Seattle Area Holiday Magic: 15 of the Best Family Fun Events

November 25, 2025
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The air is getting crisp, twinkling lights are starting to appear, and that unmistakable feeling of holiday cheer is just around the corner. It’s the perfect time to gather your loved ones and create some beautiful new memories together. 

The Pacific Northwest comes alive with festive spirit, offering a wonderful array of events for families to enjoy. This by no means a comprehensive list, as each little town has their own array of events.  Check out city websites for all the family fun events you can imagine. 

Downtown Seattle for the Holidays
Wild Lanterns at Woodland Park Zoo
View from Seattle Pan Pacific Hotel

For the purposes of this post, we’ve  put together this guide to help you discover some of the most magical Christmas events in Seattle, Bellevue, and Tacoma. Let’s embark on a little holiday adventure!

Seattle’s Festive Happenings

The Emerald City shines even brighter during the holiday season. From glowing lanterns to floating choirs, Seattle offers unique experiences that will fill your family with wonder.

WildLanterns at Woodland Park Zoo

Step into a world of breathtaking, larger-than-life lanterns that transform the zoo into an immersive wonderland. WildLanterns showcases stunning animal and nature-scape displays from around the globe. 

It’s a journey for the senses and a spectacular way to spend an evening with the family, discovering illuminated creatures big and small.

Our favorite way to experience this event is to book our tickets (which is separate than zoo entrance tickets) in advance, then plan on going to the zoo in the afternoon to see all the animals, step out for an early dinner nearby and then return at our ticket time for WildLanterns.

  • Address: 5500 Phinney Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103
  • 2025 Schedule: November 14 – January 18, 4pm-9pm $51/adult, $46/child
  • Website: Woodland Park Zoo WildLanterns

Pike Place Market Holiday Celebration

Step into the heart of Seattle as it decks its halls for the holidays. Pike Place Market hosts a beloved annual celebration, featuring live music, photos with Santa, live reindeer, crafts, and the famous Market tree lighting ceremony. 

Stroll through the festive stalls, find unique handcrafted gifts, and soak in the vibrant, cheerful atmosphere of this iconic location.  Drop over to the iconic gum wall and catch an improv show in the evening at Unexpected Productions.

Other holiday events happen throughout the season, including food tours, shows, Santa, crafts, and caroling competitions.  Check out their website for dates and details!

Christmas Ship™ Festival

A truly classic Seattle Family Fun tradition, the Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship™ Festival is a must-see. The beautifully decorated Spirit of Seattle sails to different Puget Sound communities, with a choir onboard performing for those gathered on shore. 

You can join the festivities by booking a spot on the main ship, following along in your own boat, or gathering at one of the many designated shore-viewing locations for a magical community bonfire.

  • Address: Varies by departure location and shoreline event. Check the official schedule for times and prices.
  • 2025 Schedule:  Runs from November 28th to December 23rd with sailings Thursday-Sunday
  • Website: Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship™ Festival

Seattle Center Winterfest & Train Village

Seattle Center transforms into a wonderland during its Winterfest celebration—with sparkling lights, ice sculpting, live performances, and fun for all ages. 

The showstopper? The enchanting Winter Train & Village in the Armory Building. Kids (and, let’s be honest, adults too!) are mesmerized by the model trains winding their way through a delightfully detailed winter scene.  Challenge yourself to the Winterfest Train Scavenger Hunt.  

The food hall inside the Armory Building gives a variety of options to fill your stomach. 

Combining a visit to Seattle Center’s Armory Building, views of the Space Needle outside (or a visit there as well), Chihuly Garden and Glass, Seattle Children’s Museum, Museum of Pop Culture, or even the Nutcracker at McCaw hall can make for a memorable full day of family fun without ever leaving the Seattle Center grounds.

Gingerbread Village at Sheraton Grand Seattle

For a dash of whimsy and some serious decoration inspiration, visit the legendary Gingerbread Village at the Sheraton Grand Seattle. Each year, local architects and pastry chefs team up to create jaw-dropping gingerbread masterpieces based on a new theme. Bring your sweet tooth and your camera—this event delights imaginations of every age and often supports a wonderful local cause.

Astra Lumina: Seattle

The Seattle Chinese Garden transforms into Astra Lumina, the traveling exhibit that illuminates the pathways into a breathtaking showcase of lights for an unforgettable evening stroll like no other. 

Light displays and immersive soundscapes invite you and your loved ones for approximately an hour of magic that will enchant you.  Approx $36/adult, with group, family and child discounts.  

I highly recommend heading to this spot early in the season and take the first time slot (typically 5pm). It will be dark enough to see the lights and you’ll have the place to yourself. Take your time and enjoy the sights, sounds, and fresh air.

Earlier in the season allows for a bit warmer evenings. Still, bundle up! And if there has been rain recently (uncommon in the PNW, but notable, haha), wear some weather proof boots or shoes, as this spot could get muddy. I felt that the newly fallen leaves made the trails especially beautiful. Enjoy 🙂

  • Address: Seattle Chinese Garden, 5640 16th Ave, Seattle, WA 98106
  • 2025 Schedule:  Running through December 31st, Thurs-Sun, with Mon-Wed added in starting December 11th.
  • Website:Astra Lumina: Seattle

Bellevue’s Holiday Charm for Family Fun

Just across Lake Washington, Bellevue transforms into a dazzling hub of holiday activity. Its downtown core becomes a beacon of light, music, and festive fun for all ages.

Bellevue Downtown Ice Rink

Lace up your skates and glide into the holiday season with some family fun at the Bellevue Downtown Ice Rink. This open-air rink is the region’s largest, offering a classic winter experience perfect for a family outing. 

With music, special events, and concessions, it’s a wonderful way to embrace the chilly weather and have some active fun.

Snowflake Lane at The Bellevue Collection

Prepare to be amazed by this nightly holiday spectacle! Snowflake Lane is a complimentary parade that brings the magic of the season to life along the sidewalks of Bellevue Way. 

With falling snow!, dazzling lights, festive music, and a parade of toy soldiers and holiday characters, it’s an experience that captivates both kids and adults. It’s pure, unfiltered holiday joy.

  • Address: Along Bellevue Way NE between NE 4th St and NE 8th St, Bellevue, WA 98004
  • Website: Snowflake Lane

Issaquah Reindeer Festival at Cougar Mountain Zoo

Just a short drive from Bellevue, this magical festival at Cougar Mountain Zoo is pure holiday joy for animal lovers and little adventurers alike. The Issaquah Reindeer Festival invites families to visit Santa in his charming house, meet his trusty reindeer up close, and explore the zoo’s wintry wonderland.

All the other animals at this cute, smaller zoo are available to visit, with the added activities such as writing letters to Santa, varied outdoor activities, the animal statues throughout the zoo are decorated up for the holidays, and all ages can immerse themselves in the festivities surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery. It’s a special blend of holiday tradition and wild discovery.

Garden d’Lights at Bellevue Botanical Garden

The Bellevue Botanical Garden becomes a shimmering paradise during Garden d’Lights. Over half a million sparkling lights create a breathtaking landscape of three-dimensional flowers, birds, and animals.

Bundle up and take a whimsical stroll through this enchanting world. It’s a peaceful yet stunning event that highlights the beauty of nature and the artistry of light. What they have been able to achieve with lights is truly remarkable.

Some years, they even have classes that can teach you how to twist and arrange your own lights to make some of these remarkable pieces of art.

Tacoma’s Winter Wonderland

Tacoma offers its own brand of holiday magic, with beloved traditions that have been delighting families for decades.

Zoolights at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

A cherished Pacific Northwest tradition, Zoolights transforms the zoo into a colorful winter wonderland. Hundreds of thousands of LED lights are crafted into whimsical animal displays, from a giant Pacific octopus to majestic tigers.

Ride a camel, warm up with hot cocoa, and enjoy the magical glow. It’s a fantastic way to combine a love for animals with festive cheer. Similar to Woodland Park Zoo, be sure to show up earlier in the day, soak up all the sights of the animals, head out for an early dinner, only to return for lit up magic as the lights go down and Zoolights begins!

Fantasy Lights at Spanaway Park

Pack the family in the car, turn up the holiday music, and get ready for a dazzling drive. Fantasy Lights is the largest drive-through holiday light display in the Northwest, featuring nearly 300 intricate displays along a two-mile stretch of Spanaway Lake. It’s the perfect cozy adventure, allowing you to enjoy the spectacle from the warmth of your own vehicle.

Family Fun a Bit Further out of Town

Lights of Christmas in Stanwood, Washington

For a truly magical and immersive holiday experience, head up to Stanwood for The Lights of Christmas Festival. This beloved event transforms the grounds of Warm Beach Camp into a dazzling winter wonderland with over a million lights decorating every corner. Wander through the enchanting light displays, sip on hot cocoa, and enjoy live musical performances and theater productions that capture the holiday spirit. For those seeking a weekend retreat, onsite lodging is available to extend your magical stay. It’s a heartfelt, joyful experience perfect for family fun, couples, and holiday enthusiasts alike.

Leavenworth Christmas Lighting Festival

If you’re ready for a full-fledged winter adventure, the charming Bavarian-style town of Leavenworth is a must-see during the holiday season.

The Christmas Lighting Festival turns this picturesque village into a storybook scene with its stunning light displays, festive carolers, and the scent of roasted nuts and mulled cider in the air.

Stroll through its twinkling streets, visit local shops for unique gifts, and don’t miss their holiday performances and Santa appearances. The snowy mountain backdrop adds an extra layer of magic to this unforgettable experience.

Looking for a different take on Winter fun? Krampuslauf Leavenworth is a lively event that takes place for a few days at the end of November or early December. Steeped in Austrian and German tradition, Krampus is the dark opposite of St. Nicholas. Be prepared for

Check out the website to see all the many events and activities available for a weekend of adventure (or a week).

Winter Wonderland by Children’s Museum of Skagit County

Step into a world of pure holiday enchantment at the Winter Wonderland hosted by the Children’s Museum of Skagit County.  This event is such a special one for my family.  My daughter worked at the Children’s Museum for several years and was highly involved in putting together this event and working at it.

This festive family fun event is perfect for all ages, featuring hands-on seasonal activities, sparkling decorations, and a warm, cheerful atmosphere.

Families can enjoy all the exhibits inside the museum, with arts & crafts, face painting, and special holiday events, but the real magic happens outside.

Real snow is brought in for lots of fun, Santa is available for photo ops and even some other character surprises, live reindeer from Reindeer Express, climbing wall, inflatable bouncy house and even a polar plunge high slide!

The museum truly comes alive with the magic of the season, making it a wonderful destination for creating treasured holiday memories together.

Check their website for a schedule of the weekend events, as it changes every year.

Start Your Holiday Adventure

This season is all about connection and making time for the people who matter most. We hope this guide inspires you to get out there and explore the wonderful holiday festivities our region has to offer. 

Family Fun

For years, as my older children were growing up, we would rotate on a yearly basis between Seattle, Bellevue and Tacoma holiday events. It allowed us to experience all of it, but in a manageable schedule, as the holiday season always gets so busy.

Whether you’re skating under the stars, marveling at incredible light displays, or singing along with a floating choir, may your holidays be filled with joy, laughter, and light.

For a great, above the clouds view of Seattle, amazing at any time of the year, check out my post on Seattle Sky View Observatory

Add in the comments your PNW Holiday favorites, I’d love to hear where you are creating the best holiday moments with your family.

Carla Reese

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