Lights and markets and music, oh my! The Seattle area’s calendar of holiday festivities is just getting busier as we head toward December. From markets perfect for gift shopping to holiday-themed performances, here are some festive events you may want on your radar through the first weeks of 2024.
Please check the web addresses included, as some events may sell out, change prices or share other updates. Click below or scroll down to navigate through different categories to learn about local holiday happenings.
Lights | Festivals | Markets | Music | Theater and Dance | More special Events
Lights and decorations
WildLanterns — Nov. 10-Jan. 14
This immersive journey through a world of animal-themed lanterns invites you to explore the Woodland Park Zoo in a completely new way. 4-9 p.m., with the last tickets sold at 7 p.m. Buy tickets online; $25.95-$36.95. 5500 Phinney Ave. N., Seattle; zoo.org/wildlanterns
Tulalip Lights & Ice — Nov. 22-Jan. 15
Enjoy bright holiday lights, ice skating and more family-friendly activities at this giant lights display along Interstate 5. Seasonal displays will adorn Tulalip Resort Casino, Quil Ceda Village, Tulalip Bingo & Slots and Quil Ceda Village Retail Center. Hours vary. Viewing the light displays is free, but it costs $12-$15 to ice skate. 10400 34th Ave. N.E., Tulalip; facebook.com/tulaliplights
Snoqualmie Winter Lights (Nov. 23-Jan. 1) and Tree Lighting (Dec. 2)
The Snoqualmie winter light display, which opens on Thanksgiving, starts at the Salish Lodge and Spa and continues into the historical downtown. It will be up through Jan. 1. But come Dec. 2 for the tree lighting event in Railroad Community Park which includes music and food. The event runs 4-6 p.m. with the tree lighting at 5:30 p.m. 7971 Railroad Ave., Snoqualmie; snoqualmiewa.gov/927/Snoqualmie-Winter-Lights
Snowflake Lane — Nov. 24-Dec. 24
Experience the wonder of falling snow, dazzling lights, festive music, toy drummers and dancers. This free, nightly parade of holiday floats takes place on the sidewalks between Bellevue Square and Lincoln Square from Northeast Fourth to Northeast Eighth streets every night at 7 p.m. bellevuecollection.com/snowflakelane/
Zoolights — Nov. 24-Jan. 1
Check out all your favorite Point Defiance Zoo exhibits, transformed into a colorful winter wonderland with over 800,000 lights. 4:30 p.m.-10 p.m. Buy timed tickets online; $14-$18. 5400 N. Pearl St., Tacoma; pdza.org/event/zoolights/
28th Annual Magic in the Market — Nov. 25
Kick off the holiday season with live holiday music, cookie decorating, a lighting ceremony from 5-6 p.m. and more. 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. 85 Pike St., Seattle; st.news/pike
Luminary Walk — Dec. 1
Dress for winter weather to enjoy over a mile of a lighted luminary path at Kenmore City Hall, plus live music and food. 4-7 p.m. 18120 68th Ave. N.E., Kenmore; st.news/luminary
Winter Wonders at Bloedel Reserve — Dec. 2-31
Enjoy a wintry walk through the gardens, plus festive decorations, photo opportunities and community-oriented activities throughout December. Special events include community solstice walks with lanterns Dec. 18 and 20, silent walks Dec. 19 and 21 and wreath-making Dec. 13. The reserve is open Tuesdays-Sundays 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Access to Winter Wonders is free with a ticket to Bloedel Reserve. Purchase tickets online in advance; $25 for general admission, $20 for seniors and military, $5 for children (ages 6-10) and free for children ages 5 and under. 7571 N.E. Dolphin Drive, Bainbridge Island; bloedelreserve.org/winter-wonders-2023
The Beaconettes & Holiday Star Lighting at Hotel Sorrento — Dec. 5
Enjoy dinner and drinks at the hotel’s restaurant, STELLA., then head into the garden for warm beverages to listen to Seattle a cappella group The Beaconettes during the lighting of Hotel Sorrento’s holiday star. 900 Madison St., Seattle; st.news/beaconettes
Festivals
Tree Lighting Festival and Holiday Market in Bothell — Dec. 2
The holiday market will be open 2-6:30 p.m. and the festival, with music, food, activities and more, will run 4-6:30 p.m. At 5 p.m., join Santa under the tree for the tree lighting. Activities take place on 102nd Avenue Northeast and Main Street in downtown Bothell. bothelltreelightingfestival.com
Merrysville for the Holidays — Dec. 2
This winter wonderland of holiday fun includes food, live music, a parade of lights, local vendors and kids activities. 4-9 p.m. The parade begins at 6:30 p.m. and is followed by a tree lighting at 7 p.m. 514 Delta Ave., Marysville; marysvillewa.gov/689/Merrysville-for-the-Holidays
Bellevue Festival of the Nativity — Dec. 3-10
For more than a decade, the Bellevue Festival of the Nativity has been a cherished tradition for those in the Greater Seattle area. Enjoy the beauty of over 550 crèches from around the world, a life-size replica of the inn at Bethlehem, nearly 150 Christmas trees and more. 1-9 p.m. 15205 S.E. 28th St., Bellevue; bellevuefestivalofthenativity.com
Seattle SantaCon — Dec. 9 and 16
To participate in this mass gathering, put on your best Santa costume and join the swarms of people parading through downtown Seattle. There will also be live entertainment, drink specials at various venues, a costume contest and more. 21-plus. The event starts at noon both days. Buy tickets online; $7.50-$35. santacon.info/Seattle-WA
Markets
PNNAG Handmade Holiday Sale — Nov. 17-18 and Dec. 1-2, 8-9
Come pick homemade treasures from members of the Pacific Northwest Needle Arts Guild for your friends and family, whether it’s mittens, hats, stuffed toys, jewelry or something else. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 4649 Sunnyside Ave. N. #120, Seattle; pnnag.org/holiday-sale.html
Holly Jolly Holiday Market — Nov. 24-25
Get your holiday shopping done at this market spotlighting more than 70 vendors, food trucks and more. Santa will also make an appearance on Saturday. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 9010 Marsh Road, Snohomish; st.news/holly
Seattle Christmas Market — Nov. 24-Dec. 24
This new market in Seattle Center aims to re-create the centuries-old tradition of Christmas markets held in many German towns and will feature colorful décor, artisanal booths for gift-shopping, food and drinks and family entertainment. 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Fridays-Sundays (Sunday, Dec. 24, 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m.) and 4 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays. Buy tickets online; $19.99 for general admission. 305 Harrison St., Seattle; seattlechristmasmarket.com
Winterfest — Nov. 24-Dec. 31
Throughout the five weeks of Winterfest, you can enjoy a Christmas market, a world bazaar, ice art, live performances, food and more. Hours vary with different activities happening between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. 305 Harrison St., Seattle; seattlecenter.com/events/featured-events/winterfest
Giving Marketplace — Dec. 1-2
At the Discovery Center’s annual marketplace, you can enjoy live music, shop from dozens of vendors and participate in activities like wreath- and ornament-making. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 440 Fifth Ave. N., Seattle; discovergates.org/giving-marketplace
Rainier Beach Arts & Crafts Market — Dec. 2
Come meet local artists and craftspeople and shop for handmade goods from paintings and sculptures to jewelry and artisan foods. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 6038 S. Pilgrim St., Seattle; rainierbeachcommunityclub.org/events/arts-and-crafts-market
PNW Witches Market – Yule Celebration — Dec. 3
Explore goods from over 50 local artisans and vendors, including occult art, jewelry, home décor, apothecary goods, crystals, tarot and more. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 1730 10th Ave. N.W., Issaquah; facebook.com/PNWWitchesMarket/about
Jingle & Mingle Holiday Market — Dec. 3
Shop from over 100 vendors at this Tulalip Resort Casino market and catch an appearance from Santa. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 10200 Quil Ceda Blvd., Tulalip; st.news/jingle
Helping Hands Holiday Bazaar — Dec. 8
Check out an array of gifts and goodies, many of them handmade, from vendors in Everett. Plus, you can bring clean, dry Styrofoam and holiday lighting to be recycled by Ridwell. 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. 2320 California St., Everett; st.news/helpinghands
Holidays in the Square — Dec. 8-9
This two-day holiday market in Seattle’s Pioneer Square neighborhood features 40-plus vendors, including local artists, craftspeople, jewelry-makers, and much more. Downtown Seattle Association will also have a free ice-skating rink (including free skate rentals) for families to enjoy. 3-7 p.m. on Dec. 8 and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Dec. 9. 117 S. Washington St., Seattle; pioneersquare.org
United Indians Native Art Market — Dec. 15-17
Held at the Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center, this market showcases work by Native artists and makers from a wide range of styles and tribes, with items including clothing, jewelry, woodworking, drums and art prints. 5011 Bernie Whitebear Way, Seattle; unitedindians.org/native-art-market
Music
ChristmasSounds in Bellevue — Dec. 1
Join ChoralSounds NW in this holiday show featuring a mostly pops Christmas program that highlights the classics you know and adds some new favorites from country singer Kacey Musgraves, the musical “Spirited,” and a rendition of Gordon Lightfoot’s “Song for a Winter’s Night.” Buy tickets online or at the door. $20. 7:30 p.m. 4228 Factoria Blvd. S.E., Bellevue; nwassociatedarts.org/concerts
A TREEmendous Holiday — Dec. 1-23
This holiday tradition put on by the Seattle Men’s Chorus is a fun-filled celebration of seasonal favorites along with a festive singalong. Showtimes, ticket prices and locations vary. Buy tickets online; prices start at $34. st.news/treemendous
KNKXmas Holiday Concert — Dec. 2
This concert will feature performances from top PNW jazz and seasonal musicians, The Jewel Tones, Greta Matassa, The ACE Choir and Seattle Women’s Jazz Orchestra. 2-7:30 p.m. Buy tickets online in advance for $20 or at the door for $25. 28901 N.E. Carnation Farm Road, Carnation; carnationfarms.org/home/events-arts-culture
This Joyous Day — Dec. 2-3
Choir of the Sound celebrates the holidays and all the big and small rituals that make them special, from welcoming friends for meals and lighting candles to waking up early on an exciting day. 7 p.m. on Dec. 2 and 3 p.m. on Dec. 3. Buy tickets online; $25 for general admission. 15343 25th Ave. N.E., Shoreline; choirofthesound.org/shows
Handelian Holidays – Messiah Choruses & Modern Masterworks — Dec. 2-3
Choruses from Handel’s “Messiah” headline Kirkland Choral Society’s annual holiday concerts, which also include works by composers of the 20th and 21st centuries like Florence Price and Reena Esmail. Philharmonic Northwest and a group of talented area high school singers are also joining in this year. 3 p.m. Buy tickets online; $25 for general admission, $20 for students and seniors and free for children 12 and under. 14500 Juanita Drive N.E., Kenmore; st.news/handelian
Washington Blues Society 2023 Holiday Party — Dec. 3
This all-ages party will be full of music and dancing and features special musical guests including The Rae Gordon Band and Cashin and Randall Eger. $10 suggested donation. 4-9 p.m. 16708 Aurora Ave. N., Shoreline; wablues.org/events
Holiday Spectacular — Dec. 4
The Auburn Symphony Orchestra will soundtrackthe Oscar-nominated holiday film “The Snowman” at this special holiday event. Also on the program are seasonal favorites such as “Miracle on 34th Street,” “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” an audience singalong and more. Preconcert festivities include live reindeer, photos with Santa, hot cocoa, and a jazz performance by Groove Amendment. 7:30-9:30 p.m. Buy tickets online; $42 for general admission. 400 H St. N.E. Auburn; auburnsymphony.org/202324-season/holiday2023
The Gothard Sisters: Celtic Christmas in Edmonds — Dec. 7
This high-energy, festive evening weaves together Christmas carols, Celtic tunes and songs, Irish dancing and more. 7:30 p.m. The Gothard Sisters will also put on other Christmas shows in Washington and other states throughout the holiday season. Buy tickets online; $27-$42. 410 Fourth Ave. N., Edmonds; gothardsisters.com/shows
Mary McPage & Susan Carr: Annual Christmas Show — Dec. 9
Head to Egan’s Ballard Jam House for this ridiculous romp with hilarious favorite Christmas characters singing blues and rock ‘n’ roll Christmas tunes. Shows at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. $15 cover. 1707 N.W. Market St., Seattle; ballardjamhouse.com/schedule.html
Grow, Pine, Grow! Bulgarian Culture and Heritage Center Holiday Concert — Dec. 9
Experience the pageantry, songs and dances of Bulgarian Koleda (Christmas) folk traditions. Tickets will be available online soon. Doors open at 4 p.m. and the show starts at 5 p.m. 200 University St., Seattle; seattle-bg.org
Tidings of Joy: A Festive Carol Celebration with Choir and Organ — Dec. 9
Seattle Girls Choir’s Cantamus ensemble and organist Carol Banach will share music of the season, knitting together new and old holiday anthems. Along with these choral pieces, there will be organ solos and singalongs. 5 p.m. RSVP online; $20 suggested donation for adults and $5 suggested donation for students. 722 N. 145th St., Shoreline; sdchp.org/music-2/organ
Dark and Luminous Night chorale concerts — Dec. 9-10
Led by music director Joseph To, Magnolia Chorale’s December concerts, themed “Dark and Luminous Night,” move from the darkness of Ola Gjeilo’s “Dark Night” to a celebration of mystery and hope with Vivaldi’s “Gloria.” 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 9 and 2 p.m. on Dec. 10. Buy tickets online; $20 for adults, $15 for seniors. 2414 31st Ave. W., Seattle; magnoliachorale.org
ChristmasSounds in Burien — Dec. 9 and 10
Northwest Associated Arts ensembles ChoralSounds and SilverSounds put on this nonstop musical event featuring holiday classics old and some newer pieces. The young singers of North Hill Elementary Christmas Choir will also join. Buy tickets online or at the door. $20 for general admission, free for youth 17 and under with a paying adult. 2 p.m. 401 S. 152nd St., Burien; nwassociatedarts.org/concerts
Songs for a Winter’s Night — Dec. 9 and Dec. 16
This performance by the Northwest Firelight Chorale will include seasonal classics such as Peanuts tunes and the film “White Christmas,” a rousing spiritual and more. The Dec. 9 show at 7:30 p.m. will be held at the St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church (3050 California Ave. S.W., Seattle) and the Dec. 16 shows are at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church (6215 196th St. S.W., Lynnwood). Buy tickets online; $25 per adult, $15 per child ages 12 and under. nwfirelightchorale.org/upcoming-events
Holiday Magic — Dec. 10
Join the Bellingham Symphony Orchestra for festive classics, like “Sleigh Ride” and “Silent Night.” Plus, there’ll be hot cocoa for the kids at intermission. 3 p.m. Buy tickets online; $15-$39. 104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham; bellinghamsymphony.org/event/holiday-magic-23
There’s No Place Like Gnomes for the Holidays — Dec. 16
Jet Cities Chorus will be joined by an additional 2023 Holiday Chorus and the Touchstone Quartet for this holiday performance. Buy tickets online;$25 for general admission. Showtimes at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. 701 S. 320th St. in Federal Way; jetcities.org/holiday-show-2023.html
Evoke — Dec. 17
This winter solstice concert put on by the Seattle chamber orchestra NOCCO presents a fusion of masterpieces across eras from Bach to Ellen T. Zwilich’s contemporary “Concerto Grosso.” Buy tickets online; $35 for general admission, $25 for seniors and free for ages 21 and under. The concert can also be livestreamed for free. 7:30-9:30 p.m. 1119 Eighth Ave. Seattle; nocco.org/upcoming-events/2023/12/17/evoke-2bkyt
Theater and Dance
Wonderland — Nov. 16-Jan. 7
Can Can will bring back Wonderland for its 10th anniversary with a glittering parade of nostalgia exploding with dance, laughter and all the cheer of yesteryear. In the kitchen and behind the bar, you can find food, wine and spirit menus carefully crafted with local market-fresh winter ingredients. Showtimes vary. Buy tickets online; $69-$115 for a standard seat with VIP seating and food add-ons available. 95 Pine St., Seattle; thecancan.com/shows/wonderland-2023#
A(n Improvised) Christmas Carol — Nov. 24, 25, 26 and 30, and Dec. 1
Improv performers will transform Dickens’ classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge into a hilarious and entertaining performance based on audience suggestions. 7:30 p.m. Buy tickets online; $20. 1428 Post Alley Seattle; unexpectedproductions.org/shows
Irving Berlin’s White Christmas — Nov. 25-Dec. 24
Based on the beloved film, this “White Christmas” theater production comes just in time for the holiday season. After World War II, two veterans, Bob Wallace and Phil Davis, begin a successful song and dance act, following two singing sisters to their Christmas gig at a Vermont resort lodge. Showtimes at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on various days between Nov. 25 and Dec. 24. Buy tickets online; Prices vary. 1308 Fifth Ave., Seattle; my.5thavenue.org/2324-white-christmas
O-Jak Bridge Art & Dance Festival — Dec. 9
Experience Swan Lake like never before at this nontraditional dance performance presented by The MiYoung Margolis Dance Collective and Adage Ballet Academy. 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. Buy tickets online; $50 for general admission, $80 for premium seating. 1524 Harvard Ave., Seattle; mmdc.dance/o-jak-bridge-festival
Special Events
Christmas Regale — Dec. 2
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of modern holidays and experience a real old-fashioned Christmas at Fort Nisqually Living History Museum. Guests of all ages can join in parlor games and holiday crafts. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $18 for adults, $13 for kids ages 4-17, $50 for a family (two adults and up to five youths) and kids under 3 are free. 5519 Five Mile Drive, Tacoma; metroparkstacoma.org/event/christmas-regale
Reindeer Romp — Dec. 2
Join Northwest Trail Runs for a 5-mile or half-marathon trail run at Redmond Reindeer Romp, the third event in the Winter Trail Series. You can preregister online until Nov. 30. Registration prices vary from $34-$65 depending on when you register, and which race you choose. Starts at 9:30 a.m. 21760 N.E. Novelty Hill Road, Redmond; nwtrailruns.com/events/redmond-reindeer-romp
REPS Presents: A Christmas Show! — Dec. 2
This annual event includes four live radio re-creations with music and sound effects and an herb-roasted turkey dinner served with classic holiday sides. 4-10 p.m. Buy tickets online; $50. 625 116th Ave. N.E., Bellevue; repsonline.org/event/reps-presents-a-christmas-show
Parade of Boats — Dec. 8
In the eighth annual rendition of this holiday parade, brightly decorated boats will convene in Lake Union and promenade westward. The free, official onshore viewing party will be at Evanston Plaza for panoramic views of the procession. 8-9:30 p.m. argosycruises.com/christmas-ship-parade-of-boats
Letters to Santa & Holiday Tea — Dec. 19
Get in the Christmas spirit with a seasonal tea service and a special guest of honor: Seattle Santa, direct from the North Pole! During the tea service, there will be stationery available so children (and children at heart!) can write their letters to Santa, and hand-deliver them to St. Nick himself at the hotel. 1 p.m. Buy tickets online; $75 per attendee of any age. 900 Madison St., Seattle; hotelsorrento.com/happenings/santa-tea
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