Christmas in Seattle with kids.
Christmas in Seattle is cozy, wet, and full of lights. The Seattle Christmas Market fills Seattle Center, the zoo glows with giant lanterns, and Bellevue puts on a short, free holiday parade every night. And a lit-up boat brings a choir and Santa to waterfront parks.
Bring rain gear for everything outdoors. The holiday trains are some of the most popular events, so book those as soon as you can.
Before you go
- Book Santa trains and the Polar Express early. They tend to sell out.
- Christmas Market tickets cost much less in opening week than in mid-December.
- Lap rules differ by train. Check the age rule before you buy for a 2-year-old.
- Pack rain jackets and something reflective for dark paths at the light walks.
- At WildLanterns, start with the kids' area early in the evening while they still have energy.
Family Christmas events in Seattle
29 events
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- Christmas marketsSanta visits Good for toddlers
Seattle Christmas Market
- Dates
- Nov 20 - Dec 26 · Daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Until Dec 13: weekdays 4-9pm, weekends 11:30am-9pm. Longer hours from Dec 14. Christmas Eve closes at 7pm.
- Where
- Fisher Pavilion and South Fountain Lawn, Seattle Center, Seattle Center (Lower Queen Anne)
- Price
- About $7-$11 in opening week, $20-$22 at peak in December. Kids 6 and under free.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Pick a 30-minute entry slot online. Stay as long as you like, but no re-entry.
A European-style holiday market with wooden stalls, food and a carousel. Kids can get photos with Santa.
Parent tip: Tickets are cheapest in the first week. For the carousel, kids riding with an adult must be over 36 inches tall.
- Zoo lightsChristmas lights Good for toddlers
WildLanterns at Woodland Park Zoo
- Dates
- Nov 13 - Jan 17 · Most nights 4-9pm, last entry 8:30pm. Dark on some Mon-Wed nights and Dec 24-25, so check the calendar.
- Where
- Woodland Park Zoo, Phinney Ridge, north Seattle
- Price
- Timed tickets. Price changes by night, so check the zoo site.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Timed tickets for one date. Buy online ahead. It runs rain or shine, with no refunds.
Big glowing lantern animals line the zoo paths after dark. This year the route covers all seven continents and adds a hands-on kids' zone.
Parent tip: Plan on about two hours. Strollers are fine, and you can rent a wagon or double stroller at the West Entrance.
- Shows and Nutcracker
Pacific Northwest Ballet: George Balanchine's The Nutcracker
- Dates
- Nov 27 - Dec 27 · Afternoon and evening shows. About 2 hours, with a 25-minute break.
- Where
- McCaw Hall, Seattle Center, Seattle Center (Lower Queen Anne)
- Price
- Varies by seat and date. See PNB for prices.
- Ages and booking
- Kids who can sit through a 2-hour show · Reserved seats. Buy online or call the PNB box office.
Seattle's big holiday ballet, using the Balanchine version of the story. It plays at McCaw Hall for the whole month.
Parent tip: For a calmer visit, pick the relaxed show on Dec 11 at 2pm. Lights and sound are softer, and you can step out.
- Holiday trainsSanta visits Good for toddlers
Santa Trains at the Northwest Railway Museum
- Dates
- Nov 28 - Dec 20 · North Pole Limited: weekends Nov 28-Dec 20, from North Bend. Yuletide Express: Fridays Dec 4, 11 and 18, from Snoqualmie. Trains leave hourly from 9am.
- Where
- North Bend Depot and Snoqualmie Depot, North Bend and Snoqualmie, east of Seattle
- Price
- $39 (North Pole Limited) or $30 (Yuletide Express). Under 2 free.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Buy online ahead. These trains sell out, and there are no refunds.
A historic train takes families to meet Santa, and each child gets a small gift. The North Pole Limited takes about 2 hours with cookies; the Yuletide Express is a 40-minute ride.
Parent tip: The trains have no restrooms. Use them before you board, and arrive 25 minutes early.
- Holiday festivalsChristmas lightsSanta visits Good for toddlers
Christmas Ship Festival
- Dates
- Nov 27 - Dec 23 · Evening sailings on many nights, plus some 2pm sailings. Check the schedule for each dock and shore stop.
- Where
- Departs Pier 55 and other docks around Seattle, Seattle waterfront, Lake Union and nearby shorelines
- Price
- Cruise tickets are paid (see Argosy for prices). Watching from shore is free.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Book cruises online. Shore viewing is walk-up.
A lit-up boat brings a live choir and Santa to waterfront parks. Ride along, or watch the 20-minute show free from shore.
Parent tip: With little kids, try a 2pm sailing. Those trips include cookies with Santa.
- Holiday festivalsHoliday trainsChristmas lightsFree Good for toddlers
Seattle Center Winterfest
- Dates
- Nov 27 - Dec 31 · Daily. Model train 10am-6pm (4pm on Dec 24, closed Dec 25). Ice carving Saturdays at noon until Dec 19.
- Where
- Armory and grounds, Seattle Center, Seattle Center (Lower Queen Anne)
- Price
- Free. Donations help keep the train running.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
Seattle Center's free holiday season. Kids can run a big model train, watch ice carvers and see the lights after dark.
Parent tip: The train hall is indoors and warm on a rainy day. The Christmas Market is right next door.
- Parades and tree lightingsChristmas lightsFree Good for toddlers
Snowflake Lane
- Dates
- Nov 27 - Dec 24 · Nightly at 7pm.
- Where
- Bellevue Way between NE 4th and NE 8th Streets, Downtown Bellevue
- Price
- Free
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
A free holiday parade with floats, music and dancers along Bellevue Way. It runs every night at 7pm and is short.
Parent tip: Get there a little early so small kids can stand at the front.
- Christmas lights Good for toddlers
Garden d'Lights
- Dates
- Nov 28 - Jan 3 · Nightly from 4:30pm, last entry 9pm. Closed Dec 25. On $5 nights, last entry is 8pm.
- Where
- Bellevue Botanical Garden, Bellevue (Wilburton)
- Price
- $10 for ages 11 and up. $5 on some Mon-Thu nights. Kids 10 and under free.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Tickets online only, for a 30-minute entry window.
Plant and flower shapes made from lights fill the garden paths. There is a sensory-friendly night on Dec 8.
Parent tip: The garden lot costs $5. Free parking is at Wilburton Hill Park, about a quarter mile away.
- Holiday trainsSanta visits Good for toddlers
The Polar Express Train Ride (Chehalis)
- Dates
- Nov 14 - Dec 20 · Weekends Nov 14-Dec 20, plus Fridays Dec 4, 11 and 18. Trains at 2pm, 4:30pm and 7pm (no 2pm on Fridays).
- Where
- Chehalis-Centralia Railroad & Museum, Chehalis, south of Olympia
- Price
- $69 coach seat. Kids 2 and under free on a lap.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Buy online ahead.
The licensed Polar Express ride, based on the picture book. The round trip to the North Pole takes 75 minutes.
Parent tip: Arrive half an hour before your train.
- Holiday festivals Good for toddlers
Gingerbread Village at the Sheraton Grand Seattle
- Dates
- Nov 19 - Jan 1 · Drop in any day during the run. Check the site for hours.
- Where
- Sheraton Grand Seattle, 1400 6th Ave, Downtown Seattle
- Price
- Not posted yet. Check the official site.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Drop in
Gingerbread houses about six feet tall, built around a new theme each year. Support goes to type 1 diabetes research.
Parent tip: It is indoors, so it is a good stop on a rainy downtown day.
- Parades and tree lightingsHoliday festivals Good for toddlers
Westlake Park Tree Lighting and Holiday Carousel
- Dates
- Nov 27 - Jan 3 · Tree lighting party Fri Nov 27, 11am-6pm. Carousel runs Nov 27-Jan 3.
- Where
- Westlake Park, Downtown Seattle
- Price
- Tree lighting is free. Carousel price not posted yet.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
Downtown's free kickoff party on the day after Thanksgiving, with the big tree lit in Westlake Park. A holiday carousel stays through early January.
Parent tip: The tree lighting draws very big crowds. Take the light rail to Westlake Station instead of driving.
- Shows and Nutcracker Good for toddlers
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom: The Holiday Show
- Dates
- Nov 19 - Jan 3 · Shows most weeks through the holidays. Check the calendar for times.
- Where
- Seattle Children's Theatre, Seattle Center, Seattle Center (Lower Queen Anne)
- Price
- See Seattle Children's Theatre for prices.
- Ages and booking
- Young kids and families · Reserved seats. Buy online or call the box office.
A holiday stage show based on the alphabet picture book. The letters try to decorate a giant Christmas tree.
Parent tip: Check the age guide on the theatre's site before you buy for a baby or young toddler.
- Holiday festivalsChristmas markets Good for toddlers
Julefest at the National Nordic Museum
- Dates
- Nov 21-22 · Sat-Sun Nov 21-22, 10am-5pm. The Friday night market on Nov 20 is for ages 21+.
- Where
- National Nordic Museum, Ballard
- Price
- Adults $12 online, $16 at the door. Youth $5.
- Ages and booking
- All ages (weekend days) · Buy online to save, or pay at the door.
A Nordic holiday fair with market stalls, live music and holiday treats. It is a good early-season outing.
Parent tip: Go on Saturday or Sunday. The Friday evening event is adults only.
- Ice skating
Holiday Ice Rink in Occidental Square
- Dates
- Dec 12-20 · Daily Dec 12-20, noon-6pm.
- Where
- Occidental Square, Pioneer Square, downtown Seattle
- Price
- Not posted yet. Check the official site.
- Ages and booking
- Kids who can stand on skates · Check the official site closer to the date.
A pop-up outdoor ice rink downtown for nine days in December. Hours are noon to 6pm each day.
Parent tip: Bring gloves and a warm hat. The rink is outdoors.
- Zoo lightsChristmas lights Good for toddlers
Zoolights at Point Defiance Zoo
- Dates
- Nov 27 - Jan 3 · Nightly, 4:30-10pm. Closed Dec 24 and 25.
- Where
- Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Tacoma, south of Seattle
- Price
- Timed tickets online. Prices change by date. See the official site.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Online timed tickets are required.
A long-running holiday light walk with over a million lights. The animals are asleep and the aquariums are closed at night, so it's all about the lights.
Parent tip: A sensory-friendly night with softer lights and quieter music is planned for January 9.
- Christmas lightsHoliday festivalsFree Good for toddlers
Pathway of Lights at Green Lake
- Dates
- Dec 12 · One night only, Sat Dec 12. Check the official site for the start time.
- Where
- Green Lake Community Center, Green Lake, north Seattle
- Price
- Free
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
A free one-night lights event at Green Lake. It has been a Seattle tradition for over 40 years.
Parent tip: It is outdoors by the lake in December. Dress everyone for cold and rain.
- Holiday festivalsSanta visitsChristmas lights Good for toddlers
Magic in the Market at Pike Place Market
- Dates
- Nov 28 · Sat Nov 28, 11am-6pm.
- Where
- Pike Place Market, Downtown Seattle
- Price
- Not posted. Check the official site.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Check the official site.
Pike Place Market's holiday kickoff day. Kids can meet Santa, decorate cookies and make an ornament. The day ends with the market's lighting.
Parent tip: The market gets packed. A baby carrier is easier than a stroller in the narrow aisles.
- Christmas marketsSanta visitsFree Good for toddlers
Holiday Night Market with Santa at Pike Place Market
- Dates
- Dec 10 · Thu Dec 10, 5-9pm.
- Where
- Pike Place Market, Downtown Seattle
- Price
- Santa photos are free. Shopping and treats cost extra.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
An evening market with gifts from local makers and holiday treats. Kids can get a free photo with Santa.
Parent tip: Go early in the evening with little ones, before bedtime and the bigger crowds.
- Holiday festivals Good for toddlers
Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition
- Dates
- Dec 5 · Sat Dec 5, noon-3pm.
- Where
- Pike Place Market, Downtown Seattle
- Price
- No price posted. It raises money for the market's senior center and food bank.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
Caroling groups sing around Pike Place Market in a friendly contest. The money raised goes to the market's senior center and food bank.
Parent tip: Close to 10,000 people come. Keep small kids close, or use a carrier.
- Holiday festivalsSanta visits Good for toddlers
Christmas Towne at Westlake Center
- Dates
- Nov 27 - Dec 24 · Select dates and hours. Full hours are not posted yet.
- Where
- Westlake Center, 400 Pine St, Downtown Seattle
- Price
- Not posted yet. Kids under 2 are free.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Timed tickets online. Sales have not opened yet.
A holiday play village inside Westlake Center. Kids can write to Santa, try games and crafts, bake, and watch snow fall each hour.
Parent tip: A visit with Santa is part of a separate VIP package. Check what your ticket covers before you go.
- Shows and Nutcracker
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever at Seattle Rep
- Dates
- Dec 11-20 · Dec 11-20. Open-captioned show Sat Dec 12 at 2pm.
- Where
- Leo K. Theater, Seattle Rep, Seattle Center, Seattle Center (Lower Queen Anne)
- Price
- See Seattle Rep for prices.
- Ages and booking
- School-age kids (read the content notes) · Reserved seats. Buy online or call the box office.
A young cast, ages 8 to 20, puts on this funny story. A church pageant gets taken over by the town's wildest kids.
Parent tip: The play shows bullying, fighting, smoking and mild swearing. Read the content notes first.
- Christmas lightsHoliday festivalsFree Good for toddlers
Winter Bonsai Solstice at Pacific Bonsai Museum
- Dates
- Dec 12 · Sat Dec 12, 4-7pm.
- Where
- Pacific Bonsai Museum, 2515 S 336th St, Federal Way, south of Seattle
- Price
- Free. Parking is free too.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · No tickets mentioned. Check the official site.
The bonsai trees are lit up for one evening. There is music, free hot chocolate and a food truck.
Parent tip: Bring a flashlight for the paths. It goes ahead rain or shine, so pack rain gear.
- Shows and Nutcracker Good for toddlers
A Charlie Brown Christmas at Taproot Theatre
- Dates
- Dec 3-26 · Dec 3-26. Evening shows at 7pm. Sensory-friendly shows Fri Dec 11 at 7pm and Tue Dec 22 at 4pm. 40 minutes, no break.
- Where
- Isaac Studio Theatre, Taproot Theatre, 212 N 85th St, Greenwood, north Seattle
- Price
- $11-$37. Lap tickets for kids 2 and under are $11.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Everyone needs a ticket, even babies. A lap ticket must go with an adult ticket.
A short stage version of the Peanuts holiday story. It runs 40 minutes with no break.
Parent tip: Sensory-friendly shows have brighter house lights, softer sound and a smaller crowd.
- Shows and Nutcracker
A Christmas Story: The Musical (Tacoma Musical Playhouse)
- Dates
- Nov 20 - Dec 13 · Weekends Nov 20-Dec 13. Fri 7:30pm, Sat 2pm and 7:30pm, Sun 2pm.
- Where
- Tacoma Musical Playhouse
- Price
- See the official site for prices.
- Ages and booking
- School-age kids · Reserved seats. Buy online.
A stage musical about Ralphie and his big Christmas wish. He deals with school bullies, a strict teacher and his family.
Parent tip: Weekend 2pm shows are the easiest pick with kids.
- Shows and Nutcracker
Hip Hop Nutcracker featuring Kurtis Blow
- Dates
- Dec 11-12 · Fri Dec 11 at 8pm, Sat Dec 12 at 3pm. Doors open an hour before.
- Where
- The Moore Theatre, 1932 2nd Ave, Downtown Seattle
- Price
- See the official site for prices.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Reserved seats. Buy online.
The Nutcracker story told through hip-hop dance and music. It plays two shows only.
Parent tip: With younger kids, pick the Saturday 3pm show.
- Shows and Nutcracker Good for toddlers
The Snowman with the Seattle Symphony
- Dates
- Dec 5 · Sat Dec 5, 11am and 1pm. About 50 minutes.
- Where
- S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium, Benaroya Hall, Downtown Seattle
- Price
- See the official site for prices.
- Ages and booking
- Made for ages 6-12. All ages welcome. · Everyone needs a ticket, including babies.
The orchestra plays live along with the classic film The Snowman, rated G. Free crafts and instrument play start an hour before.
Parent tip: You can borrow fidgets, wobble cushions and noise-reducing headphones at coat check.
- Shows and Nutcracker
Elf in Concert with the Seattle Symphony
- Dates
- Dec 9-12 · Wed Dec 9 at 7:30pm. Sat Dec 12 at 2pm and 8pm.
- Where
- S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium, Benaroya Hall, Downtown Seattle
- Price
- From $53, plus fees.
- Ages and booking
- Ages 5+ (film rated PG) · Every child needs a ticket. Limit 4 tickets per household.
The movie Elf plays on a big screen while the orchestra performs the music live.
Parent tip: Kids 5 to 12 must come with an adult. The Saturday 2pm show is the easiest fit for kids.
- Shows and Nutcracker
Tacoma City Ballet: The Nutcracker
- Dates
- Dec 11-20 · Fri Dec 11 at 7pm. Sat-Sun Dec 12-13 and Dec 19-20 at 2pm.
- Where
- Pantages Theater, 901 Broadway, Downtown Tacoma
- Price
- See the official site for prices.
- Ages and booking
- Families with kids who can sit through a ballet · Reserved seats. Buy online.
Tacoma City Ballet's Nutcracker, now in its 71st year. A live orchestra plays the music.
Parent tip: Doors open an hour early. The 2pm weekend shows suit younger kids best.
- Christmas lightsHoliday festivalsIce skating Good for toddlers
Holiday Magic at the Washington State Fair Event Center
- Dates
- Dec 4-23 · Dec 4-6, Dec 11-13 and Dec 18-23 (12 days).
- Where
- Washington State Fair Event Center, 110 9th Ave SW, Puyallup, south of Seattle
- Price
- Tickets by date. See the official site for prices.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Buy dated tickets online. Popular dates fill up.
Light displays, kid rides, an ice rink and a holiday market at the fairgrounds. The rides, including a holiday train ride, come with admission.
Parent tip: Book early for weekend dates. The busiest nights fill up first.
Dates and prices were checked on each event's official site. They can change, so check the official site before you go.
On a budget? See every free Christmas event in Seattle, including parades and tree lightings.
Shopping for gifts? Compare the Christmas markets in Seattle, with hours, costs and tips for going with kids.
Planning a Santa visit? See where to find Santa in Seattle, plus free Santa photos, breakfasts with Santa and tips for skipping the line.
Going to the ballet? Compare every Nutcracker in Seattle, with run times, age tips and sensory-friendly shows.
Planning the whole trip? See our full guide to Seattle with kids.
Questions parents ask
What is there to do in Seattle for Christmas with kids?
Visit the Seattle Christmas Market and Winterfest at Seattle Center, walk WildLanterns at Woodland Park Zoo, and watch Snowflake Lane in Bellevue. Ride a Santa train or see the Christmas ships.
Older kids love Pacific Northwest Ballet's Nutcracker.
What are the free Christmas events in Seattle?
Snowflake Lane in Bellevue and Winterfest at Seattle Center are free. The Westlake tree lighting party is free too.
Tap "Free" above to see them together.
Where can you ride a Santa train near Seattle?
The Northwest Railway Museum runs Santa trains from North Bend on weekends, November 28 to December 20. The Polar Express runs in Chehalis, November 14 to December 20.
Both tend to sell out, so book early.
What are the best Christmas events in Seattle for toddlers?
Snowflake Lane is short and free. Winterfest's model train, Garden d'Lights, and the Seattle Children's Theatre holiday show also work well for little ones.
Look for the "Good for toddlers" label in the list.
Christmas in other cities
- Christmas in New York
- Christmas in Chicago
- Christmas in Boston
- Christmas in Washington, DC
- Christmas in Nashville
- Christmas in Denver
- Christmas in San Diego
- Christmas in San Francisco
- Christmas in Los Angeles
- Christmas in Atlanta
- Christmas in Houston
- Christmas in San Antonio
- Christmas in Gatlinburg
- Christmas in Philadelphia
- Christmas in Pittsburgh
- Christmas in Las Vegas
- Christmas in Orlando
- Christmas in Miami
- Christmas in New Orleans
- Christmas in Charlotte
- Christmas in Kansas City
- Christmas in Dallas
- Christmas in Austin
- Christmas in Phoenix
- Christmas in St. Louis
- Christmas in Tampa
- Christmas in Cincinnati