Dec 19, 2025 - Things to Do
Seattle's Christmas Market: Best enjoyed after dark
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👋 Melissa here. I skipped the Seattle Christmas Market at Seattle Center last year, after finding it a bit expensive and underwhelming when it debuted in 2023.
- But they've lowered their prices, so I decided to give it another try this week.
What to expect: Depending on time of day, adult tickets this year have run as low as $7.
- I paid about $12 for entry this year, versus the $20 I paid two years ago. (Kids 6 and under are free.)
- This left more money for the main event: buying trinkets and snacks.
The good: The lights were pretty once the sun set, and my son enjoyed free rides on the carousel.
Yes, but: The vibe in the afternoon is really weird — by daylight, it's clear you're walking on rubbery plastic paneling in some areas, and the illusion of a European Christmas market falls apart.
The bottom line: If you go with friends when it's dark, you'll probably have an OK time.
If you go: The market runs through Dec. 24.
