2018 Holiday Happenings in the Seattle Area
Our Northwest holidays may be wet, but they’re still bright! Make the most of the season with Seattle favorites—such as dazzling light displays and the Parade of Boats—along with new additions like the “Enchant” event with light mazes and ice skating inside Safeco field. Scroll down for all the details.
WildLights at Woodland Park Zoo
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Dates/Times:Open nightly 11/23/18 – 1/5/19 |5:30 – 8:30 pm
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Cost:$9.95 – $14.95 per person (ages 2 and under are free)
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Promotion:Get a 10% group discount on WildLights tickets for groups of 20+ (12/14/18 – 1/5/19).
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Parking: Free parking is available at all lots after 4:30 pm (admission at both gates)
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Food: Refreshments are available at food kiosks, Pizza Corner, and at the Pacific Blue Chowder House (with covered seating provided). You are also welcome to bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages.
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Special activities: Carousel, fire pits, select indoor animal exhibits, ZooStore, & indoor snowball fights at the Snowmazium
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Closures:December 12, 24 & 25, 2018
Winterfest at Seattle Center
Map
- Dates/Times: Winter train & village open daily 11/23/18 – 12/31/18 | 10 am – 6 pm
Winterfest Ice Rink open 11/23/18 – 1/6/19, Sun-Thu from 11 am – 8 pm, Fri-Sat from 11 am – 10 pm - Cost:Free for all ages (ice skating is $2 – $8 including rental)
- Parking:Paid parking available at the Mercer Garage, 1st Ave N Garage, 5th Ave N Garage, and Theatre Commons Lot. Click here for the campus map
- Food: A multitude of dining options await you in the Armory
- Special events: Ice skating at the Winterfest Ice Rink, ice sculpting, caroling, the Winter Train & Village, and more!
- Holiday Closure:12/25
Enchant at Safeco Field
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Dates/Times: 11/23/18 – 12/30/18 | Sun-Thu from 4 – 10 pm, Fri-Sat from 4 – 11 pm
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Cost: $19 – $32.99 per person (ages 3 and under are free) | VIP passes with dinner starting at $64.99
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Promotions: Discount days on 11/27, 12/4 & 12/11 | Discount on final 2 hours of any day | Group discounts for 15 or more
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Food: Seasonal food and treat concessions throughout
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Activities: Ice skating trail, light maze, visits with Santa & Mrs. Claus, nightly live music & shows, gift market
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Closures: 11/26, 12/3 & 12/10
Garden d’Lights at Bellevue Botanical Garden
12001 Main Street, Bellevue WA 98005
https://bellevuebotanical.org/garden-dlights/
click here to get tickets
https://bellevuebotanical.org/garden-dlights/
click here to get tickets
- Dates/Times: Open nightly 11/24/18 – 12/30/18 | 4:30 – 9:00 pm
- Cost: $5 per person (ages 10 and under are free)
- Promotion: Free admission nights on November 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 & 29
- Parking: Premium parking is $5 per car in the Garden’s lot (cash only) as space allows OR park for free at Wilburton Hill Park
- Food: Hot drinks and snacks are available at the Aaron Education Center
- Activities: Gingerbread village, live music
- Holiday Closures: None
Image courtesy of https://gardendlights.org/
Snowflake Lane at the Bellevue Collection
Bellevue Way & NE 8th Street, Bellevue WA 98004http://snowflakelane.com/
- Dates/Times: Nightly 11/23/18 – 12/24/18 | 20 minute show starts at 7 pm
- Cost: Free for all ages
- Parking: Free parking at Bellevue Square, Bellevue Place and Lincoln Square
- Food: A variety of dining options (from happy hour, to kid fare, to gourmet meal) are all within walking distance
- Special Events & Activities: Ice Skating, Santa Parade & Tree Lighting, Santa Photos
Image courtesy of http://bellevue.com/snowflake-lane
Christmas Ship Festival
Launch locations include Lake Union Park, Kirkland City Dock, Hyatt Regency Lake Washington, Des Moines Marina, Port of Poulsbo, Seattle Waterfront – Pier 55, Tacoma (Dock Street Marina), Edmonds, and Shilshole Bay Marinawww.argosycruises.com
click here to get tickets
- Dates/Times: Click here for the full schedule
- Cost:$22 – $68 per person (kids 3 and under are free)
- Parking: Varies by location – click here for details
- Food: While dining ahead of time is recommended, there are snacks and drinks available for purchase on the ship. You can also pre-order Ingallina’s boxed meals (with vegetarian and gluten-free options) at least 72 hours prior to your cruise. Outside food/drinks are not allowed.
- Special Events: Parade of Boats Night, Kid Cruise, Grand Finale Night
Ivar’s Clam Lights at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park
1201 Lake Washington Blvd N, Renton, WA 98056https://rentonwa.gov/clamlights
- Dates/Times: Open nightly 11/30/18 – 1/1/19 | 5 – 9 pm
- Cost: Free for all ages
- Parking: Park for free at the Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park parking lot
- Kickoff Event on November 30th, 2018, 5:30-8:30:Music, selfie-station with Santa & Mrs. Claus in their sleigh, official lighting ceremony, Parade of Boats viewing, and a visit from the Christmas Ship and Dickens Carolers
- Holiday Closures: None
Westlake Center Tree Lighting & Holiday Activities
400 Pine St., Seattle, WA 98101 (Westlake Park)http://redtri.com/seattle/westlake-center-tree-lighting/
- Dates/Times: Tree lighting ceremony on 11/23/18 at 4:30 pm. Holiday market Fri-Sun beginning 11/23 through 12/23. Carousel and other festive attractions through January 1st, 2019
- Cost:Free for all ages
- Parking: Access the Republic Parking garage from Olive Way between 4th & 5th Ave, or check out this interactive map of city parking
- Activities: Carousel, Holiday Market at Westlake Park
Zoolights at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
5400 N Pearl St, Tacoma, WA 98407www.pdza.org/event/zoolights
click here to get tickets
- Dates/Times: Open nightly 11/23/2018 – 1/6/2019 | 5 – 9 pm
- Cost:$10-$12 (free for kids 2 & under)
- Promotions: $6 for zoo members; Scout discount night 12/4; Military discount nights Nov. 26, 28 & Dec. 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, & 19
- Parking: Free parking in zoo lots (carpooling recommended)
- Food: Warm drinks & treats available at the cafe and kiosks
- Activities: Camel rides, carousel, aquarium, Kids’ Zone with animals
- Holiday Closure:12/24
This article was put together and originally posted on windermeremercerisland.com/blog
Enjoy – Cheers!