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There's no need to stay home on Christmas Day. Photo: iStock
The presents have been opened, the last of the frosting has been licked from the cinnamon roll plate and now the rest of Christmas Day stretches before you. You could stay home and delight in any new gifts, lounge around on the couch or bake another round of festive cookies. Or, you could start a new tradition: one where you get out of the house and embrace the festive holiday season in the city. There are plenty of things to do on Christmas Day in Seattle, and we’ve rounded up a few of our favorites for the holiday.
1. Marvel at elaborate gingerbread houses
The Gingerbread Village at Sheraton Grand Seattle has returned for its 31st year. This annual tradition benefits type 1 diabetes research. Gaze upon dozens of creative and elaborate gingerbread houses designed by architecture firms, Sheraton Grand Seattle chefs and Breakthrough T1D elves. This year’s Toy Shop Time Machine theme explores pop culture and ways to play from different eras including dolls, tech and timeless toys. Admission is free, but donations are gladly accepted.
2. Take in a show
Heading to the movie theater has been a longstanding Christmas Day tradition among families. This year, you can catch “Wicked: For Good,” “Zootopia 2,” “Avatar: Fire and Ash” and more. If you’re in the mood to sing, you can belt out “If I Were a Rich Man” at SIFF Cinema Uptown during its “Fiddler on the Roof” sing-along show. And if you missed seeing this year’s production of “George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker” by the Pacific Northwest Ballet in person, you can enjoy it from the comfort of your living room when you purchase a digital ticket.
3. Go ice-skating
Is there a more quintessential wintertime activity than ice-skating? Here are all the places you can glide the day away on Dec. 25.
Bellevue Downtown Ice Rink
This is the largest holiday ice skating rink around. This rink is outdoors, and while it’s enclosed, plan for chilly temps. There is a viewing tent with benches, and a concession area selling hot drinks and snacks on-site.
Kirkland Winter Ice Rink
New for the 2025 holiday season, the Kirkland Winter Ice Rink is located outdoors at Peter Kirk Park and is surrounded by twinkling lights, music and holiday cheer.
Oly on Ice
Thurston County entered the seasonal ice rink game a few years ago, setting up a rink near Capitol Lake in downtown Olympia. And families really love it! The rink is outdoors but covered.
Tulalip Lights & Ice
Quil Ceda Village hosts a seasonal outdoor ice skating rink, part of the Tulalip Lights & Ice holiday festivities. Find the skating rink at the Tulalip Amphitheatre, between the resort and the outlet mall. Save some time to admire the holiday lights — more than 8 million lights this year make the entire village sparkle.
4. Hit the slopes
December usually promises some of the best snow, so why not enjoy a family snow day at one of the many summits and resorts open on Christmas Day?
5. Take to the trails
Put on those coats and boots, and head out for a scenic winter hike with the family. You don’t even have to drive very far! Some of our favorite trails are close to town.
6. Enjoy delicious food
We get it, cooking is stressful enough without putting special holiday pressure on top of it. This year, leave the cooking to the pros.
Goldfinch Tavern
Dine in style at this swanky restaurant inside the Four Seasons Hotel. On Christmas Day, the restaurant will also offer a meal with plenty of appetizers and dessert buffets, your choice of entrees and a children’s menu.
Ray’s Boathouse
Get ready for a festive holiday meal. Ray’s Boathouse is offering its annual Christmas Day special, which includes a robust three-course meal with seasonal treats (and a full children’s menu).
Water’s Table
Take in lake views as you feast on à la carte Christmas Day specials like prime rib and duck breast. Bigger groups can dine family-style on a dinner complete with a main course and three side dishes. Before dinner, work up an appetite sliding and gliding at the hotel’s outdoor Glice skating rink.
7. Survey twinkling holiday lights
This might be your last chance to see thousands, if not millions, of beautiful holiday light displays. Take a tour through Redmond, Renton, Spanaway, Everett and more.
More ideas to get you out of the house this winter: |
Editor’s note: This article was originally published in December 2023, and was most recently updated by ParentMap’s calendar editor, Julie Dodobara, on Dec. 17, 2025, with new Christmas Day activities for Seattle-area families.
