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Our Favorite Seattle Holiday Events
Fun, festive events for the family
This article originally appeared in the November/December 2022 issue of Seattle magazine.
There are no shortage of holiday events in the Seattle area, and, well, everywhere. Here are a handful of our favorite events that run through most of the holiday season (rather than one-day or weekend events).
The heart of Bellevue once again becomes a majestic holiday destination during the 18th annual Snowflake Lane holiday extravaganza. Enjoy falling (faux) snow, a resplendent, professionally produced light show, nightly choreographed parades and festive dancers. The fun begins on Black Friday and runs through Christmas Eve.
The production is held on the sidewalks between Bellevue Square and Lincoln Square from Northeast Fourth through Eighth streets starting at 7 p.m. every night. Parking is free.
Snowflake Lane is sponsored by The Bellevue Collection, comprising the connecting Bellevue Square and Lincoln Square shopping malls. https://bellevuecollection.com/snowflakelane/
The best time to hit the dazzling Leavenworth Village of Lights is midweek to avoid the weekend rush. The annual event begins on Thanksgiving Day and, in true holiday spirit, runs all the way through Valentine’s Day. The entire Alps-like village comes alive with half-a-million lights. Christmas tree lighting ceremonies are held the first three weekends in December. leavenworthchristmaslighting.com
The annual Issaquah Reindeer Festival returns Dec. 1. Billed as “the most unique” annual holiday celebration in the Northwest, the event includes admission to the Cougar Mountain Zoo and photo opportunities with Santa and his sleigh. Note: Santa takes a nap between 1 and 1:30. https://www.cougarmountainzoo.org/issaquah-reindeer-festival/
The holidays wouldn’t be complete without a visit to perhaps Seattle’s best-known landmark, the Pike Place Market. The 27th annual Magic in the Market begins with the lighting ceremony on Nov. 26 and showcases the city’s holiday spirit throughout all nine acres. Meet Santa, enjoy caroling, sip eggnog and visit some of the Market’s 200-plus independently owned shops and restaurants. https://www.pikeplacemarket.org/event/27th-annual-magic-in-the-market/
Enjoy a world of sparkling lights at Seattle Center Winterfest from Nov. 26 to Dec. 31. Get into the season spirit with the Winter Train & Village, ice sculpting and the annual lighting display. https://www.seattlecenter.com/events/featured-events/winterfest
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