Holiday guide: 12 festive things to do around Seattle this winter
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Magic in the Market is back. Photo: Courtesy of Pike Place Market Preservation and Development Authority
Seattle may or may not get snow this winter, but you can still find plenty of ways to get into the holiday spirit.
State of play: Here are a dozen of our favorite things to do this time of year, including Santa photo ops, Christmas tree lightings, holiday performances, craft markets and Hanukkah celebrations.
Magic in the Market
Take free photos with Santa, browse Christmas trees and wreaths, or make your own ornaments at this family-friendly event, which will be capped off with a tree lighting celebration.
Date: Nov. 30.
Cost: Free.
Stop by: 11am-6pm at Pike Place Market. Tree lighting is from 5-6pm.
Pop-up ice skating rink
Test your gliding skills on a synthetic, outdoor skating rink in Occidental Square. Skates are available to borrow for free.
Dates: Dec. 13-15.
Cost: Free.
Stop by: Noon-6pm all three days.
Occidental Square Holiday Bazaar
Browse a market featuring more than 30 vendors selling artwork, crafts, sustainable gifts and more.
Dates: Dec. 13-14.
Cost: Free.
Stop by: Noon-6pm.
Winterfest at Seattle Center
The five-week festival includes ticketed events like the Seattle Christmas Market and the World Bazaar. But it's free to check out the giant model Christmas Train and Village at Seattle Center Armory or just wander around and admire the lights.
Dates: Nov. 29-Dec. 31.
Stop by: Christmas train operates from 10am-6pm daily.
Tree Lighting at Westlake Center
Watch the lighting of downtown Seattle's 45-foot-tall tree and holiday star, followed by a fireworks show.
Date: Friday, Nov. 29.
Stop by: Craft-making and costumed characters start at noon at Westlake Center (400 Pine Street). Tree lighting begins at 5pm, with fireworks after.
WildLanterns
The Woodland Park Zoo's annual holiday light show features glowing, large-scale lanterns shaped like animals, a magical forest train, scenes from nature and more.
Dates: Through Jan. 19.
Cost: Free for kids 2 and under. For other kids and adults, tickets range from about $30 to $45.
Stop by: 4-9pm, 5500 Phinney Ave. N.
Black Nativity
Raise your voice and sing along with this production of Langston Hughes' gospel musical, which is brought to life by a choir, dancers and a live band.
Dates: Dec. 4-29.
Cost: Tickets range from $25-$110.
Stop by: Broadway Performance Hall, 1625 Broadway.
"A Christmas Carol" at ACT
Experience the classic Charles Dickens tale performed in the round with ACT Contemporary Theatre's annual rendition, now in its 49th year.
Dates: Nov. 29-Dec. 27.
Cost: Tickets range from roughly $10-$105.
Stop by: 700 Union Street. Kids under 5 are not allowed.
"The Nutcracker"
Pacific Northwest Ballet's production of Tchaikovsky's classic offers colorful costumes and scenery, plus a decked-out lobby perfect for holiday photo ops.
Dates: Nov. 29-Dec. 28.
Cost: Tickets range from $29-$210, with a discount for kids 14 and under.
Stop by: McCaw Hall (321 Mercer Street) at Seattle Center.
Ballard menorah lighting
This public menorah lighting comes with latkes, doughnuts, balloons and a fire show.
Dates: Dec. 12.
Cost: Free.
Stop by: 5:30pm at Bergen Place (the triangular site between Leary Avenue, 22nd Avenue Northwest, and Market Street).
Hanukkah at the J
Celebrate the Festival of Lights with a glow stick dance party, live music, craft Hanukkah cocktails and dinner, plus a community menorah lighting.
When: Dec. 20.
Cost: Tickets are $65 for families, or $20 for individuals. Kids under 2 are free.
Stop by: 5:30-730pm. Stroum Jewish Community Center, 3801 E Mercer Way
Mercer Island.
Snowflake Lane in Bellevue
This nightly parade features falling snow produced by snow machines, sparkling lights, holiday floats, festive music, toy drummers and dancers.
Dates: Nov. 29-Dec. 24.
Cost: Free.
Stop by: Every night at 7pm. Runs between Bellevue Square and Lincoln Square, from Northeast Fourth to Northeast Eighth streets.