22 things to do in & around Seattle this December

December is here and ’tis the season of festive holiday events! From extravagant light displays to Santa-themed pub crawls, here are all the best things to do in and around Seattle this December.

Hit Musical: Wicked

A giant hit on Broadway and winner of multiple awards, Wicked tells the story of the good and evil witches from The Wizard of Oz. Maybe it’s time to hear the other side of the story. If you don’t want to catch it at the movies, here’s a chance to catch it live!

When: Wednesday, November 6th to Sunday, December 1st, 2024
Where: Paramount Theatre, 911 Pine St
Cost: $79+

Geek Craft Expo

Looking for the perfect present for your fellow nerds? GeekCraft Expo Seattle Holiday Market is the place to find “gifts for the geeks on your holiday shopping list” with handmade items from over 120 vendors.

When: Sunday, December 1st, 2024
Where: Magnuson Park, Hangar 30, 6310 NE 74th St.
Cost: $5.25

Sponsored Pick: Enchant Christmas

The perfect holiday night out does exist. Wander through a magical maze in search of Santa’s reindeer, glide across the ice-skating rink, or shop the Christmas market complete with food, music, Santa, and photo ops. Check the calendar for themed days and kids 3 and younger get in free.

When: Friday, November 22nd to Sunday, December 29th, 2024
Where: T-Mobile Park, 1250 1st Ave. S
Cost: Varies

Native Art Market

Shop for unique gifts and support local makers and artisans. This annual market features fine art, native crafts, jewelry, smoked salmon, and other handmade goods.

When: Sunday, December 1st, 2024
Where: Duwamish Longhouse, 4705 W Marginal Way SW
Cost: Free to attend

Sponsored pick: Kringle’s Inventionasium

Kringle’s Inventionasium invites families to let their imaginations run wild in the magical world of Mr. Kringle’s top-secret toy lab, where only the most exceptional dreamers are handpicked to create toys! This immersive experience is packed with hands-on activities, quirky characters, and a special visit with Mr. Kringle himself! The process of designing and engineering their puppet is a STEM accredited experience, making Kringle’s Inventionasium the perfect educational holiday outing.

When: November 30 through December 23, 2024
Where: LIT Immersive, 1000 First Ave South
Cost: Start at $44; includes Invent-a-Toy kit & Souvenir certificate per child, private Mr. Kringle visit, 2 digital images, and unlimited snapshots with your personal camera. Upgraded experiences include fully personalized visits with Mr. Kringle, special gifts, more complimentary digital images, and a private Inventionasium® adventure for the ultimate family experience.

Ballard Cocktail Trail

Get in the holiday spirit by tasting unique hand-crafted cocktails at pop-up lounges inside select Ballard boutiques. Each event ticket purchased includes 10 tasting tickets, get your tickets online before Thursday, December 5th!

When: Friday, December 6th, 2024 (6 to 9 p.m.)
Where: Check-in at Umpqua Bank, 5512 22nd Ave NW
Cost: $50

Twinkle Twinkle

It’s the most winter-ful time of the year! Stay cozy by the fire, roast a s’mores, listen to live carolers that are sure to get you in the winter spirit on at Twinkle Twinkle. Featuring a dance party with MiniBreaks break dancers and songs from The Dickens Carolers.

When: Friday, December 6th, 2024
Where:  Seneca Plaza, 600 Seneca St
Cost: Free to attend

Glows

This free community festival has something for everyone! Enjoy a night of light-themed costumes, live music, tree lighting, art exhibits, and a market at this outdoor West Seattle event.

When: Saturday, December 7th, 2024
Where: Junction Plaza Park, 4545 42nd Ave. SW
Cost: Free to attend

Santa Con

Pub crawl, but make it Christmas! Dress up in your holiday best and join hundreds of fellow Santas as you parade between bars in downtown Seattle. Drink, eat, dance, and be merry!

When: Saturdays, December 7th to Sunday, December 21st, 2024
Where: Various bars in Downtown Seattle
Cost: $7.50+

Christmas Boat Parade

This timeless Seattle tradition will take to the water for another year! Watch brightly decorated boats convene in Lake Union and promenade west through the Fremont Cut. The parade is also completely free, so get a good spot along the route and settle in for some magical lights.

When: Friday, December 13th, 2024
Where: South Lake Union to the Fremont Bridge
Cost: Free to attend

Cool Yule

Celebrate the holidays in style. This festive party features live music performed by an impressive band accompanying Seattle’s premier vocal jazz ensemble.

When: Saturday, December 14th, 2024
Where: Woodlawn Hall, 7400 Woodlawn Ave. NE
Cost: $26+

Winter Beer Fest

Sample the best holiday sips from 40 of Washington’s best breweries. This long-running festival brings holiday charm in spades with seasonal beers, live entertainment, and an epic booth decoration contest.

When: Friday, December 20th to Saturday, December 21st, 2024
Where: Victory Hall at The Boxyard, 1201 1st Ave. S
Cost: $60+

Festival of Lessons & Carols

Enjoy an evening of culture and music with the talented Northwest Boychoir presenting the story of the Nativity through reading, choral setting, and audience carols.

When: Monday, December 23rd, 2024
Where: Benaroya Hall, 200 University St
Cost: $30+

Land of Sweets

It’s the Nutcracker but with a burlesque twist. Experience the tale in a new light with live jazz, stunning choreography, and dancers in opulent (if sometimes scant) costumes.

When: Wednesday, December 11th to Sunday, December 29th, 2024
Where: The Triple Door, 216 Union St.
Cost: $65+

Astra Lumina

Come visit the Seattle Chinese Garden and see it transformed by celestial light. Follow the illuminated pathway and discover dazzling displays, astral song, and cosmic-inspired visions. It’s a mesmerizing dance of lighting, projection, and sound – it truly feels like “a visit from the stars!”

When: Thursdays to Sundays from October 17th until December 15th, 2024
Where: Seattle Chinese Garden, 16th Ave SW
Cost: Time entry tickets start at $29

Seattle Christmas Market

The Seattle Christmas Market is a magical Christmas experience with seasonal décor, tasty food, and drinks like beer and mulled wine, alongside a sprawling market featuring artisan vendors. And that’s just scratching the surface!

When: Thursday, November 21st to Tuesday, December 24th, 2024
Where: 305 Harrison St.
Cost: $15+

A Christmas Carol

It’s a classic for a reason! A Christmas Carol is Charles Dickens’ holiday tale about the amazing transformation of miserly Scrooge. See the live performance for yourself and get into the Christmas spirit.

When: Friday, November 29th to Friday, December 27th, 2024
Where: Allen Theatre, 700 Union St.
Cost: $76+

The Nutcracker

Pacific Northwest Ballet will be performing The Nutcracker by George Balanchine this festive season. Enjoy this iconic ballet with music from a live orchestra, magnificent sets and costumes, and a hugely talented cast!

When: Friday, November 29th to Saturday, December 28th
Where: 321 Mercer St.
Cost: $29+

Winterfest

Enjoy five weeks of festive programming at Seattle Center Winterfest. Throughout Winterfest, you’ll find seasonal decor, our Winter Train & Village, weekend entertainment on the Armory Stage, and a New Year’s Eve Celebration.

When: Friday, November 29th to Tuesday, December 31st, 2024
Where: 305 Harrison St.
Cost: Free to attend

Gingerbread Village

A gingerbread village? What could be cuter?! Check out incredible (and often edible) gingerbread displays at this annual event benefitting type 1 diabetes research.

When: Sunday, December 1st, 2024 to Wednesday, January 1st, 2025
Where: Sheraton Grand Seattle, 1400 6th Ave.
Cost: Free to attend

Wonderland Cabaret

Wonderland is a whimsical winter cabaret and burlesque show that promises “a glittering parade of nostalgia, exploding with dance, laughter, and all the cheer of yesteryear” at Can Can Culinary Cabaret. It’s definitely not your grandma’s Christmas theatre experience!

When: Thursday, November 21st, 2024 to Sunday, January 5th, 2025
Where: 95 Pine St.
Cost: $69+

WildLanterns

It’s a whole new way to experience the Zoo! WildLanterns features stunning larger-than-life animal and nature lanterns like bugs, lions, pandas, parrots, and dragons. Wander through the display, get some snacks, and check out the live performance in the entrance building.

When: Friday, November 15th, 2024 to Sunday, January 19th, 2025
Where: 5500 Phinney Ave. N
Cost: $49+

There are all the best things to do in and around Seattle this December, have a fantastic holiday season!

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