How Seattle Does The Holidays

The holiday season in Seattle brings out the best of the city in a number of ways. Joyous and vibrant holiday markets pop up throughout town, making your gift shopping an experience to remember. Magnificent Christmas light spectacles manifest in the forms of boat parades, and outdoor festivals throughout the month. 

For travelers coming to Seattle this December, we recommend getting in touch with the seasonal spirit, and having a look at these examples of how Seattle does the holidays. 

Lumaze: Lost in Lights

November 29-January 4th

There are few Seattle holiday events as spectacular and family friendly as this Lost In Lights interactive experience. A true winter wonderland, the immersive attraction will run throughout the month of December and welcome families to enjoy light gardens, illuminated structures and installations, festive drinks, and over a million Christmas lights. 

Once you’ve explored all of the larger-than-life holiday displays, and enjoyed some eats prepared by prized Seattle chefs, take some time to explore the vendor market. There, you can score some holiday gifts from over thirty local artisans, and businesses. The Lost in Lights attraction will also have photo opportunities, LED swings and hopscotch, as well as live music from acclaimed groups. 

Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91. Seattle, WA 

Holiday Market at Westlake Park

December 6th-22nd

Every weekend, Thanksgiving through Christmas in Seattle, the Holiday Market at Westlake Park creates a festive German Christmas market-inspired atmosphere for shoppers and travelers. Urban Craft Uprising is teaming up with the Downtown Seattle Association to put on the weekly pop-up, which includes goods from local, artisanal vendors. 

When you come to the Holiday Market at Westlake Park, you can sip on hot chocolate, nibble on food truck bites from beloved local vendors, and explore a wide variety of gifts. Whether it’s a scarf knitted by a local Seattle fashionista, or some pottery that will fit perfectly in your loved one’s living room—the Westlake Park Market promises to have surprising, and satisfying finds. 

Westlake Park. Seattle, WA 

Christmas Ship Parade of Boats

Whether you grab a ticket on one of the boats, or head to the shores of Lake Union, the spectacle of the Christmas Ship Parade of Boats in Seattle is a can’t-miss. This will be the fifth annual installment of the beloved tradition, and it will surely be a night to remember. On Friday, December 13th, the first performance from The Dickens Carolers will take place in the middle of Lake Union at 7:20pm. Following, there will be a “rolling show” in the Fremont Cut at 8:10pm. 

The Dickens Carolers choir is a well-known and beloved Victorian-era singing group based in the city of Seattle. Their performance on the water is unique and unforgettable, and the historic garb they wear in combination with the holiday songs creates this beautiful Christmas Carol vibe that’s utterly romantic. 

Christmas Ship Parade of Boats. 1116 17th Ave E. 

Seattle Holiday Lights & Lore Tour

December 30th

One of the best ways to get in the holiday spirit as a traveler visiting a city, is to go around and get a look at the most majestic and ambitious Christmas light displays. This experience will take place after the Christmas holiday, and is organized by well-reviewed group Tours Northwest. The two-hour Seattle Holiday Lights & Lore Tour takes visitors through the history of Seattle’s most prized holiday traditions. 

The tour goes through Seattle’s most well-known neighborhoods, showing off the best holiday light displays, as well as any other attractions particular to the holiday season. The tour providers recommend bringing a hot cocoa on board the warm mini coach before checking out areas like Downtown Seattle, Candy Cane Lane, and other favorite spots. 

Seattle Holiday Lights & Lore Tour. Seattle, WA 

Discover More of Seattle

Explore the Emerald City with our insider’s guide online. Find our recommendations for the best Seattle experiences on the Pan Pacific blog!