Ten Tourist Spots to Visit during the holidays in Seattle

Hi! Hello! How is everyone doing?! Hard to believe its December and Christmas is a few weeks away! Seattle really lights up during the holidays… literally! You will find colorful lights hung up on trees and walls in downtown Seattle and it really feels like Christmas!

Pike Place Market: This is of course a main tourist spot to visit anytime of the year, make sure to head to the fish counter and you can catch a fish and take photos/videos during the action. You will find lots of little booths selling jewelry, clothing etc and the flower booth is a must see. I always find the most beautiful flowers there. Be sure to get a hot cup of clam chowder in a bread bowl from a restaurant or some some seafood.

The Gum Wall: Seattle’s Gum Wall has been around for 20ish years and its really gross if you stop and think about all the gum that is stuck on there but it’s a fun must see tourist spot to stick a piece of gum to the wall and get that perfect selfie.

Gingerbread Village: For several years the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Seattle creates an amazing gingerbread village. Each year Seattle’s best architects and chefs come together to create a magical gingerbread village with a different theme each year. It is free to visit however they accept donations to JDRF which supports funding for Type 1 diabetes research.

Seattle Winterfest: If you love ice skating you can head to the Key Arena, rent ice skates and skate around the rink! You can grab a cup of hot coco and test your skills out on the ice. It’s $8 for admission which includes skate rentals too!

Fairmont Hotel: I love this hotel, the decor is so classic and grand plus each year they set up beautifully decorated christmas trees all around the lobby. And they have a giant gingerbread house you can walk through and of course take photos. Donations are encouraged and the proceeds benefit Seattle Children’s Hospital. 

Pacific Northwest Ballet’s Nutcracker: The nutcracker will never get old for me. As a ballerina for many years I was a part of the Nutcracker for many years and even performed as Clara! I have such fond memories and love going to see the performance. Pacific Northwest Ballet is one of the best ballet schools in the Pacific Northwest and they put on quite a show! The set design, costumes, dancers … everything is spectacular and I highly recommend seeing it! And it’s always so fun to dress up too!

Woodland Park Zoo Lights: I have yet to go to this but the zoo is all lit up with over 600,000 LED lights where visitors can enjoy illuminated indoor and outdoor displays, go on rides and even visit reindeer! This is a fun date night activity to do too, be sure to bundle up and get some hot cider or hot coco to stay warm!

Enchant Seattle: This is on my list of places to visit this holiday… You can explore the World’s Largest Christmas Light Maze, glide through an ice skating trail, enjoy nightly shows and live music and of course visit Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Burlesque Nutcracker: You can head to Triple Door to see a Burlesque Nutcracker show, it’s a ‘traditional ballet-meets-bawdy makeover features top-notch dance talent from professional companies including Spectrum Dance Theater, Whim W'Him and Nevada Ballet Theatre.’ They serve delicious Asian-fusion dishes provided by Wild Ginger restaurant which is right next door. You can find the mainstage downstairs on the lower level which has intimate candlelit spots with clear views of the stage. Grab a fun group, dress up and enjoy some cocktails while watching the show!

Christmas Ship Festival: Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship festival has been a holiday tradition since 1949. Every evening ‘a nautical parade visits different communities along the Puget Sound (45-plus in total) You can enjoy performances from Choirs, dinner and drinks while cruising along to see all the brightly lit up boats. Admission ranges from $25- $99.

What are some of your favorite holiday traditions? Share below some holiday traditions where you live! :)

Happy Holidays!