Seattle Parks and Recreation is offering a variety of free or low-cost holiday events through our community centers. See below for more information, and click here to see holiday events happening in our downtown parks.
Holiday Events Through Community Centers
FAMILY ORNAMENT PAINTING PARTY, BALLARD CC
All Ages. Bring the whole family and get creative. We provide porcelain ornament blanks and non-toxic paints and markers. Use your imagination and create some memories! Additional tiles may be purchased for $10 each. Register by searching code: 70895.
12/8 Sunday 10:30 a.m.-Noon. Cost is $11.
ADULT ORNAMENT PAINTING PARTY, BALLARD CC
Ages 5 and Older. Get creative and decorate your own porcelain ornament. We provide Porcelain ornament blanks and an assortment of permanent acrylic paints including golds and silvers. You provide your imagination! Register by searching code: 70896.
12/8 Sunday 12:30-2 p.m. Cost is $20.
BALLARD GINGERBREAD JUBILEE, BALLARD CC
All Ages. Join us this year for an evening of holiday fun. You bring your imagination, and we provide the rest! There will be all sorts of crafts, music and of course our magnificent Gingerbread construction zone! Register by searching code: 70371.
12/20 Friday 6-8 p.m. Cost is $5.
WINTER FESTIVAL CRAFTERNOON, BITTER LAKE CC
Ages 5 and Older. Celebrate the holiday season with festive crafts using a variety of media! Bring the whole family and make a variety of winter-themed crafts like wreaths and snowflakes. All materials are provided. Register by searching code: 70494.
12/8 Sunday 2-4 p.m. Cost is $20.
MULTI CULTURAL DINNER, BITTER LAKE CC
Join our annual Multi-Cultural Dinner at Bitter Lake CC on Friday, December 6 from 5:30-7pm. The cost is $5 per person and we will be serving foods from cuisines from all around the world. Sign up by calling the Center at 206-684-7524.
12/06 Friday 5:30-7 p.m. Cost is $5.
HOLLY DAY DECORATIONS, DISCOVERY PARK
Ages 6 and Older. Don’t miss the return of this annual event! Spruce up your home for the coming winter the natural way. Basic materials provided. You may want to bring special ribbon, cones, or other decorations. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Everyone attending the program must be registered. Register by searching code: 70705.
12/14 Saturday 2-4:30 p.m. Cost is $20.
COMMUNITY HOLIDAY PARTY, GARFIELD CC
All Ages. Celebrate the season’s many wonders with your neighbors and friends! Enjoy music, games, crafts and more. Participants can register for a gift from Toys for Tots. Toys are dependent on donations and will be distributed the week after the event. Call Garfield CC 206- 684-4788 for details. More info, search code: 69590.
12/6 Friday 5-7 p.m. FREE.
PATHWAY OF LIGHTS, GREEN LAKE CC
All Ages. Enjoy our annual seasonal event at Green Lake. Walk the inner path around the lake lined with over 1,500 luminary bags and enjoy music at 3 stages along the path. Dress for the weather. Please bring a can food donation to support our local food banks. More info, search code: 69818.
12/14 Saturday 4:30-7:30 p.m. FREE
LAKE CITY WINTERFEST, Lake City Mini Park and North Seattle Family Resource Center
The Lake City community would like to invite all families to celebrate the coming of winter and the holiday season. There will be dance performances and activities at the North Seattle Family Resource Center, 12360 Lake City Way NE. Lake City Community Center and Parks Activation will be at the Lake City Mini Park, 12359 Lake City Way NE.
12/8 Sunday 2:00-6:00 p.m. FREE
MEADOWBROOK LUMINARIA WALK, MEADOWBROOK CC
All Ages. Each year, for one night only, we decorate the boardwalk and pathways of Meadowbrook Pond with hundreds of glowing luminarias. Bring your friends and family to this magical community space, stroll along, say hi to your neighbors, and sip hot cocoa and munch on cookies.
12/7 Saturday 5:30-8 p.m. FREE
WREATH MAKING, NORTHGATE CC
All Ages Learn to make your own holiday wreath. Participants will get a variety of seasonal greens to include in their creation. Cutters, wires, and additional decor will be available. Leave with a complete wreath to delight the whole neighborhood! *One wreathe per signup. Register by searching code: 70475.
11/22 Friday 4:30-7 p.m. Cost is $25.
Holiday Events in Downtown Parks
Denny Park
Holidays at Denny Park
Friday, Dec. 6, 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Festivities include the illumination of Holiday lights in Denny Park, a performance from the Ballard High School Choir, a movie screening of the holiday favorite Elf, and free warm beverages from Umpqua Bank. Once you’ve stopped by the park, hop on the Seattle Streetcar for a FREE ride around the neighborhood or stop by Umpqua Bank on Westlake and John for pictures with Santa!
Freeway Park
Hosted by Freeway Park Association:
(for more information, visit https://www.freewayparkassociation.org/events)
Twinkle Twinkle
Friday, Dec. 6, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
The most winter-ful time of the year! Come stay cozy with a fire for roasting, hot cocoa with mountains of ‘mallows and live carolers that are sure to get you in the winter spirit.
Gremlins Movie Night
Friday, Dec. 13 at 7 p.m.
Come watch a classic on the big screen in the heart of the city, with canopies, lap blankets, and hot drinks provided to make it a cozy night. Movie starts at 7PM in Seneca Plaza located at 600 Seneca Street. Free popcorn and snacks will also be provided!
Cozy Corner
Tuesday and Thursdays from noon-2 p.m.
Stay warm with Freeway Park Association this winter in the Cozy Corner of Seneca Plaza. Enjoy free coffee, tea, and music by fire pits! They’ll have Book Carts out for you to browse and comfy chairs to lounge in. Read a book, have some lunch, and take a break from your busy day.
Westlake Park
Hosted by Downtown Seattle Association:
(for more information, visit https://downtownseattle.org/events/holidays/)
Tree Lighting Celebration at Westlake Park
Friday, Nov. 29, 3-6 p.m.
The annual Tree Lighting Celebration will take place on Friday, Nov. 29. The event will include family-friendly activities in the park and live entertainment leading up to the lighting of the Westlake Center tree and Holiday Star, followed by dazzling fireworks.
Abundant Lights + Music and Light Show at Westlake Park
Nov. 15, 2024, to Jan. 5, 2025
Light features in Westlake Park this year will include a colorful canopy of overhead lights, projections and spheres, a custom-created music and light show, and selfie stations with festive backdrops throughout the park.
Saturday Sing-along Concerts at Westlake Park
Dec. 7 and 14, 2-4 p.m.
Live music performances will be coming to Westlake Park on two Saturdays in December. Local artists will perform holiday favorites with a twist (artists TBD).
Santa Saturdays at Westlake Park
Nov. 30, Dec. 7, 14 and 21, noon-3 p.m.
Free photos with Santa will be offered on Saturdays in December in Westlake Park. Snap a photo with Santa and enjoy free family friendly activities, food carts and more.
Occidental Square
Wintery Weekend Ice Skating Rink at Occidental Square
Dec. 13, 14 and 15, noon-6 p.m.
Back by popular demand! We will be hosting a synthetic ice rink for the third year. Come skate for free and enjoy a variety of different special guests and entertainment each day.
Holiday Market at Occidental Square
Dec. 13 and 14, starting at noon
Shop local at the Occidental Square Trading Post Holiday Market where vendors will be selling vintage wares and items, crafts, home goods and more.
Bell Street Park
Holiday Art Walk Music at Bell Street Park
Dec. 13, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Enjoy tunes from a busker in Bell St. Park and browse the many galleries and shops during the popular Belltown Art Walk.
Holiday Concert at Bell Street Park
Dec. 14, 3-5 p.m.
We’re bringing a community concert to Bell St. Park with a local artist performing holiday tunes (artist TBD). Guests are invited to enjoy the live music and visit local retail and restaurants in the neighborhood as they get in the holiday spirit.
Bells on Bell Street
Dec. 10-20
Everyone is welcome to visit a public pop-up art gallery along Bell St. as custom bells adorn Bell St. Park. Local artists will be commissioned to create one-of-a-kind masterpieces to bring Bells to Bell Street.
Pioneer Square Park
Holiday Music and Decor at Pioneer Square Park
Dec. 4, 11 and 18, 1:15-4 p.m.
The park will be adorned with holiday lights, décor and a beautiful tree all season long. Guests can also enjoy live music in the park from Dickens Carolers and the Seattle Jazz Fellowship on Wednesdays in December.
