Wait, what? Wasn’t it just summer? Whether you can believe it or not, fall is in full swing and the holiday season is almost upon us. The strange state of the world continues: Some festivals are back, some are back but look quite different, and some are still on hold. Lucky you, we are staying on top of it all and will keep you informed of any and all opportunities for family fun this season. We have shows and performances, festivals and early-season holiday events to get you out and about this November.
Important note: Some events now require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result to attend.
1. Celebrate the art, spirituality and traditions of Mexican culture while remembering the lives of departed loved ones at Seattle Center’s Día de Muertos exhibit. Altars on view at Fisher Pavilion daily. Oct. 31–Nov. 7, 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Free.
2. Disney on Ice returns with all your favorite Disney stars in “Dream Big.” Snag your tickets to see Moana, Elsa, the Genie, Mickey and other characters take to the ice for a magical show the kids will love. Angel of the Winds Arena, Everett. Nov. 4–7. $30 and up; ages 1 and younger free.
3. Enjoy family game night from inside your car during Car Bingo at Meridian Habitat Park. If someone in your car scores a bingo, honk and flash your headlights to redeem your prize! Food trucks on-site provide dinner options. Friday, Nov. 5, 6:30–9 p.m. $30 per car.
4. Recognize and honor our country’s veterans and active-duty military at Auburn’s annual parade, one of the largest in the United States, along East Main Street in downtown Auburn. Saturday, Nov. 6 at 11 a.m. Free.
5. Pitch in during Seattle Forest Week to help keep our region gorgeously green. Check the schedule to find volunteer opportunities, nature walks and more, from Green Seattle Day on Nov. 6 to Arbor Day on Nov. 13.
6. The ever-popular Kindie West Music Series returns to the Fauntleroy Schoolhouse. Start your Sunday with a morning jam that’s perfect for kids ages 5 and younger. Check out the Not-Its! on Sunday, Nov. 7, and The Harmonica Pocket on Sunday, Nov. 21. Shows at 10:30 a.m. $5 per child; $10 per adult (series pass option available).
7. Grab tickets to an upbeat and entertaining AveKids concert by Vocal Trash at Auburn Avenue Theater. This performance highlights themes of sustainability and anti-bullying. Saturday, Nov. 13, 2 p.m. $10 per person.
8. Immerse yourself in Japanese culture at Bunka no Hi, a Japanese Culture Day festival taking place live at the Japanese Cultural & Community Center in Seattle. This year’s focus is on traditional Japanese crafts. Friday–Sunday, Nov. 12–14, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Free.
9. See the Woodland Park Zoo in a different light at WildLanterns. This enchanting seasonal show features giant beautiful lanterns in the shapes of the animals we know and love. Nov. 12–Jan. 30, 4–8:30 p.m. Book in advance online. $25.95–$30.95; ages 2 and younger free.
10. Discover ways to help make marriage work with “The Einstein of Love,” John Gottman, Ph.D. Join our ParentMap Live virtual talk to hear Gottman share simple and effective tools that can strengthen (or even save) your relationship. Tuesday, Nov. 16, 7 p.m. $0–$15.
11. In more good news, another annual festival is live this year! Visit Julefest at Seattle’s National Nordic Museum to experience Scandinavian Christmas traditions with music, tasty treats, a craft marketplace and more. Saturday–Sunday, Nov. 20–21, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $10–$20; ages 4 and younger free.
12. Enjoy Fantasy Lights’ amazing displays on foot during the only chance to walk, not drive, through the annual holiday light display at Spanaway Park in Tacoma. Food trucks on-site will offer yummy dinner options. Saturday–Sunday, Nov. 20–21, 4:30–6:30 p.m. or 7–9 p.m. $4 per person; ages 3 and younger free. Book tickets online. Fantasy Lights Drive-Through edition begins Nov. 26.
13. Sign up early for KidsQuest Museum’s beloved Gingerbread House Workshops at the Hyatt Regency Bellevue. This year, you can choose to build in person or pick up a kit to take home. Friday–Saturday, Nov. 26–27. $70/family for in-person build; $50/family for take-home kit; preregister.
14. Return to live theater and enjoy Cinderella’s timeless tale told in a modern way, onstage at Tacoma Musical Playhouse. Friday–Sunday, Nov. 26–Dec. 19. $22–$31.
15. Zoolights, another dazzling holiday light show, returns to Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. Immerse your family in a colorful winter wonderland that includes light displays of favorite zoo animals and other lighted features. Nov. 26–Jan. 2. Book timed-entry tickets online. $12–$15; ages 2 and younger free.
