Seattle Family Calendar
Subscribe
Best Seattle holiday events in 2025 — for free or cheap
The holiday season gets three cheers from us! While we can occasionally feel a bit Grinchy, opportunities to make joyful family memories keep our holiday spirits high. Fortunately, these joyful moments needn’t be expensive. We’ve rounded up the best budget-friendly holiday activities (plus a few small splurges) in Seattle and beyond. These outings offer maximum holiday joy while spending minimal holiday cash! Now that sounds pretty merry.
Browse all the holiday events, or choose your region for holiday fun:
- Seattle holiday activities
- Eastside holiday activities
- Tacoma-area holiday activities
- North Sound holiday activities
First up: Seattle holiday activities
More holiday activities for Seattle-area families:
Editor’s note: This article was originally published several years ago and was most recently updated on Nov. 18, 2025, by ParentMap’s family fun editor Meredith Charaba. New free holiday activities were added and all entries were fact-checked.
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.
Pop-up Hanukkah, West Seattle
Date and time: Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, 5–5:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Gather at Junction Plaza Park for West Seattle’s beloved annual Pop-up Hanukkah with a grand menorah lighting, songs and doughnuts.
Menorah Lighting on Alki Beach, West Seattle
Date and time: Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, 5–6 p.m.
Cost: Free
Head to Alki Beach for the fourth annual grand menorah lighting. There will be a 12-foot menorah lighting, doughnuts, music and more.
Next up: Eastside holiday activities
Eastside holiday activities
Snowflake Lane, Bellevue
Date and time: Nightly, Nov. 28–Dec. 24, 2025, 7–7:45 p.m.
Cost: Free
Holy holiday parade, Snowflake Lane is here for its 21st year! This over-the-top parade with falling snow, dancers, floats, music and splendor is a favorite among Eastside families. Even if you’re not on the Eastside, you should make your way to Bellevue to take in this spectacular show at least once. Arrive early and grab a section of sidewalk between Bellevue Square and Lincoln Square to watch the parade go by.
Woodinville Winterfest, Woodinville
Date and time: Saturday, Dec.6, 2025, 3–6 p.m.
Cost: Free
This holiday fest includes a tree lighting, free photos with Santa and plenty of kids activities. There will be face painting, a petting zoo, a firepit for s’mores and performances. Plus, you can indulge in holiday treats and shop local vendors. Bring a toy to donate to the toy drive.
Issaquah Reindeer Festival, Issaquah
Date and time: Open daily, Nov. 28–Dec. 23, 2025, 10:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; and Dec. 26–30, 2025, 10:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Cost: Book timed-entry tickets online for $19.50–$22.50, which will save you a bit off walk-up admission.
This one stretches the definition of cheap, but it’s unique, cool and worth considering. Head to Cougar Mountain Zoo in Issaquah for its annual Issaquah Reindeer Festival to visit real-live reindeer. Catch a glimpse of Santa (through Dec. 23) and see the reindeer, of course.
Redmond Lights, Redmond
Date and time: Dec. 6, 2025–Jan. 5, 2026, 5–11 p.m.
Cost: Free
Don’t miss this month-long display celebrating art, culture and community in Redmond’s Downtown Park. The kick-off event on Dec. 6 will bring festive lights, live music, dancing and more family fun to town.
Renton’s Clam Lights, Renton
Date and time: Dec. 6, 2025–Jan. 4, 2026, 5–9 p.m.
Cost: Free
Renton Parks and Recreation decorates Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park for free enjoyment by all, sponsored by Ivar’s. Opening night on Dec. 5 includes photos with Santa, a sing-along and a parade of boats.
Garden d’Lights, Bellevue
Date and time: Open nightly, Nov. 29–Dec. 31, 2025 (closed Dec. 25); hours vary.
Cost: Tickets are sold online only and cost $10 per person; free admission for children 10 and younger; $5 admission on select nights.
This is an enchanting and affordable holiday light show, loved by many families. More than half a million lights sparkle throughout Bellevue Botanical Garden in the shape of plants, birds and other animals. Walk through the garden and delight in the whimsical display.
Hands On Hanukkah, Mercer Island and Redmond
Date and time: Nov. 23 and Dec. 6, 2025; hours vary.
Cost: Free
Mercer Island’s Stroum Jewish Community Center hosts kid-focused Hanukkah events around town, including Hands On Hanukkah craft sessions, held at multiple locations on select dates. Make free crafts and join the festive holiday fun.
Next up: Tacoma-area holiday activities
Tacoma-area holiday activities
Seymour Holiday Workshops, Tacoma
Date and time: Sundays, Dec. 7, 14, 21 and 28, 2025; 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Cost: Free; $5 suggested donation
The W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory in Wright Park gets all dressed up for the holidays and provides a lush change of scenery for South Sound-area families. On select Sundays in December, the conservatory hosts fun holiday workshops, where families can drop in and create a botanical-themed treasure to take home. They also host a Cocoa and Carols event and visits with Santa.
Festival of Trees at White River Valley Museum, Auburn
Date and time: Wednesday–Sunday, Nov. 19, 2025–Jan. 4, 2026 (closed Nov. 27, Dec. 24–25 and 31, and Jan. 1). The museum is open from noon–4 p.m.
Cost: Free
The Festival of Trees sets up shop for the holidays at Auburn’s free and kid-friendly White River Valley Museum. Located inside Les Gove Park, the museum is known for its innovative and interactive exhibits. This year’s festival theme is Name That Tune, with each tree decorated for a specific holiday song. (Pro tip: Don’t miss this most excellent public art sculpture if you visit Les Gove.)
Winter Word Scramble, University Place
Date and time: Dec. 1–15, 2025, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Cost: Free
Head to Chambers Creek Regional Park for a festive scavenger hunt this December. Winter-themed words are waiting to be unscrambled and recorded. Turn in your sheet in at the Environmental Sciences Building for a prize.
Holiday Village at Donkey Creek Park, Gig Harbor
Date and time: Select dates, Dec. 6–21, 2025; 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Cost: Free
This is a holiday activity worthy of Instagram: Six holiday-themed displays are coming to Donkey Creek Park. Bring your camera and take your holiday photos at any of the festive displays. Plus, you can catch Santa (and take a photo with him for free!) on select days from noon–2:30 p.m.
Reindeer at Watson’s Nursery, Puyallup
Date and time: Nov. 20–Dec. 24; Monday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., and Sundays, 10–5 p.m.
Cost: Free
We’re always happy to hear that reindeer pals Donder and Blitzen are due to return for their seasonal stay at Watson’s Greenhouse in Puyallup. This year they’ll arrive from the North Pole on Thursday, Nov. 20. Check the store’s Facebook page for updates, then go give them a hearty welcome!
Next up: North Sound holiday activities
North Sound holiday activities
Holiday Hooves, Everett
Date and time: Nov. 29–Dec. 23, 2025, noon–3 p.m. on weekends, 2–5 p.m. on weekdays
Cost: Free
Santa’s reindeer are coming to the Everett waterfront! Snap photos with the charming reindeer, and spend the afternoon exploring the festive waterfront.
Deck the Boughs, Everett
Date and time: Open daily, Dec. 1–31, 2025, 6 a.m. to dusk
Cost: Free; donations accepted
Everett’s Evergreen Arboretum is retiring its Wintertide Lights and welcoming visitors with a brand-new event this year: Deck the Boughs. Trees will be decorated with handcrafted ornaments, ready to be enjoyed all day long. Take an enchanting walk through the arboretum for free, and stop by the Wish Tree to tie on a holiday wish of your own. Don’t miss the Sunrise Solstice Walk on Dec. 21.
Lavender in Lights, Arlington
Date and time: Open weekends, Friday–Sunday, Nov. 14–Dec. 28, 2025; 3–8 p.m.
Cost: Free; donations accepted
This charming lavender farm transforms into a winter wonderland, aglow with holiday lights. There will be a hot cocoa station, cozy firepit and an adorable farm stand filled with holiday gifts and other seasonal treats. There’s even a snow machine! Get ready for all the photo ops and farm fun.
Winter Wonderland, Burlington
Date and time: Friday, Dec. 5, noon–4 p.m.; Saturday–Sunday, Dec. 6–7, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Cost: Free
Burlington Plaza becomes a winter wonderland the first weekend in December, with indoor and outdoor activities the whole family will love. Outside, you’ll find snow-day fun, with opportunities to learn about snowshoeing and go sledding. There will even be live reindeer! Inside, there will be crafts, face painting, and simulated skiing and snowboarding. Shop local vendors in the plaza, and budget in a trip to the Children’s Museum of Skagit County for extra fun.
