Seattle-Area Restaurants That Go All Out With Holiday Decor

fireplace decorated for the holidays at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel in Seattle

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Treat the family to a festive outing and stop by the Teddy Bear Suite. Photo: courtesy Fairmont Olympic Hotel

The winter holidays usher in a whirlwind of home cooking and baking marathons. But fun as they may be, sometimes families just need a break from the kitchen, and to let someone else handle the dinner plans — and the cleanup.

Enter these Seattle-area eateries that take their holiday game to the next level, transforming dining rooms into enchanted wonderlands, where your fam can immerse themselves in the magic of the season with their meal. With kid-approved menus and fabulously unique decor and activities — from Nutcracker high teas to giant gingerbread houses and photo-ops galore — these restaurants are going all out on the holiday spirit, and all in on family fun!

Jollidaze, Seattle

Family-owned Vietnamese café Jollidaze takes honorable first mention on our list, and with very good reason: Its deceptively plain storefront in the International District hides an immersive Christmas experience like no other in the city. Be greeted with a giant drummer bear in the ornament-draped shop, then explore the themed spaces. All decorations are handmade by the owner’s family, from the cozy and nostalgic Santa’s Cabin to Jolliville Winter Wonderland, hidden behind a secret bookshelf passageway that slides open to reveal swirling snow, a life-size candy house, and Santa’s gingerbread workshop. Of course, don’t forget about the sweet treats on menu, from towering ice cream concoctions to inventive boba drinks and more.

decorated Jollidaze restaurant with Christmas trees and nutcrackers — Jollidaze decorations are handmade by the owner’s family. Photo: Kate Missine

The George at Fairmont Olympic Hotel, Seattle

If you’re looking to treat your loved ones to the ultimate indulgent holiday outing, the Fairmont Olympic Hotel is your essential stop. This downtown Seattle landmark pulls out all the stops for the season, with the five-star luxury factor it’s known for. The experience begins with the Festival of Trees in the hotel’s grand lobby, where 22 Christmas trees sparkle and shine. Then discover the adorable Teddy Bear Suite, where more than 100 cuddly teddies, big and small, await photos and hugs by the fireplace (we hear there’s a complimentary kid treat involved, too).

The hotel’s main dining room, The George, plates up festive meals and menus all season long, including a fabulous Christmas banquet. A highlight is the preciously fancy Nutcracker Holiday Tea, which turns into Tea en Pointe on Dec. 7 and 18 with a live dance performance from the Olympic Ballet Theater.

Frosty Barrel, Newcastle

Tucked into a Newcastle shopping center, Frosty Barrel Ice Cream Bar and Cafe already has our attention year-round, thanks to its flurry of delicious chilled delights — particularly the uber-popular ice cream flights in imaginative flavors, paired up with fun drinks or even boozy libations for the grown-ups.

But this hidden gem takes on an all-new magical presence during the holidays with Gingerbread Mania, transforming into a whimsical fairytale where sweets reign supreme. If you’ve ever wished to find yourself inside a giant gingerbread house, this is your chance. Find delightful gingerbread-themed decor with plenty of photo ops; limited-edition festive ice cream and hot chocolate flavors; and gingerbread house-building events for families throughout the season!

life-size gingerbread decorations at Frosty Barrel, a seattle-area restaurant that goes all out with holiday decor — Step inside a giant gingerbread house for the holidays. Photo: courtesy Frosty Barrel

La Palmera, multiple locations

Get ready to say “Feliz Navidad!” when you step into the colorful Christmas world at La Palmera. This family-owned spot dishes out authentic Mexican favorites from chimichangas to birria tacos across locations in South Lake Union, Mill Creek, Edmonds and Everett; but come December, its holiday colors truly come out with the flamboyantly festive Christmas Cantina.

While the Cantina bar area is reserved for the 21-and-older crowd only, the entire restaurant gets draped in decor, flaunting cascades of multicolored lights, ornaments, themed table covers, and seasonal-only drinks in cute Christmas mugs, including a peppermint hot cocoa just for kiddos (who can also get their own Little Amigos meal). The Mill Creek location also hosts fun holiday events like Breakfast with Santa and Cocoa and Canvas kid-friendly paint-and-sip sessions; plus, kids eat free every Wednesday at participating locations!

elaborate holiday decorations at Palmera, a Seattle restaurant — Don't miss the elaborate holiday decorations at La Palmera. Photo: courtesy La Palmera

Wooden City Tavern, Seattle and Tacoma

It’s go big or go home when it comes to festive decor at Wooden City Tavern — a family-friendly eatery that serves up casual pub-style fare in Greenlake and Tacoma. Come December, Wooden City becomes Tinsel Town: a total transformation into Christmas paradise. The dining room gets all decked out with hundreds of ornaments and thousands of lights draped all around, along with a massive Christmas tree, giant inflatables and a life-size gingerbread house. At the back, Santa’s Surf Shack pops up for the grown-ups: a tropical-themed tiki bar under a grass-roof palapa, mixing up creatively festive cocktails all season long — put it on your list for date night or a moms night out!

wooden city restaurant decorations with hanging paper lanterns during the holiday season — Hundreds of ornaments hang from the ceiling, transforming the restaurant into Tinsel Town. Photo: courtesy Wooden City Tavern

Ristorante Picolinos, Seattle

Stepping into Ballard’s Ristorante Picolinos in December is like coming to Christmas dinner at your Italian nonna’s house. Cozy, homey feels are served up in this family-friendly neighborhood fave alongside the hearty Italian cooking — from fresh pastas to wood-fired pizzas and regional specialties. A giant Nutcracker greets visitors at the entrance to the dining room, while soft twinkle lights create a warm glow amidst regal Christmas trees, draped garlands, friendly Santas and traditional ornaments, for a classic homestyle holiday feel. Littles get their own kid-friendly pasta and pizza menu. Don’t sleep on a scoop of gelato or a cannoli for a sweet finish!

Salty’s, West Seattle

Much beloved for its fresh seafood, famous buffet brunch and beautiful waterfront views, local landmark Salty’s on Alki Beach definitely rises to the occasion when it comes to seasonal decor. Glowing trees, pretty poinsettias and garland lights dress up the space with festive warmth. But the stars of the show are the nutcrackers: towering 7-feet-tall sculptures, painted by local artists, that march into the dining room every year. Even better, the restaurant’s patio gets converted into a waterside wonderland with heated tenting, twinkling lights, and a sparkly reindeer or two, all overlooking the shimmering Seattle skyline for a magical winter outing minus the chill.