Seattle Christmas

Holiday Events and Activities 2011

On our Seattle Christmas and Holiday events calendar we include activities related to Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Eve.

You'll find holiday lights, caroling, gingerbread houses, ice skating, and lots more.

Many are Northwest traditions such as Macy's Holiday Parade and PNB's Nutcracker ballet.

There's also Dicken's A Christmas Carol at the ACT Theatre, the Holiday Carousel at Westlake Center, the Christmas Ships, and Handel's Messiah at Benaroya Hall.

It wouldn't be a Seattle Christmas without them!

Holiday Sweets at Pike Place Market

Half Price Tickets for Seattle Events

Goldstar offers half-price tickets to theater, concerts, comedy, tours, Argosy cruises, sports, and more, including lots of holiday events.

It's Your Wonderful Life

Thursdays and Fridays at 8:00pm
Nov. 17-18 (previews); Dec. 1-23
Wing-It Productions
5510 University Way NE

One volunteer from the audience takes the stage each night to find out what their life would be like if they'd never been born. A unique, audience-driven improvisational play based on Frank Capra's classic "It's a Wonderful Life".

Goldstar Events may still have half-price tickets to some dates, so check there first.

19th Annual Gingerbread Village

November 22 - January 1
Open for viewing 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Sheraton Seattle Hotel, 1400 Sixth Avenue

Local architecture firms team up with the Sheraton Seattle culinary team to design, bake, and build amazing gingerbread creations. This year's theme is "Holiday Express". Vote for your favorite.

Teddy Bear Suite

November 24 - December 26
10am - 7pm Daily
Free
Fairmont Olympic Hotel, 411 University St.

A beautiful display of teddy bears and children's books. Donations are accepted to benefit Seattle Children's Hospital.

A Christmas Carol - ACT Theatre

November 25 - December 24
ACT Theatre
700 Union St.

The 35th anniversary production of one of Seattle's favorite holiday traditions. Suitable for ages 5 and up. Tickets sell out, so buy yours early.

Nutcracker

November 25 - December 27
Pacific Northwest Ballet
McCaw Hall, 321 Mercer St, Seattle Center

The world's most recognized and celebrated production of Nutcracker with choreography by Kent Stowell and performed by Pacific Northwest Ballet. The sets and costumes were designed by children's author Maurice Sendak and they are amazing. This is a Seattle holiday tradition.

Bellevue Magic Season Ice Arena

Seattle Christmas - Magic Season Ice Arena

Photo Credit - The Bellevue Collection

November 25 - January 8
NE 1st St. and 102nd Ave NE, one block south of Bellevue Square
Admission $10 (includes skate rentals for all ages, including toddlers)
$7 if you bring your own skates

An open-air frozen water ice skating rink in Bellevue Downtown Park. It does have a cover overhead, however, so don't let the rain stop you. Free skating lessons on select evenings, onsite skate sharpening, and food concessions are also available. Stroller skating is every Thursday from 2-3pm (12/22 and 12/29 from 10-11am).

Enchanted Holidays at The Bravern

Seattle Christmas - Pony Rides at the Bravern

Photo Credit - The Bellevue Collection

November 25 - December 24
Pony Rides - Noon to 6pm, Saturdays and Sundays
Entertainment on Fridays
Visit Santa 7 days a week, Dec. 14-24

Festivals of Light

November 25 - January 5
$6.50 - $7.50
Seattle Children's Museum
Seattle Center

Learn about winter traditions around the world such as Diwali, Hanukkah, Santa Lucia, Christmas, and Kwanzaa.

Holiday Express Train - Redmond Town Center

November 25 - December 24
Friday through Sunday, Nov. 25 - Dec. 11 - Noon to 8pm (No train on Dec. 9)
Daily, Dec. 15-24 - Noon to 8pm
$3 per person
Boards at NE 74th & 164th Ave NE

Come enjoy a magical ride on the Holiday Express Train at Redmond Town Center. Sit back, relax and explore this festive outdoor setting. Train ride is roughly 10 to 15 minutes.

Seattle's Coolest Santa and his Out-of-this-World Workship

November 25 - December 24
11am - 5pm
Free with purchase of an Observation Deck ticket
Space Needle, Seattle Center

Welcome Santa as he makes his grand entrance at the Space Needle. Have your picture taken with Santa in his one-of-a-kind ride and visit the Children's Arts & Crafts Station to make a holiday keepsake.

Snowflake Lane

Photo - The Bellevue Collection

November 25 - December 25
7:00pm Nightly
Free
Bellevue Way and NE 8th St, Bellevue

This is a beautiful display of holiday lights, music, drammatic drumming from live toy soldiers, magical snow, and characters including a Snow Queen and King, and Sugar Plum Fairies along the sidewalks of Bellevue Way and NE 8th St.

Toyland Village Lighted Holiday Display

November 25 - January 1
Until 10pm daily
Free
Waterfront Park, Pier 57-59, 1201 Alaskan Way

Larger-than-life illuminated lighting sculptures of your favorite childhood toys!

Winterfest at Seattle Center

November 25 - December 31
Winterfest Info
Seattle Center

Five weeks of free and affordable, fun-filled activities and entertainment, Nov. 25 - Dec. 31. Visit Center House - displaying its winter finest - or explore the enchanting Winter Train and Village. The Ice Rink returns (through Jan. 1), along with music and comedy, jazz and dance, cultural celebrations, ice sculpting, fireside singing, student showcases and more.

Zoolights

November 25 - January 1
5pm - 9pm
Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium
5400 N. Pearl St., Tacoma

Lights display and light sculptures of animals and local landmarks such as the Tacoma Narrows Bridge.

Christmas Ships Festival

November 26 - December 23
Schedule and Info

The Argosy Christmas Ships Festival has been a holiday tradition in Seattle for 62 years. Each night the Christmas Ship sails to different Puget Sound waterfront communities. On board, choirs sing 20-minute performances broadcast over a speaker system. On shore, people gather around bonfires to watch the flotilla arrive. You can sail on board the Christmas Ship or one of the Parade ships that follow, join a group on shore, or add lights to your own boat and become part of the floating parade.

Cool Yule - Seattle Men's Chorus

November 26 - December 23
Benaroya Hall
200 University St.

Featuring opening guest artist Megan Hilty.

Garden D'Lights - Bellevue Botanical Gardens

November 26 - December 31
5pm - 10pm
$5, ages 10 and younger free
Tickets go on sale Oct. 31 at www.gardendlights.org
12001 Main St., Bellevue

Avoid long lines by purchasing tickets online ahead of time. Free nights are Nov. 28, 29, 30, and Dec. 5, 6, 7, 13 and 14 - first come, first served.

Santa Train 2011 - Northwest Railway Museum

Nov. 26 & 27; Dec. 3 & 4; Dec; 10 & 11; Dec. 16 & 17
Tickets are $18 for members, $20 for non-members and a ticket is required for each person 2 years of age and older.
North Bend Depot, 205 McClellan Street, North Bend

Board the train at the North Bend Depot for a 20-minute, 3.5-mile trip to Snoqualmie. There visitors will enter the historic Snoqualmie Depot for a visit with Santa Claus. Children will receive a small gift from Santa. Then enter the restored railway kitchen car for coffee, hot chocolate, and cookies. There will be a little time to visit local shops and attractions before boarding the train for the return trip to North Bend. Visit www.trainmuseum.org for more info.

Hilltop Holiday Crafts Show

November 29 - December 3
Tuesday - Friday 10am - 8pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Free
Northwest Arts Center, 9825 NE 24th St., Bellevue

Annual craft show featuring thousands of handmade works from more than 80 selected Northwest crafters.

Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some)

November 30 - December 24
ArtsWest
4711 California Ave SW, West Seattle

Recommended for ages 16 and over.

Goldstar Events had half-price tickets for several performance dates as of Nov. 16.

Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol

December 1 - December 24
Seattle Public Theater at the Bathhouse
7312 W. Greenlake Dr. N

Everyone knows what happened to Ebenezer Scrooge. But what ever happened to his partner Jacob Marley? Find out in this tale of laughter and terror. Suitable for ages 5 and up at parents' discretion due to some scary parts.

Goldstar Events had tickets for half-price on Nov. 16, so it's worth checking with them first.

Owen Meany's Christmas Pageant

December 1 - December 23
www.book-it.org
Book-It Repertory Theatre
Center House Theatre, Seattle Center

From the novel A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving.

Check with Goldstar Events for discount tickets. As of Nov. 16, there were some available.

Gingerbread Lane

December 1 - December 21
Hilton Hotel Bellevue, 300 112th Ave SE

A display of gingerbread houses and structures created by local architectural firms and KidsQuest Children's Museum.

Fremont Lenin Lighting

Friday, December 2
5pm-6pm, Lighting at 6pm
Corner of Fremont Pl. N, Evanston Ave, and 36th

Join Fremont residents and Santa as they celebrate the Holiday season and decorate the Fremont satue of Lenin. There will be Coffee and Tea from Peet's, hot cocoa from Royal Grinders, and donuts from Might-O.

Great Figgy Pudding Street Caroling Competition

Friday, December 2
5:00pm - 8:30pm
Free; Suggested donation $10/person
Pine Street from 3rd to 7th Avenues and at Westlake Park, 401 Pine St.
Caspar Babypants and the 5th Avenue production of "Cinderella", 5-6pm
Seahawks Blue Thunder Drumline, 7:15pm

A holiday tradition that attracts almost 10,000 people each year. More than 40 caroling teams sing on street corners in and around Westlake Center. The top teams then compete on the Figgy Main Stage.

Volunteer Park Conservatory Holiday After Hours

Friday, December 2
6pm - 8pm
Free

Tour the historic conservatory, see the 2011 holiday display, and enjoy music, refreshments, and shopping.

Yule Tide Concert

Friday, December 2
7:30pm
$15 General; $12 Seniors, Youths, Members of Northwest Seaport and Center for Wooden Boats
Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1215 Thomas Street

Ring in the holiday season with a blend of maritime and holiday tunes. Enjoy festive performances by some of the Northwest’s finest maritime musicians, including The Whateverly Brothers, William Pint & Felicia Dale, Kat Eggleston, Tom Rawson, and Watch the Sky, in the beautiful atmosphere of this old church. A gift bazaar including maritime books and CDs will be available during intermission.

The Snowman

Saturday, December 3
11:00am
Benaroya Hall
200 University St.

The popular animated version of Raymond Briggs' book, The Snowman, shown on the big screen while the Seattle Symphony performs the soundtrack live. Families with children ages 6 to 12. Pre-concert activities begin at 10am in the Lobby.

Holiday Craft Market

Saturday, December 3
Noon - 6pm
Free
Redmond Senior Center, 8703 160th Ave NE, Redmond

Come and shop before enjoying the Redmond Holiday Lights. There will be door prizes and over 40 tables of handcrafted items.

Redmond Lights

Saturday, December 3
4:00pm - 8:00pm
Free
Redmond City Hall
15670 NE 85th St., Redmond

Start at Redmond City Hall with a holiday tree lighting ceremony with the Mayor of Redmond. Then walk along the West Sammamish Trail and enjoy carolers and lots of holiday decorations. End up at Redmond Town Center where you'll enjoy music, food, and entertainment.

Snow Train to Leavenworth's Lighting Festival

Snow Train at www.alkitours.com

December 3 - December 17
$149 per person, Children are 10% discount
Alki Tours, 6417A Fauntleroy Way SW
800-895-2554 or www.alkitours.com

Each Saturday in December Alki Tours offers a rail tour to Leavenworth, a quaint Bavarian Village in the Cascade Mountains. Passengers board the train at King Street Station, Edmonds Station, or in Everett. The train winds through the Snohomish Valley and then ascends majestic Steven's Pass. Along the way passengers enjoy a catered continental breakfast and onboard entertainment including strolling musicians, commentators, magicians and of course Santa! Near the 4000 foot summit, the train transits the Cascade Tunnel - the second longest in North America. At approximately 12:30pm, the train rolls to a stop in Leavenworth. Leavenworth is dressed to the hilt for the holidays with chestnuts roasting on an open fire, carolers strolling the streets, food booths, sleigh rides, local crafts, outdoor entertainment and more. At dusk everyone gathers to sing "Silent Night" and witness the grand tree lighting as it transforms the village into a magical holiday wonderland! Afterwards, passengers reboard the train and enjoy a catered dinner on the return trip.

Winter Wonderland Hayrides Around Seward Park

December 3 - December 17
10am - 3pm
Seward Park Environmental and Audubon Center
5902 Lake Washington Blvd. S

A truck-drawn haywagon ride around Seward Park leaves hourly. Other activities include hot chocolate, cider, and making holiday arts and crafts.

Woody's Santa Photos

Sunday, December 4
Free
The Woodmark Hotel
1200 Carillon Point, Kirkland

Woody, the Woodmark's resident pup will be available to sit for a photo with Santa. Bring the whole family, dogs included!

A PLU Christmas - Pacific Lutheran University

Monday, December 5
7:30pm
Benaroya Hall
200 University St.

Featuring PLU's Choir of the West, the University Chorale, and members of the University Symphony Orchestra.

Deck The Hall Ball

Wednesday, December 7
KeyArena
Seattle Center

Sponsored by radio station 107.7 The End, the lineup includes Death Cab for Cutie, Mumford & Sons, GroupLove, Foster the People, Cage the Elephant, Two Door Cinema Club, and Young The Giant.

Ho Ho Ho Happy Hour!

December 7 - December 21
5pm - 7pm
The Woodmark Hotel
1200 Carillon Point, Kirkland

Toast the season with special offerings in the Living Room Bar and Library. Themed treats and cocktails such as Egg Nog and Peppermint Schnapps Hot Chocolate will be featured while costumed carolers roam the lounge.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

December 8 - December 24
Seattle Public Theater at the Bathhouse
7312 W. Greenlake Dr. N

Suitable for all ages. Be sure to check Goldstar Events first for half-price tickets.

Black Nativity

Photo Credit: Chris Bennion

December 8 - December 24
Moore Theatre
1932 Second Avenue

This year marks the 50th anniversary of this holiday tradition. It was in 1961 when it first opened on Broadway.

Holiday Pops with Marvin Hamlisch

December 8 - December 11
Benaroya Hall
200 University St.

Northern Lights Holiday Bazaar

Thursday, December 8
2pm - 8pm
Free
Bazaar
Swedish Cultural Center
1920 Dexter Avenue N

An afternoon and evening of holiday shopping and fun with family and friends! There will be amazing vendors, an art show, raffle prizes, kid's craft & activities station, happy hour open to close, hors d'oeuvres, free tote bags (courtesy of Little One Books), and more!

A Child's Christmas in Wales

December 9 - December 24
Tickets
Stone Soup Theatre
4029 Stone Way N

Check Goldstar Events for discount tickets. There were still dates available when I checked on Dec. 3rd.

Family Gingerbread Workshops

Friday, December 9 from 6-8pm
Saturday, December 10 at 10-11:30am, 12:30-2pm, and 2:30-4pm
$40 per family
Hilton Hotel Bellevue, 300 112th Ave SE

All materials for building your own gingerbread creation are provided. Enjoy snacks and cider while you work.

Cookies, Crafts, & Carols at Lake Union Park

Saturday, December 10
Noon to 4pm
Free
Historic Ships Wharf & Center for Wooden Boats, 860 Terry Ave N

Holiday activities for all ages. Make cards & ornaments, decorate cookies, drink cider & cocoa, board historic ships like Steamship Virginia V, Tug Arthur Foss, Schooner Adventuress. Hear carols sung by The Village Carolers and several youth choirs. Chanteyman Dan Roberts will add some maritime tunes.

Holiday Symphony Serenade

Saturday, December 10
9:30am and 10:30am
Benaroya Hall
200 University St.

Includes a musical sing-along story.

Santa Tea

Sunday, December 11
1pm - 3pm
Adults $45, Children $20
The Woodmark Hotel
1200 Carillon Point, Kirkland

Enjoy traditional tea service with a special visit from Santa in the Marina Room. There will be holiday decor and costumed carolers as guests enjoy an afternoon of cookie decorating and tea alongside tea sandwiches and sweets.

Seattle's Traditional Santa Breakfasts

December 11 - December 18
9:30am - 11:00am
Child under 12: $25 (includes keepsake ornament)
Adult $55 (includes $25 donation to the Arthritis Foundation's programs for juvenile arthritis); More info
Sheraton Seattle Hotel, 1400 Sixth Avenue

This beloved holiday tradition includes a holiday breakfast for children and adults and features traditional holiday entertainment: The Strolling Minstrels, Leo the Clown, Bob the Magician, and the Olympic Ballet Theatre presenting an abridged version of The Nutcracker. And, of course, Santa! Reduced parking rates are available in the City Centre Garage.

Canadian Brass

Monday, December 12 and Tuesday, December 13
7:30pm
Benaroya Hall
200 University St.

Traditional holiday tunes with the world-renowned Canadian Brass quintet.

Wisemen

December 13 - December 22
8:00pm
Read about it here.
ACT Theatre
700 Union St.

Handel's Messiah

December 16 - December 18
Friday, 8pm
Saturday, 1pm and 8pm
Sunday, 8pm
Benaroya Hall
200 University St.

A Seattle tradition, Handel's Messiah performed by Seattle Symphony and Chorale, plus distinguished soloists.

Christmas Fair/Le Marché de Noël

Saturday, December 17
10am - 2pm
Free
Chapel Performance Space Good Shepherd Center
4649 Sunnyside Ave. N. (Wallingford)

Come experience Noël à la française with a bouquiniste (French book fair), local vendors and craftsmen, games and songs by la Chorale de l'Alliance Française.

Kids' Culinary Adventure: Gingerbread Edition

Saturday, December 17
$10
The Woodmark Hotel
1200 Carillon Point, Kirkland

As a special addition to the regularly scheduled cooking classes, kids will play chef for a day to mix, bake and decorate their own gingerbread cookies. Included in the cost is a chef's hat with crayons to decorate and a baggie of homemade seasonal treats.

The Christmas Music of Manheim Steamroller by Chip Davis

Sunday, December 18
6:30pm
Paramount Theatre
911 Pine St.

Go Tell It on the Mountain: The Blind Boys of Alabama Christmas Show

Tuesday, December 20
7:30pm
Benaroya Hall
200 University St.

Blind Boys of Alabama Tickets

A Festival of Lessons & Carols

Wednesday, December 21
7:30pm
Benaroya Hall
200 University St.

The Bobs After Christmas Holiday Show

Thursday, December 29
7pm
$10 - $23
Triple Door, 216 Union Street

Bach for the New Year

Saturday, December 31
11pm
$25
St. James Cathedral, 804 Ninth Ave.

New Year's at the Needle

Saturday, December 31
Check back for this year's details.
Space Needle, Seattle Center

Six-course dinner, dancing on the observation deck, view of the fireworks.

New Year's Eve 2012

Saturday, December 31
8pm - 2am
Ticket info
The Cirque Event Center
131 Taylor Ave N

New Year's Eve 2012 at Century Ballroom

Saturday, December 31
Dinner at 7:00pm
Dancing begins at 9:30pm
Champagne toast at midnight
Ticket info at www.centuryballroom.com

A dance-focused New Year's Eve event at the elegant Century Ballroom featuring three rooms of dancing - Salsa, Tango, and West Coast Swing/Groovin.

New Year's Eve Bash - Seattle Indulgence 2012

EMP

Saturday, December 31
8:00pm - 2:00am
Tickets start at $59
Experience Music Project
325 5th Ave N at the base of the Space Needle

Four live entertainment stages, DJs and dance floors, live comedy theater, and party favors for everyone.

New Year's Eve Party with Shelley & the Curves

Saturday, December 31
Cocktails at 6pm; Dinner at 7:30pm; Music and dancing 9pm - 1am
Ticket info at www.curvesband.com
Best Western Executive Inn, 200 Taylor Ave N

This party features a great view of the Space Needle fireworks at midnight.

New Year's Eve Twenty Twelve

Saturday, December 31
8:00pm - 2:00am
iMusic
332 5th Ave N

Hosted by Eddie Francis and Amir Azer and featuring Marques Houston. Other special guests TBA.

New Year's Eve with Brandi Carlile

Saturday, December 31
8pm
$125
Neptune Theatre
1303 NE 45th

New Year's Eve: Concert, Countdown & Celebration!

Saturday, December 31
9:00pm
Benaroya Hall
200 University St.

The evening begins with the Seattle Symphony performing Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. Then bring in the New Year with a post-concert countdown celebration with a live band, dancing and a toast. Pre-concert dinner also available. Call 206-215-4747 for more info.

Resolution 2012

Saturday, December 31
8pm - 3am
WaMu Theater
CenturyLink (Qwest) Field Event Center, 1000 Occidental Ave

Roaring 20s NYE 2012 Cruise

Saturday, December 31
7:30pm - 1:30am
Pier 56 aboard the ship The Royal
1201 Alaskan Way Pier 56
Ticket info

Half Price Tickets for Seattle Events

Check Goldstar first for half-price tickets to theater, concerts, comedy, tours, Argosy cruises, sports, and more.

This is not an exhaustive list! But the Seattle Christmas and Holiday Events Calendar will give you lots of ideas and choices to help you celebrate the season!