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Frosty Festivals

Seattle gears up for the holidays

By Seattle Mag November 22, 2024

A performer in a blue dress dances outdoors in a snowy setting adorned with festive decorations and a sign reading "Snowflake Lane," showcasing what to do in Seattle during the holidays.
Snowflake Lane
Photo by Chance Merchant

This article originally appeared in the November/December 2024 issue of Seattle magazine.

Bellevue’s Snowflake Lane celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. The Seattle Christmas Market turns 2.

Those are just two of the many holiday happenings that make Seattle a perfect place to soak in the festive atmosphere of the
holidays. Here are a few of our favorites.

A large candy cane decoration stands in the foreground, with a festive pyramid-like structure featuring a doll and spinning blades in the background—perfect sights to experience at holiday markets and festivals when exploring what to do in Seattle during the holidays.
Photo by Braden Heil

The Christmas Market — at Seattle Center — runs even longer this year, from Nov. 21 to Dec. 24 (except on Thanksgiving). It will also take over the top of Fisher Pavilion, adding an additional 20,000 square feet. Check out the Lovers Lane light
installation, a 50-foot Walk-Through Christmas Tree, and the Christmas Carousel that includes Santa’s Snow Globe.

Two performers in festive uniforms walk in a holiday parade, smiling under the snowfall. Behind them is a "Snowflake Lane" decoration. For those wondering what to do in Seattle during the holidays, visiting Snowflake Lane and nearby holiday markets and festivals is a must.
Photo by Chance Merchant

Over in Bellevue, Snowflake Lane will draw nearly 400,000 guests during its 26-night celebration that kicks off Nov. 29. Be prepared for nightly snow courtesy of 55 snow machines and nearly 180 cast members, including snow princesses, sugar plum and teddy bears.

Enjoy holiday lights parading around Puget Sound during the Christmas Ship Festival, and be sure to hit Winterfest at Seattle Center, a month-long celebration featuring a skating rink and a model train village. Enjoy festive decorations and holiday-themed goodies at Pike Place Market’s Magic in the Market, Gingerbread Village at the Sheraton Grand, and Wild Lanterns at
Woodland Park Zoo.

A group of people poses for a photo under a brightly lit, festive archway adorned with holiday decorations, capturing the joyful spirit of what to do in Seattle during the holidays.
Photo courtesy of Pike Place Market PDA

Visit Seattle has an extensive list of holiday-themed events at visitseattle.com.

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