Seattle and surrounding cities have an array of theaters and venues, many of which host holiday events in November and December. Local festivals are also a great way to get out and enjoy the holiday season!
2012 Holiday Guide | Christmas Light Displays | Seattle Thanksgiving Restaurants
Wildlights
Where: Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle
When: November 23-January 1 (closed December 24-25)
How much: $8.50 until December 13/$9.50 after that/children always $6.50
More information.
A Christmas Carol
The traditional Charles Dickens tale about Ebenezer Scrooge and three ghosts who visit him to guide him back into the spirit of Christmas.
When: November 23-December 30
Where: ACT Theatre
How much: $27-$50
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Polar Plaza in Tacoma
The only ice skating rink in the South Sound is in downtown Tacoma. Enjoy some hot chocolate or even ride a camel, special events or a train ride for the kids.
When: November 23-January 6
Where: At Tollefson Plaza, across from Tacoma Art Museum
How much: $4-$8 for admission tickets, $2 skate rental
More information.
Chaplins Bellevue Volkswagen Ice Arena
The region's largest open-air ice skating rink! But don't worry, there's a cover over it. There are beverages and snacks on-site, and specials like 2-for-1 Tuesdays and free lessons on Wednesdays.
When: November 23-January 13
Where: NE 1st Street and 102nd Avenue NE, one block south of Bellevue Square
How much: $10, includes skates
More information.
Macy's Holiday Parade
In the morning, the Macy's Parade fills the streets with holiday cheer. At 5 p.m., the Macy's star will be lit for the first time this season.
When: November 23, 9 a.m.
Where: The parade route starts at 7th and Pine in downtown Seattle, loops through downtown, and ends at 4th and Pine.
How much: Free
More information.
Westlake Center's 24th Annual Tree Lighting
Enjoy a festive holiday atmosphere, meet Santa and watch Seattle's downtown tree light up for the first time for the 2012 season!
When: November 23, 5 p.m.
Where: Westlake Center Plaza in downtown Seattle
How much: Free
More information.
Magic in the Market
Pike Place Market gets into the spirit with Dickens Carolers, photos with Santa, and a tree lighting at 5 p.m.
When: November 24, 1 to 5 p.m.
Where: Pike Place Market
How much: Free
More information.
The Sound of Music Sing Along and 67th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting
Tacoma's giant Christmas tree has been lit and placed in downtown Tacoma since the late 1800s, and has been a holiday tradition run by the Broadway Center for decades. Join in a viewing of "The Sound of Music," sing along, and then stay to see the 50-to-60-foot tree light up for the first time this year.
When: November 24, 2 p.m.
Where: Pantages Theatre, Tacoma
How much: $24
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Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Lost Christmas
Hard rock, classical music, traditional Christmas tunes and ones written by the band are what TSO is all about. The Lost Christmas has a loose storyline throughout of an angel who has returned to earth, and the show is great from any corner of KeyArena as there are lasers, large screens, a full stage of action, and more to catch your eye even from the farthest seats.
When: November 24, 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Where: KeyArena
How much: $33.50-$70.50
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Nutcracker
The Pacific Northwest Ballet's "Nutcracker" is one of the world's best productions of this classic.
When: November 25-December 27
Where: McCaw Hall
How much: $25-$115, discounts for children
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Christmas Carnival
Fifteen specially designed Christmas trees on display, balloon artists, magicians, crafts and more family fun!
When: November 26, noon to 8 p.m.
Where: Westin Seattle, 1900 5th Avenue
How much: Free
More information.
Saint Nick's Winter in Woodinville
Woodinville Wine Country puts on several events to make sure all is merry at the wineries.
Tree Lighting - November 30, 7-9 p.m. - Free at Chateau Ste. Michelle
Saint Nick's at Night Wine Tasting - November 30, 7-9 p.m. - $50 per person at Chateau Ste. Michelle ballroom, 21+
Winery Open House Weekend - December 1-2, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. - $40-$77
Book it!
Miracle on 34th Street
One of the oldest community theaters in the U.S., Tacoma Little Theatre is a quaint place to catch unique performances. This year's holiday show follows a young girl as her faith in Santa is tested (and, of course, holds out). An excellent show for a family outing.
When: November 30-December 23
Where: Tacoma Little Theatre
How much: $12.50-$24.50
Book it!
Baby, It's Cold Outside by Seattle Men's Chorus
The Seattle Men's Chorus likes to add a bit of cheeky comedy into Christmas. Expect traditional Christmas songs as well as some lesser-known international ones, too.
When: November 30-December 22
Where: Benaroya Hall
How much: TBA
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ELF - The Musical
Buddy, a human raised by elves, sets off for the city to find his father and deliver up heaping helpings of Christmas spirit along the way. A funny and charming story based on the movie of the same name.
When: November 30-December 31
Where: 5th Avenue Theatre, Seattle
How much: $25-$75
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Argosy Christmas Ship Festival
Where: Cities all around the Puget Sound
When: Starts December 1
How much: Free if you wait on shore, various prices to ride along on the Christmas Ship or other boats
More information.
Holiday Parade of Lights Cruises
Where: Several ports of departure, including Pier 66 in Seattle, Kirkland Marina Park, and WaterWays Home Port at 2441 N. Northlake Way, Seattle
When: Starts December 1
How much: $29-$55
More information.
Tree Lighting Ceremony at Salish Lodge
A 20-foot tree is lit and then the celebration includes hot chocolate, cookies, live entertainment, discounts at Salish Lodge, and contests.
Where: Salish Lodge,6501 Railroad Avenue SE, Snoqualmie
When: December 1, 1:30 p.m.
How much: Free
More information.
Eastside Symphony - Free December 2012 Concert
An Eastside tradition, featuring sing-a-longs and songs by Tchaikovsky, Anderson, and more.
When: December 2, 3 p.m.
Where: Redmond Performing Arts Center, 17272 NE 104th St, Redmond
How much: Free
More information.
Nativity
A gospel celebration of Christmas complete with stomping, clapping, and a generally great time.
When: December 6-23
Where: Moore Theatre, Seattle
How much: TBA
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The Great Figgy Pudding Street Corner Caroling Competition
Carolers compete to find the best carolers in town! Funds raised benefit Pike Market Senior Center and Downtown Food Bank.
When: December 7, 5 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Westlake Center, 4th and Pine, Seattle
How much: Free to listen, $75 to register a team
More information.
A Cathedral Christmas 2012
If you want to be reverent and have a bit of fun, this concert set in St. Mark's Cathedral might be the best way to go. Expect "Gaudete" from the Piae Cantiones by Anders Ohrwall, "The Seven Joys of Christmas" by Kirke Mechem, and plenty of sing-a-longs and traditional carols.
When: December 7-8
Where: Saint Mark's Cathedral, Seattle
How much: TBA
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Christmas Lights on the Lake
Where: Queen of Seattle Paddle Wheel Cruises
When: December 7, 8, 21, 22
How much: $59 adults/$29 kids/kids under 5 are free
More information.
Christmas with Seattle Pro Musica
Traditional Christmas carols by the Seattle Pro Musica choir, a sing-a-long, and more light up the stage for this one-hour concert that's especially geared toward families.
When: December 8, 3 p.m.
Where: Town Hall, Seattle
How much: $5-$25
Book it!
Seattle Pro Musica: Weihnachten - A German Christmas
Traditional German Christmas songs are sure to add a warm and cozy feel to your day. The Seattle Pro Musica choir brings works by Brahms, Bruckner, Mendelssohn and more to life.
When: December 8, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Town Hall, Seattle
How much: $12-$35
Book it!
Jingle Bell Run/Walk
Dress up in holiday costume, tie jingle bells to your shoe laces, and run or walk this level course. Funds raised go to Arthritis Foundation.
When: December 9, 8 a.m. to noon
Where: Westlake Center, 4th and Pine
How much: $35
Book it!
The Nutcracker
While not as grand as PNW's version, the Tacoma City Ballet puts on a lovely production of "The Nutcracker" at the historic Pantages Theatre.
When: December 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23
Where: Pantages Theatre, Tacoma
How much: $19-$60
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Wisemen
A very nontraditional way to celebrate the holidays, "Wisemen" follows the tale of an evil Santa while three lawyers (Goldberg, Frankenstein and Murray) put him on trial.
When: December 13-22, 8 p.m.
Where: ACT Theatre, Seattle
How much: $20 advance/$25 at the door
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KPC's Old Time Holiday Show
This Christmas variety show includes comedians, music, and fun for all ages.
When: December 14-16
Where: Kirkland Performance Center
How much: $18 youth, $30 adult
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Magical Strings 34th Annual Seattle Celtic Yuletide Concert
Magical Strings is a musical group made up of harpists armed with harps of all types and sizes. Count on their holiday concert having an angelic sound.
December 14: Urban Grace Church, Tacoma
December 15: Town Hall, Seattle
How much: TBA
More information.
The Christmas Revels
This show mixes a bit of everything--seasoned actors and community members; fine performance and silly comedy. This year, the show is set in the 12th century for a bit of historic Christmas fun.
When: December 15-16, 18-19
Where: Rialto Theater, Tacoma
How much: $14-$29
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Victorian Christmas: Traditional Carols for Choir and Brass
The Tudor Choir and Players put on a musical performance sure to whisk you back in time to the Victorian Era with songs popular during the latter half of the 1800s.
When: December 29, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Blessed Sacrament Church, 5041 9th Avenue NE, Seattle
How much: $30 general admission/$20 students and seniors
Book it!
