Are you ready to make this winter season unforgettable for your little ones? Look no further than the Seattle area for some incredible kid-friendly holiday activities! Spending time with your family can create memories that last a lifetime. Whether you want to experience the magic of the season or just enjoy some quality time together, we’ve got you covered! Plus, the best part is, you won’t have to break the bank to have fun. From free activities to small splurges, we’ve rounded up the best options for you. Get ready to embrace the holiday spirit with our guide to some of the most enchanting and affordable outings in Seattle. We’re sure you and your family will find something here that will fill your hearts with joy and make this season extra special!
And if you are looking for some stunning Holiday lights, such as Snowflake Lane in Bellevue, or WildLanterns at the Woodland Park Zoo, check out our list of 17 Kid-Friendly Holiday Lights in and Around Seattle and Kid-Friendly Holiday Activities Just Beyond the City
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- Holiday Fun in Seattle -
Hey there! Seattle is a fantastic area to enjoy the holidays with children. There are so many fun activities and events to choose from! If you’re searching for more than just holiday lights, here are a few ideas to consider:
Kringles Filling Station
Kringle’s is a must-see Christmas attraction that will make your holiday season unforgettable. This charming open-air event brings people together with their families and friends, and it’s only available for a limited time each year. You won’t find anything else like it!
Kringle’s debuted in 2021 and its whimsical details and fun games will surely bring a smile to your face. From holiday-themed arcade games to delicious treats and warm drinks, this vintage magical gas station has everything you need for a great time. And don’t forget to snap a photo with your crew in the one-of-a-kind sleigh! The kids will love the steaming cup of hot chocolate, which is included with every ticket. And challenge your loved ones to some Reindeer Games, Christmas Ski-Ball, and even Holiday Karaoke! Come join the fun at Kringle’s holiday hangout spot!
Holiday Magic at Swansons Nursery
Are you ready to create memories that will last a lifetime with your family this holiday season? Swansons Nursery is the perfect place to start! The nursery is transformed into a wonderland of twinkling lights and festive decor that will transport you to a magical world, perfect for kids and adults alike. You won’t want to miss Santa’s Yurt and their amazing Treehouse themed model train, with special appearances from Barbie, the Swiss Family Robinson, Ewok, and more (each year has a new theme).
Plus, you can make an appointment to get beautiful Santa photos with your little ones. Need a tree? Their tree-shopping experience is unmatched – you can wander through our greenhouse, viewing and spinning Christmas trees (they hang in the sky!) to your heart’s content to find the perfect one for your family. While you’re here, be sure to stop by their cafe for a quick snack and coffee, plus you can admire their koi (fish) pond, and before heading home, check out the gift shop, where you can find unique gifts for everyone on your list, handmade by local artisans. At Swansons, they simply adore the holiday season and savor the chance to share it with you and your family. See you soon!
Teddy Bear Suite and Festival of Trees at the Fairmont Hotel
Festival of Trees
November 17th – 29th, 2023
Seattle Festival of Trees is a fantastic charitable celebration that has been spreading holiday cheer in Seattle for over 40 years now. Located in downtown Seattle at the incredible Fairmont Olympic hotel, this is a breathtaking tradition you wouldn’t want to miss. They have designer holiday trees and heart-touching stories from Seattle Children’s patients that will surely warm your hearts. The Festival of Trees is a heartwarming experience that will have you glowing with joy to kick off your holiday season. The beautiful trees will be on display from November 17th to 29th, 2023, so make sure to mark the dates in your calendar! You can experience them up close in the hotel lobby, or visitors can also enjoy the festivities from the hotel windows along 4th Avenue.
Teddy Bear Suite
November 23rd, 2023 – January 3rd, 2024
The Fairmont Olympic Hotel’s Teddy Bear Suite is sure to delight kids of all ages! Admission is free, but donations to support the Seattle Festival of Trees and Seattle Children’s Hospital are always appreciated.
When you step inside the hotel lobby, you’ll be dazzled by the festive decor, complete with beautiful trees, wreaths, and gingerbread. Take a quick ride up the elevator and prepare to be surrounded by teddy bears galore! Your little ones will love hugging their new furry friends, while you snap photos in this picturesque setting. Before you leave, don’t forget to grab a candy cane and consider making a contribution to Seattle Children’s Hospital.
The Teddy Bear Suite is open Tuesday through Sunday during the holiday season and is a must-see attraction in Seattle running from November 23rd, 2023 to January 3rd, 2024. Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m – 5 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Gingerbread Village at the Sheraton Grand
Get ready for a sweet treat this season as The Sheraton Grand Seattle’s Gingerbread Village celebrates its 29th annual event with the theme “The Chocolate Factory.” This fun-filled and free public event is open until January 1st, 2024. You can visit from Sunday to Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Come and experience the magic of the season and indulge in the irresistible creations crafted by renowned architecture firms, skilled builders, Sheraton Grand Seattle chefs, and T1D champions. And it’s all for a good cause – every donation collected at the event goes towards supporting the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s Northwest Chapter. Let’s join hands to support a worthwhile cause and make this holiday season a little sweeter!
Seattle Christmas Market at Seattle Center
Are you looking for a wonderful holiday activity for the whole family? Look no further than the Seattle Christmas Market at the Seattle Center as they host Winterfest! From November 24th to December 24th, you can experience a charming European-inspired outdoor Christmas village and community marketplace at the Fisher Pavilion and South Fountain Lawn in Seattle Center. This market has something for everyone, the kids will love the Merry Go Round, live entertainment, Nordstrom letters to Santa, festive decorations and lights, and over 60 local and international vendors selling beautifully handcrafted gifts, sweet, and savory treats. Enjoy daily live entertainment while sipping on hot chocolate or warm mulled wine (Glühwein). You’ll be surrounded by the magic of the holiday season and make memories that will last a lifetime. Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to celebrate with your loved ones!
The Nutcracker by Pacific Northwest Ballet
Get excited this holiday season for the enchanting, family-friendly production of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® presented by Pacific Northwest Ballet! Immerse yourself in the dazzle of the liveliest lobby in town and prepare for an unforgettable experience filled with captivating costumes and awe-inspiring performances.
Be transported by breathtaking acrobatics, enchanting larger than life puppets, and intricately crafted sets and costumes. This is your chance to witness the breathtaking world of NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet presented by the Pacific Northwest Ballet in Seattle. Purchase your tickets today!
Please note, especially for kids, that the show runs for 2 hours, including a 25-minute intermission.
Jollidaze Christmas Pop-Up Cafe
For those seeking a family-friendly spot where both adults and kids can soak in the holiday spirit, the Le family, owners of the famous Dochi mochi doughnut shop in Seattle, have created something truly special – the Jollidaze Christmas pop-up café.
🤫 A Magical Secret Room for Kids:
One of the highlights of Jollidaze, especially for the little ones, is its secret room. Hidden behind a bookshelf door that kids love exploring, this whimsical space adds an element of surprise and adventure to your visit.
🍨 Delightful Dessert Options: The café offers a variety of Snoqualmie ice cream flavors, including vegan choices. Indulge in a specialty sundae like the Vietnamese Affogato or enjoy a ‘reindeer flight’ with four scoops – a hit with the kids!
🍿 More Than Just Ice Cream: For those who might prefer something other than ice cream, Jollidaze doesn’t disappoint. Their menu includes coffee, cookies, dochi bites (mochi doughnuts), popcorn, churros, and warm drinks served in festive cups – the cocoa comes highly recommended for its creaminess.
Currently in its soft-opening stage, Jollidaze operates Mon-Thurs from 3-8 pm and Fri-Sun from 12-10 pm. It’s always a good idea to check their Instagram for the latest updates on their hours. The café is bustling, especially during weekends, so you might have to wait for a table.
Amazon Winter Wonderland
The holiday season is here, and we wanted to share some exciting news. Amazon’s Winter Wonderland at Day One Playfield is open and waiting for you to explore! With dazzling lights and impressive snow globes, it’s a perfect spot for families and kids to enjoy some free festive fun. Plus, you can cozy up inside the snow globes and take some great photos with the forest of lighted trees in the background.
If you live, work, or frequently visit the South Lake Union area, we highly recommend you swing by the Amazon Spheres and experience the holiday spirit for yourself. We can’t wait to see you and share a little joy this season!
Ice Skating Rink in Occidental Square
It’s time to get ready to kick off the winter with ice skating! Families and kids are welcomed! Even if you’re a first-time skater, you will enjoy the company of hundreds of Pacific Northwest residents who gather for their annual wobble around the rink.
The free synthetic ice rink returns to Occidental Square for its second year from December 8th to the 10th. This pop-up outdoor rink will welcome skaters of all ages and skill levels to take a merry turn on the ice. You don’t even need to worry about bringing your own skates as they will have plenty available to borrow for free. The rink will be open on Friday from 1-7 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from noon-6 p.m.
For more holiday fun, stop by the Holiday Market hosted by the Alliance for Pioneer Square on Friday and Saturday. Featuring over 40 local makers, it’s the perfect spot to pick up your holiday gifts. Come and join us for some winter magic!
Merry & Bright Holiday at Pacific Place
It’s time to get into the holiday spirit with some family fun – Pacific Place in Seattle has got you covered! On December 21st from 3-5 pm for some wreath-making, holiday caricatures, and a visit from Frosty the Snowman. The following day, December 22nd, they’ve got LEGO ornaments, Frosty balloon twisting, and even The Grinch himself making an appearance! Wrapping up the festivities on December 23rd from 2-4 pm, they’ve got gift tag making, holiday magic, and a special visit from Santa’s Elf. Don’t miss out on these exciting activities and entertainment, and make some wonderful memories with your loved ones. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
Santa at the Space Needle
Santa at the Space Needle! Take a photo with Jolly St. Nick from December 2nd to December 24th! Bring the kids along for an unforgettable adventure onto the world’s first and only revolving glass floor to meet Santa in his all-glass sleigh. Their team of professional photographers will be on hand to help capture the moment, while Santa’s elves will be there to ensure that you have the ultimate holiday photo op! Plus, every visitor will receive a free digital photo with Santa that’ll be a cherished memory for years to come. Don’t miss out on this magical opportunity. We can’t wait to see you at the Space Needle! 🎅✨🎄
Winter Market at the Seattle Children's Museum
Are your kids ready to experience some Winter fun in Seattle? Check out the Seattle Children’s Museum’s Winter Market, where you get to build and play with snow people, sip hot chocolate (imaginary, of course) and even take a picture on a ski lift. Don’t forget to bundle up and bring your friends and family for some quality time gathering around the fire, telling stories, and skating on the sock skating rink. Let’s make this season memorable with tons of play and joy! See you there!
Volunteer Park Conservatory Holiday Train
Looking for a fun holiday adventure for your little ones? Bring them to the Volunteer Park Conservatory in Seattle and let them experience the joy of the “Volunteer Park Express” model train while feeling like they’ve stepped into a little tropical paradise. The Conservatory is open from Tuesday to Sunday, however the volunteer-operated train runs only on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from open to close. Trust us, you won’t want to miss seeing the train cruising around the Conservatory. Can’t wait to see you there!
Harry Potter Magic at Play
Step into the enchanting world of Harry Potter with the limited-time interactive experience in Bellevue. Immerse yourself in the magic of the wizarding world as you explore themed exhibits, engage in spellbinding activities, and relive iconic moments from the beloved series. Perfect for fans of all ages, this unique experience offers a magical escape during the holiday season, bringing the wonders of Hogwarts to life in an unforgettable way.
