Póngase festivo en Seattle Southside
Eventos navideños en la zona sur de Seattle y sus alrededores
The holiday season is full of magic, fun, and delight.
Whether you're hoping to be dazzled by a light display, shop for gifts at a festive market, or find delicious seasonal treats, there's a holiday event in or near Seattle Southside that will bring a smile to your face.
Note: We will continue to update this blog as more information becomes available.
Sweet Treats
Holiday Afternoon Tea (November 15, 2025 - January 4, 2026)
Various times
Celebrate the season with Holiday Tea at Marina Mercantile in Des Moines. Enjoy festive finger sandwiches, wintery sweets, and warm scones in a cozy, twinkle-lit setting. Reservations recommended. Learn more.
Burien Cookie Crawl (December 6, 2025)
12 pm. - 4 p.m.
Downtown Burien transforms into a sweet stroll during the Holiday Cookie Crawl, an annual holiday tradition! Begin at Discover Burien to pick up your map and reusable bag, then wander through local shops collecting cookies and treats while enjoying festive sights, shopping, and dining. This family-friendly event is limited to just 100 participants, so grab your spot early. Learn more.
Festive Seattle Holiday Markets
Seattle Christmas Market (November 20-December 24, 2025)
Various times
Sumérjase en un mágico pueblo navideño de estilo europeo mientras hace sus compras en el Mercado Navideño de Seattle. Con decorados de estilo bávaro, juegos de luces y un carrusel navideño, es una experiencia que encantará a toda la familia. Tome el tren ligero Link desde Seattle Southside hasta el monorraíl para acceder rápida y fácilmente al Seattle Center.
Sounds of the Season in Seattle Southside
The Rainier Symphony Holiday Concert (December 13 and 14, 2025)
Saturday, December 13 – 6:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 14 at 3:00 p.m.
Enjoy classic Christmas music played by a live, professional orchestra at the Foster Performing Arts Center in Tukwila. This special program features beloved Christmas classics and special performances by the talented Foster High School Concert Choir.
Seattle Christmas Lights
Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration at the Des Moines Marina (December 6, 2025)
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Head to the Des Moines Marina for an evening of festive fun, including holiday crafts, live entertainment, food trucks, hot cocoa, and Santa’s majestic arrival by boat — the perfect way to usher in the season with family and friends. Learn more
WildLanterns at the Woodland Park Zoo (November 14, 2025 – January 18, 2026)
Times vary
See the Woodland Park Zoo in North Seattle transformed into a magical wonderland, featuring larger-than-life lanterns shaped like animals, plants, and mystical creatures.
Zoolights at Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium (November 28, 2025 - January 4, 2026)
Times vary
Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium in Tacoma dazzles during the holidays, with displays made of 1.5 million twinkling lights.
Crafts and Activities
Wreath-Making Class at Zenith Holland (November 14 - December 4, 2025)
Various times
Create your own handcrafted holiday wreath at Zenith Holland Nursery in Des Moines. Each workshop includes all materials, taxes, and a $10 gift certificate to the nursery. Sessions are offered on multiple dates from mid-November through early December, making it a perfect seasonal outing for friends, families, or team gatherings. Space is limited, so advance registration is encouraged. Find event dates and details here.
Where to Get Santa Photos Near Seattle
Santa Photos at Westfield Southcenter (November 20 - December 24)
Located on Level 1, near Pandora
Get your Santa photos at the mall and make it a full day of festive fun! Reservations are encouraged, and walk-ins are welcome as space allows. Check the schedule online before booking.
There are also several special events happening as part of this ongoing experience:
Santa Cares: Sensory-Friendly Santa Photos (December 7)
8:30 - 9:30
This sensory-friendly event allows families with all types of special needs to visit with Santa in a comforting environment. Lighting and music are adjusted, crowds are limited, and Santa and staff receive specialized training to ensure every child feels comfortable and included.
Santa PAWS at Westfield Southcenter (December 1 – December 15)
4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Bring your furry friends for a festive photo with Santa! Costumes and accessories encouraged.
Story Time with Santa & KCLS Library Connection (December 18)
10 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. (Santa appearance at 10:30 a.m.)
Head to the Library Connection at KCLS (on Southcenter Level 2) for festive tales read aloud by librarians, followed by a special visit from Santa.
"Santa Claus is Coming to B-Town” Food Drive (November 29)
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Get a free professional Santa photo by bringing a food bank donation to this event, held Saturday, Nov. 29, at the Tin Room Bar & Theater.
Pet & Family Santa Photos at Marina Mercantile (December 14)
11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Marina Mercantile, in partnership with A Dog's Dream, will be hosting Santa photos with a professional photographer.
Santa Parade with South King County Fire Department (December 1)
Watch festive firetrucks illuminated by Christmas lights drive through the neighborhoods. This event is linked to a food drive that collected more than 3,000 lbs of food in 2024!
The Spirit of Winter
Solstice with Sasquatch (December 21, 2025)
11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Celebrate the winter solstice at the Museum of Flight with holiday music, crafts, hot chocolate, and surprise visits from a friendly Sasquatch roaming the site. It’s a whimsical, family-oriented event that blends regional lore with seasonal joy. Learn more.
Winter Bonsai Solstice (December 13, 2025)
4 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Take a magical evening stroll through a bonsai gallery at the Pacific Bonsai Museum in Federal Way. Wander under soft holiday lights as the bonsai trees glow in the dusk. Enjoy free hot chocolate, holiday music, and a serene nature-infused experience. Learn more.
Puget Sound Christmas Magic
Des Moines Lighted Boat Parade (December 6, 2025)
6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
See festively decorated boats set sail across Puget Sound at the Des Moines Marina.
Argosy Christmas Ship Festival (November 28 - December 23, 2025)
Various times
Ride on an all-ages Christmas Ship along with carolers while enjoying festive beverages. Or, stay on dry land and watch the ship cruise by while being serenaded by the Christmas carolers on board. Thanks to a state-of-the-art speaker system, you can hear the carols clearly from the shore. Check the schedule for Seattle Christmas Boat Parade tickets, times, and locations.
Browse Upcoming Holiday Events
Building Wonder: Bonsai Treehouses by Dave Creek
An extraordinary exhibition honoring the creative legacy of Dave Creek and his unique miniature treehouses nestled in deceased bonsai! Join us in honoring the creative…
Wreath Making Class @ Zenith Holland
Wreath making class at Zenith Holland Nursery and Gift! The class is $95 and includes all supplies, taxes, and $10 gift certificate. Come in to…
Marina Mercantile Holiday Tea
Marina Mercantile Holiday TeaCelebrate the season in cozy style with a festive Holiday Afternoon Tea at Marina Mercantile! Enjoy beautifully decorated tables, themed treats, and…
Thanksgiving at 13 Coins
Celebrate Thanksgiving at 13 Coins!Join us this Thanksgiving for a memorable dining experience or enjoy our special meal from the comfort of home. Order a…
Thanksgiving at Tuscany at Des Moines Creek
Family-owned Tuscany at Des Moines Creek, known for hearty Italian dishes and American comfort food, hosts an annual Thanksgiving buffet overflowing with all the classics…
Copperleaf Thanksgiving Buffet
Copperleaf Thanksgiving BuffetThis Thanksgiving, November 27th, celebrate the season with a feast that combines tradition and culinary artistry at Copperleaf Restaurant. $125 per person |…
Rendition Restaurant at Hotel Interurban — Thanksgiving
Rendition Thanksgiving DinnerCelebrate Thanksgiving at Rendition with a cozy, chef-crafted holiday meal. Each dinner includes fresh baked rolls with butter, apple-fennel gravy, and house cranberry…
Paseo de la Mimosa
Join us for our annual Mimosa Walk in Downtown Burien! Shop Local Burien is part of a nationwide campaign to support local and small businesses…
Ruta de las galletas navideñas
Stroll through Downtown Burien while collecting sweet treats & enjoying the spirit of the holiday season! The Cookie Crawl begins at Discover Burien (611 SW…
Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration
Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration!Kick off the holiday season with a night full of festive fun! NEW LOCATION – Des Moines Marina (moved from Big Catch…
Auburn Symphony Orchestra: Holiday Spectacular
Auburn Symphony Orchestra – Holiday Spectacular Monday, December 8, 2025 – 7:00 PM Auburn Performing Arts Center, 702 4th St NE, Auburn, WA Join in…
Rainier Symphony Holiday Concert
Rainier Symphony Holiday ConcertCelebrate the season with joy and music at the Holiday Concert! Saturday, December 13 – 6:30 PM Sunday, December 14 – 3:0…
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