For me, it all starts when Lou Rawls sings. One song into Merry Christmas, Baby, and I’m ready to give in to the whirl of it all. Hearing it also means the pace is about to pick up, and sometimes it does feel like too much. But that’s just the holidays—the joy comes tucked inside the rush, even if it shows up during last-minute grocery runs and over baked gingerbread. Here are a few ways to keep November and December glowing and bright.

1. Market Magic

Nov. 20–Dec. 24 | Seattle Center

The Seattle Christmas Market is pretty special, transforming Seattle Center into a European-style holiday village. This year, even the Monorail gets in on the act, decked out as the Christmas Market Express. Wander lantern-lit paths, sip mulled wine (with nightly snow drifting down for extra effect), grab something indulgent like a brioche donut or cheese wheel pasta, catch a roaming stiltwalker parade, and watch the carousel spin beneath the glowing Christmas Pyramid. With over 80 vendors and daily surprises, it’s the closest thing to a passport-free trip abroad.

Handmade cards from Northwest artists at Cascadia Museum in Edmonds.

Photo courtesy of Cascadia Art Museum

2. Season’s Greetings

Nov. 16–Jan. 4 | Cascadia Art Museum, Edmonds

Cascadia’s annual exhibition of vintage Christmas cards is a quieter stop—but no less inspiring. Northwest artists once sent woodcuts, prints, and paintings through the mail, turning season’s greetings into small works of art. After seeing them all head to the table in the gallery where you can make your own card—proof that even the smallest gesture can carry the season forward.

Julefest glows brightest when the Lucia Bride arrives by Viking boat at dusk.

Photo courtesy of Visit Kitsap Peninsula

3. Fire on the fjord

Dec. 6 | Poulsbo

Every December, Julefest lights up Liberty Bay with Nordic street food and a market full of handmade gifts that make it easy to check everyone off your list. But the heart of it comes at dusk, when the Lucia Bride arrives by Viking boat, escorted by torchbearers who light the bonfire as the Viking King proclaims the solstice. The first time I saw it, I cried. It’s so moving to watch the whole community gather around a tradition that feels so ancient and alive.

Wise men Rontrell J. Brimmer, Antwoin Parmer and Dancer Daezhane day as Mary.

Photo by Joe Moore

4. Curtain call

Nov.–Dec. | Various

Seattle’s holiday stage is a full spectrum: the gospel power of Black Nativity, the irreverent comedy of A Very Die Hard Christmas and Dina Martina, the variety of Scott Shoemaker’s War on Christmas, and the timeless swirl of Pacific Northwest Ballet’s Nutcracker. Even Elf is taking the 5th Avenue stage this year. Together, the performances are big, diverse, and made for sharing. The season just wouldn’t be the same without a little showbiz.

A half-million lights brighten the paths at Bellevue Botanical Garden.

Photo courtesy of Visit Bellevue Washington

5. Lights in bloom

Nov. 29–Dec. 31 | Bellevue Botanical Garden

For 31 years, Garden d’Lights has filled the Bellevue Botanical Garden with glowing scenes from the forest, made entirely of light. More than half a million bright bulbs spread through the grounds, making familiar paths feel otherworldly. It’s also one of the most romantic holiday outings around—a pretty walk you can take at your own pace, which sets it apart from so many other festivities.