This holiday season, Seattle is packing a yuletide punch with the return of more than a dozen beloved holiday events, including, for the first time, both Enchant and the Seattle Christmas Market. The Seattle Christmas Market returns on November 21, offering a European-style holiday market in the heart of Seattle. Meanwhile, Enchant will light up T-Mobile Park starting November 22 with its breathtaking light maze and winter wonderland experience. Plus, cherished traditions such as Pike Place Market’s 29th Annual Magic in the Market and a host of cheery performances promise more festive things to do than ever before. Find the full lineup of holiday events on seattleholidays.com.
FESTIVALS AND MARKETS
Following its successful debut in 2023, the Seattle Christmas Market returns starting November 21. During this five-week celebration, the Seattle Christmas Market will feature over 80 vendors in the village marketplace at Fisher Pavilion and South Fountain Lawn, offering a curated selection of local and international artisan-crafted gifts and delicious treats and hot drinks. The Seattle Christmas Market will also host its first Lantern Festival parade on December 1 at 5:00 p.m.
“We’re beyond thrilled to return to Seattle Center for year two,” said Malte Kluetz, CEO and Founder of the Seattle Christmas Market. “The warm welcome we received from the community last year has inspired us to expand with new activations.”
Making its grand return to the destination after a four-year hiatus, Enchant returns to T-Mobile Park on November 22-December 29. Set in a magical world with an ice-skating trail, marketplace, and the “world’s largest Christmas light maze,” Enchant’s 2024 theme invites visitors to embark on a magical quest to save the holidays.
“We are thrilled for the opportunity to return to Seattle this year with a brand-new adventure. Our World’s Largest Christmas Light Maze, ‘Santa’s Magic Timepiece,’ takes guests into the heart of a magical tale in which you are charged with recovering lost star fragments in the maze in order to save Christmas,” said Kevin Johnston, Founder of Enchant. “This year, we’ve added even more festive magic with our ice-skating trail, new Ferris Wheel experience, stunning photo-ops, visits with Santa, holiday party celebrations, seasonal food and drink, live entertainment, and so much more. We can’t wait to celebrate the season in this vibrant city that we’ve missed so much.”
For a taste of far-northern culture, don’t miss the National Nordic Museum’s 47th annual Julefest: A Nordic Christmas Celebration from November 22-24. During Julefest, NW Market Street in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood transforms into a traditional Nordic marketplace, bustling with vendors selling artisanal goods, Scandinavian apparel, and traditional cuisine.
The 29th Annual Magic in the Market returns to Pike Place Market on November 30, decking out all nine acres with holiday spirit. Revel in the magic with cookie decorating, eggnog sipping, holiday shopping, and a chance to meet Santa – all before the famous Market lighting ceremony at 5 p.m.
Even more family fun awaits at Pike Place Market with Crafty’s Handmade HoliDAYS, December 16-20. Now in its third year, Crafty’s Handmade HoliDAYS festival fills the market with one-of-a-kind products and artsy experiences.
“This year marks the third annual Crafty’s Handmade HoliDAYS at Pike Place Market, a delightful week of kid-friendly arts, crafts, and live holiday music. It’s the perfect time to enjoy hands-on activities with your little ones while discovering unique gifts from our Handmade Craft Market,” said Madison Bristol, Marketing and Publications Relations Manager at Pike Place Market. “But the holiday magic doesn’t stop there. From our 29th Annual Magic in the Market lighting celebration, to free Santa photos, and the festive spirit of the Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition, the Market is bursting with joyful experiences throughout the season.”
HOLIDAY PERFORMANCES
ACT Theatre presents “A Christmas Carol” for its 49th year starting November 29. The iconic tale unfolds on stage at the Allen Theatre.
Catch another classic with George Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker” by the Pacific Northwest Ballet at McCaw Hall on November 29-December 28, or sing along with the delightful Ho Ho Ho! Seattle Men’s Chorus Holiday Show at multiple Puget Sound locations throughout December. The Seattle Symphony offers an entire program of holiday favorites, both classical and pop, at their annual Holiday Pops performance on December 6-8.
ASTONISHING DISPLAYS
From November 15 to January 19, Woodland Park Zoo’s WildLanterns invites visitors to experience an all-new, immersive “Mystical Forest” where illuminated creatures are found at every turn.
Seattle Center Winter Winterfest will kick off with a special “Ice Spectacle” demonstration on November 29 at the International Fountain. The five-week festival will showcase seasonal live performances at The Armory, a 19th-century winter train and village display, and a World Bazaar of rotating vendors selling gifts. Seattle Center Winterfest will conclude with an impressive fireworks and light show at the Space Needle on Dec. 31 during New Year’s At The Needle.
Downtown Seattle will get festivities underway at noon on Friday, Nov. 29, at Westlake Park with the Tree Lighting Celebration. Free ice skating is back at Occidental Square, December 13-15.
Across Lake Washington, find even more cheery displays at Garden d’Lights 2024 at the Bellevue Botanical Garden, starting November 30. This includes a unique “Hands-On Hanukkah” evening on Dec. 14, where the Stroum Jewish Community Center offers Hanukkah crafts and holiday fun for the whole family.
HOLIDAY HOTEL PACKAGES
The best way to enjoy a cozy holiday visit to Seattle is by taking advantage of one of the seasonal packages offered at select downtown hotels, including Hotel Ändra Seattle, the Fairmont Olympic Hotel, and Hyatt Regency Seattle. Holiday perks range from discounted rates and complimentary cocktails to event tickets and spa credits. Various hotels including
Another seasonal pop-up, The Elf Bar, will open at Astra Hotel Seattle December 4-22. This festive 90-minute experience invites guests of all ages to immerse themselves in the magic of the holiday season, filled with enchanting games, elf-themed food and drinks, and tons of festive décor.
Find more details on where to stay and what not to miss this holiday season at seattleholidays.com.
