It’s time to venture into some of Washington’s winter wonderlands and holiday fun. From picking out the perfect Christmas tree to meeting up with some friends for a snowy wine walk, the following are the go-to spots to get you feeling merry and bright.
Hunter Family Tree Farm: Nov. 26 through Dec. 23
Bundle up and pack the little ones into the car and head out to Hunter Family Farm to pick out the perfect Christmas tree. Admission is free, and you have the option to purchase a pre-cut tree or to cut the tree down yourself. The farm will also be hosting a gift shop, hot cocoa, wagon rides, and a visit to the petting zoo.
To learn more about Hunter Family Tree Farm, visit hunterfamilyfarm.com.
Snowflake Lane: Nov. 26 to Dec. 24
See the region’s most festive holiday show–Snowflake Lane–and celebrate its 17th year. Experience the joy of falling snow, dazzling lights, festive music and dancers in this complimentary nightly parade of holiday floats at 7 p.m. Grab a spot to enjoy the parade on the sidewalks between Bellevue Square and Lincoln Square from NE 4th to NE 8th Streets.
To learn more about Snowflake Lane, visit snowflakelane.com.
Old Fashioned Christmas Market: Dec. 10 to Dec. 11
The Old Fashioned Christmas Market has returned for its second year and is bringing holiday cheer to Brickworks Event Center. The market will span over two days and will feature a multitude of vendors from local farm products and breweries to handmade gifts and vintage collections. The Christmas spot will also house a meet and greet with Santa, hot cocoa, smores, live music, DIY ornament classes and so much more festive fun for the whole family.
To learn more about the Old Fashioned Christmas Market, visit visitsanjuans.com.
Sips & Snowballs Wine Walk: Dec. 17
A 21-and-up holiday event, the Sip & Snowballs Wine Walk will take place in Downtown Kirkland on Friday, Dec. 17. Enjoy local wines while you browse Downtown Kirkland’s upscale boutiques, shops and businesses (it’s always easier to Christmas shop with a drink in hand). You will meet local winemakers and brewers and have the opportunity to tour some of their frosted grounds.
To learn more about Sips & Snowballs Wine Walk, visit kirklandchamber.org.
Fleurs de Villes NOËL Market: Dec. 17 through Dec. 27
A unique holiday experience in the heart of Seattle, the Fleurs de Villes NOEL Market is offering locals fresh floral bounties from its shop and a festive, flower-focused stroll through Pacific Palace featuring holiday-inspired art installments. The shop is also offering a cute workshop on flower design and will be open on select dates between Dec. 17 through Dec. 27.
To learn more about Fleurs de Villes NOËL Market, visit fleursdevilles.com.
Christmas Ship Festival: Select days through Dec. 23
A Northwest tradition that has been running for 70 years and counting, the Christmas Ship Festival is back for 2021 with more holiday fun. Whether you prefer to be on the ships, enjoying the ocean air with live holiday music and a full bar, or watching the parade from the shoreline with a warm cider or specialty cocktail in hand, there is a unique experience for all who attend the festival. Santa will be available both onboard and on the shore for meet and greets, with photo-op opportunities as well.
To learn more about the Christmas Ship Festival, visit argosycruises.com.
Holiday Magic at The Fair: Select days through Dec. 31
The Washington State Fair Grounds have been taken over by elves and transformed into a frosted escape with dazzling lights and fun for everyone in your party. The holiday experience features Santa’s Express train ride, an ice skating rink, a Yeti Bar and firepit hangout, a holiday forest light display, meetings with Santa, and so much more.
To learn more about Holiday Magic at the Fair, visit thefair.com.
Zoolights at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium: Select days through Jan. 2
A staple holiday tradition in Tacoma, Zoolights at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is back with the most lights they have featured yet: over 800,000. The light displays can be found scattered throughout the zoo’s winter wonderland, with sweet treats and hot cocoa concession stands along its path. Be sure to check out the selfie-style holiday displays for a picture-perfect family portrait and be on the lookout for some of your favorite furry friends.
To learn more about Zoolights, visit pdza.org.
WildLanterns at Woodland Park Zoo: Select days through Jan. 30.
A lantern festival is taking place at Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle on select days through Jan. 30. The immersive light experience will take you inside large-scale nature and animal displays, with representation from wildlife all over the globe. In addition to the light display, the zoo will be offering hot cocoa, snacks, and meetings at its petting zoo.
To learn more about WildLanterns, visit zoo.org.