Seattle Holidays

Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship Festival Details

11/27/2026 – 12/23/2026

Lake Union

Seattle, WA, USA

Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship Festival

Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship™ Festival is a ship-to-shore holiday celebration that has been a Northwest tradition since 1949. The Spirit of Seattle™, the Official Christmas Ship™, is decorated with hundreds of shimmery white lights and sails to different Puget Sound waterfront communities – around 40 in all. Choirs on board the Christmas Ship™ perform to guests aboard, to follow boats, and to communities gathered on shore.

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George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® with Pacific Northwest Ballet Details

11/27/2026 – 12/27/2026

McCaw Hall

Mercer Street, Seattle, WA, USA

George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® with Pacific Northwest Ballet

George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® has been an integral part of Pacific Northwest holiday celebrations for over a decade. This magical, candy-filled adventure is ready to complete your annual traditions with friends and family! We’ll whisk you from our sparkling lobby to your comfortable seats, where you’ll enjoy Sugar Plum-perfect dance performances, the magnificence of the PNB Orchestra, spectacular sets and costumes, and holiday cheer around every corner.

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Magic in the Market Details

11/28/2026 – 11/28/2026

Pike Place Market

Seattle, WA, USA

Magic in the Market

Celebrate the season at Pike Place Market’s 31st Annual Magic in the Market! Bring your family, friends, and neighbors to experience one of Seattle’s most beloved holiday traditions. From twinkling lights to festive music, the Market transforms into a winter wonderland filled with holiday cheer, seasonal shopping, and activities for all ages.

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Seattle Center Winterfest Details

International Fountain lit up for Seattle Center Winterfest

11/20/2026 – 12/27/2026

305 Harrison St

Seattle, WA 98109, USA

Seattle Center Winterfest

Connect to a world of sparkling lights, amusements and spirited entertainment at Seattle Center Winterfest, presented by Symetra, Nov. 27 – Dec. 31, 2026 happening in-person on our grounds. Throughout the five weeks of Winterfest, those in search of uplifting seasonal spirit or delightful diversion will find seasonal decor, ice sculpting, our Winter Train & Village, weekend entertainment on the Armory Stage, and a New Year’s Eve Celebration.

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Seattle Christmas Market Details

11/20/2026 – 12/27/2026

Fisher Pavilion

Harrison Street, Seattle, WA, USA

Seattle Christmas Market

According to centuries-old tradition, many German towns host Christmas Markets in December; each one is unique, featuring local artisans and festive regional refreshments. Residents take the opportunity to enjoy each other’s company, sample local delicacies, shop for gifts, and share holiday cheer. The Seattle Christmas Market aspires to bring this festive Old-World tradition to Seattle. Our Market combines colorful décor, authentic gifts, enticing food and drinks, and family entertainment, creating the perfect atmosphere for celebrating Christmas.

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New Year’s at the Needle Details

12/31/2025 – 12/31/2025

400 Broad St

Seattle, WA 98109, USA

New Year’s at the Needle

Watch the largest structurally launched fireworks and light display in North America at Seattle Center, or see the Space Needle light up from your favorite viewing spot around Seattle.

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WildLanterns Details

11/13/2026 – 01/17/2027

5500 Phinney Ave N

Seattle, WA 98103, USA

WildLanterns

WildLanterns presented by BECU returns to Woodland Park Zoo this November with an all-new, immersive, wild wonder that promises a magical holiday experience for all!

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A Christmas Carol Details

11/27/2026 – 12/27/2026

ACT Theatre

Union Street, Seattle, WA, USA

A Christmas Carol

Seattle’s favorite holiday tradition turns 51 with a season of celebration! Gather with your family and friends for a haunting Christmas Eve tale. Watch Ebenezer Scrooge get spirited away by three ghosts for a transformative journey through his past, present, and future in Charles Dickens’s story of hope and redemption. Whether it’s for the first time or the 51st, you’re invited to experience the magic of this timeless tale.

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Straight No Chaser: Making Spirits Bright Tour

Renowned nine-member a cappella group known for its festive holiday performances, blending flawless harmonies, humor, and seasonal favorites. Their annual holiday tour features beloved Christmas classics and fan-favorite hits, making them a longtime holiday tradition for audiences across the country.

32nd Annual Sheraton Grand Seattle Gingerbread Village

For 32 years, the Sheraton Grand Seattle has brought extra joy to the holidays with Gingerbread Village, benefitting type 1 diabetes research. Top local architecture firms, along with Sheraton chefs and Breakthrough T1D Elves, craft magnificent 6ft tall gingerbread structures sure to make the season that much sweeter!

Sanctuary Thanksgiving Grand Buffet & Holiday Market

A celebration of taste, tradition, and togetherness, our Thanksgiving Grand Buffet & Holiday Market invites you to indulge in a lavish feast including a carving station with turkey and prime rib, honey–glazed ham, herb-roasted salmon, mac & cheese, cornbread stuffing, seasonal sides, artisan cheese and charcuterie, and a beautifully curated dessert display filled with handcrafted sweets.

Elf in Concert with the Seattle Symphony

Buddy the elf travels to New York, in full elf uniform, in search of his real father. Now experience this holiday adventure with a live symphony orchestra: Elf in Concert! Disclaimer: This film is rated PG for some mild rude humor and language. Children between 5–12 years of age are welcome at all performances with the accompaniment of an adult. All children must have tickets. Limit 4 tickets per household.

Winter Bonsai Solstice

On December 12, join us for a dreamy night to remember as Pacific Bonsai Museum illuminates its world-renowned collection with soft holiday lights for its annual Winter Bonsai Solstice. Come for an evening stroll between 4 and 7pm to take in beautiful bonsai twinkling in an array of lights, and then stay to shop for goodies at our gift shop, sip FREE hot chocolate, and listen to fun holiday favorites. This is a family-friendly tradition that warmly embraces the generous spirit of the holidays. Suggested donation: $12 for adults. No reservations or advance tickets are needed.

Ensign Symphony & Chorus presents The Spirit of Christmas

Children anticipate Christmas with expectations of shiny gifts full of toys. But the deepest joy of the season comes as we remember God’s greatest gift to the world and follow His example of love by serving and giving to others. Many carols through the ages have expressed this truth with familiar tunes like “Good King Wenceslas” whose reign exemplified service and sacrifice, “We Three Kings” whose gifts honored the newborn King, and many others.

Open Rehearsal with Conductor Jean-Sébastien Vallée

Join guest conductor Jean-Sébastien Vallée and the Seattle Symphony for an Open Rehearsal in preparation for our performances of Handel's Messiah. Vallée's acclaimed take on Handel's Messiah includes hand-picked soloists and the grand inclusion of the Watjen Concert Organ, promising a thrilling, theatrical experience of this well-loved piece. Symphony supporters are invited to go behind the scenes with the orchestra at Open Rehearsals throughout the season. At these popular events, you’ll enjoy an insider’s view of a working rehearsal and witness the unique interplay between conductor and musicians that goes into each breathtaking performance.

The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show

The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show is a festive comedy and drag spectacular starring BenDeLaCreme and Jinkx Monsoon, featuring campy holiday storytelling, original songs, dazzling costumes, and over-the-top performances. Blending humor, heart, and holiday cheer, the annual show has become a beloved celebration of community and the season.

New Year’s Eve with Storm Large and Jimmie Herrod

Head to Benaroya Hall for a special New Year’s Eve celebration with the Seattle Symphony! The inimitable songstress Storm Large and America’s Got Talent star Jimmie Herrod, both frequent Pink Martini collaborators, join the orchestra for a sensational show. The party continues with dancing, champagne and revelry in the Samuel & Althea Stroum Grand Lobby as we count down to midnight in style.

ONE MAGICAL SEASON. ONE MAGICAL CITY.

But wait: there’s more…