Weekender: Top Family Events for Seattle and the Eastside

Our weekend picks for families include activities for those ready to double-down on holiday cheer and activities for those needing a wee break from it. Either way, gather your crew and make the most of your together time.

• Stroll the trails of a hidden garden beautifully lit up to mark the solstice (Thursday–Saturday).
• Turn up in Denny Park for stilt walkers and the unveiling of a new winter light show — or see the lights another night (Friday).
• A local ice rink welcomes all for its annual free holiday show of spectacular skating; dress warmly (Friday–Saturday).
• St. Nick has upgraded his air transport from an old-fashioned sleigh; join in for Santa's landing festivities and to see his new rig (Saturday).
• Explore the urban wilds in winter on a free family stroll guided by a ranger (Saturday).
• Gather with the community at the park to drum and dance in the Afro-Cuban tradition, beginners welcome (Saturday).
• Ensure your family's safety with a free trigger lock or lock box giveaway for safe storage of your firearms (Saturday).
• Learn about bears while they're sleeping, including which ones live around here, and give hibernating a try (Saturday).
• Bring your wish list and holiday cheer to meet and pose with Black Santa at the Northwest African American Museum (Saturday–Sunday).
• Visit reindeer, catch a magic show and hang with everyone's favorite snowman, Frosty — sorry, Olaf (Saturday–Sunday).
• Celebrate with the animals as they unwrap and munch on their special holiday treats; sloth bears, gorillas, siamangs, penguins and lots more get gifts (Saturday–Monday).

More any-day fun!

• Revel in the holiday spirit on family outings that are budget-friendly
• Taste the hype with kids at Seattle's Shake Shack
• Treat the fam to a dazzling holiday light show
• Head to the stadium for our region's newest holiday attraction

And don't forget, our family fun calendar has dozens of great activities for every day of the week.