Community • November 14, 2025

2025 Holiday Happenings Around the Sound

by Windermere MI

Sparkling in Seattle: Holiday Happenings Around the Sound

Just in time for its darkest days, Greater Seattle is getting a glow-up! These dazzling favorites are sure to light up your holidays and banish those rainy day blues. Bring an umbrella and bask in breathtaking outdoor light shows, or cozy up and enjoy from the comfort of a cruise ship or theater seat…

Seattle | Eastside & South

SEATTLE EVENTS

Winterfest at Seattle Center

This month-long festival features sparkling lights, holiday shopping, and live entertainment (including ice sculpting!) all building up to the New Year’s Eve Celebration with fireworks.

305 Harrison Street, Seattle, WA 98109
www.seattlecenter.com/winterfest

Map | Guidebook

Dates/Times: Nov. 28 – Dec. 31, 2025. Campus holiday lighting from Nov. 20, 2025 – Mid-April 2026; ice sculpting on Saturdays at 12 pm from Nov. 29 – Dec. 27; Winterfest train & village open daily Nov. 28 – Dec. 31 | 10 am – 6 pm; Seattle Christmas Market open Nov. 20 – Dec. 24.
Cost: General admission is free for all ages; Seattle Christmas Market is $7-$22 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: Movie nights on select Fridays; live stage entertainment at the Armory; the Winter Train & Village; New Year’s Eve Celebration Dec. 31 from 8 pm-12 Midnight; and more!
Holiday Closure: Christmas day

Photo by Nitish Meena on Unsplash

Candlelight Concerts at Pacific Place

Come enjoy live music performances illuminated by the warm glow of candlelight at this free holiday and pop concert series.

600 Pine St, Seattle, WA 98101
downtownseattle.org/holiday

Dates/Times: Every Friday from 11/28/25 – 12/19/25 | 6-7 pm
Cost: Free for everyone
Parking: Paid parking in the garage (enter on 6th Ave or 7th Ave), or check out the city’s Interactive Parking Map
Food: Ample dining choices in the mall

The Nutcracker by Pacific Northwest Ballet

A favorite Northwest holiday tradition for all ages with stunning dances set to a live symphonic performance of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite.

McCaw Hall | 321 Mercer St, Seattle
pnb.org/nutcracker
Tickets

Dates: November 28 – December 28, 2025
Cost: $39-$246 per seat
Parking: Mercer Street Garage or Other Nearby Parking
Food: Beverages and snacks are available for purchase

Westlake Center Tree Lighting

A beloved annual tradition featuring crafts, giveaways, food, and a fireworks show!

401 Pine St., Seattle, WA 98101 (Westlake Park)
downtownseattle.org/holiday

Date/Time: Friday, Nov. 28th from 1-6pm in Westlake Park (tree lighting is at 5pm).
Cost: Free for all ages
Parking: Access the Westlake Tower Garage from Olive Way between 4th & 5th Ave, or check out this interactive map of city parking

Photo by Lokesh Singh Masania on Unsplash

WildLanterns at Woodland Park Zoo

Immerse yourself in a series of trails illuminated by magnificent, interactive, animal-themed lanterns.

West Entrance: 5500 Phinney Ave. N, Seattle, WA 98103
South Entrance: 750 N 50th St, Seattle, WA 98103
www.zoo.org/wildlanterns
Tickets
Map

Dates/Times: Open nightly Nov. 14, 2025 – Jan. 18, 2026 | 4:00 – 9:00 pm.
Cost: $32.45 – $40.95 per person (ages 2 & under are free).
Promotions: Zoo members get 20% off tickets; Holiday Senior Stroll on Nov. 25 with 40% off for ages 65+
Parking: Paid parking is available in all lots after 3:30 pm (here is a map). If you’re planning to purchase tickets in person, park by the West Entrance (Penguin, Otter, or Bear Lot).
Food: Dining options available in the zoo, including The Frosted Glass 21+ space. You are also welcome to bring your own food & non-alcoholic beverages.
Special Activities: Night Owls 21+ events; Holiday Senior Stroll; Themed Nights; Private Snow Globes; Nightly live performances in the PACCAR Auditorium; Zoomazium; ZooStore; Carousel; Sensory-Friendly Zoomazium Nightlights Daily from 4:30-8:30; Low-Sensory Nights on Dec. 2 & Jan. 8.
Closures:
- November 17 – 20, 24, 27
- December 1, 8, 15, 24 – 25
- January 5 – 7, 12 – 14

Photo by Adobe Stock

EASTSIDE/SOUTH EVENTS

Garden d’Lights at Bellevue Botanical Garden

Each holiday season, the Bellevue Botanical Garden’s flowers, birds, animals, and cascading waterfalls are re-imagined in over half a million dazzling lights.

12001 Main Street, Bellevue WA 98005
gardendlights.org
Tickets (must be purchased online)

Dates/Times: Open nightly Nov. 29 – Dec. 31, 2025 | 4:30 – 9:30 pm
Cost: $10 per person (ages 10 and under are free)
Promotions: Discounted $5 ticket nights Dec. 1-4 and 8-11 | 4:30 – 8:30 pm. Sensory Friendly Night Dec. 2nd
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 (each guest may also bring one individual beverage and small snack). Larger outside food items are prohibited.
Holiday Closures: Christmas day

Snowflake Lane at the Bellevue Collection

This popular nightly parade features festive floats, live musicians, and even the magic of falling snow.

Bellevue Way & NE 8th Street, Bellevue WA 98004
bellevuecollection.com/snowflakelane

Dates/Times: Nightly Nov. 28 – Dec. 24, 2025 | 25 minute parade starts at 7 pm
Location: Bellevue Way from NE 4th Street to NE 8th Street, between Lincoln Square and Bellevue Square
Cost: Free for all ages
Parking: Free parking at Bellevue Square, Bellevue Place, Lincoln Square, and Hyatt Regency
Food: A variety of dining options (from happy hour, to kid fare, to gourmet) are all within walking distance
Special Events & Activities: Ice Skating Nov. 21 – Jan. 19; Santa Photos Nov. 28 – Dec. 24

Photo by Adobe Stock

Christmas Ship Festival

Set sail on a holiday-themed cruise complete with live choral music and hundreds of lights—a 75-year Northwest tradition!

Launch locations include Pier 55 (Seattle) | AGC Marina | Carillon Point Marina

Foss Waterway Seaport (Tacoma) | Hyatt Regency (Renton) | Kirkland City Dock

Lake Union Park (MOHAI) | Leschi Marina | Port of Edmonds

www.argosycruises.com/christmas-ship-festival
Tickets
Map

Dates/Times: Click here for the full schedule
Cost: $54 – $76 per adult (discounts for youth, 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

Clam Lights at Gene Coulon Park

This shimmering display spans the southeast Lake Washington waterfront for a walk to remember, along with festivities and a visit from Santa on opening night.

1201 Lake Washington Blvd N, Renton, WA 98056
rentonwa.gov

Opening Night on Dec. 5th: Tree lighting & Santa at 6:15 pm; Santa photos from 6:30-8:30 pm; Singalong with Staff at North Shelter from 7:15-8 pm; Parade of Boats from 7:45-8:15 pm; Argosy Christmas Ship arrival & caroling from 8:20-8:40 pm
Dates/Times: Open nightly from 12/6/25 – 1/3/26 | 5-9 pm
Cost: Free for everyone
Parking: Free parking is available at the park
Food: Ivar’s Seafood Bar & Kidd Valley in the park are open daily until 8 pm

Zoolights at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

Going on it’s 38th year, this magical stroll through the zoo at night is a sparkling wonderland lit by over 1.5 million lights.

5400 N Pearl St, Tacoma, WA 98407
www.pdza.org/zoolights
Tickets
Map

Dates/Times: Open nightly Nov. 28, 2025 – Jan. 4, 2026 | 4:30 – 10 pm
Cost: $14-$20 (free for kids 2 & under)
Promotions: Discounted tickets for zoo members
Parking: Free parking in zoo lots (carpooling recommended)
Food: Dinner, drinks & snacks are available at the Plaza Cafe & outside stands. Try the new cinnamon roll on a stick, or a hot cocoa float.
Activities: Dog Nights Dec. 1, 3, 9, & 10; Carousel; Groovy Goats
Holiday Closures: Christmas Eve & Christmas day

But wait, there’s more…

Holiday Ice Skating Rink in Occidental Square

Sounds of the Season Caroling at Pioneer Park

Holiday theatrical & musical shows

“A Christmas Carol” at ACT Theatre

“Wonderland: A Carnival of Winter Wonder” at the Can Can

Magic in the Market

The Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition

Leavenworth Village of Lights

Santa Limited Train in North Bend

Festival of Trees & Teddy Bear Suite at the Fairmont Olympic

Gingerbread Village at Sheraton Grand Seattle

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Tips, Trends & Living • November 5, 2025

10 Tips for Low-Stress Holiday Hosting

by Windermere MI

Hosting a crowd for the holidays is an honor…and sometimes a major source of anxiety. Whether entertaining is a dream or your worst nightmare, a little prep can go a LONG way toward reducing your workload and worries. Here are some of our favorite hacks to lower your stress level plus a cheat sheet on how much to serve.

1. Share the Load

When it comes to cooking, you don’t have to go it alone. Plan the menu and delegate sides to guests, or go potluck style and let everyone show off their favorite recipes. Just be sure to coordinate so that you don’t end up with 5 sweet potato casseroles—free websites like Evite and SignUpGenius allow attendees to sign up for a requested item or share what they’re bringing with the rest of the group. Those who don’t cook can handle beverages or pre-bagged salad kits. Here’s a guide on how much food to plan for.

2. Outsource Where You Can

Along those same lines, you can lighten your load even more by taking advantage of pre-made foods. Know your strengths and let the pros handle the rest. Anything from pies, to a smoked turkey, to the entire meal can be ordered in advance…heat it up, slap it on a serving dish, kick back, and look like a genius. Just be sure to order as early as possible in case other people are equally smart.

3. Buy Non-Perishables in Advance

Few things are as frustrating as fighting your way through holiday crowds at the grocery store only to find they’re sold out of everything you need. Beat the rush (and the stress) by making a list of the shelf-stable items you’ll need and buying them a few weeks in advance. Make some space in the pantry and you’ll be ready roll when the big day approaches.

4. Tame Your Pre-Cleaning

In the quest for perfection, how many of us have spent the day before a holiday frantically vacuuming under the bed? The reality is that people will really only see your public living areas and guest bath…so focus the deeper cleaning there. Avoid the last-minute rush by setting up a schedule of manageable cleaning tasks that can be accomplished over the weeks leading up to the event (and delegate to other household members, too!).

5. Prep Veggies, Sides & Desserts

A few days before, look over your menu and pre-chop any veggies that your recipes call for—they’ll store well in the fridge and make things so much easier on the big day. You can also make mashed potatoes in advance; reheat them by adding a splash of milk and butter then warming on the stove, baking in a 350ºF oven for 25-30 minutes, or microwaving on half power and stirring every 2 minutes until hot. Casseroles can be similarly reheated in the oven or microwave. Pies often taste better the next day anyway, so make those in advance, too!

6. Choose & Label Serving Dishes

The day before, select which serving dishes you’d like to use for each menu item. Label them with post-it notes. Not only does this make it easy for guests to help you plate things up, it also prevents you from forgetting to serve something hiding in the fridge…ahem, not that we’ve ever done that.

7. Set the Table the Night Before

A beautiful table is the perfect way to welcome guests—but don’t leave it for when you’re scrambling to do 20 other things at once. Instead, set it the night before and take all the time you need to fuss over which fork goes where. A store-bought centerpiece is an easy way to jazz things up, or, if you’re the creative type, make use of seasonal gourds and branches to create your own. LED candles are another easy way to add ambiance without lighting the napkins on fire.

8. Set Up a DIY Drinks Station

A stylish beverage station is a fun way to relieve one more burden while you’re trying to prep dinner. You can pre-mix a few pitchers of cocktails/mocktails in advance, or put out an assortment of key mixers with recipes. Include an ice bucket or cooler for cans. A good rule of thumb is to have enough supplies for about 1 drink per guest per hour. A coffee and cocoa station with flavored mix-ins is great for after dinner, too.

9. Lighten Your Post-Cleaning Load

A little planning will make that daunting clean-up routine WAY easier. Empty your dishwasher and fill your sink with soapy water before guests arrive—that way it’s easy to toss in dirty dishes and avoid a pile-up. Consider making use of newer sustainable, compostable/recyclable (and cute!) disposables that can cut down on the dish load. Parchment paper or a foil roasting pan can also eliminate scrubbing for large, hard to clean pans. Give kids the “special job” of clearing dishes from the table…usually they’re happy to help (especially with dessert time as an incentive).

10. Focus on the Fun

Hosts often feel pressured to be perfect…but the truth is that everyone is happiest when you’re happy. Having fun is much more memorable and meaningful than how moist the turkey turned out or whether you forgot to dust the chandelier. In fact, some of our favorite holiday memories are often when things didn’t go right and we all laughed over it (think accidentally leaving the bag of giblets in the turkey, or Grandpa cutting through the cord of the electric carving knife and sending sparks flying through the kitchen).

If hosting triggers anxiety for you, build in some self-care that will help you re-center and relax when things feel overwhelming. Putting on some uplifting music, enlisting your favorite optimist to help on the big day, or simply repeating the mantra, “All I can do is my best” can work wonders to relieve stress. Lastly, sharing the burden of cooking and cleaning means you can also share successes and failures…so let go of that pesky fear of judgement and focus on the “together.” Isn’t that really what it’s all about, anyway?