Festive Seattle-Area Holiday Activities to Make the Season Sparkle

Swansons Model Train display, a free activity for Seattle families during Christmas and the holidays

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Swansons Nursery Model Train is a family-favorite tradition. Photo: Nancy Chaney

Seattle holiday activities

Swansons Nursery Model Train and Holiday Décor, Seattle

Date and time: Swansons is open daily, 9 a.m.–6 p.m., with extended hours 9 a.m.–7 p.m. Nov. 28–Dec. 23, 2025. They are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. The model train is on display from early November to early January.
Cost: It’s free to browse and look at the train; holiday items and Santa photos available for purchase.

North Seattle’s Swansons Nursery specializes in plants and gardening, and also holiday splendor! Among all the sparkling decorations, kids love to check out the model train display. This year’s train layout is all set up with Super Mario elements (with appearances from a few other favorite characters)! There are so many little scenes and vignettes to spot within the train layout, including a few fun ones the grown-ups will appreciate. After you check out the train, take the kids to visit Santa’s yurt, where they can write letters to Santa and play games. Swansons will have live music on select weekend days in December, too.

While all the fun stuff listed above is free to enjoy, keep in mind that Swansons offers beautiful holiday trees, seasonal décor, gifts and many pretty things to buy. You can also book ahead for Santa photos, if you like; spots go quickly and photo packages range in price depending on your selection.

Gingerbread Village, Seattle

Date and time: Open daily Nov. 20, 2025–Jan. 1, 2026. Viewing hours are 9 a.m.–9 p.m. Sunday–Thursday, and 9 a.m.–11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Cost: Free, though donations are encouraged as this annual event is a fundraiser benefiting type 1 diabetes research.

The Sheraton Grand Seattle hosts the amazing Gingerbread Village, on display this season for its 31st year. Stop by the hotel to view the impressive architectural creations. Expect jaw-dropping amounts of candy and sugar constructed into fanciful shapes! This year’s theme is Toy Shop Time Machine, promising a journey through the decades with toy favorites such as yo-yos, slinkies, board games and more.

Seattle Festival of Trees, Seattle

Date: The trees are on view Nov. 17–Dec. 2, 2025.
Cost: Free

Check out the Seattle Festival of Trees, a display of more than 20 elaborately decorated Christmas trees on view in the lobby of the Fairmont Olympic Hotel. The trees are auctioned off for many thousands of dollars, with proceeds benefitting the autism center and the uncompensated care fund at Seattle Children’s Hospital. Luckily, the trees are free to view.

Winterfest Movie Night, Seattle

Date and time: Fridays, Nov. 28; and Dec. 5, 12 and 26, 2025; 6:30 p.m.
Cost: Free

Head to Seattle Center for plenty of Winterfest activities, including free film screenings of holiday favorites like “The Polar Express” and “The Muppet Christmas Carol.” Complimentary food and beverages are offered from Armory Food merchants, adding to the festive atmosphere (and budget-friendly fun).

Winterfest Armory Stage Entertainment, Seattle

Date: Performances take place on the weekends, Nov. 28–Dec. 28, 2025.
Cost: Free

Winterfest presents a variety of free entertainment for all ages. Time your visit to see the train and catch carolers, comedy acts or dancers on the same trip. Our picks include the Zaniac Comedy Show (Nov. 28, 12:30 p.m.), SANCA (Dec. 13, 12:30 p.m.) and Bailadores de Bronce (Dec. 20, 12:30 p.m.).

Winterfest Train & Village, Seattle

Date and time: Open daily, Nov. 28–Dec. 31, 2025. The train operates from 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Cost: Free to view; donations accepted

Young kids will love visiting the Seattle Center Armory to examine the huge Winterfest model train and village display. Pick up a scavenger hunt sheet and use your best I-spy eyes to see if you can spot all the items on the list. You’re even invited to take a turn operating the train.

Teddy Bear Suite, Seattle

Date and time: The Teddy Bear Suite is open for visits Nov. 28–Dec. 25, 2025, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Cost: Free; donations encouraged

The teddies arrive soon for their annual stay at the Teddy Bear Suite at downtown Seattle’s ultra-fancy Fairmont Olympic Hotel. It’s free to marvel at the bears in the decorated hotel room, but guests are invited to make a donation to Seattle Children’s Hospital Autism Center.

Christmas Ship Viewing, multiple locations

Date and time: Ships sail on select dates, Nov. 28–Dec. 23, 2025.
Cost: Free

This classic Northwest wintertime adventure is a tradition for so many families! Bundle up, stash a flashlight in your pocket and head to a Puget Sound or Lake Washington beach to watch the parade of Christmas Ships sail by. Listen to live choral music broadcast from the brightly lit boats. Of course, you can pay to ride the ship, but it’s free and fun to watch from shore. Christmas ships depart from various ports and make all kinds of stops.