Winter Wonderland: Discover Washington’s Festive Holiday Events

Seattle Christmas Market | Photo Credit: Braden Heil

From Illuminated Winter Wonderlands to Family-Friendly Festivals, Washington Goes Big on Holiday Cheer

As winter descends on Washington, bringing its signature snowfalls and shorter days, the state comes alive with a dazzling array of festive events and holiday celebrations. Whether you're strolling through a million-light display, sailing on a lighted boat parade, riding a scenic Polar Express train, or shopping at a Christmas market, Washington has something to fill your heart with holiday cheer. Here are just a few of the many winter festivals and events that will have you embracing the season.

Please note, this is not a complete list. Many communities host additional parades, light displays, and events throughout the winter months. Be sure to check local event calendars for other festive activities.

Winter Experiences & Holiday Events in Washington

Explore the Seattle Christmas Market

Late November marks the arrival of the popular Seattle Christmas Market at the Seattle Center, set against the iconic Space Needle. As one of the most beloved holiday events in the region, the market offers a European-style experience complete with live music, a scavenger hunt, and mouthwatering food stalls serving treats like cream puffs, soft pretzels, and goulash in bread bowls. Don't miss the enchanting Lovers Lane or the dazzling walk-through Christmas tree. After enjoying the double-decker carousel, make sure to explore the rows of artisan shops, perfect for finding unique holiday gifts.

Discover a Magical Winterfest

The Seattle Center Winterfest, which runs from late November through December, transforms downtown into a festive wonderland filled with twinkling lights, ice sculptures, live entertainment, and a holiday bazaar. Meanwhile, up in Bellingham, the Fairhaven Winterfest kicks off with block parties, carriage rides, and highlights like the Fairhaven Firelight Stroll, a scenic wooded path illuminated by flickering luminaria. The festivities also feature a lighted bicycle parade, perfect for those looking to add a bit of sparkle to their winter nights.

As the calendar turns to January, Spokane’s Nordic Winterfest on Mount Spokane becomes a highlight for winter sports enthusiasts. This cross-country ski extravaganza includes clinics, demos, and a treasure hunt, ensuring fun for the whole family. Over at Lake Chelan, brave souls can take part in the Polar Bear Plunge, a chilly dip in the lake followed by a cozy hot toddy at the Ice Bar, a bar made entirely of ice. Stick around after dark for the grand fireworks show to round off a perfect winter day.

Visit Bavarian Leavenworth’s Village of Lights

Leavenworth

From December through January, the charming Bavarian village of Leavenworth hosts the spectacular Village of Lights: Christmastown festival. Nestled in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, this festive town glows with thousands of twinkling lights. Highlights include visits with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, live carolers, and a gingerbread house exhibition. The town’s Christmas Ship Parade and Lighted Boat Parade are also unmissable events.

View Lighted Boat Parades and Christmas Ships

For over 70 years, Argosy Cruises has been spreading holiday cheer with its Christmas Ship Festival. From late November through December, the Spirit of Seattle—a ship decked out in thousands of lights—sails across 40 different Puget Sound waterfront communities, with onboard performances of festive carols and dramatic readings of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. In Seattle, the one-night Seattle Boat Parade gathers a fleet of festively decorated boats in Lake Union, parading through the Fremont Cut for a spectacular waterway procession.

Further south, the Columbia River becomes a beacon of holiday cheer during the Vancouver Christmas Ships Parade, where a fleet of illuminated boats cruises the river, creating a picturesque display. Visitors along the Vancouver Waterfront Renaissance Trail or in local restaurants can enjoy great views of the parade.

In the Tri-Cities, Clover Island hosts the Christmas Lighted Boat Parade, where decorated vessels promenade up and down the Columbia River. For those without a boat, Water2wine Cruises offers a chance to experience the parade while sipping champagne and cocktails.

Ride The Polar Express

Photo Chehalis Centralia Railroad

What could be more magical than a train ride to the North Pole? Washington’s Polar Express experiences bring the beloved holiday book to life. The Chehalis Polar Express takes guests on a scenic ride through the Chehalis River Valley, featuring live performances, a reading of the classic story, and of course, hot cocoa and cookies. Another option, the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad’s Polar Express, offers a theatrical, immersive experience aboard a vintage steam engine. Be sure to wear your pajamas for this heartwarming adventure!

Immersive Light Displays

For a truly magical experience, visit one of Washington’s stunning light displays. Enchant Christmas at Seattle’s T-Mobile Park features the world’s largest Christmas maze, where visitors can explore light sculptures, glide across an ice skating rink, and join a scavenger hunt for Santa’s missing timepiece. For something a little more whimsical, WildLanterns at Woodland Park Zoo transforms the zoo into a fantastical wonderland, with glowing animals and mythical creatures brought to life in spectacular light displays. For the grown-ups, the zoo also offers specialty cocktails to enjoy as you stroll under the glowing lanterns.

To the north, Stanwood’s Lights of Christmas features over a million lights in a beautiful drive-thru display, complete with interactive elements like a light maze. In Tulalip, the Tulalip Lights and Ice event combines an ice skating rink, local treats, and an impressive light show featuring over 7.8 million lights.

Catch the Parade on Snowflake Lane

If you’re looking for the ultimate holiday parade, head to Bellevue for the Snowflake Lane Parade, which runs from late November through Christmas Eve. Located on Bellevue Way between Lincoln Square and Bellevue Square, the parade features elaborate floats, sparkling lights, holiday music, and performers in festive costumes. This is the place to be for a holiday spectacle the whole family can enjoy!

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Travel Tips for a Festive Winter in Washington

Washington’s winter events draw huge crowds, so to make the most of your experience, consider visiting during the week when crowds are smaller. Be sure to check weather and mountain pass conditions if you're traveling across the Cascades, as snowstorms can lead to pass closures. It's always a good idea to brush up on how to install tire chains before you head out, especially if you're traveling in a region known for heavy snow.

Whether you're looking for a dazzling light display, an unforgettable boat parade, or a cozy train ride to the North Pole, Washington’s holiday events offer something for everyone. With its wide variety of winter festivals and experiences, there's no better place to embrace the magic of the season.

Happy Holidays and see you at the next festive celebration!