What To Do Around Seattle This Holiday Season - Free Ideas Too!
free things to do
I. Dairyland “Christmas at the Farm” located in Snohomish is a wedding venue (Matt and I got married here!) turned Christmas tree farm in December. Open from 9am to 8pm daily, there is a Christmas market to walk through inside the venue as well as Christmas trees outside. There is no charge to walk through the Christmas market, and you can also enjoy the fire pit by the trees outside all free of charge!
2. Snowflake Lane in Bellevue is a classic staple for the holidays. Open November 25 – December 24, the show starts at 7pm. It is known for the falling snow, festive music, drummers, and dancers. The streets are closed every night at 6:45pm and the parade marches down between Bellevue Square and Lincoln Square from NE 4th to NE 8th Streets every night. Parking is free at any of our parking garages nearby & you can choose wherever you want to stand on the sidewalks to see the show.
3. If you have time to drive to Leavenworth, it’s a gorgeous drive (about 2hrs from seattle) & the cutest Bavarian town in the mountains! It is pretty magical in December because of the snow & charm the town has. There are little shops all along the main street, tons of lights on the buildings, and it sort of feels like a Hallmark movie haha. You can just drive over to explore & enjoy the day, or stay for a few days - the Post hotel is our favorite hotel & Larch for dinner is a must. Or just have a snowball fight, look at some lights, grab a bratwurst at Munchen Haus and head home!
4. We love visiting Molbaks in Woodinville during December; it is a home & garden store that transforms to a winter wonderland. With a massive Christmas tree made just from red poinsettia plants, Christmas tree displays, hundreds of ornaments, and a cafe inside the store, this is a must do for the holidays. It is free to walk throughout the store, or you could always get a coffee or snack at the cafe and pick out some new ornaments for your tree. This is also a great place for unique gifts!
5. In downtown Seattle, the Sheraton Grand Hotel turns their lobby into a massive & elaborate gingerbread display - it is fun for kids especially! You can walk through it during daytime hours.
other fun ideas (that cost)
I. Ice Skate at Bellevue Downtown Park! This ice rink is open for a short time only this winter.. December 16th - January 2nd. Tickets are available online - $I4 on weeknights and $I7 on weekends. Cost includes ice skates!
2. The Bellevue Botanical garden hosts Garden d’Lights through December 31st. Open 4:30 to 9pm nightly, walk about a mile through the lit up botanical gardens! You do have to buy tickets online ahead of time.
3. The Lights of Christmas are located in Stanwood - November 25-27, December 1-4, 8-II, I4-23, 26-3Ist. Lights displays & costume characters make it fun for kids/families. Listen to Christmas music from your car on The Lights of Christmas radio station I0I.9 FM. This event is $27 per car (up to I2 people) on weekdays in December.
4. Zoolights at the Point Defiance Zoo in Tacoma goes through January 2nd. Walk through the zoo at night and experience colorful and bold light displays. This is great for kids & stroller friendly! Parking is FREE & so is admission for kids under the age of 2. $I2 on week nights and $I6 on the weekends.
5. If you have never been to a Pacific Northwest Ballet performance at McCaw Hall, I highly recommend the Nutcracker! I went with my best friend and our moms when I was in high school and I have been wanting to go back since. It is a stunning & creative performance and a classic for the holidays. Tickets are still available and this runs until December 27th.