The holiday season is upon us, and Seattle is buzzing with festive FREE or LOW-COST events for all ages!
From community center celebrations to magical park experiences, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Check out the lineup of activities below presented by Seattle Parks and Recreation and partners, and mark your calendars for some holiday cheer.
Community Center Activities
Community Holiday Party
- When: Friday, December 5, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Where: Garfield Community Center
- Cost: Free
- Description: Celebrate the season’s many wonders with your neighbors and friends! Enjoy crafts, games, and gift-making. Call Garfield CC at 206-684-4788 for details. No registration required.
Winter Tot Carnival
- When: Saturday, December 6, 2025
- Where: Magnuson Community Center
- Cost: $3.00 per participant (ages 0–5)
- Registration: Register in advance for the Winter Tot Carnival.
- Description: Bring your little ones for a day of fun and games designed just for tots!
Lunar New Year Celebration
- When: Thursday, February 13, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Where: International District Chinatown Community Center
- Cost: Free
- Description: Celebrate the Year of the Horse with crafts, food, and cultural performances, including martial arts, music, dance, and a Lion and Dragon Dance. No registration required.
Gingerbread Jubilee
- When: Friday, December 19, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Where: Ballard Community Center
- Cost: $5.00 per participant
- Registration: Register in advance for the Gingerbread Jubilee to skip the line.
- Description: Join us for an evening of holiday fun with crafts, an indoor snowball fight, and a Gingerbread construction zone. Bring your imagination—we’ll provide the rest!
Meadowbrook Luminaria Walk
- When: Saturday, December 6
- Where: Meadowbrook Community Center
- Cost: Free
- Description: Experience the magic of hundreds of glowing luminarias decorating the boardwalk and pathways of Meadowbrook Pond. Enjoy hot cocoa, cookies, and a peaceful stroll with friends and family. No registration required.
Park Activities
Pathway of Lights
- When: Saturday, December 13, 2025, 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM
- Where: Green Lake
- Cost: Free
- Description: Enjoy a magical evening as Green Lake is illuminated with thousands of lights. A perfect way to celebrate the holiday season with family and friends. Learn more about Pathway of Lights here.
Tree Lighting Celebration
- When: Friday, November 28, 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Where: Westlake Center
- Cost: Free
- Description: Kick off the holiday season with the annual tree lighting celebration at Westlake Center. A festive event for all ages! Learn more about the Tree Lighting Celebreation here.
Sounds of the Season
- When: Thursdays, December 4, 11, and 18, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- Where: Pioneer Park
- Cost: Free
- Description: Celebrate the season with live music at Pioneer Park! Enjoy performances from the Dickens Carolers, featuring smooth holiday jazz and classic a cappella carols. Learn more about Sounds of the Season here.
Letters to Santa
- When: Saturday, December 6, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Where: Bell Street Park
- Cost: Free
- Description: Write your letter to Santa with SilverKite Community Arts and send it straight from our North Pole mailbox. Enjoy hot cocoa, donuts, and live music. Learn more about Letters to Santa here.
Selfies & Sweets
- When: Saturday, December 6, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
- Where: Pioneer Park
- Cost: Free
- Description: Snap a selfie at a themed holiday photo op and grab a snack at nearby Mirabelle by Orphée. The first 20 visitors will receive a free crêpe starting at noon! Learn more about Selfies & Sweets here.
Holiday Ice Skating Rink
- When: December 13–21, 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM daily
- Where: Occidental Square
- Cost: Free
- Description: Lace up your skates and glide across our free synthetic ice rink. Skates are available to borrow for free. On December 13, visit the Holiday Trading Post featuring over 40 local makers for holiday shopping. Learn more about Holiday Ice Skating Rink here.
Holiday in the Park
- When: Thursday, December 4, 2025, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Where: Volunteer Park
- Cost: Free
- Description: Join us for live music, free kids’ activities, and complimentary hot chocolate and cookies. A great way to connect with the community and enjoy the holiday spirit outdoors. Learn more about Holiday in the Park here.
Whether you’re looking for family-friendly fun, cultural celebrations, or a peaceful evening stroll, Seattle’s holiday events have you covered. Don’t miss out on these festive opportunities to make memories with your loved ones!
