 98103
South Entrance: 750 N 50th St, Seattle, WA 98103
www.zoo.org/wildlanterns
Tickets
Map

• Dates/Times: Open nightly Nov. 14, 2025 – Jan. 18, 2026 | 4:00 – 9:00 pm.
• Cost: $32.45 – $40.95 per person (ages 2 & under are free).
• Promotions: Zoo members get 20% off tickets; Holiday Senior Stroll on Nov. 25 with 40% off for ages 65+
• Parking: Paid parking is available in all lots after 3:30 pm (here is a map). If you’re planning to purchase tickets in person, park by the West Entrance (Penguin, Otter, or Bear Lot).
  
• Food: Dining options available in the zoo, including The Frosted Glass 21+ space. You are also welcome to bring your own food & non-alcoholic beverages.
• Special Activities: Night Owls 21+ events; Holiday Senior Stroll; Themed Nights; Private Snow Globes; Nightly live performances in the PACCAR Auditorium; Zoomazium; ZooStore; Carousel; Sensory-Friendly Zoomazium Nightlights Daily from 4:30-8:30; Low-Sensory Nights on Dec. 2 & Jan. 8.
• Closures:
  • November 17 – 20, 24, 27
  • December 1, 8, 15, 24 – 25
  • January 5 – 7, 12 – 14

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EASTSIDE/SOUTH EVENTS

Garden d’Lights at Bellevue Botanical Garden

Each holiday season, the Bellevue Botanical Garden’s flowers, birds, animals, and cascading waterfalls are re-imagined in over half a million dazzling lights.

12001 Main Street, Bellevue WA 98005
gardendlights.org
Tickets (must be purchased online)

• Dates/Times: Open nightly Nov. 29 – Dec. 31, 2025 | 4:30 – 9:30 pm
• Cost: $10 per person (ages 10 and under are free)
• Promotions: Discounted $5 ticket nights Dec. 1-4 and 8-11 | 4:30 – 8:30 pm. Sensory Friendly Night Dec. 2nd
• Parking: Premium parking is $5 per car in the Garden’s lot as space allows OR park for free at Wilburton Hill Park
• Food: Hot drinks and snacks are available for purchase (each guest may also bring one individual beverage and small snack). Larger outside food items are prohibited.
• Holiday Closures: Christmas day

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Snowflake Lane at the Bellevue Collection

This popular nightly parade features festive floats, live musicians, and even the magic of falling snow.

Bellevue Way & NE 8th Street, Bellevue WA 98004
bellevuecollection.com/snowflakelane

• Dates/Times: Nightly Nov. 28 – Dec. 24, 2025 | 25 minute parade starts at 7 pm
• Location: Bellevue Way from NE 4th Street to NE 8th Street, between Lincoln Square and Bellevue Square
• Cost: Free for all ages
• Parking: Free parking at Bellevue Square, Bellevue Place, Lincoln Square, and Hyatt Regency
• Food: A variety of dining options (from happy hour, to kid fare, to gourmet) are all within walking distance
• Special Events & Activities: Ice Skating Nov. 21 – Jan. 19; Santa Photos Nov. 28 – Dec. 24

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Christmas Ship Festival

Set sail on a holiday-themed cruise complete with live choral music and hundreds of lights—a 75-year Northwest tradition!

Launch locations include Pier 55 (Seattle) | AGC Marina | Carillon Point Marina 

Foss Waterway Seaport (Tacoma) | Hyatt Regency (Renton) | Kirkland City Dock

Lake Union Park (MOHAI) | Leschi Marina | Port of Edmonds 

www.argosycruises.com
Tickets
Map

• Dates/Times: Click here for the full schedule
• Cost: $54 – $76 per adult (discounts for youth, kids 3 and under are free)
• Parking: Varies by location – click here for details
• Food: Snacks and drinks available for purchase on the ship. Outside food/drinks are not allowed.
• Special Events: Opening Night; Parade of Boats; Grand Finale

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Clam Lights at Gene Coulon Park

This shimmering display spans the southeast Lake Washington waterfront for a walk to remember, along with festivities and a visit from Santa on opening night.

1201 Lake Washington Blvd N, Renton, WA 98056
rentonwa.gov

• Opening Night on Dec. 5th: Tree lighting & Santa at 6:15 pm; Santa photos from 6:30-8:30 pm; Singalong with Staff at North Shelter from 7:15-8 pm; Parade of Boats from 7:45-8:15 pm; Argosy Christmas Ship arrival & caroling from 8:20-8:40 pm
• Dates/Times: Open nightly from 12/6/25 – 1/3/26 | 5-9 pm
• Cost: Free for everyone
• Parking: Free parking is available at the park
• Food: Ivar’s Seafood Bar & Kidd Valley in the park are open daily until 8 pm

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Zoolights at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

Going on it’s 38th year, this magical stroll through the zoo at night is a sparkling wonderland lit by over 1.5 million lights.

5400 N Pearl St, Tacoma, WA 98407
www.pdza.org/event/zoolights
Tickets
Map

• Dates/Times: Open nightly Nov. 28, 2025 – Jan. 4, 2026 | 4:30 – 10 pm
  
• Cost: $14-$20 (free for kids 2 & under)
  
• Promotions: Discounted tickets for zoo members
  
• Parking: Free parking in zoo lots (carpooling recommended)
  
• Food: Dinner, drinks & snacks are available at the Plaza Cafe & outside stands. Try the new cinnamon roll on a stick, or a hot cocoa float.
  
• Activities: Dog Nights Dec. 1, 3, 9, & 10; Carousel; Groovy Goats
• Holiday Closures: Christmas Eve & Christmas day

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But wait, there’s more…

Holiday Ice Skating Rink in Occidental Square

Sounds of the Season Caroling at Pioneer Park

Holiday theatrical & musical shows

“A Christmas Carol” at ACT Theatre

“Wonderland: A Carnival of Winter Wonder” at the Can Can

Magic in the Market

The Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition

Leavenworth Village of Lights

Santa Limited Train in North Bend

Festival of Trees & Teddy Bear Suite at the Fairmont Olympic

Gingerbread Village at Sheraton Grand Seattle

 

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