Gingerbread Village
Every holiday season, Seattle’s Sheraton Hotel hosts an annual Gingerbread Village display. Each gingerbread village will reflect this year’s theme, “Welcome to Whoville,” by recreating scenes from Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” The event is free and open daily from Nov. 20 to Dec. 25. https://gingerbreadvillage.org/
Teddy Bear Suite
Located inside the Olympic Fairmont Hotel, the Teddy Bear Suite is the perfect holiday photo-op. One of the hotel’s biggest suites is transformed into a winter wonderland, hosting hundreds of teddy bears. The event is free and open daily from Nov. 22 to Dec. 26. https://www.fairmont.com/seattle/activities-services/holidays-at-fairmont-olympic/
Visit a Washington State Park
Nov. 23 marks the last remaining Washington State Park free day of 2018. Visit, hike or picnic at any Washington State Park without needing the typically required Discover Pass. https://www.discoverpass.wa.gov/136/State-Parks-Free-Days
Macy’s Holiday Parade
Celebrate the beginning of the holiday season at this annual parade in downtown Seattle. Bundle up as you watch floats and marching bands travel through the streets, with Santa following at the end to close out the parade. The parade begins at 9 a.m. on Nov. 23.https://www.macys.com/social/events/event/?id=25668&
WildLights
This holiday lights festival, hosted by Woodland Park Zoo, showcases animal-themed light displays. Most of the animals will be sleeping, but select indoor exhibits will be open to explore. There is a $12 admission fee and is open evenings from Nov. 23 to Jan. 5. https://www.zoo.org/wildlights
Ride the carousel
Every season, Westlake Park hosts a Christmas carousel with all profits benefiting Treehouse, a local nonprofit supporting youth in foster care. Each ride is $4 and will be open from Nov. 23 to Jan. 1. https://downtownseattle.org/events/post/holiday-carousel-2018/
Westlake Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration
After riding the carousel, stay at Westlake Park to watch the annual tree lighting ceremony. The lighting will be followed by a “snow storm” and fireworks. This event is free and will be held on Nov. 23. https://downtownseattle.org/events/post/20181123-holiday-tree-lighting/
Ice Skating at the Seattle Center
Every winter, Fisher Pavilion is transformed into a festive, public ice skating rink as a part of Winterfest. There is an $8 admission fee which includes skate rental. The rink will be open from Nov. 23 to Jan. 6. https://www.facebook.com/events/1795862547189818/
Magic in the Market
Head to Pike Place Market all day Saturday for the market’s longest running Christmas tradition. Listen to live music, decorate cookies and meet live reindeer, all while supporting small local businesses. The event will be held of Nov. 24, opening at 11 a.m. and closing at 6pm. http://pikeplacemarket.org/events/magic-in-the-market-holiday-celebration
Geek Craft Expo Holiday Market
Described as an “Etsy meets Comic-con craft show,” this expo will feature the work of over 70 local artists selling their proudly “nerdy” crafts in Hangar 30 at Magnuson Park. Admission is free if you register online, or $2 at the door; Nov. 24 and 25. http://www.geekcraftexpo.com/gce-seattle-2018
