Ho-Ho-Holiday Fun on a Budget for Seattle-Area Families in 2023
Photo:
Swansons Nursery’s model train layout for 2023. Credit: Nancy Chaney
Model train and holiday fun at Swansons
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 a tree house theme! — and is on view through Dec. 31. 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, look for Humphrey the dinosaur, pose for a photo in the playhouse and visit Santa’s yurt! Swansons will have live music on select weekend days in December, too.
Not-free stuff: Book ahead for Santa photos with Bonjour Photography, if you like; spots go quickly. 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. Just be aware so that you don’t inadvertently turn your visit from budget-friendly to budget-busting, unless you want to.
Details: Swansons is open daily, 9 a.m.–6 p.m., with extended hours 9 a.m.–7 p.m. Nov. 24–Dec. 23. It’s free to browse and look at the train.
Next up: Donder and Blitzen
