Drawing day
December 1, 2018
2 miles NE
Get creative with drawing materials, open studios, live models, live music, and food trucks at family-friendly Drawing Jam at Gage Academy of Art.
Seattle events December 2018
Beer festival
December 1, 2018
7 miles NE
A ticket to Winter Beer Fest includes eight five-ounce samples from 50 Washington breweries, a ballot to vote for your favorites, and food truck cuisine for sale at Hangar 30 in Magnuson Park for age 21+.
Scandinavian Christmas
December 1, 2018
22 miles NW via Bainbridge ferry
Jule Fest has a Scandinavian bazaar of arts and crafts, folk dancing, Vikings, a Christmas tree lighting, Lucia bride, bonfire, and Santa Claus in Poulsbo. Free.
Tour artists’ studios
December 1 - 2, 2018
Seattle locations
Shop from 26 artists at 8 studios who make clothing, jewelry, glass, ceramics, prints, and more on Seattle Sampling Artists’ Studio Tour. Free.
Christmas tree festival
December 1 - 2, 2018
0.5 mile south
View 21 designer trees in the lobby and driveway of the Fairmont Olympic Hotel during the annual Festival of Trees charity event. See schedule for gala, family celebration, and teddy bear suite. Free to view.
Craft show
December 1 - 2, 2018
1 mile NW
Shop for hand-crafted clothing, jewelry, toys, stationery, art, candles, housewares, and food at Urban Craft Uprising Winter Show in the Exhibition Hall at Seattle Center. Repeats in June.
Phinney winter festival
December 1 - 2, 2018
5 miles north
The Winter Festival & Crafts Fair has 120 arts and crafts vendors, musicians and dancers, and lunch and baked goods at Phinney Center. Children age 12 and younger are free.
Holiday night in Redmond
December 1 - 2, 2018
15 miles NE
Redmond Lights at city hall has an afternoon holiday market, a tree lighting at 5 p.m., and fireworks at 6 p.m. Any time after 5 p.m., follow the trail of lanterns from city hall past choirs and performers to Redmond Town Center for entertainment until 8 p.m. Free.
Victorian Christmas market
December 1 - 2, 2018
36 miles south
A Victorian Country Christmas has 500 booths with vendors in Victorian costumes selling art, jewelry, decorations, clothing, and toys at the Washington State Fair Events Center in Puyallup. Free parking.
Christmas tree lighting
December 1 & 7, 2018
multiple locations
See a free tree-lighting ceremony, usually with music.
- Dec. 7 - Mercer Island at Mercerdale Park
- Dec. 7 - Mountlake Terrace at Evergreen Playfield
- Dec. 7 - Sammamish at city hall
- Dec. 7 - University Place in Market Square
Christmas concert
December 1 - 8, 2018
Seattle and Tacoma
A PLU Christmas features the choir, chorale, and orchestra of Pacific Lutheran University, performed at Benaroya Hall in Seattle (Dec. 3) and PLU in Tacoma (Dec. 1, 2, 7, 8). Usually sells out.
Twilight Zone theater
December 1 - 15, 2018 (SOLD OUT)
0.3 mile NW
Watch four episodes of Rod Serling’s sci-fi TV show live onstage when Theater Schmeater presents The Twilight Zone: Live! in Belltown. Usually sells out early.
Christmas improv
December 1 - 23, 2018
0.4 miles SW
Audience suggestions add funny twists to the story of Ebenezer Scrooge and Tiny Tim at An Improvised Christmas Carol by Unexpected Productions at Pike Place Market.
Tibet marketplace
December 2, 2018 (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
6.3 miles north
The Holiday Sale of Handicrafts and Baked Treats features Himalayan crafts (statues, prayer flags, incense, art prints, books, music, prayer beads, jewelry, calendars, clothing), Tibetan tea, and a noon tour of Sakya Monastery in Greenwood. Free.
Pet friendly run/walk
December 2, 2018 (9:15 a.m.)
16.2 miles SE
Join the K9 Candy Cane 5K Fun Run and Walk from Renton Community Center along the beautiful Cedar River Trail, either with or without a leashed dog.
Technology party
December 6, 2018 (7 to 11 p.m.)
0.3 miles SW
Wear anything from a T-shirt to a tuxedo to GeekWire Gala and “see familiar faces, make new friends, and enjoy an evening of conversation, tasty treats, and festive cocktails with great music” at The Showbox for age 21+.
Caroling at Westlake
December 7, 2018
0 miles
Hear dozens of caroling teams sing outside Westlake Center, and then vote for your favorite at Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition, or register a team.
Beer festival
December 7 - 8, 2018
7.3 miles NE
A ticket to the inaugural Winter Solstice Beer Fest includes eight tasting tokens (4 ounces each) and a tasting cup so you can sample from 30 breweries in Hangar 30 at Magnuson Park, with live music for age 21+. Access to food and vendors is free for all ages.
Evening street fair
December 7 - 8, 2018
7.3 miles NE
Family-friendly Winter Solstice Night Market has street food, art vendors, and live music at Hangar 30 in Magnuson Park. Held in June and December. Donation.
Holiday concert
December 8, 2018 (2 p.m.)
0.5 miles south
Holiday Pops features the Seattle Symphony, vocalists, and University of Washington Chorale, at Benaroya Hall.
Cookie sale
December 8, 2018 (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
1.1 miles NW
Shop for holiday treats at CookieFest at Seattle Center’s Armory Loft (Food Circus top floor). Free.
Green Lake lights
December 8, 2018 (4:30 to 7:30 p.m.)
4.5 miles north
Take a walk following glowing luminaries on the Green Lake Pathway of Lights, which includes live music at four locations, rain or snow or stars. Free.
Affordable art show
December 8, 2018 (2 p.m., VIP 1 p.m.)
4.8 miles south
Art Under $100 features 70 artists, free crafts, DJ music, and food trucks at Seattle Design Center. Free unless you pay to go an hour early.
Charles Dickens festival
December 8, 2018
35 miles south
Dickens Festival at Stadium has characters in Victorian costumes, puppet shows, dressed up dogs, music, drums, and dancers in Tacoma’s Stadium District. Also visit Victorian Holiday Festival at the botanical conservatory via horse carriage rides.
Nutcracker Ballet - north end
December 8 - 9, 2018
16 miles NE
Emerald Ballet Theatre performs The Nutcracker with new sets and a live orchestra in Bothell at Northshore Performing Arts Center on Saturdays and Sundays.
Jingle Bell run - Seattle
December 9, 2018
0 miles
Wear a costume or tie on bells for the morning Jingle Bell Run 12K, 5K, 1 mile, or 1K kids’ run at Westlake Center. Walkers welcome. Cost for dogs.
Dog holidays
December 9, 2018 (12 to 3 p.m.)
1 mile south
Bring your four-legged friend in costume to Pioneer Square Howlidays for dog treats, a pop-up dog park, carolers, cocoa, and a costume contest at noon at Occidental Park.
Seattle jazz
December 9, 2018
1.5 miles NW
Hear the entire score of the holiday classic A Charlie Brown Christmas at Cornish Playhouse at the Seattle Center. The evening performance has cocktails for sale beginning at 6 p.m.
Holiday exchange
December 9, 2018 (4 to 6 p.m.)
6.5 miles NW
No money changes hands at the Barter Fair & Holiday Party. Instead, bring things you cooked, made, or do as a service to trade. There will be food, drinks and music at Sunset Hill Community Club in Ballard. Free.
Live radio show
December 11, 2018 at 8 p.m. (pre-show 7:30 p.m.)
0.8 miles east
Performed live onstage as a radio production, A Very KIRO Christmas is a lighthearted parody of Hallmark’s holiday movies featuring a big-city mom trying to save her small Northwest hometown when the biggest employer pulls out, at Seattle First Baptist Church on First Hill. Cookie reception afterward.
Rock concert
December 11, 2018
1.4 miles south
Deck the Hall Ball is an annual marathon concert that features popular bands at WAMU Theater, run by Seattle radio station KNDD 107.7 FM or “The End.”
Appalachian Christmas music
December 13, 2018
0.5 miles west
An Appalachian Christmas features violinist and composer Mark O’Connor and his family playing Appalachian music at the Moore Theatre.
CityClub lunch
December 14, 2018 (12 to 1:30 p.m.)
0.6 mile west
Hear local leaders discuss current events at Seattle CityClub’s Annual Year in Review at the Seattle Marriott Waterfront.
Boat parade
December 14. 2018 (7 to 9:30 p.m.)
3.6 miles north
The 65 lit and decorated boats in the Christmas Ship Parade of Boats Night begin passing through the Fremont Cut about 8:30 p.m. Free to watch onshore.
Santa Train
December 14, 2018
36 miles east
The Northwest Railway Museum runs a popular 20-minute Santa Train from North Bend to the Snoqualmie Depot for cookies and a visit with Santa.
Handel’s Messiah
December 14 - 16, 2018
Seattle & Everett
Hearing Handel’s Messiah is a holiday tradition.
- Dec. 14 - 16 Seattle Symphony & Chorale at Benaroya Hall
- Dec. 15 - Orchestra Seattle in Seattle.
- Dec. 16 - Orchestra Seattle in Everett.
Bavarian Christmas
December 14 - 16, 2018
117 miles east
Enjoy Christmas lights twinkling on snow, roasted chestnuts, sleigh rides, and caroling at the annual Christmas Lighting Festival. See the lights on Fri., Sat., Sun. Lighting ceremony is 4:30 p.m. Sat. & Sun.
Celtic Christmas
December 14 - 18, 2018
multiple cities
Celtic Yuletide is Irish music, dance, storytelling, juggling, and songs performed by Magical Strings, with shows in Kingston, Kent, Leavenworth, Tacoma, Seattle, Mt. Vernon, and Bellevue.
Christmas ships parade
December 14 - 23, 2018
Lake Washington & Puget Sound
Ride onboard with the choir, or listen from shore during the Christmas Ship Festival.
Traditional carols
December 14 - 23, 2018
Seattle & Lynnwood
A Festival of Lessons & Carols presents the story of the Nativity, with readings and carols sung by Northwest Boychoir & Vocalpoint in multiple locations.
Reindeer & Santa
December 14 - 23, 2018
14 miles east
Visit Cougar Mountain Zoo when it’s decorated like the North Pole to welcome Santa with his reindeer and sleigh during the Issaquah Reindeer Festival [sound].
Nutcracker Ballet - north end
December 14 - 23, 2018
Everett & Edmonds
Olympic Ballet Theatre performs The Nutcracker, including shorter children’s versions on two days.
- Dec. 13 - 16 at Edmonds Center for the Arts
- Dec. 21 - 23 at Everett Performing Arts Center
Christmas plays
December 14 - 24, 2018
5.3 miles north
- Dec. 14 to 22 - It’s a Wonderful Life is an inspiring classic about how much a life matters in Renton.
- Dec. 14 to 23 - Twist of the Magi is a comedy staged as a 1940s radio broadcast in Edmonds.>
- Dec. 15 to 24 - Christmastown: A Holiday Noir is an adult detective comedy at Bathhouse Theater.
Reindeer & model train
December 14 - 24, 2018
7 miles NW
Visit live reindeer and watch a model train circle a winter landscape during the Reindeer Festival at Swansons Nursery. To watch a presentation about the reindeer, see “Santa’s Reindeer” on the web page. Free.
Bellevue street show
December 14 - 24, 2018 (7 p.m.)
10 miles east
Enjoy a 20-minute show of lights, music, falling snow, young dancers, and drummers in uniform on Snowflake Lane (Bellevue Way between N.E. 4th & N.E. 8th). Arrive early for the best view. Free.
Christmas play
December 14 - 28, 2018
0.3 miles east
A Christmas Carol is Charles Dickens’ holiday classic about the amazing transformation of miserly Scrooge at ACT Theatre.
Holiday tea
December 14 - 23 and 26 - 30, 2018
0.8 miles SE
Make a reservation at 206-693-3767 for the cozy Holiday Tea in the Fireside Room at the Sorrento Hotel. Scroll up their page to see the entertainment scheduled on some days.
Christmas lights - Bellevue
December 14 - 30, 2018
11 miles east
Enjoy zillions of colorful lights and displays at Garden d’Lights in Bellevue Botanical Garden from 4:30 to 9 p.m. every night. Expect a line on free nights, which are November 24 to 29.
Christmas lights - Wild Waves
December 14 - 30, 2018
25 miles south
See colorful displays with a million lights, and go on rides at Holiday with Lights in Federal Way. Hours.
Seattle attractions
December 14 - 31, 2018
multiple locations
These discount prices include all taxes and fees.
- Space Needle + Aquarium + Harbor Cruise + more
- Automobile museum in south Tacoma
- Kayak/paddleboard rental in Ballard (2 hours)
Gingerbread art
December 14, 2018 - Jan. 1, 2019
0.2 miles SE
See elaborate displays made mostly of food at the Gingerbread Village at Sheraton Seattle Hotel, where it returns after being at City Centre last year. See hours. Closed Dec. 25. Free.
Christmas lights - Seattle zoo
December 14, 2018 - Jan. 5, 2019
5 miles north
WildLights has 600,000 lights in animal shapes, real reindeer, night animals, carolers, and Santa some nights at Woodland Park Zoo. Closed Dec. 12, 24, 25.
Winter at Seattle Center
December 14, 2018 - Jan. 6, 2019
1 mile NW
Enjoy holiday lights, skating at Fisher Pavilion (cost), folk dancers, carolers, dancers, ice sculptors, model trains, and entertainment during Winterfest at the Seattle Center. See schedule. Closed Dec. 25. Free.
Christmas lights - Tacoma zoo
Dec. 14, 2018 - Jan. 6, 2019 (5 to 9 p.m.)
40 miles south
Bundle up to admire half a million holiday lights and displays at Zoolights in Tacoma’s Point Defiance Zoo from 5 to 9 p.m. Closed Dec. 24.
Santa bar crawl
December 15, 2018 (noon)
0.3 miles SE
Wear a Santa suit or a holiday costume to SantaCon, which begins at Westlake Park and then heads to city bars until closing time. Bring cash for faster lines. Drinking on streets and sidewalks is illegal.
Santa Lunch Cruise
December 15, 2018
4 miles north
Santa Lunch Cruise includes two hours of views on Lake Union and Lake Washington, a lunch buffet, kids’ activities, and a visit from Santa, departing from Waterways Cruises on north Lake Union.
Short Nutcracker
December 15, 2018
Ballard & Shoreline
Nutcracker Sweets is a one-hour version of the classic ballet featuring ”beautiful music, gorgeous costumes, and exciting dancing” by students and professionals in Ballard (Dec. 7 to 9, sold out) and Shoreline (Dec. 15).
Biblical musical
December 15, 2018 (7:30 p.m.)
7.3 miles NE
The Broadway musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat by Andrew Lloyd Webber puts a colorful twist on the Old Testament at Seattle Musical Theatre at Sand Point.
Family theater
December 15, 2018 (2 p.m.)
7.8 miles SE
Based on a classic children’s story by Roald Dahl, The Fantastic Mr. Fox is about an animal that must save his family from spiteful farmers, on Mercer Island.
Family concert in Tacoma
December 15, 2018 (7:30 p.m.)
34.4 miles south
Let It Snow! A Holiday Celebration features the Tacoma Concert Band playing “music from around the globe” with a sing-along at Pantages Theater.
Short Nutcracker
December 15 - 16, 2018
Auburn, Bellevue, Renton
Evergreen City Ballet offers one-hour and two-hour versions of the holiday classic ballet The Nutcracker [sound] in Auburn, Bellevue, and Renton. After the performance, dancers meet the audience in the lobby.
Holiday concert
December 15 - 16, 2018
6.3 miles north
Seattle Festival Orchestra plays a variety of holiday music that is classical (Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy), international (Chinese Dance), and popular (Charlie Brown Christmas) at Faith Lutheran Church.
Native craft fair
December 15 - 2 and 15 - 16, 2018
6.6 miles NW
Shop for art prints, clothing, jewelry, woodworking, drums, and lunch at Native Art Mart at Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center in Discovery Park. Free.
Craft fair
December 15 - 16, 2018
8 miles NE
Renegade Craft Fair offers indie crafts, food trucks, and DJ music at Hangar 30 in Magnuson Park. Repeats in July. Free.
Eastside Nutcracker
December 15 - 16, 2018
10.6 miles east
The Nutcracker by Cornerstone Studio has a cast of 70 youthful and exuberant dancers at Bellevue Performing Arts Center.
Christmas show
December 15 - 16 and 18 - 19, 2018
34 miles south
The Christmas Revels is a family-oriented celebration of the winter solstice. Expect music, dance, theater, song, and storytelling at Rialto Theater in Tacoma.
Nutcracker ballet
December 15 - 28, 2018
1 mile NW
Pacific Northwest Ballet performs The Nutcracker by George Balanchine, with a live orchestra, magnificent sets and costumes, and a huge cast in McCaw Hall.
Family theater
December 15 - 30, 2018
1 mile NW
Based on a classic children’s book, The Velveteen Rabbit is a “bold and adventure-filled adaptation” about a boy who forms a special bond with his stuffed rabbit at Seattle Children's Theatre.
Food truck festival
December 16, 2018
3.5 miles north
Shop food trucks (plus the usual 100 market vendors) during Winter Feast Holiday Bazaar at Fremont Sunday Market. Free.
High-flying acrobatic show
December 20 - 22, 2018
3 miles SE
Acrobatic Conundrum presents its latest circus show “Volume 6” with aerial acrobatics, juggling, rope art, and circus acts, all to live music at 12th Avenue Arts.
Model Train Festival
December 21, 2018 - Jan. 1, 2019
33 miles south
Watch model trains run through detailed scenes of the Pacific Northwest, and see railroad-history exhibits at the Model Train Festival at the Washington State History Museum in Tacoma. See Santa some days. Closed December 24 & 25.
Winter solstice celebration
December 22, 2018 (4 to 9:30 p.m.)
2.8 miles south
Seattle Secular Solstice promises “food, light, song, and camaraderie” to bring Seattleites together and brighten the darkest days of winter at The Factory Luxe. Donation.
Holiday run
December 22, 2018 (10 a.m.)
7.3 miles NE
You’re welcome to dress for the holidays when you join the Holiday Fun Run (5K, 10K, 15K), followed by hot chocolate and cider at Magnuson Park.
Jingle Bell Run - Tacoma
December 24, 2018
36 miles south
Run or walk 3 miles at the Jingle Bell Run at Wright Park in Tacoma. Costumes are welcome.
Movie: Fiddler on the Roof
December 25, 2018 (noon)
1.6 miles NW
See a film about Jewish tradition, eat Chinese food, and hear Klezmer music at Fiddler on the Roof Sing Along, an annual tradition at SIFF Cinema Uptown.
Jazz show
December 28, 2018 (7:30 p.m.)
2 miles NE
Sacred Music by Duke Ellington features the Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra, plus guest vocalists, a gospel choir, and tap dancers at St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral.
Bollywood New Year
December 30, 2018 (9 p.m.)
5.1 miles NW
Dance into the new year a day early at Masquerade Pre-NYE Party, which has DJ dance music from India, dance performers, and a 10 p.m. dance lesson at Tractor Tavern in Ballard for age 21+.
New Year’s Eve restaurants
December 31, 2018
Seattle locations
OpenTable lists restaurants that offer special menus and celebrations on New Year’s Eve.
New Year’s Eve - Benaroya Hall
December 31, 2018 (9 p.m.)
0.5 mile south
New Year’s Eve: The Doo Wop Project features the Seattle Symphony performing with The Doo Wop Project (songs of Smokey Robinson, The Temptations, The Four Seasons, etc.), dancing until midnight, a countdown, and a champagne toast at Benaroya Hall.
New Year’s Eve at Chihuly
December 31, 2018 (8 p.m.)
1 mile NW
The $250 New Year’s Eve pARTy includes appetizers & dessert, two drink tickets, live music and dancing, a tour of the exhibits, and a champagne toast with a view of the Space Needle’s fireworks through the Glasshouse ceiling at Chihuly Garden and Glass at Seattle Center for age 21+.
New Year’s Eve at EMP
December 31, 2018 (8:30 p.m.)
1 mile NW
Indulgence is billed as Seattle’s biggest New Year’s Eve bash, with 2,000 guests, three performance stages, comedy, live dance music, and access to most exhibits at Museum of Pop Culture for age 21+.
New Year’s Eve science
December 31, 2018
1 mile NW
SPECTRA 2018: New Year’s Eve Under the Arches has laser shows, science exhibits and live demos, games, dancing to DJ music, a champagne toast, a cash bar, food for sale, and a view of the Space Needle fireworks at the Pacific Science Center for age 21+.
New Year’s fireworks
December 31, 2018
1 mile NW
The Space Needle at Seattle Center is the tallest structure on earth to launch fireworks. Wear a winter coat to watch the free show from the ground, or buy a ticket for the party upstairs before it sells out.
Early New Year’s dance party
December 31, 2018
1.5 miles south
Wear white and gold to Resolution, a massive concert with 18 artists playing dance music on three stages at WaMu Theater for age 18+ (bars will serve age 21+).
New Year’s Eve movie
December 31, 2018 (6:30 p.m.)
1.6 miles NW
Watch the glamorous film with Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman at Moulin Rouge! New Year’s Eve Party Sing Along, including a sing along and champagne or other beverage at SIFF Cinema Uptown.
New Year’s Eve comedy
December 31, 2018 (10 p.m.)
3.3 miles north
Blue Years Eve features bawdy adult improv by ComedySportz, a midnight champagne toast, music, and dancing in a small Fremont theater.
New Year’s Eve show
December 31, 2018 (8 p.m.)
4 miles NW
New Year’s Eve Extravaganza is a variety show done by the Moisture Festival with appetizers, midnight champagne, and a balloon drop at Hale’s Ales Palladium for all ages.
New Year’s Eve in Tacoma
December 31, 2018
33 miles south
First Night Tacoma fills the last evening of the year with family-friendly entertainment, including a short parade, music and dance shows, puppets, and a fiery midnight spectacle in downtown Tacoma. Schedule.