Get Festive in Seattle Southside

Winter Holiday Events in and around Seattle Southside

Last Updated: November 4, 2025

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 Markets
The Sounds of the Season
Light Displays
Get Crafty
Santa Photos
The Spirit of Winter
Maritime Magic
All Events
Tiered tray of scones and tea sandwiches
Holiday Tea at Marina Mercantile in Des Moines, Washington

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

Immerse yourself in a magical, European-style Christmas village while you shop at the Seattle Christmas Market. With Bavarian-style scenery, light displays, and a Christmas Carousel, it's an experience the whole family will love. Take the Link Light Rail from Seattle Southside to the Monorail for quick and easy access to 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.

person making a handmade Christmas wreath at a wreath making class at Zenith Holland Nursery in Des Moines, Washington
Holiday wreath making class at Zenith Holland Nursery in Des Moines, Washington

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

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…

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Brunch with Santa

🎅✨ Brunch with Santa at Marina Mercantile! ✨🎅 Join us for a festive holiday brunch on Sunday, 12/7 and Sunday, 12/20 from 11–2. Enjoy…

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Cookies & Cocktails

🍸🎄 Cookies & Cocktails at Marina Mercantile! 🎄🍸 Join us on December 12 from 6–9pm for a night of holiday fun! Create your very own…

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