December in Seattle brings holiday lights, neighborhood markets, seasonal performances, and plenty of cozy indoor gatherings. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly fun, arts and culture, or community events, this month offers something for everyone.
Here’s your curated guide to everything happening around Seattle this December:
Christmas Preview at The Westin Seattle
When & Where: December 1st, 4-7 p.m. at The Westin Seattle Grand Ballroom
More Info: https://providencewa.ejoinme.org/25FP
What to Expect: A festive holiday preview event featuring décor, seasonal displays, and opportunities to support local charitable initiatives.
Seattle Christmas Market
When & Where: December 1–24, Seattle Center
More Info: https://seattlechristmasmarket.com/#hours-and-tickets
What to Expect: A European-style outdoor market offering handmade goods, global foods, holiday treats, and twinkling lights throughout the grounds.
UW Huskies vs. UCLA Bruins (Men’s Basketball)
When & Where: December 3rd at 8 p.m. at Alaska Airlines Arena
More Info: https://gohuskies.com/sports/mens-basketball/schedule
What to Expect: Cheer on the Huskies in an exciting Pac-12 matchup on home court with energetic fans and a fast-paced game environment.
An Improvised Christmas Carol
When & Where: December 4–23, Unexpected Productions, Post Alley
More Info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-improvised-christmas-carol-tickets-1254924245199
What to Expect: A hilarious, unscripted take on Dickens’ classic tale, where the audience helps shape each performance.
PhinneyWood Winter Festival
When & Where: December 5–7, Phinney Center
More Info: https://www.phinneycenter.org/events/winter-festival/
What to Expect: A vibrant neighborhood festival with handmade crafts, live music, artist booths, and local food vendors.
Free Santa Photos & Brunch Party
When & Where: Saturday December 6th at 12 p.m. at Coldwell Banker Bain's Capitol Hill Office.
More Info: https://partiful.com/e/IuCiHK6rk1EVbSZAouK3
What to Expect: Meet Santa, enjoy brunch bites, and connect with the community in a festive family-friendly setting.
K9 Candy Cane 5K Fun Run
When & Where: Sunday December 7th in Renton.
More Info: https://runsignup.com/Race/WA/Renton/K9CandyCane5KRunandWalk
What to Expect: A cheerful fun run welcoming dogs and their humans. Walk or run along a scenic route in support of local recreation programs.
Snowflake Lane
When & Where: November 28–December 24, The Bellevue Collection
More Info: https://bellevuecollection.com/snowflakelane/
What to Expect: Nightly parades, snowfall effects, music, and live performers bringing holiday magic to downtown Bellevue.
Mariachi Sol de México: Merry-Achi Christmas
When & Where: Tuesday, December 9th. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
More Info: https://www.stgpresents.org/events/mariachi-sol-de-mexico-de-jose-hernandez/
What to Expect: A lively holiday concert blending traditional mariachi music with beloved seasonal favorites.
Land of the Sweets: The Burlesque Nutcracker
When & Where: December 10-28, The Triple Door
More Info: https://tickets.thetripledoor.net/eventperformances.asp?evt=606
What to Expect: A glamorous, high-energy burlesque adaptation of The Nutcracker featuring stunning costumes, dance, and live music.
Seattle Uncorked Holiday Wine Walk – Capitol Hill
When & Where: December 11, Capitol Hill
More Info: https://seattleuncorked.com/events/capitol-hill-holiday-wine-walk-thurs-dec-11/
What to Expect: Sip local wines as you explore neighborhood shops and enjoy a festive evening stroll through Capitol Hill.
Christmas Ship Parade of Boats
When & Where: Friday December 12th, Lake Union & surrounding waterways
More Info: https://argosycruises.com/christmas-ship-parade-of-boats/
What to Expect: A beloved Seattle tradition featuring illuminated boats, onboard choirs, and shoreline festivities.
Pathway of Lights at Green Lake
When & Where: December 13th, Green Lake
More Info: https://arcseattle.org/Pathway-of-Lights
What to Expect: A serene evening walk around the lake illuminated with thousands of lanterns and luminaria, accompanied by live performances.
Hanukkah
When & Where: December 14–22
More Info: Local synagogue calendars
What to Expect: Community gatherings citywide featuring menorah lightings, music, and cultural celebrations.
WildLanterns at Woodland Park Zoo
When & Where: Through January 18, Woodland Park Zoo
More Info: https://www.zoo.org/wildlanterns
What to Expect: Dazzling lantern installations throughout the zoo grounds, creating an immersive after-dark experience for all ages.
Paint & Sip at Darby Winery
When & Where: December 16th 6-8 p.m., Darby Winery
More Info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/paint-and-sip-at-darby-winery-tickets-1963655162451
What to Expect: Enjoy wine while creating your own winter-themed painting with instruction from a local artist.
Union Arts Center: A Christmas Carol
When & Where: Various dates November 28th through December 28th, Union Arts Center
More Info: https://www.unionartscenter.org/a-christmas-carol-2025/
What to Expect: A spirited retelling of the classic story in an intimate performance setting.
Avatar: Fire and Ash
When & Where: December 18–20, SIFF Cinema Downtown
More Info: https://www.siff.net/cinema/in-theaters/avatar-fire-and-ash-3d
What to Expect: Catch the highly anticipated Avatar installment with special screenings on select dates.
Winter Beer Fest
When & Where: December 19–20, Victory Hall
More Info: https://www.washingtonbrewersguild.org/winterbeerfest2025/
What to Expect: Sample seasonal releases and specialty brews from Washington breweries at this two-day tasting festival.
Seattle SantaCon
When & Where: December 6, 13 & 20, Various Meeting Points
More Info: https://seattlesantacon.org/
What to Expect: A lively costumed bar crawl where participants dress as Santa and fill the streets with cheer.
Holiday Tea at The Sorrento Hotel
When & Where: December dates, The Sorrento
More Info: Hotel event listings
What to Expect: A classic afternoon tea service with holiday treats in one of Seattle’s most historic hotels.
Christmas Films Trilogy Trivia Night
When & Where: December 22, The Clock-Out Lounge
More Info: https://www.ticketweb.com/event/raised-by-tv-events-presents-clock-out-lounge-tickets/14657313?pl=clockout
What to Expect: Trivia inspired by iconic holiday films, paired with drinks, prizes, and a spirited community crowd.
The Dina Martina Christmas Show
When & Where: December dates, Union Arts Center
More Info: https://www.unionartscenter.org/the-dina-martina-christmas-show-2025/
What to Expect: A beloved Seattle tradition featuring off-beat humor, music, and holiday absurdity.
A Charlie Brown Christmas on Stage
When & Where: Various dates throughout December, Taproot Theatre
More Info: https://taproottheatre.org/shows/2025/a-charlie-brown-christmas-2/
What to Expect: A heartwarming stage adaptation of the animated classic, ideal for families and nostalgia lovers.
Can Can’s Wonderland
When & Where: December dates, Can Can Culinary Cabaret
More Info: https://thecancan.com/shows/wonderland-2025
What to Expect: A whimsical holiday cabaret packed with dance, acrobatics, and glittering costumes.
SAM Film: Kings of Pastry
When & Where: December 27, Seattle Art Museum
More Info: https://seattleartmuseum.org/whats-on/events/sam-films-kings-of-pastry-dec-27
What to Expect: A screening of the documentary following world-class pastry chefs competing for the prestigious MOF distinction.
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker (PNB)
When & Where: Multiple dates all month, McCaw Hall
More Info: https://www.pnb.org/nutcracker/
What to Expect: Pacific Northwest Ballet’s dazzling, iconic production of The Nutcracker, complete with stunning costumes and choreography.
Christmas Dive Bar
When & Where: December dates, 1518 11th Ave
More Info: https://www.christmasdivebar.com/
What to Expect: A fully decked-out holiday pop-up bar with festive drinks, themed décor, and plenty of nostalgia.
Gingerbread Village at Sheraton Grand Seattle
When & Where: All month long, Sheraton Grand
More Info: https://www.breakthrought1d.org/pacificnorthwest/events/gbv-2025/
What to Expect: Elaborate gingerbread displays created by local architects and chefs to benefit Breakthrough T1D.
New Year’s Eve
When & Where: December 31, Citywide Celebrations
What to Expect: Ring in 2026 with fireworks at the Space Needle, local parties, live music, and neighborhood festivities across Seattle.
Celebrate December in Seattle
From festive performances to cozy neighborhood traditions, Seattle shines during the holiday season. Whether you’re planning outings with family, friends, or exploring solo, December offers countless ways to celebrate, unwind, and connect with community.
