This holiday season, Seattle is packing a yuletide punch with the return of more than a dozen beloved holiday events, including, for the first time, both Enchant and the Seattle Christmas Market. The Seattle Christmas Market offers a European-style holiday market in the heart of Seattle. Meanwhile, Enchant lights up T-Mobile Park with its breathtaking light maze and winter wonderland experience. Plus, cherished traditions such as Pike Place Market’s 29th Annual Magic in the Market and a host of cheery performances promise more festive things to do than ever before. Find the full lineup of holiday events on seattleholidays.com.
Festivals and Markets
Following its successful debut in 2023, the Seattle Christmas Market returns now through December 24. Throughout this celebration, the Seattle Christmas Market will feature over 80 vendors in the village marketplace at Fisher Pavilion and South Fountain Lawn, offering a curated selection of local and international artisan-crafted gifts, as well as delicious treats and hot drinks.
“We’re beyond thrilled to return to Seattle Center for year two,” said Malte Kluetz, CEO and Founder of the Seattle Christmas Market. “The warm welcome we received from the community last year has inspired us to expand with new activations, 20+ additional craft, food, and drink vendors, daily musical entertainment, and a 2024 Special Edition double-decker carousel, with unlimited free rides [with purchase of a ticket], as always.”
Making its grand return to the destination after a four-year hiatus, Enchant returns to T-Mobile Park now through December 29. Set in a magical world with an ice-skating trail, marketplace, and the “world’s largest Christmas light maze,” Enchant’s 2024 theme invites visitors to embark on a magical quest to save the holidays.
“We are thrilled for the opportunity to return to Seattle this year with a brand-new adventure. Our World’s Largest Christmas Light Maze, ‘Santa’s Magic Timepiece’, takes guests into the heart of a magical tale in which you are charged with recovering lost star fragments in the maze in order to save Christmas,” said Kevin Johnston, Founder of Enchant. “This year, we’ve added even more festive magic with our ice-skating trail, new Ferris Wheel experience, stunning photo-ops, visits with Santa, holiday party celebrations, seasonal food and drink, live entertainment, and so much more. We can’t wait to celebrate the season in this vibrant city that we’ve missed so much.”
The 29th Annual Magic in the Market has returned to Pike Place Market, decking out all nine acres with holiday spirit. Revel in the magic with cookie decorating, eggnog sipping, holiday shopping, and a chance to meet Santa.
Even more family fun awaits at Pike Place Market with Crafty’s Handmade HoliDAYS, December 16-20. Now in its third year, Crafty’s Handmade HoliDAYS festival fills the market with one-of-a-kind products and artsy experiences.
“This year marks the third annual Crafty’s Handmade HoliDAYS at Pike Place Market, a delightful week of kid-friendly arts, crafts, and live holiday music. It’s the perfect time to enjoy hands-on activities with your little ones while discovering unique gifts from our Handmade Craft Market,” said Madison Bristol, Marketing and Publications Relations Manager at Pike Place Market. “But the holiday magic doesn’t stop there. From our 29th Annual Magic in the Market lighting celebration, to free Santa photos, and the festive spirit of the Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition, the Market is bursting with joyful experiences throughout the season.”
Holiday Performances
Take in a timeless holiday show as ACT Theatre presents its production of “A Christmas Carol” for the 49th year. From now through December 27, the iconic tale will unfold on stage at the Allen Theatre, carrying on a beloved Seattle tradition.
Catch another classic with George Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker” by the Pacific Northwest Ballet at McCaw Hall, from now through December 28, or sing along with the delightful Ho Ho Ho! Seattle Men’s Chorus Holiday Show at multiple Puget Sound area locations through December 21.
The Seattle Symphony offers more jolly tunes at their annual Holiday Pops performance December 6-8. Conductor Anthony Parnther and pianist Chloe Flower join the orchestra for a full program of holiday favorites, both classical and pop.
Pike Place Market’s longest-running holiday tradition, the 39th Annual Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition, will take place during the day for the first time in the event’s history this year. On December 7 from 12-2:30 p.m., local caroling teams will sing to raise money for the Pike Market Senior Center and Food Bank.
Astonishing Displays
Running now through January 19, Woodland Park Zoo’s WildLanterns invites visitors to experience an all-new, immersive “Mystical Forest” where illuminated creatures are found at every turn.
For a mouth-wateringly sweet display, check out the Sheraton Grand Seattle’s Gingerbread Village Display made by architects, master builders, and chefs. The tasty tableau will be open and free to the public now through January 1 but donations are welcome, going to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.
Set sail during the Argosy Christmas Ship Festival, a Seattle tradition since 1949. Experience the festive cheer aboard an enchanting Argosy cruise as the ship and the city light up for the holidays now through December 23.
Seattle Center Winter Winterfest. This five-week festival will showcase seasonal live performances at The Armory, a 19th-century winter train and village display, and a World Bazaar of rotating vendors selling gifts. Seattle Center Winterfest will conclude with an impressive fireworks and light show at the Space Needle on December 31 during New Year’s At The Needle.
Downtown Seattle has festivities at Westlake Park. Enjoy music, lights, and face painting. Also back for a third year is free ice skating at Occidental Square. The pop-up rink is back December 13–15, and skaters of all ages and skill levels are invited.
Across lake Washington, find even more cheery displays at Garden d’Lights 2024 at the Bellevue Botanical Garden, now through December 31. This includes a special “Hands On Hanukkah” evening on December 14, where the Stroum Jewish Community Center offers Hanukkah crafts and holiday fun for the whole family.
Find more details on where to stay and what not to miss this holiday season at seattleholidays.com.
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