Snow and Spiced Lattes: Christmas in Seattle
Whether it's enjoying a pumpkin spiced latte at the original Starbucks or shielding from the cold in one of the many museums on offer, Seattle has a plethora of ways to celebrate this festive season. Flanked by snow covered mountain tops, Seattle is the ultimate winter city break destination. Here’s the pick of the best activities to add to any festive itinerary.
T-Mobile New Year’s at the Needle (31 December)
Why not have a bucket-list experience this New Year with T-Mobile New Year’s at the Needle? The largest structurally launched fireworks and light display in North America, travellers can watch bright colours bleed into the sky to ring in the new year. For the best view, watch from the Seattle Center or see the Space Needle light up from one of the many viewing spots around the city.
WinterFest (Until 31 December)
The five weeks of WinterFest at Seattle Center are bound to lift seasonal spirits with its magical Winter Train and Village. A yearly tradition which has been displayed for over 40 years, the festival delights visitors with its annual lighting display, ice sculpting, fire pits and food vendors during the opening day celebration on the 24th of November, while each weekend will feature live performances and more. Entertainment will be supplied by local dancers, musicians and comedians, providing the perfect seasonal line-up.
Downtown Holiday lights and delights (Until 9 January)
Enjoy magical moments all season long in downtown Seattle with events by the Downtown Seattle Association and Metropolitan Improvement District. Be mesmerised by over 140,000 dazzling lights at Holiday Lights & Delights and snap the perfect selfie under larger than life illuminating light sculptures in Westlake Park. Westlake and Occidental Square will host family friendly activities every weekend including live holiday concerts, a pop-up ice rink and many sweet treats.
Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship Festival
A Northwest tradition since 1949, Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship Festival is a ship-to-shore holiday celebration that shouldn't be missed. The official Christmas ship, the Spirit of Seattle is decorated with hundreds of beautiful white lights and sails to around 40 different Puget Sound waterfront communities. Talented choirs on board perform to guests, other boats and communities that gather on the shores.
WildLanterns (Until 14 January)
Explore the zoo like never before at WildLanterns - an immersive experience featuring large scale animal and nature cape lanterns. Returning this winter with brand-new lanterns and themed zones, along with fan favourites, WildLanterns offers a larger than life event where visitors can experience wild places from around the world in a new light. A journey can be taken through the Land of Winter Wonders where a magical snow world can be witnessed. Continue to the Interactive Zone and be presented with exciting illusions. Meanwhile, the Fine Feathered Friends, Giant Panda Parkway, Bugs and Blooms and Fantastical Folklore Realms, offer a fantastic journey of discovery.
Astra Lumina (8 December)
Astra Lumina: A Night Walk Amongst The Stars opens in Seattle on 8th December for the first time and will continue into January. The Seattle Chinese Garden will be transformed with a magical light display, music and more creating an enchanting evening for all.
Harry Potter: Magic at Play
For all those wizards and warlocks, Harry Potter: Magic at Play is an interactive, family-friendly experience that recently opened in Seattle. Travel from Platform 9 ¾ to the Great Hall and discover the beautiful boathouse. Capture the snitch with Quidditch training games, get hands-on in Hogwarts classes and seek out a Patronus in the Forbidden Forest. Guests can capture magical memories, from sitting under the Sorting Hat, to flying a Quidditch broom. Don’t forget to stop by the Butterbeer Bar to taste sweet treats inspired by the Wizarding World and shop for exclusive merchandise in the gift shop.
For more information and to plan a trip to Seattle, visit www.visitseattle.org.
