The holiday season is in full swing in Seattle and Western Washington.
Some of the hottest spots this year include holiday lights and Christmas trees at Westlake Center and nightly carols in Pioneer Square. An ice skating rink just opened at Occidental Park.
Tourists like Gene and Norman Rollinx traveled all the way from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, in western Canada, to enjoy the festivities and shopping at Pike Place Market on Friday.
“I saw people gathering and decorations being put up, which was great,” Norman Lorinx told KIRO News Radio.
Musician Thelonious Armandillo brings cheer to the faces of tourists with his music at Westlake Center.
“I work for smiles, and the smile business is always good this time of year,” Armandillo told KIRO News Radio on Friday.
Meanwhile, photographer Tyler Kirshner looks at happiness through his lens in Pioneer Square.
“I see people coming together and having fun finding all the little things that bring a spark of joy,” Kirshner told KIRO News Radio.
If you’re looking to get in the holiday spirit and capture some of your own holiday smiles and joy in Seattle or the Puget Sound area, consider the following events and activities throughout December.
winter fest (Seattle Center) ā Throughout its five-week run, the Seattle Center event website states, āThose looking for a seasonal boost or a fun pastime can enjoy seasonal decorations, winter trains and villages, and The Armory. You can find the weekend’s entertainment on stage, as well as New Year’s events.” Eve celebration. ā Some areas are free, but others, such as the Seattle Christmas Market, require the purchase of a ticket. The larger area will be open until December 31st.
Seattle Christmas Market (Seattle Center) ā Part of Winterfest, this market aims to “bring the festive traditions of the old world to Seattle. Our market is filled with colorful decorations, authentic gifts, and charm. “We combine traditional food, drink and family entertainment to create the perfect atmosphere to celebrate Christmas,” the website says. The market will run until December 24th and tickets can be purchased here. Passes for the entire season are available here.
Pacific Northwest Ballet (PNB) presents George Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker” (McCaw Hall at Seattle Center) ā A favorite Northwest holiday tradition, the popular fantasy tale returns to the stage this holiday season for a total of 37 performances. Tchaikovsky’s timeless music is performed by his world-famous PNB Orchestra, PNB Company dancers, PNB School young stars, and uniquely Seattle sets that captivate audiences every holiday season. Go here to purchase tickets for upcoming performances. The show will run until December 27th.
Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship Festival (Lake Washington and Puget Sound area) ā A Northwest tradition since 1949, the official Christmas ship, the Spirit of Seattle, is decorated with hundreds of white lights and sails along dozens of different Puget Sound waterfront locations. Sailing to the community. Those who wish to sail can buy tickets for various trips along the coast and listen to choir performances on board. Some communities will also work with Argosy to host performances at various times that can be heard on the shore. The event will run in the Puget Sound region until Dec. 23, the day of the grand finale.
wild lantern (Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle) ā Another beloved winter tradition in the Northwest, lanterns light up the area and what the zoo calls āan immersive, interactive, life-giving experience unlike any other in the Northwest.ā We call it “an experience that transcends.” Several areas of the zoo offer unique experiences, including “an interactive zone with family-favorite illusions and games sure to spark excitement.” Tickets can be purchased here. The festival will run until January 14, 2024.
candy cane lane (Seattle’s Ravenna Neighborhood) ā The famous neighborhood exhibit includes about 25 homes on Park Road off Ravenna Boulevard near Northeast 21st Street in Seattle. In a recent article about Candy Cane Lane, KIRO Newsradio’s Felix Bunnell said that during the three designated pedestrian-only nights, visitors can drive through (but please turn off their headlights). I explained that they could walk on the sidewalk or road. . Amazingly, it is run by volunteers and is free. However, we are collecting donations of food and other non-perishable items for the University Food Bank. The lights will be illuminated at night until January 1, 2024.
Live reporting on Seattle’s past: Candy Cane Lane has a long history
For more holiday displays in Seattle, consider walking or driving through other neighborhoods like Queen Anne, Magnolia, and Crown Hill.
Zoolights (Tacoma’s Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium) ā Pose with butterfly lights, walk through a light tunnel, feed the goats, see new exhibits, revisit old memories, and more at South Sound Zoo’s “80 It will transform into a winter wonderland decorated with over 10,000 lights. ā Members can purchase tickets to the event at a discounted price, as well as general admission tickets. Zoolights will run until January 1, 2024.
Garden Delights 2023 (Bellevue Botanical Gardens) ā The event features āmore than 500,000 sparkling lights set in the natural beauty of plants, flowers, birds, animals, and whimsical shapes such as cascading waterfallsā at the Botanical Gardens. The website states that this is a feature. The site also reminds potential visitors that “the exhibit is located outdoors in a well-lit walkway and is only accessible on foot.” Go here to purchase tickets. Garden d’Lights he will be held until December 31st.
Leavenworth becomes a Christmas town ā The website for the city of Leavenworth, technically a city in Chelan County, advertises it as a “charming Bavarian village nestled in the picturesque Cascade Mountains.” On Thanksgiving Day, the city turns into a Christmas-lover’s delight, with lights and various holiday displays all over the city. Live entertainment including choirs, carolers, and bands can be found in the downtown core. There will also be holiday characters, including the one and only Santa Claus.
Visitors can enjoy the illuminations and performances for free. However, gift shops, restaurants, and other activities can all swindle some money out of visitors’ wallets. The lights will be on until February, but the Christmas event will end at the end of December. Finally, if you don’t feel comfortable driving into the mountains to get to Leavenworth, the city’s website suggests bus tours and other transportation options.
snowflake crane (BELLEVUE) – Head to the Eastside and “experience the wonder of falling snow, dazzling lights, festive music, toy drummers, and dancers at the free nightly Holiday Float Parade,” Snowflake Lane’s website says. It is listed. Yes, this is another free Christmas event that members of the Puget Sound community can enjoy. Every night at 7pm, just head to your favorite spot on the sidewalk between Bellevue Square and Lincoln Square, from NE 4th Street to NE 8th Street, to see the show. Please note that traffic increases significantly during weekend performances. The night parade will continue until December 24th.
holiday magic (Washington State Fair grounds in Puyallup) ā Held earlier this year, the Washington State Fair celebrated the holidays with ābreathtaking lights, interactive exhibits, festive food and drink, and a holiday experience for the whole family.ā It became magic. Whether you prefer to get outdoors, stay inside a warm building, or both, Holiday Magic offers fun holiday experiences including options like the Twinkle Light Tunnel, Let It Snow Experience, and Holiday Selfie Studio. We provide abundant. General admission tickets can still be purchased here. The event will be open to the public on December 10th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 20th, 21st and 22nd and will conclude on December 23rd.
Kringle gas station (Aurora Avenue North, Seattle) ā “Part arcade, part neighborhood hangout, this vintage, magical gas station is packed with activities, treats, and warmth, making it the perfect venue for holiday fun.” We are advertising.Admission fee includes gAmerican garage with skee ball, hK on holidaykaraoke and games,access to Kringle’s private office;Lots of car racing and the famous G CupAs a pump hot cocoa. Tickets can be purchased here, with a small discount available for those interested in purchasing ticket “bundles”. The station will be open until December 31st, but will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
gingerbread village (Sheraton Grand Seattle) ā Sheraton Grand Seattle’s 29th Annual Gingerbread Village Celebration is back. This year’s theme is “Chocolate Factory”. As the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) announces online, āSeattleās top architecture firm, Master Builder, and Sheraton Grand Seattleās culinary team have created another exciting village for this holiday season. ā Gingerbread Village is a free event open to the public seven days a week until January 1, 2024. This event is free, but donations will be collected at the event to help the Northwest Chapter of JDRF.
tulalip light (Tulalip Resort Casino in Tulalip) ā Washington state’s largest holiday light display is back and apparently twice as big as last year. āTulalip Lightsā returns with a massive showcase of more than 6 million holiday lights. Located on Interstate 5, accessible from westbound exits 200 or 202. All light displays are free to the public and will be on display until January 15, 2024.
Tulalip details: Where to see the largest Christmas lights in Washington
winter tide light (Everett) ā Whether downtown, at Evergreen Arboretum & Gardens, or on the waterfront, the city of Everett has multiple options for enjoying festive lights. The city is decorated and ready to receive guests. The exhibit is scheduled to continue until December.
“Christmas carol” (Allen Theater at Seattle’s ACT Contemporary Theater) ā āOn a snowy Christmas Eve full of memorable characters, ghostly apparitions, and visitations to the past, present, and future, miserly Ebenezer Scrooge finds his way to charity and redemption. Discover the joy of Theater website about Charles Dickens’ timeless stories. Tickets can be purchased here. The performance runs until December 24th.
Enjoy another version: Relive āA Christmas Carolā on KIRO News Radio
“A Very Die Hard Christmas” (Seattle Public Theater, Green Lake District) ā This musical parody was written by Jeff Shell and The Habit, a local comedy troupe that parodies other classic films. Paying homage to the legendary action movie Die Hard starring Bruce Willis and Alan Rickman and its place in Christmas movie lore, the Seattle Public Theater website calls the comedy “an action movie, “Perfect for those who like Christmas entertainment with lots of jokes.” Smooth soft rock jams and sleazy German terrorists. ā Performances will be held until December 23rd. Some tickets are still available and can be purchased here.
Contributor: Luke Duecy, KIRO News Radio