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2025 Holiday Happenings Around the Sound
Just in time for its darkest days, Greater Seattle is getting a glow-up! These dazzling favorites are sure to light up your holidays and banish those rainy day blues. Bring an umbrella and bask in breathtaking outdoor light shows, or cozy up and enjoy from the comfort of a cruise ship or theater seat…
SEATTLE EVENTS
Winterfest at Seattle Center
This month-long festival features sparkling lights, holiday shopping, and live entertainment (including ice sculpting!) all building up to the New Year’s Eve Celebration with fireworks.
305 Harrison Street, Seattle, WA 98109
www.seattlecenter.com/winterfest
- Dates/Times: Nov. 28 – Dec. 31, 2025. Campus holiday lighting from Nov. 20, 2025 – Mid-April 2026; ice sculpting on Saturdays at 12 pm from Nov. 29 – Dec. 27; Winterfest train & village open daily Nov. 28 – Dec. 31 | 10 am – 6 pm; Seattle Christmas Market open Nov. 20 – Dec. 24.
- Cost: General admission is free for all ages; Seattle Christmas Market is $7-$22 for adults (buy tickets)
- Parking: Paid parking available at the Mercer Garage, 5th Ave N Garage, and Theatre Commons ADA Lot. Click here for the campus map.
- Food: A multitude of dining options await you in the Armory.
- Special Events: Movie nights on select Fridays; live stage entertainment at the Armory; the Winter Train & Village; New Year’s Eve Celebration Dec. 31 from 8 pm-12 Midnight; and more!
- Holiday Closure: Christmas day
Photo by Nitish Meena on Unsplash
Candlelight Concerts at Pacific Place
Come enjoy live music performances illuminated by the warm glow of candlelight at this free holiday and pop concert series.
600 Pine St, Seattle, WA 98101
downtownseattle.org/holiday
- Dates/Times: Every Friday from 11/28/25 – 12/19/25 | 6-7 pm
- Cost: Free for everyone
- Parking: Paid parking in the garage (enter on 6th Ave or 7th Ave), or check out the city’s Interactive Parking Map
- Food: Ample dining choices in the mall
The Nutcracker by Pacific Northwest Ballet
A favorite Northwest holiday tradition for all ages with stunning dances set to a live symphonic performance of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite.
McCaw Hall | 321 Mercer St, Seattle
pnb.org/nutcracker
Tickets
- Dates: November 28 – December 28, 2025
- Cost: $39-$246 per seat
- Parking: Mercer Street Garage or Other Nearby Parking
- Food: Beverages and snacks are available for purchase
Westlake Center Tree Lighting
A beloved annual tradition featuring crafts, giveaways, food, and a fireworks show!
401 Pine St., Seattle, WA 98101 (Westlake Park)
downtownseattle.org/holiday
https://downtownseattle.org/events/holidays
- Date/Time: Friday, Nov. 28th from 1-6pm in Westlake Park (tree lighting is at 5pm).
- Cost: Free for all ages
- Parking: Access the Westlake Tower Garage from Olive Way between 4th & 5th Ave, or check out this interactive map of city parking
Photo by Lokesh Singh Masania on Unsplash
WildLanterns at Woodland Park Zoo
Immerse yourself in a series of trails illuminated by magnificent, interactive, animal-themed lanterns.
West Entrance: 5500 Phinney Ave. N, Seattle, WA 98103
South Entrance: 750 N 50th St, Seattle, WA 98103
www.zoo.org/wildlanterns
Tickets
Map
- Dates/Times: Open nightly Nov. 14, 2025 – Jan. 18, 2026 | 4:00 – 9:00 pm.
- Cost: $32.45 – $40.95 per person (ages 2 & under are free).
- Promotions: Zoo members get 20% off tickets; Holiday Senior Stroll on Nov. 25 with 40% off for ages 65+
- Parking: Paid parking is available in all lots after 3:30 pm (here is a map). If you’re planning to purchase tickets in person, park by the West Entrance (Penguin, Otter, or Bear Lot).
- Food: Dining options available in the zoo, including The Frosted Glass 21+ space. You are also welcome to bring your own food & non-alcoholic beverages.
- Special Activities: Night Owls 21+ events; Holiday Senior Stroll; Themed Nights; Private Snow Globes; Nightly live performances in the PACCAR Auditorium; Zoomazium; ZooStore; Carousel; Sensory-Friendly Zoomazium Nightlights Daily from 4:30-8:30; Low-Sensory Nights on Dec. 2 & Jan. 8.
- Closures:
- November 17 – 20, 24, 27
- December 1, 8, 15, 24 – 25
- January 5 – 7, 12 – 14
Photo by Adobe Stock
EASTSIDE/SOUTH EVENTS
Garden d’Lights at Bellevue Botanical Garden
Each holiday season, the Bellevue Botanical Garden’s flowers, birds, animals, and cascading waterfalls are re-imagined in over half a million dazzling lights.
12001 Main Street, Bellevue WA 98005
gardendlights.org
Tickets (must be purchased online)
- Dates/Times: Open nightly Nov. 29 – Dec. 31, 2025 | 4:30 – 9:30 pm
- Cost: $10 per person (ages 10 and under are free)
- Promotions: Discounted $5 ticket nights Dec. 1-4 and 8-11 | 4:30 – 8:30 pm. Sensory Friendly Night Dec. 2nd
- Parking: Premium parking is $5 per car in the Garden’s lot as space allows OR park for free at Wilburton Hill Park
- Food: Hot drinks and snacks are available for purchase (each guest may also bring one individual beverage and small snack). Larger outside food items are prohibited.
- Holiday Closures: Christmas day
Snowflake Lane at the Bellevue Collection
This popular nightly parade features festive floats, live musicians, and even the magic of falling snow.
Bellevue Way & NE 8th Street, Bellevue WA 98004
bellevuecollection.com/snowflakelane
- Dates/Times: Nightly Nov. 28 – Dec. 24, 2025 | 25 minute parade starts at 7 pm
- Location: Bellevue Way from NE 4th Street to NE 8th Street, between Lincoln Square and Bellevue Square
- Cost: Free for all ages
- Parking: Free parking at Bellevue Square, Bellevue Place, Lincoln Square, and Hyatt Regency
- Food: A variety of dining options (from happy hour, to kid fare, to gourmet) are all within walking distance
- Special Events & Activities: Ice Skating Nov. 21 – Jan. 19; Santa Photos Nov. 28 – Dec. 24
Photo by Adobe Stock
Christmas Ship Festival
Set sail on a holiday-themed cruise complete with live choral music and hundreds of lights—a 75-year Northwest tradition!
Launch locations include Pier 55 (Seattle) | AGC Marina | Carillon Point Marina
Foss Waterway Seaport (Tacoma) | Hyatt Regency (Renton) | Kirkland City Dock
Lake Union Park (MOHAI) | Leschi Marina | Port of Edmonds
www.argosycruises.com/christmas-ship-festival
Tickets
Map
- Dates/Times: Click here for the full schedule
- Cost: $54 – $76 per adult (discounts for youth, kids 3 and under are free)
- Parking: Varies by location – click here for details
- Food: Snacks and drinks available for purchase on the ship. Outside food/drinks are not allowed.
- Special Events: Opening Night; Parade of Boats; Grand Finale
Clam Lights at Gene Coulon Park
This shimmering display spans the southeast Lake Washington waterfront for a walk to remember, along with festivities and a visit from Santa on opening night.
1201 Lake Washington Blvd N, Renton, WA 98056
rentonwa.gov
- Opening Night on Dec. 5th: Tree lighting & Santa at 6:15 pm; Santa photos from 6:30-8:30 pm; Singalong with Staff at North Shelter from 7:15-8 pm; Parade of Boats from 7:45-8:15 pm; Argosy Christmas Ship arrival & caroling from 8:20-8:40 pm
- Dates/Times: Open nightly from 12/6/25 – 1/3/26 | 5-9 pm
- Cost: Free for everyone
- Parking: Free parking is available at the park
- Food: Ivar’s Seafood Bar & Kidd Valley in the park are open daily until 8 pm
Zoolights at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
Going on it’s 38th year, this magical stroll through the zoo at night is a sparkling wonderland lit by over 1.5 million lights.
5400 N Pearl St, Tacoma, WA 98407
www.pdza.org/zoolights
Tickets
Map
- Dates/Times: Open nightly Nov. 28, 2025 – Jan. 4, 2026 | 4:30 – 10 pm
- Cost: $14-$20 (free for kids 2 & under)
- Promotions: Discounted tickets for zoo members
- Parking: Free parking in zoo lots (carpooling recommended)
- Food: Dinner, drinks & snacks are available at the Plaza Cafe & outside stands. Try the new cinnamon roll on a stick, or a hot cocoa float.
- Activities: Dog Nights Dec. 1, 3, 9, & 10; Carousel; Groovy Goats
- Holiday Closures: Christmas Eve & Christmas day
But wait, there’s more…
Holiday Ice Skating Rink in Occidental Square
Sounds of the Season Caroling at Pioneer Park
Holiday theatrical & musical shows
“A Christmas Carol” at ACT Theatre
“Wonderland: A Carnival of Winter Wonder” at the Can Can
The Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition
The Polar Express train ride at Mt. Rainier Railroad
Gingerbread Village at the Sheraton Grand Seattle
Santa Limited Train in North Bend
Festival of Trees & Teddy Bear Suite at the Fairmont Olympic
Gingerbread Village at Sheraton Grand Seattle
We earn the trust and loyalty of our brokers and clients by doing real estate exceptionally well. The leader in our market, we deliver client-focused service in an authentic, collaborative, and transparent manner and with the unmatched knowledge and expertise that comes from decades of experience.
© Copyright 2025, Windermere Real Estate/Mercer Island.
Cut the Clutter: Donation & Recycling Locations Around the Sound
Spring is coming, and with it comes a chance to clear out the old and start fresh—whether it’s those ever-growing piles in your garage and attic, that closet you can barely close, or a horror-movie-inspired basement. Here are resources to reclaim your space and put your unwanted items to good use (or recycle and give them their own fresh start)…
Donations | Recycling | Disposal
Donations
CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL BARGAIN BOUTIQUE
Furniture/furnishings, jewelry, antiques, collectibles, and new or gently used men’s, women’s or children’s clothing. Be sure to check items they don’t accept.
seattlechildrens.org/giving/bargain-boutiques
Estates: (206) 327-3067
Vehicles: (888) 205-8941
Bainbridge Island: 1050 Hildebrand Lane, Suite G-1 | Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 | (206) 842-5567
Olympia: 2020 Harrison Ave. NW | Olympia, WA 98502-5097 | (360) 236-8245
GOODWILL
Accepts donations of a wide range of items, from exercise equipment, to clothes and home decor items and furniture. Net proceeds help fund job training and education programs.
evergreengoodwill.org/donate-goods
KIDVANTAGE
Donate your quality used children’s clothing, shoes, baby gear, toys, books, bedding, and maternity clothing. You’ll help to fill the nearly 4,000 orders of essentials that they provide to underprivileged children and expectant moms each week.
Issaquah: 1510 NW Maple St. | Issaquah, WA 98027 | (425) 865-0234
Shoreline: 17230 12th Ave NE | Shoreline, WA 98155 | (425) 209-1136
Bremerton: 1463 NE Dawn Road, Suite B | Bremerton, WA 98311 | (360) 616-0235
MARY’S PLACE
Gratefully accepts gently used clothing, luggage, twin size sheets/blankets, paperback books, and small household items (dishware, utensils, mugs, and small appliances such as microwaves) to distribute to families in need.
marysplaceseattle.org/get-involved/share-your-stuff
Donation Center: 4521 6th Ave S. | Seattle, WA 98108
Shelter (small donations only): 720 Blanchard St, Seattle
NORTHWEST CENTER
Big Blue Trucks accept clothing, household goods, sporting goods, tools, toys & more to support people with disabilities. Here’s what they do and don’t take.
bigbluetruck.org/drop-off-locations
NORTHWEST FURNITURE BANK
Furniture bank for homeless families in transition in South King County and Pierce County. Here’s what they accept and you can arrange a pickup if you live within a 25 mile radius of Tacoma.
117 Puyallup Ave | Tacoma, WA 98421 | 253-302-3868
SAINT FRANCIS HOUSE
Accepts clean, gently used clothing for men, women & children as well as kitchen & household items. All donations are passed on directly to those in need.
stfrancishouseseattle.org/support-us
169 12th Ave | Seattle, WA 98122 | 206-268-0784
SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL
Drop off your sorted donations of gently used clothing, housewares, toys, shoes/accessories, linens, books, and electronics to one of their thrift stores (here’s what they don’t accept). $0.89 of every dollar funds programs that provide neighbors with food, clothing, eviction prevention, case management, and more.
SEATTLE’S UNION GOSPEL MISSION
Accepts food, clothing, furniture, vehicles & housewares in their mission to support our homeless neighbors.
Distribution Center: 8226 South 208th Street, Suite G110 | Kent, WA 98032 | (206) 723-5700
Furniture Pick-Up: (507) 593-7024
Recycling/Disposal
E-CYCLE WASHINGTON
WA Department of Ecology’s free program for residents to recycle electronics (including TVs, computers, monitors, tablets, & more), with participating locations across the state.
FRIENDLY EARTH
Free recycling of electronics, flat screen TVs/monitors, appliances, BBQs, computers, lawn equipment/tractors, motorcycles, & more! Recycling with a fee for copiers/printers, refrigerators, A/C units, solar panels, & large rear-projection TVs. Paid data destruction available as well. Get the full scoop here.
1560 1st Ave S. | Seattle, WA 98134
(206) 367-4111
ONE GREEN PLANET
Free recycling of electronics, computers, copiers, printers, ink/toner, appliances, bikes/scooters, scrap metal, machinery, phones/chargers, & more. Recycling with a fee for appliances containing Freon, flat screen TVs, tapes/CDs/floppy disks, alkaline batteries, & X-ray film. Here’s the full list.
851 Houser Way North, Suite B | Renton, WA 98057
(425) 996-3513
RECOLOGY
With a zero waste goal, Recology stores accept hard to recycle items like CFL light bulbs, household batteries, hard-cover books, small electronics/appliances, block Styrofoam, and bicycles. Here’s the fee list for non-customers (if you’re already signed up for their curbside service, you can drop off limited quantities for free).
Issaquah: 317 NW Gilman Blvd, #22 | Issaquah, WA 98027
Highline: 15858 First Avenue S, #A100 | Burien, WA 98148
Shoreline: 15235 Aurora Ave. N | Shoreline, WA 98133
RUBBISH WORKS
Removal of nonhazardous materials for eco-friendly disposal—up to 50% of hauled away materials are recycled and the rest is donated when possible.
(888) 594-5078
We earn the trust and loyalty of our brokers and clients by doing real estate exceptionally well. The leader in our market, we deliver client-focused service in an authentic, collaborative, and transparent manner and with the unmatched knowledge and expertise that comes from decades of experience.
© Copyright 2025, Windermere Real Estate/Mercer Island.
