The Ultimate 2025 Seattle Holiday Guide: The Best Events, Markets & Light Displays Around the Greater Seattle Area
The holiday season in Seattle has a charm unlike anywhere else. As someone who grew up celebrating the holidays throughout different parts of Washington, this time of year brings back so many warm memories—light displays glowing against evergreen trees, community festivals buzzing with excitement, and markets filled with local artisans and seasonal treats.
Whether you’re looking to start a new tradition or revisit a familiar favorite, this guide highlights the top 2025 holiday events happening across Greater Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Tacoma, and the Eastside.
Below is your full list of festive experiences—perfect for families, couples, friends, or anyone looking to soak in the magic of the season.
🎄 Top 2025 Holiday Events in the Greater Seattle Area
These annual celebrations bring communities together with music, lights, food, and family-friendly activities.
Holiday Magic at the Fair – Puyallup
When: Dec 5–23
Where: Washington State Fair Events Center
Enjoy dazzling light displays, ice skating, festive shopping, holiday treats, rides, and more—all in one place. It’s one of the most immersive holiday experiences in the region.
Christmas Ship Festival – Seattle
When: Now–Dec 23
Where: Lake Union
This iconic Seattle tradition features Argosy’s Christmas ships, complete with choir performances you can enjoy from the water or the shoreline.
Seattle Center Winterfest – Seattle
When: Now–Dec 31
Where: Seattle Center
Celebrate with live ice-sculpting, the classic Winterfest train, seasonal performances, festive décor, and holiday movies.
Snowflake Lane – Bellevue
When: Now–Dec 24
Where: Bellevue Way & Lincoln Square
A nightly spectacle featuring live drummers, dancers, snowfall, and holiday characters that bring downtown Bellevue to life.
Santa Photos & Festivities – Kirkland
When: Now–Dec 24
Where: The Village at Totem Lake
Perfect for families, couples, and even pets—this festive setup offers seasonal activities, treats, and photo sessions with Santa.
✨ Light Displays That Make Every Day a Winter Wonderland
WildLanterns at Woodland Park Zoo – Seattle
When: Now–Jan 18
Hundreds of illuminated lantern sculptures transform the zoo into a glowing, immersive experience filled with wildlife, nature, and holiday magic.
Garden d’Lights – Bellevue Botanical Garden
When: Now–Dec 31
Step into a sparkling botanical world where thousands of lights create vibrant floral displays.
Candy Cane Lane – Seattle
When: Now–Dec 24
A beloved Ravenna neighborhood tradition where homes transform into festive showcases of lights and decorations.
Point Defiance Zoo Lights – Tacoma
When: Now–Jan 4
One of the largest holiday light displays in the region—perfect for families and date nights.
Bonsai Solstice – Federal Way
When: Dec 13
Wander the Pacific Bonsai Museum illuminated for one special night under twinkling lights and winter skies.
Swanson Nursery – Seattle
When: Now–Jan 1
A cozy, festive outing with holiday décor, plants, gifts, and photo opportunities.
🎭 Holiday Performances in Seattle & the Eastside
Pacific Northwest Ballet’s The Nutcracker – Seattle
When: Now–Dec 28
A timeless holiday classic performed at McCaw Hall, perfect for an annual tradition.
The Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition – Pike Place Market
When: Dec 6
An energetic and joyful caroling event that brings the entire market to life.
Seattle Symphony Holiday Performances – Seattle
When: Dec 5–23
Enjoy seasonal concerts at Benaroya Hall ranging from classical to contemporary holiday favorites.
Kringle’s Inventionasium – Seattle
When: Now–Dec 24
An interactive holiday experience for kids and families filled with imaginative storytelling and hands-on fun.
Elf the Musical – Seattle
When: Now–Dec 28
A festive, laugh-filled production at 5th Avenue Theatre.
Seattle Men’s Chorus – Seattle, Everett, Tacoma
When: Through Dec 23
A joyful and high-energy holiday show featuring one of the largest LGBTQ+ choruses in the world.
🛍️ Holiday Markets to Find Local, Handmade Gifts
Seattle Christmas Market
When: Now–Dec 24
Where: Fisher Pavilion
Modeled after European Christmas markets, featuring food, drinks, vendors, and holiday entertainment.
Native Art Market – Seattle
When: Dec 20–21
Where: Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center
Featuring Native artists and makers with handcrafted goods, jewelry, art, and cultural pieces.
Urban Craft Uprising Winter Show – Seattle
When: Dec 6–7
Where: Seattle Center Exhibition Hall
Discover hundreds of local artisans offering handmade crafts, décor, gifts, and treats.
Novelty Hill Farm Market – Duvall
When: Now–Dec 14
Where: Novelty Hill Farm
A cozy outdoor market with farm goods and unique handmade gifts.
Holiday Art Market – Kirkland
When: Now–Dec 21
Where: KAC Gallery
Hosted at the KAC Gallery with local artists offering ceramics, prints, jewelry, and seasonal artwork.
🎁 Plan Your Perfect 2025 Holiday Season in Seattle
Whether you love outdoor light displays, festive markets, family activities, or classic performances, the Greater Seattle area has endless ways to celebrate the season. Use this guide to plan your outings, explore new neighborhoods, and create new memories throughout December.
If you’d like more local guides—restaurants, parks, neighborhoods, or community events—feel free to check back on the blog anytime.
Wishing you a warm, joyful, and memorable holiday season!
Meet Veronica Morss
As a Washington native, Kirkland expert, and award-winning agent, Veronica Morss brings unmatched local insight and a client-first mindset to every real estate transaction. With a proven track record in multimillion-dollar negotiations, she blends deep neighborhood knowledge with the latest marketing strategies to help buyers, sellers, and investors succeed across the competitive Greater Seattle market. Supported by eXp Realty’s global reach, Veronica combines hyper-local expertise with world-class resources to deliver exceptional results, especially within the luxury segment. Her commitment to creative solutions, cutting edge strategy, and white glove service makes her a trusted advisor throughout every stage of the real estate journey.
Veronica Morss, Real Estate Broker
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