The ultimate PNW festivals and events guide for December

We hope you’re feeling festive as this month is all about Christmas in the North West.

There’s a gift basket full of fun things including concerts, stage shows, gift market shopping, fancy lights and more! We even found a few things that aren’t part of the vacation.

Here is our ultimate PNW festivals and events guide for December 2024:

‘Tis the season

Step back in time to a Victorian country Christmas, stock up on cocoa, play some reindeer games at Kringle’s Filling Station, then join in the celebration on Snowflake Lane.

• Snowflake Alley
  December 1st to 24th / Bellevue Collection, Bellevue
• Winter festival
  December 1-29 / Seattle Center, Seattle
• Kringle’s gas station
  December 1-30 / 8211 Aurora Avenue North, Seattle
• Holiday spark
  5th–8th December / Evergreen State Fair Park, Monroe
• A Victorian Country Christmas
  5th–8th December / Washington State Fair Events Center, Puyallup
  
  
• Twinkle, twinkle
  December 6th / Freeway Park, Seattle
• Holiday magic
  December 6-23 / Washington State Fair Events Center, Puyallup
• Auburn Lighted Santa Claus Parade
  December 7 / Main Street, Auburn
• Puyallup Lighted Santa Claus Parade
  December 7th / Puyallup
• PhinneyWood Winter Festival
  7th–8th December / Phinney Center, Seattle
• Bellevue Feast of the Nativity
  Dec. 7-15 / 15205 SE 28th St., Bellevue

Christmas carols

From the whimsical (Seattle Men’s Chorus Holiday Show and Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition) to the high-quality (Jose Gonzales Trio, Handel’s Messiah and Kenny G), there are Christmas songs to suit every taste.

Holidays on stage

All your favorite traditional holiday shows will be performed again, including “A Christmas Carol,” the ballet “The Nutcracker,” the musical “Black Nativity” and “A Charlie Brown Christmas” live on stage. The very unconventional “Improvised Christmas Song” invents its own story on site. It may not be as heartwarming, but it will be fun.

Festive films

It may seem strange to watch a movie outdoors in the middle of December, but Freeway Park offers “cozy canopies, warm drinks, free popcorn and candy while supplies last.” The Seattle Symphony will screen the film “The Snowman” while performing the soundtrack with the orchestra, and SIFF will celebrate its annual sing-along “Fiddler on the Roof” on Christmas Day.

It’s a Small World: Christmas music

Celebrate the holidays with live Christmas music from Germany, Ukraine, Northwest Europe and even the British Isles.

Illuminated nighttime spectacle

Do you know what’s great about putting up your own Christmas lights? Nothing! Seriously, it’s an art form and not for the faint of heart. So why not see what the pros can do instead? This month we are treated to many fantastic light displays ranging from Stanwood in the north to Spanaway in the south and many in between. From Chinese animal-shaped lanterns to Christmas party lanterns, there are plenty to choose from. (Be sure to check each venue’s website before purchasing tickets, as many require tickets and some are only open on weekends.)

PHOTOS | Immerse yourself in the magic of WildLanterns at Woodland Park Zoo

Night markets and gift shows

What do you get that special person who has everything? We don’t know because we’re still working on our own gift list, but we know a few places where you can find some truly unique gifts, literally. These gift markets are a great getaway for yourself or for a date night.

• Giving marketplace
  December 6-7 / Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Discovery Center, Seattle

Food and Drink

Beer tours are a dime a dozen, but SantaCon is a whole different animal. Put on your best Santa costume (trust us, you won’t be alone) and join in! Or maybe you’re culinary adventurous. The Dining in the Dark event will test your taste buds in a completely different way.

• SantaCon
  7th-14th-21st December / Downtown Seattle

Planes, trains and automobiles

This month celebrates two major holiday traditions: the Christmas Ship Parade of Boats and the Model Train Festival. Both are entertaining, impressive and family friendly.

Walking around

For many, the words “fun” and “running” don’t belong in the same sentence, but if running is your thing, you get it. And this month there are some really fun runs with added perks like cookies and hot chocolate! Even if you don’t run, why not come out and cheer on those who do at the Seattle Marathon?

No, we haven’t forgotten New Year’s Eve, there are just so many parties and activities planned that it deserves its own listing – coming soon!

Jeff Totey is a freelance writer for Seattle Refined. You can find more of his work here.