From cozy Bavarian-inspired villages to glamorous burlesque performances, experience the enchantment of winter with the following magical holiday events in Washington.
Nov. 10 to Jan. 14: WildLights at Woodland Park Zoo
Seattle
Illuminate your holidays at WildLights at Woodland Park Zoo, where the zoo transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland. This holiday event in Washington will allow guests to delight in the festive displays, sparkling lights and seasonal decorations as you explore the Seattle zoo’s grounds. This event is a perfect family-friendly outing to celebrate the holidays surrounded by the beauty of nature, taking place daily from 4 to 9 p.m.
Cost: Dependent on peak hours; starts at $29.95.
For more information: zoo.org/wildlights.
Nov. 17 to Dec. 17, Select Dates: Skagit Acres: A Winter Wonderland
Mount Vernon
Escape into the magic of the season at Skagit Acres, where the winter wonderland comes to life. Nestled in picturesque Mount Vernon, this holiday event in Washington offers a range of festive activities for families and friends. These charming events include Breakfast with Santa (Dec. 2), Cookies & Cocoa with Santa (Dec. 3), Men’s Holiday Night (Dec. 7) and a Holiday Cocktail Class (Dec. 10). Each festive event is sure to brighten your holiday season. Santa photo ops will be available Friday to Sunday, from noon to 5 p.m., too.
Cost: Starting at $50 for Santa photos.
For more information: skagitacres.com.
Nov. 17 to Jan. 1: Christmas Dive Bar
Seattle
Thousands of bows, hundreds of twinkly lights, faux fireplaces, classic holiday flicks and holiday decor galore welcome imbibers at Christmas Dive Bar, a pop-up dive bar in the heart of the Capitol Hill neighborhood, which is open through the new year. Guests can sit back and enjoy the laidback charm with festive cocktails and snacks straight out of grandma’s kitchen. Though open daily 5 p.m. until late, Christmas Dive Bar occasionally closes for private events.
For more information: www.christmasdivebar.com.
Nov. 21 to Jan. 1: Sheraton Grand Seattle’s 29th Annual Gingerbread Village
Seattle
Embracing nearly three decades of holiday celebrations focused on giving back to the local community, the Sheraton Grand Seattle’s 29th Annual Gingerbread Village celebration returns this holiday season with “The Chocolate Factory.” Gingerbread Village is a free public event and will be open from Nov. 21 to Jan. 1. Viewing hours for Gingerbread Village are Sunday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Donations collected at the event directly benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s Northwest Chapter.
Cost: Free to attend.
For more information: www.marriott.com.
Nov. 24: Lopez Island Village Gathering and Holiday Lighting
Lopez Island
Immerse yourself in the warmth of community spirit at the Lopez Island Village Gathering and Holiday Lighting. This charming event promises a magical atmosphere as the island comes alive with twinkling lights and festive decorations. Join the locals for a heartwarming celebration featuring a torchlight parade, cocoa, cookies, caroling and lighting of the lights of the Village.
Cost: Free; subject to purchases.
For more information: lopezisland.com.
Nov. 24 to Dec. 23: Christmas Ship Festival
Seattle
Set sail on a sea of festive delights with Argosy Cruises’ Christmas Ship Festival, back for its 70th year. Cruise along the waters and enjoy activities such as Santa sightings, a reading of “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” and a melodic community choir performance at this holiday event in Washington. Savor the season with a full-service bar offering Christmas-themed delights, including cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages.
Cost: $54 for adults; $50 for seniors; $40 for little ones 4 to 12.
For more information: argosycruises.com.
Nov. 24 to Dec. 24: Village of Lights: Christmastown
Leavenworth
Embark on a journey to the Bavarian-inspired village of Leavenworth, where holiday magic comes to life. The Village of Lights: Christmastown transforms Leavenworth into a winter wonderland adorned with over half a million lights. Experience daily entertainment, meet Santa and indulge in the festive charm of this enchanting town. From kid’s crafts to a fully decked-out village, Leavenworth promises a Christmas spectacle for everyone. These winter activities are available daily, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Cost: Free; subject to purchases.
For more information: leavenworth.org/christmastown.
Nov. 24 to Dec. 31: Seattle Center Winterfest
Seattle
Celebrate the holidays at Seattle Center Winterfest, where a festive atmosphere takes over all season long. Enjoy ice skating, winter train rides, live music performances, ice sculptors, a tree lighting, Christmas markets and more during this holiday event in Washington. These five weeks of winter fun will lead up to a grand final New Year’s Eve Celebration on Dec. 31. Most activities are available between noon and 6 p.m. but may vary.
Cost: Free; subject to purchases.
For more information: seattlecenter.com.
Nov. 24 to Jan. 1: Santa’s Detour
Seattle
Heavy Restaurant Group presents Santa’s Detour (a k a “the best Christmas bar inside a construction zone!”) Party-goers enter Santa’s Detour through Fiasco and are then immersed in a gold-and-red wonderland. The pop-up bar serves festive tiki drinks (with names like Yippee-Ki-Yay Motherfluffer”), mulled wine, classic martinis and more, alongside a small menu of nostalgic snacks (think cheese fondue, meatball sliders and Chex Mix). Parking is available at the garage at 3400 Stone Way. Walk-ins only.
For more information: www.santasdetour.com.
Nov. 26 to Dec. 24: A Christmas Carol
Seattle
Let the timeless magic of Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol fill your heart with joy at the Allen Theatre. Running from Nov. 24 to Dec. 24, this adaptation by Gregory Falls, directed by R. Hamilton Wright, brings the tale of compassion and redemption to life. With a runtime of approximately 90 minutes and no intermission, this 48th-year production captures the essence of Dickens’ Yuletide classic. Show times depend on the date but take place as early as 2 p.m., Wednesday to Sunday.
Cost: From $69 to $77.
For more information: order.acttheatre.org.
Dec. 1 to Dec. 28: Land of the Sweets: The Burlesque Nutcracker
Seattle
One of Seattle’s most glamorous holiday traditions returns to The Triple Door for its 17th glittery season. On select nights in December, experience the award-winning wintertime spectacle, Land of the Sweets: The Burlesque Nutcracker, presented by Lily Verlaine and Jasper McCann. This dazzling holiday event in Washington combines the magic of the Nutcracker with the artistry of burlesque. There are two performances available daily, one at 4 p.m. (17-plus) and 9 p.m. (21-plus).
Cost: Starts at $90 for single tickets.
For more information: thetripledoor.net.
Dec. 5 to Jan. 31: Seabrook Ice Skating Rink
Seabrook
Embrace the winter chill and glide into the holiday season at Seabrook’s Ice Skating Rink. This paid-admission event offers a delightful experience for families and friends as they lace up their skates and twirl under the twinkling lights. Guests can skate daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Afterwards, stop by the Guest Services lobby to warm up with a cup of hot chocolate with your choice of festive fixings while relaxing by the cozy fire.
Cost: TBD.
For more information: seabrookwa.com.