Seattle Family Calendar
Subscribe40 Days of Holiday Fun: Your 2026 Seattle-Area Family Planner
A day-by-day guide to the busiest time of year, from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day
Festive season is almost here! Make every day count with our curated family calendar packed with enough cheer to fill your days, from Nov. 23 through the new year. From ice-skating and holiday shows to twinkling lights, outdoor adventures and the best only-in-winter events around Puget Sound, you’ve only got 40 days to fit it all in. As a gift to you, we’ve mapped out the season’s top family activities in a handy, at-a-glance guide. Start planning!
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Nov. 23–29
Monday, Nov. 23
FREE
Behold the sweet sights of Seattle’s annual Gingerbread Village display built by resident chefs at the Sheraton Grand, Nov. 19–Jan. 1, 2027.
Tuesday, Nov. 24
Gear up and get your glide on! Starting Nov. 13, the Downtown Bellevue Ice Rink is open for your skating pleasure. Keep your eyes peeled for extra-fun themed skate days! Through Jan. 18, 2027.
Wednesday, Nov. 25
Clap, sing and dance along to this musical about the alphabet; it’s a holiday version of one of Seattle’s Children’s Theatre’s most popular musical plays. “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom: The Holiday Show” runs through Jan. 3, 2027 at the Charlotte Martin Theatre.
Thursday, Nov. 26
Make this pre-feast calorie-burner a Thanksgiving tradition. Walk or run Tacoma’s Turkey Trot 3K or 5K race with your crew starting at the Center at Norpoint at 9 a.m.
Friday, Nov. 27
FREE
Rain or shine, hit the trail with your little hiker and enjoy some outdoor time at Point Defiance Park during this free weekly outing geared toward tots ages 18 months and older. Fridays, 10 a.m.–noon.
Saturday, Nov. 28
FREE
Naturalists have been on hand throughout November to expand your salmon knowledge as you witness our local flagship fish spawn in Piper’s Creek. Catch them this weekend from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. as the season winds down.
Sunday, Nov. 29
FREE
Holiday festivities are in full swing in downtown Olympia with LoveOly’s Winterfest. Come for the Jinglebell Parade, live entertainment, artisan market, activities for the kids, tree lighting and free hot cocoa.
Nov. 30–Dec. 6
Monday, Nov. 30
Reserve your tickets and brighten your winter as you marvel at the incredible illuminated animal displays that are part of WildLanterns at the Woodland Park Zoo. Get ready to ooh and ahh, Nov. 13 through Jan. 17, 2027.
Tuesday, Dec. 1
FREE
It’s the last day to take a gander at more than 20 decked-out Christmas trees decorated for a good cause in the lobby of Seattle’s Fairmont Hotel. View this dazzling display for free starting Nov. 16.
Wednesday, Dec. 2
Explore the beautiful trails and gardens of Bainbridge Island’s Bloedel Reserve on Welcome Wednesday. The entrance fee is “pay-what-you-wish” the first Wednesday of each month. Reserve timed tickets in advance.
Thursday, Dec. 3
FREE
On a budget this season? Bring your crew to a museum on the first Thursday of the month when it’s free. Participating museums include MOHAI, The Museum of Flight, the Burke Museum and more!
Friday, Dec. 4
All aboard Chehalis-Centralia Railroad’s Polar Express for a magical journey to the North Pole filled with sweet treats, a visit with Santa and lots of adventure. Saturdays and Sundays, Nov. 14–Dec. 20.
Saturday, Dec. 5
Go on a just-for-families tour at the Seattle Art Museum that includes stories, sketches, songs and fun activities led by a docent. The 30-minute tours take place monthly on first Saturdays at 11 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. Included with admission.
Sunday, Dec. 6
Bring the family to the Stroum Jewish Community Center for some Hanukkah fun, and watch Mark Nizer perform a comedic, interactive “science-plosion” laser light show sure to spark festive vibes. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. with Hands on Hanukkah crafts; show starts at 3 p.m.
Dec. 7–13
Monday, Dec. 7
FREE
Embark on an outdoor scavenger hunt at Chambers Regional Park in University Place to locate Santa’s magical candy canes scattered in a holiday storm. Find them all for a special prize, Dec. 7–18.
Tuesday, Dec. 8
FREE
Take a spin on the holiday carousel and Ferris wheel located next to Legion Park in downtown Arlington. Rides run daily Dec. 4–13 and are free, making it an easy “yes” when the kids beg for one more ride.
Wednesday, Dec. 9
Take a magical journey along the Yellow Brick Road by way of the 5th Avenue Theatre at this production of “The Wizard of Oz” featuring Dorothy and friends. Shows run Nov. 27 through Dec. 27.
Thursday, Dec. 10
FREE
Visit with Santa and take free photos during Pike Place Market’s Holiday Night Market where you can find one-of-a-kind gifts and delectable seasonal treats, 5–9 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 11
FREE
Listen for owls as you explore the wetlands of Mercer Slough in Bellevue at night using all your senses. This free after-dark hike takes place from 6:30–8 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 12
FREE
Stroll among twinkling bonsais while sipping hot chocolate and listening to holiday music during this enchanting free celebration of the Winter Solstice, 4–7 p.m. at the Pacific Bonsai Museum.
Sunday, Dec. 13
See Santa diving in the 120,000-gallon Window on Washington Waters habitat at the Seattle Aquarium. Take a picture with Diving Santa, beginning with a special preview day on Friday, Nov. 27 and running Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 24. Full Diving Santa schedule online.
Dec. 14–20
Monday, Dec. 14
FREE
Starting the day after Thanksgiving and continuing nightly at 7 p.m. through Christmas Eve, don’t miss Bellevue Square’s free holiday spectacle, Snowflake Lane. Kids will love the falling “snow,” toy drummers, dazzling lights, decked-out dancers and parade of festive floats.
Tuesday, Dec. 15
FREE
Don’t miss all the free holiday entertainment at Seattle Center during Winterfest, Nov. 27–Dec. 31. Check out the model train and village, live ice sculpting, family movies and Armory stage entertainment.
Wednesday, Dec. 16
FREE
Head to one of over 40 waterfront locations around the Sound to spot twinkling, fully decked-out Christmas ships and hear festive tunes belted out by a choir as they sail by. Christmas ships set sail on select dates Nov. 27–Dec. 23.
Thursday, Dec. 17
Ride the carousel, sample culinary delights and shop for gifts at Seattle Center’s charming Seattle Christmas Market. Get into the holiday spirit, Nov. 20–Dec. 27.
Friday, Dec. 18
FREE
‘Tis the season for a cozy evening of seasonal crafts, warm drinks and a cool movie (“Frozen”) with your friends and neighbors at a free monthly Crossroads community night in Bellevue from 6–8 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 19
FREE
The Grand Cinema in Tacoma shows free family movies every third Saturday of the month at 10 a.m. Catch the holiday-spirit-inducing “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” in December for a special treat.
Sunday, Dec. 20
Plan to see the newest Northwest Dambo Trolls in their forest homes until Jan. 24, 2027. These whimsical giants are on view now at Northwest Trek and Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium. Catch them before they’re gone!
Dec. 21–27
Monday, Dec. 21
All aboard an enchanting journey through detailed model train layouts created by railroad clubs around Puget Sound at the Washington State History Museum’s 30th Annual Model Train Festival, Dec. 18–Jan. 1, 2027.
Tuesday, Dec. 22
Visit a real-life Dasher and Dancer at Cougar Mountain Zoo during the Issaquah Reindeer Festival. Kids can meet with Santa, feed the whole antlered team and enjoy a story time with an elf. Daily Dec. 1–30 (except Dec. 24–25).
Wednesday, Dec. 23
For a dose of pure holiday magic, look no farther than PNB’s George Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker.” Witness Clara and company leap and bound across the stage in this classic, Nov. 27–Dec. 27 at McCaw Hall.
Thursday, Dec. 24
FREE
Slow things down on Christmas Eve with a leisurely stroll along the beautiful trails of Lake Wilderness Arboretum while you read along to this month’s StoryWalk.
Friday, Dec. 25
Sing along with the classic Jewish-themed musical “Fiddler on the Roof,” and enjoy klezmer music and kosher treats at this annual event brought to you by SIFF Cinema in Queen Anne.
Saturday, Dec. 26
Northwest Trek Wildlife Park presents Winter Wildland celebration the weekend of Dec. 26–27. Visitors can walk holiday-adorned pathways and watch Northwest-native critters enjoy seasonal treats at the Winter Wildland celebration.
Sunday, Dec. 27
FREE
Create handmade nature-themed treasures at a Seymour Holiday Workshop for you or someone special during December. Sundays, Dec. 6–27, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Free, but donations are welcome.
Dec. 28–Jan. 1
Monday, Dec. 28
Expect dazzling costumes, new sets and classic songs from Broadway’s “Beauty and the Beast” at the Paramount Theatre. It’s sure to be a showstopper the whole family will love, running Dec. 22–Jan. 3, 2027.
Tuesday, Dec. 29
No snow in your neighborhood? Head to the slopes to slip and slide down a snow-packed mountainside hill on a sled or in a tube. There are several options in the area but be sure you check conditions before heading out.
Wednesday, Dec. 30
FREE
It’s not too late to catch the Clam Lights display in Renton’s Gene Coulon Park. Vibrant colors light up the night Dec. 5–Jan. 3, 2027. Pro tip: Attend opening night on Dec. 4 when Santa will make an appearance and decorated boats will cruise by.
Thursday, Dec. 31
FREE
Extend your holiday sparkle into January walking the free Tacoma Light Trail. Artwork will light up the dark nights throughout Tacoma in downtown, Hilltop neighborhood, South Tacoma Way and beyond. It kicks off with a light parade led by a fire-breathing dragon on New Year’s Eve. Through Jan. 17, 2027.
Friday, Jan. 1
Brrrr-ing it! Dive into one of the region’s several polar bear plunges. Try a brisk dip in Puget Sound, a lake or even an unheated outdoor pool for an invigorating start to 2027.
Julie’s top 5 events:
- Nov. 1–Jan. 3, 2027, “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom: The Holiday Show”
- Nov. 27–Dec. 24, Snowflake Lane
- Nov. 27–Dec. 31, Seattle Center Winterfest
- Dec. 12, Winter Bonsai Solstice
- Dec. 31–Jan. 17, 2027, Tacoma Light Trail
More Holiday Activities
There are so many ways to make winter magic with the kids
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