15 Fun Events and Outings for Families in December

Don’t hit the snooze button on this December’s brilliant events lineup, for there is a blizzard of holiday season happenings to enjoy this month. Plan ahead for adored annual holiday outings, some exciting brand-new events and more with our December event planning guide. Let us light your way to festive family fun!

1. Stay warm and cozy in your car while enjoying the largest holiday lights extravaganza in the Pacific Northwest at Fantasy Lights in Spanaway Park. We hear there is a giant new Sasquatch display that you have to see to believe. Daily through Jan. 2, 5:30–9 p.m. $15/car; some discount nights available.
2. Your “brickheads” will be thrilled by The Interactive Awesome Exhibition of Lego Models, part of Seattle Center’s Winterfest celebration. See what a life-size Harley-Davidson motorcycle built with Lego bricks looks like, marvel at an 8-foot-tall orca and more at this Lego lovers’ dream world. Daily, except Mondays, through Jan. 16. $15.50 kids; $19.50 adults; family packages available.
3. Be dazzled by plant and critter shapes created with more than half a million lights at Bellevue Botanical Garden’s Garden d’Lights. Explore the garden and take in the breathtaking beauty. Daily through Dec. 31, 4:30–9 p.m. $5; ages 10 and younger free.
4. See “falling snow,” festive lights, drummers, dancers and more at Snowflake Lane, the beloved holiday parade tradition in downtown Bellevue. Nightly through Dec. 24, 7 p.m. Free.
5. “Do You Have Your S*%# Together?” Learn what you need to do in order to avoid leaving family members on the lurch financially, legally and logistically in the wake of life’s “what if” moments by attending a virtual ParentMap Live talk by author Chanel Reynolds. Wednesday, Dec. 1, 7 p.m. $0–$15.
6. Join host Stroum Jewish Community Center for a special night at Redmond Lights in celebration of Hanukkah. Stroll along to admire the inventive light art installations and receive a Hanukkah family gift bag, which contains a yummy treat and an activity for the kiddos. Register in advance. Friday, Dec. 3, 5:30 p.m. Free. Redmond Lights is open nightly through Jan. 5.
7. Don’t miss out on this year’s last chance to witness salmon on their epic battle upstream at Pipers Creek in Carkeek Park, where a naturalist will be on hand to answer your questions. Saturday–Sunday, Dec. 4–5, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Free.
8. Come by City Hall in downtown Auburn to enjoy live music and then watch the Santa parade light up Main Street, concluding with a tree lighting back at City Hall. Saturday, Dec. 4, 3–6:30 p.m. Free.
9. ’Tis the season at Woodinville Winterfest’s Holiday Fair & Tree Lighting in DeYoung Park and surrounding areas. Visit for crafts and activities, pictures with Santa, live music, light displays and more. Saturday, Dec.4, 3–6 p.m. Free.
10. Walk a 1-mile luminaria-lit loop through downtown Kenmore to arrive at City Hall for live music, food truck fare and a take-home craft kit. Friday, Dec. 10, 4–7 p.m. Free.
11. Want another chance to gorge on fair-food favorites? Head on down to the Washington State Fair Events Center for the Holiday Magic walk-through experience, featuring sparkling lights, interactive displays and the classic fair grub you crave. Dec. 10–12, 17–23, 26–31. Prices are to be announced.
12. Live theater performances are back! Snag tickets to a hilarious and heartwarming holiday production of “Elf: The Broadway Musical” at the Auburn Avenue Theater. Dec. 10–12, 16–19. $15–$23.
13. Reptile-loving families won’t want to miss the largest exotic animal show in the Pacific Northwest at the Washington State Fair Events Center. See thousands of creatures — and even bring a scaly new friend home. Saturday–Sunday, Dec. 11–12. $5 child; $12 adult; ages 5 and younger free.
14. Imagine what it would be like to walk among dinosaurs at Jurassic Quest, yet another show on offer at the Washington State Fair Events Center. Your dino enthusiast will be enthralled by the life-size interactive displays. Friday–Sunday, Dec. 17–19. $18–$22 per person; additional charge for rides.
15. Celebrate the winter season with a gorgeously lit amble around Oxbow Farm during its Winter Solstice Celebration. Sunday, Dec. 18, 2–7 p.m. Price to be determined.