From seeing Santa scuba diving to riding the Holiday Carousel and running in a Jingle Bell 5K Run for charity, Seattle has no shortage of holiday celebrations for the whole family. No matter what holiday you celebrate, Seattle has something for everyone.
Here are our top 7 best holiday celebrations in Seattle this year
1. Winterfest
Winterfest is one of the largest holiday celebrations in Seattle and includes five weeks of live music and activities. You can skate around the Winterfest Ice Rink, see a comedy show, and check out the ice sculptures outside the Fisher Pavilion.
2. Gingerbread Village
Visit the lobby of the Sheraton Seattle hotel to see a custom, homemade Gingerbread Village. This is the 23rd year where local architects join the Sheraton’s culinary team to design and bake intricate gingerbread creations. This year the village will be inspired by scenes from Star Wars. You can see the Gingerbread Village any time between November 22nd and January 1st. Although it is free to check out, there is a suggested donation of $5, which goes to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Northwest Chapter.
3. The Dickens Carolers
Go the Seattle Center Armory on December 24th from 12:30pm to 1:30pm to hear The Dickens Carolers perform some classic seasonal music. The Dickens Carolers have been singing since 1978 and are known for their Victorian costumes. Note that this event is free!
4. Westlake Center Tree Lighting
If you’re in Seattle for the holiday season, this is one of the largest annual events and even Santa will be there. Head to Westlake Center to see the main holiday tree lighting of the year. Music and dance performances begin at 4pm and the tree lighting is at 5pm.
5. Holiday Carousel
Take the whole family on a ride on the Holiday Carousel, which is presented by IKEA, in Westlake Park. Proceeds from riding the carousel go to a local Seattle charity called Treehouse, which provides foster children with toys and school supplies. Visit between November 25th and January 2nd. The carousel is generally running Sunday through Thursday from 11am to 8pm and Friday and Saturdays from 11am to 9pm.
6. Santa at the Aquarium
Visit Seattle Aquarium on weekends between November 26th and December 24th to see Santa scuba diving! Along with live holiday music, your kids can also do a meet and greet with several animals and go to story time with Santa. The event is at 12 and 3 pm and is free with admission or a Seattle Aquarium membership.
7. Jingle Bell Run
Support the Arthritis Foundation on Sunday, December 11th by running or walking the 2016 Jingle Bell Run 5K! Form a team and start designing your holiday costumes and ugly Christmas sweaters. You will also receive a 2016 Snowflake Medal.
This article was written by Colleen Regan.
Hero image credit: Aaron Hockley/Flickr.