2023 Holiday Happenings Around the Sound
The rain is back, the days are dark…who is ready to beat the gloom? Below are some Seattle-area favorites to brighten your spirits. You can bundle up and bask in breathtaking outdoor light shows, or relax and enjoy from the comfort of a cruise ship or theater seat…
Winterfest at Seattle Center
305 Harrison Street, Seattle, WA 98109
www.seattlecenter.com/winterfest
- Dates/Times: Nov. 24, 2023 – Dec. 31, 2023. Seattle Center (Holiday lighting Nov. 1 – March 1); ice sculpting Nov. 24, 12-4 pm; Winter train & village open daily Nov. 24 – Dec. 31 | 10 am – 6 pm; Seattle Christmas Market open Nov. 24 – Dec. 24.
- Cost: General admission is free for all ages; Seattle Christmas Market is $16-$20 for adults (buy tickets)
- Parking: Paid parking available at the Mercer Garage, 5th Ave N Garage, and Theatre Commons ADA Lot. Click here for the campus map.
- Food: A multitude of dining options await you in the Armory.
- Special Events: Opening Day Celebration, live stage entertainment at the Armory, the Winter Train & Village, New Year’s Eve Celebration Dec. 31 from 8pm-12 Midnight, and more!
- Holiday Closure: Dec. 25
The Nutcracker by Pacific Northwest Ballet
McCaw Hall | 321 Mercer St, Seattle
pnb.org/nutcracker/
click here to get tickets
- Dates: November 24 – December 27, 2023
- Cost: $29-$208 per seat
- Parking: Mercer Street Garage or Other Nearby Parking
- Food: Beverages and snacks are available for purchase
Garden d’Lights at Bellevue Botanical Garden
12001 Main Street, Bellevue WA 98005
http://gardendlights.org
click here to get tickets (must be purchased online)
- Dates/Times: Open nightly Nov. 25, 2023 – Dec. 31, 2023 | 4:30 – 9:00 pm
- Cost: $8 per person (ages 10 and under are free)
- Promotions: Discounted$5 ticket nights Nov. 27-30 and Dec. 4-7.
- Parking: Premium parking is $5 per car in the Garden’s lot as space allows OR park for free at Wilburton Hill Park
- Food: Hot drinks and snacks are available for purchase
- Holiday Closures: December 25
Snowflake Lane at the Bellevue Collection
Bellevue Way & NE 8th Street, Bellevue WA 98004
http://snowflakelane.com/
- Dates/Times: Nightly Nov. 24, 2023 – Dec. 24, 2023 | 20 minute show starts at 7 pm
- Cost: Free for all ages
- Parking: Free parking at Bellevue Square, Bellevue Place and Lincoln Square
- Food: A variety of dining options (from happy hour, to kid fare, to gourmet) are all within walking distance
- Special Events & Activities: Ice Skating, Santa Photos
Christmas Ship Festival
Launch locations include Seattle Waterfront – Pier 55, Shilshole Bay Marina, Hyatt Regency Lake Washington, Lake Union Park (MOHAI), AGC Marina, Carillon Point Marina, and Kirkland City Dock.
www.argosycruises.com
click here to get tickets
- Dates/Times: Click here for the full schedule
- Cost: $40 – $74 per person (kids 3 and under are free)
- Parking: Varies by location – click here for details
- Food: Snacks and drinks available for purchase on the ship. Outside food/drinks are not allowed.
- Special Events: Opening Night, Parade of Boats, Grand Finale
Westlake Center Tree Lighting & Holiday Activities
401 Pine St., Seattle, WA 98101 (Westlake Park)
https://downtownseattle.org/events/holidays/
https://downtownseattle.org/events/holidays
- Tree Lighting Celebration: Nov. 24 at 3:30 pm in Westlake Park.
- Luminous Light Sculptures: Nov. 24, 2023 – Jan. 9, 2024 in Westlake Park.
- Holiday Lights & Delights: Nov. 25, 2023 – Jan. 9, 2024 in Occidental Square.
- Sweet & Snowy Saturdays: Nov. 25, 2023 – Dec. 16, 2023 | 11:30 am – 1 pm in Occidental Square.
- Cost: Free for all ages
- Parking: Access the Republic Parking garage from Olive Way between 4th & 5th Ave, or check out this interactive map of city parking
Zoolights at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
5400 N Pearl St, Tacoma, WA 98407
www.pdza.org/event/zoolights
click here to get tickets
- Dates/Times: Open nightly Nov. 24, 2023 – Jan. 1, 2024 | 4:30 – 10 pm
- Cost: $14-$18 (free for kids 2 & under)
- Promotions: Discounted tickets for zoo members & BECU members
- Parking: Free parking in zoo lots (carpooling recommended)
- Food: Dinner, drinks & snacks are available at the Plaza Cafe & outside stands. Roast s’mores and pudgy pies around the fire on the Cafe Deck, too!
- Activities: Carousel, S’mores Roasting, Groovy Goats in Holiday Coats
- Holiday Closures: Dec. 24 & 25
WildLanterns at Woodland Park Zoo
West Entrance: 5500 Phinney Ave. N, Seattle, WA 98103
South Entrance: 750 N 50th St, Seattle, WA 98103
www.zoo.org/wildlanterns
Click here to get tickets | Map
- Dates/Times: Open nightly Nov. 10, 2023 – Jan. 14, 2024 | 4:00 – 9:00 pm.
- Cost: $25.95 – $36.95 per person (ages 2 & under are free).
- Promotions: Zoo members get 20% off tickets; Holiday Senior Stroll on Nov 14 from 4-6 pm with 40% off for ages 65+
- Parking: $6 parking is available in all lots after 3:30 pm (here is a map). Park by the West Entrance (Penguin, Otter, or Bear Lot) if you are purchasing your tickets in person—the South Gate (Hippo Lot) is only for those who already have tickets.
- Food: Refreshments are available at food kiosks throughout, plus the Pizza Corner at 1899 Grove, and Gather & Graze Café (with covered seating provided). You are also welcome to bring your own food & non-alcoholic beverages.
- Special Activities: Tianyu Cultural Performances in the PACCAR Auditorium, Zoomazium, ZooStore, Carousel. Sensory-Friendly Nights on 11/15, 12/6 & 1/11.
- Closures: Most Mondays (open Dec. 11 & 18 + Jan 1); Nov. 23, Dec. 24 & 25.
But wait, there’s more…
Holiday theatrical & musical shows
“A Christmas Carol” at ACT Theatre
The Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition
The Polar Express train ride at Mt. Rainier Railroad
Gingerbread Village at the Sheraton Grand Seattle
We earn the trust and loyalty of our brokers and clients by doing real estate exceptionally well. The leader in our market, we deliver client-focused service in an authentic, collaborative, and transparent manner and with the unmatched knowledge and expertise that comes from decades of experience.
© Copyright 2023, Windermere Real Estate/Mercer Island.
Give Back This Season
“We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.”
Giving to others can enrich our own lives in ways we never imagined. With that in mind, here are some of our favorite Seattle-area organizations who are in need of time, resources, toys, and more to help improve the lives of homeless and low-income families in our area. You might also check out these tips on how to make the most of charitable giving. Together we can make the holidays a little brighter for everyone!
Each night in King County, almost 1,100 unaccompanied youth and young adults experience homelessness on any given night, and around 70% of these youth sleep outside because of lack of shelter or housing. Why? A national study found that over 90% of homeless youth reported family conflict and 1/4 suffered from abuse and neglect before they reached the streets. YouthCare builds confidence and self-sufficiency for homeless youth by providing a continuum of care that includes outreach, basic services, emergency shelter, housing, counseling, education, and employment training. Lend a hand by donating most needed items, delivering a warm meal, hosting a virtual fundraiser, or hiring a YouthCare graduate.
http://youthcare.org/
(206) 694-4500
2500 NE 54th Street, Seattle
Northwest Harvest’s mission is to end hunger in Washington. They partner with 375 food pantries, meal programs, and high-need schools across the state to provide nutritious food (an average of 2 million meals per month!) and promote good health for those in need. You can help by hosting a virtual food drive, making a cash donation, or volunteering (children age 9 and up can volunteer with you!).
http://www.northwestharvest.org/
1 (800) 722-6924
SODO Community Market Food Bank: 1915 4th Ave S, Seattle
Kent Warehouse: 22220 68th Ave S, Kent
Mary’s Place helps homeless women, children and families from the greater King County area. You can help by participating in their giving tree tag program now through December 11th. You can also volunteer your time, donate wishlist items, or share your used clothing, blankets, and coats.
http://www.marysplaceseattle.org
(206) 621-8474
Donation Center in SODO: 9 South Nevada St, Seattle
Mary’s Place at the Regrade: 720 Blanchard St, Seattle
Hopelink provides critical services to homeless and low-income families, children, seniors, and people with disabilities on north and east King County. You can help by donating to their Greatest Needs Fund, volunteering at one of their centers, participating in their Turkey Trot 5k fundraiser (virtual this year), or making a cash donation to support their “Lend a Hoping Hand” holiday giving campaign.
https://www.hopelink.org/
(425) 869-6000
8990 154th Ave NE, Redmond
Did you know less than 50% of Washington state youth in foster care graduate from high school? Treehouse seeks to level the playing field by providing academic and other essential support foster kids need to graduate at the same rate as their peers, with a plan for their future. You can help by hosting a holiday drive, purchasing items on their holiday wish list, volunteering, or donating.
https://www.treehouseforkids.org/
(206) 767-7000
2100 24th Avenue S./Suite 200
With a mission to help people in need of immediate food assistance, the Emergency Feeding Program partners with 120 local agencies to distribute 42,000 meals of quality, nutritional food per week and ensure that no one will go hungry tonight. Your volunteer time or cash contribution would be most appreciated.
https://www.emergencyfeeding.org/
(425) 277-0300
851 Houser Way N, Suite A, Renton
Eastside Baby Corner was founded by a local pediatric nurse concerned about the large numbers of babies in her practice who began life without basic essentials like adequate food, clothing, beds, or safety equipment. Today Eastside Baby Corner’s locations in Issaquah, Northshore and Bremerton collect, purchase, and distribute essential care items such as formula, diapers, car seats, warm coats, school supplies, and more for babies and children in need. You can help out by donating goods or cash, shopping off their wish list, volunteering or organizing a drive.
Eastside Baby Corner:
http://babycorner.org
(425) 865-0234
1510 NW Maple St, Issaquah
Last year, King County Toys for Tots donated 85,169 toys to 61,092 local children in need. Consider helping out this year by making a cash donation, donating a toy before December 15th, hosting a Toys for Tots event, or asking your organization to become a toy drop site.
https://fort-lewis-wa.toysfortots.org
Coordinator: GySgt Edward Chapman, 760-405-3203
Every year, nearly 40% of our country’s food ends up in landfills, while millions go hungry. Food Lifeline attempts to solve both problems by rescuing millions of pounds of surplus food from farmers, manufacturers, grocery stores, and restaurants. They then deliver this healthy and nutritious food to more than 350 food banks, shelters and meal programs across Western Washington–providing the equivalent of 201,000+ meals every day for hungry children, adults and seniors. You can help by volunteering (opportunities are available for kids as young as 10, too!), donating funds or hosting a food drive.
https://foodlifeline.org/
(206) 545-6600
815 S 96th St, Seattle
Wellspring helps low-income and vulnerable individuals, children and families in Seattle and King County address issues such as mental health, family homelessness, early learning, basic needs, and domestic violence intervention. Each year they help thousands of children and families break cycles of instability, homelessness, and adversity to achieve positive, permanent change. You can help by donating essential items, cash, or your old vehicle. You can also get your kids involved in the Kids Helping Kids youth philanthropy program.
http://wellspringfs.org/
(206) 826-3050
1900 Rainier Avenue South, Seattle
Founded and run by a group of philanthropic women over 100 years ago, Seattle Children’s mission is to provide hope, care and cures to help every child live the healthiest and most fulfilling life possible. You can help their patients by donating a new toy or gift card, volunteering, contributing funds, or supporting one of its guilds (such as the Project Kids Cancer Cure Guild).
http://www.seattlechildrens.org
(206) 987-2000
4800 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle
We earn the trust and loyalty of our brokers and clients by doing real estate exceptionally well. The leader in our market, we deliver client-focused service in an authentic, collaborative, and transparent manner and with the unmatched knowledge and expertise that comes from decades of experience.
© Copyright 2021, Windermere Real Estate/Mercer Island.
Give Back This Season
In his poem, When Giving Is All We Have, Alberto Álvaro Ríos wrote,
“We give because someone gave to us.
We give because nobody gave to us.
We give because giving has changed us.
We give because giving could have changed us.”
With need especially keen this year during the pandemic, many of us are looking for ways to be “the helpers” for others. Below are some of our favorite Seattle-area organizations who are in need of time, resources, toys, and more to help improve the lives of homeless and low-income families in our area. You might also check out these tips on how to make the most of charitable giving. Together we can make the holidays a little brighter for everyone!
Each night in King County, almost 1,100 unaccompanied youth and young adults experience homelessness on any given night, and around 70% of these youth sleep outside because of lack of shelter or housing. Why? A national study found that over 90% of homeless youth reported family conflict and 1/4 suffered from abuse and neglect before they reached the streets. YouthCare builds confidence and self-sufficiency for homeless youth by providing a continuum of care that includes outreach, basic services, emergency shelter, housing, counseling, education, and employment training. Lend a hand by participating in the Survival Needs Drive, delivering a warm meal, donating cash or most needed items, hosting a virtual fundraiser, or hiring a YouthCare graduate.
http://youthcare.org/
(206) 694-4500
2500 NE 54th Street, Seattle
Northwest Harvest’s mission is to end hunger in Washington. They partner with 375 food pantries, meal programs, and high-need schools across the state to provide nutritious food and promote good health for those in need. You can help by hosting a virtual food drive, making a cash donation, or volunteering (children age 9 and up can volunteer with you!).
http://www.northwestharvest.org/
1 (800) 722-6924
SODO Community Market Food Bank: 1915 4th Ave S, Seattle
Kent Warehouse: 22220 68th Ave S, Kent
Mary’s Place helps homeless women, children and families from the greater King County area. You can help by participating in their giving tree tag program now through December 11th. You can also volunteer your time, donate wishlist items, or share your used clothing, blankets, and coats.
http://www.marysplaceseattle.org
(206) 621-8474
Donation Center in SODO: 9 South Nevada St, Seattle
Mary’s Place at the Regrade: 720 Blanchard St, Seattle
Hopelink provides critical services to homeless and low-income families, children, seniors, and people with disabilities on north and east King County. You can help by donating food or grocery gift cards to their food bank, or making a cash donation to support their “Lend a Hoping Hand” holiday giving campaign.
https://www.hopelink.org/
(425) 869-6000
8990 154th Ave NE, Redmond
Did you know less than 50% of Washington state youth in foster care graduate from high school? Treehouse seeks to level the playing field by providing academic and other essential support foster kids need to graduate at the same rate as their peers, with a plan for their future. You can help by hosting a holiday drive, purchasing items on their holiday wish list, volunteering, or donating.
https://www.treehouseforkids.org/
(206) 767-7000
2100 24th Avenue S./Suite 200
With a mission to help people in need of immediate food assistance, the Emergency Feeding Program partners with 120 local agencies to distribute 42,000 meals of quality, nutritional food per week and ensure that no one will go hungry tonight. With volunteering limited this year due to COVID, your cash contribution would be most appreciated.
https://www.emergencyfeeding.org/
(425) 277-0300
851 Houser Way N, Suite A, Renton
Eastside Baby Corner was founded by a local pediatric nurse concerned about the large numbers of babies in her practice who began life without basic essentials like adequate food, clothing, beds, or safety equipment. Today Eastside Baby Corner’s locations in Issaquah, Northshore and Bremerton collect, purchase, and distribute essential care items such as formula, diapers, car seats, warm coats, school supplies, and more for babies and children in need. You can help out by donating goods or cash, shopping off their wish list, volunteering or organizing a drive.
Eastside Baby Corner:
http://babycorner.org
(425) 865-0234
1510 NW Maple St, Issaquah
Last year, King County Toys for Tots donated 85,169 toys to 61,092 local children in need. Consider helping out this year by making a cash donation, or asking your organization to become a toy drop site.
https://fort-lewis-wa.toysfortots.org
Coordinator: GySgt Edward Chapman, 760-405-3203
**2020 toy donation locations and times to be announced**
Every year, nearly 40% of our country’s food ends up in landfills, while millions go hungry. Food Lifeline attempts to solve both problems by rescuing millions of pounds of surplus food from farmers, manufacturers, grocery stores, and restaurants. They then deliver this healthy and nutritious food to more than 300 food banks, shelters and meal programs across Western Washington–providing the equivalent of 116,000 meals every day for hungry children, adults and seniors. You can help by volunteering (opportunities are available for kids as young as 6, too!), donating funds or hosting a food drive.
https://foodlifeline.org/
(206) 545-6600
815 S 96th St, Seattle
Wellspring helps low-income and vulnerable individuals, children and families in Seattle and King County address issues such as mental health, family homelessness, early learning, basic needs, and domestic violence intervention. Each year they help thousands of children and families break cycles of instability, homelessness, and adversity to achieve positive, permanent change. You can help by donating to their Giving Together holiday campaign or getting your children involved in the Kids Helping Kids youth philanthropy program.
http://wellspringfs.org/
(206) 826-3050
1900 Rainier Avenue South, Seattle
Founded and run by a group of philanthropic women over 100 years ago, Seattle Children’s mission is to provide hope, care and cures to help every child live the healthiest and most fulfilling life possible. You can help their patients by donating a new toy or gift card, volunteering, contributing funds, or supporting one of its guilds (such as the Project Kids Cancer Cure Guild).
http://www.seattlechildrens.org
(206) 987-2000
4800 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle
Find a Home | Sell Your Home | Property Research
Neighborhoods | Market Reports | Our Team
We earn the trust and loyalty of our brokers and clients by doing real estate exceptionally well. The leader in our market, we deliver client-focused service in an authentic, collaborative and transparent manner and with the unmatched knowledge and expertise that comes from decades of experience.
2737 77th Ave SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040 | (206) 232-0446 mercerisland@windermere.com
© Copyright 2020, Windermere Real Estate / Mercer Island