Arts & Culture Archives

As winter brings snow and shorter days, nothing stokes the holiday spirit like being part of one of the many winter festivals and holiday events in Washington. Whether you’re marveling at interactive light displays, watching a lighted boat parade, riding a scenic Polar Express-style train, or browsing a Christmas market full of local vendors, there’s magic around every corner. Below are some of the top annual holiday events across Washington State. Please note this is not a complete list. Many communities host parades, markets, tree lightings, and more throughout the season. Check Washington's event calendar and local calendars for more holiday events in Washington. Winter Experiences & Holiday Events in Washington Explore the Seattle Christmas Market Photo Credit: Braden Heil When & Where: Late November through December, Seattle Center. Situated in the shadow of the iconic Space Needle, the Seattle Christmas Market brings the feel of European-inspired holiday markets to Washington. What to Expect: Explore rows of artisan booths featuring local and international offerings. Enjoy live entertainment, stroll through Lovers Lane, walk under the lit Christmas tree, or ride the double-decker carousel. Sample seasonal food and drink (think mulled wine, sweet chimney cakes, and melty raclette sandwiches). Travel Tip: Reserve your time slot in advance and use public transit or ride shares, as nearby parking can be limited. Also See: Guide to Cozy Season in Seattle Discover a Magical Winterfest or Holiday Village Courtesy of Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce Courtesy of Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce When & Where: Various locations from late November through January. Major winter festivals: Seattle Center Winterfest, Seattle (late November through December): Enjoy a robust lineup of activities and events throughout the Seattle Center campus. You'll find live entertainment, the Seattle Christmas Market, ice sculpting, a Winter Train & Village, movie nights featuring holiday films, and more. Fairhaven Winterfest, Bellingham (late November through December): Located in the historic Fairhaven neighborhood, highlights include carriage rides, a lighted bicycle parade, and the Fairhaven Firelight Stroll. Night Market Winter Festival, Spokane (late November through December): Celebrate the season in Spokane's Kendall Yards neighborhood with holiday markets, live music, carolers, and family-friendly activities. Browse gifts from local makers and explore nearby shops and restaurants. Lake Chelan Winterfest, Chelan & Manson (January): Enjoy ice carving, the state's largest beach bonfire, family-friendly fun, local wine, and an impressive fireworks display. White Salmon Village Lights, White Salmon (early December): Celebrate the season in the Columbia River Gorge with festive decor, holiday markets, carolers, and family-friendly activities. Browse local shops, enjoy seasonal treats, and join the community for a holiday tree lighting. Travel Tip: If heading over the Cascade Mountains, check pass conditions and chain requirements in advance. Also See: Where to Buy Locally Made Gifts Visit Leavenworth's Village of Lights Photos courtesy of Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce Head to the Bavarian-style town of Leavenworth in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains for back-to-back winter festivals in Washington. Here's a brief look at what you can expect during each event. Village of Lights: Christmastown When: Festivities run from the day after Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve. Daily light displays continue through February. Highlights: Don't miss the chance to see Leavenworth bedazzle itself with over half a million lights. Visit with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, enjoy carolers, or check out a gingerbread house exhibition. Village of Lights: Winter Karneval When: Weekends in January Highlights: Inspired by Germany's centuries-old Karneval traditions, Leavenworth’s interpretation features fire dancers, live ice carving, fireworks, and a masquerade pub crawl. While many events happen over Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, the party lasts all month. Travel Tips: Due to popularity, aim to visit during the week if visiting in December. January and February offer a quieter time to view the light displays. If traveling from the west side of the state, check weather and pass conditions before heading over the mountains. Passes can close due to snow, and vehicles are often required to use tire chains. Know how to install chains before you depart. It's never fun trying to figure it out on the side of a snowy road. View Lighted Boat Parades and Christmas Ships Vancouver Christmas Ships Parade | Photo Credit: Kailey Lohrman Argosy Cruises events: Christmas Ship Festival, various locations: Since 1949, Argosy Cruises has infused magic into the holiday season thanks to their lighted boats. The Spirit of Seattle glimmers with hundreds of white holiday lights and sails to 40 different Puget Sound waterfront communities (view schedule). On board, listen to a choir and enjoy a dramatic reading of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. Sailings take place on select dates late November through December. Christmas Ship Parade of Boats, Seattle: This one-night event in December convenes brightly decorated boats in Lake Union for a journey west through the Fremont Cut. Be a part of the action on the water or gather at an onshore viewing party. Christmas Ships Parade, Vancouver WA: Watch lighted boats cruise down the Columbia River from the Vancouver Waterfront Renaissance Trail or one of the many riverfront restaurants. Sailings take place throughout December. Christmas Lighted Boat Parade, Tri-Cities: Head to this Wine Country destination to see vessels illuminate the waters with elaborate light displays and decorations during the Christmas Lighted Boat Parade. Boaters gather at Clover Island for a festive promenade up and down the Columbia River. With so many waterways, it’s no surprise lighted boat parades are one of the most popular holiday events in Washington State. Other boat parades include: Tacoma Lighted Boat Parade Poulsbo Yacht Club Lighted Ships Parade Gig Harbor Lighted Boat Parade Bremerton Yacht Club Lighted Boat Parade Bellingham Yacht Club Lighted Boat Parade And more! Enjoy a Themed Train Ride Courtesy of Chehalis-Centralia Railroad & Museum All aboard! Enjoy holiday cheer and themed rides on some of Washington's scenic railways. Tickets sell out fast, so book early. The Polar Express Where: Chehalis-Centralia Railroad & Museum When: Select dates from mid-November through December What to expect: Cruise by the pastures, riverbanks, and forests of the Chehalis River Valley. On board, watch live performances, listen to a reading of the famous book, and sip on hot chocolate. Steam Into Christmas: The Holiday Timber Train Where: Departs from Elbe near Mount Rainier on the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad When: Select dates late November through late December What to expect: Enjoy a 75-minute immersive experience in a vintage steam train. For 2026, the Christmas tale takes riders back to the 1930s, where they'll meet a colorful crew of timber workers. Enjoy Immersive Light Displays Courtesy of Metro Parks Tacoma Courtesy of Tulalip Lights and Ice Photo Credit: Matt Sagen / Cascadia Films Washington has no shortage of stunning holiday light displays. Here are just a few to visit: WildLanterns at Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle: Fantastical light displays bring unicorns, mystical forests, and your favorite Northwest animals to life. In the evenings, adults can sip specialty cocktails among lanterns and meet animal ambassadors. The Lights of Christmas, Stanwood: Head north of Seattle for a display with over a million lights. In 2026, enjoy a new walking route complete with fun activities, food, and craft vendors. Special drive-thru-only nights will also be available. Winter Glow Spectacular, Spokane: Head to the Kendall Yards neighborhood for dazzling holiday light displays. The free displays run from late November through early January. Tulalip Lights and Ice at Quil Ceda Village, Tulalip: A free event featuring an ice-skating rink, treats from local vendors, and a dazzling display of more than 10 million lights. Zoolights at Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, Tacoma: Stroll through a colorful display of more than a million lights complete with illuminated creatures like a giant Pacific octopus. Don’t miss the goats dressed in their holiday coats. Wintertide Festival of Lights, Port Angeles Fine Arts Center: Celebrate the season with light art, performances, and hands-on activities at this one-night festival in December. For more fun, the free Wintertide Light Art Experience illuminates the trails of Webster's Woods from late November to early January, while the Wintertide Makers Market features gifts from more than 30 local artists. Luminaria at Yakima Area Arboretum, Yakima: Stroll along a mile-long trail illuminated by more than 1,000 candles and festive lights. This December tradition also features live entertainment and family-friendly activities. Catch the Parade on Snowflake Lane Courtesy of Visit Bellevue For the ultimate holiday parade, head east from Seattle across Lake Washington to Bellevue’s Snowflake Lane. From late November through Christmas Eve, Bellevue Way between Lincoln Square and Bellevue Square becomes an all-out holiday celebration in the evenings. People come from all over to enjoy elaborate floats, holiday lights, music, and dancers. Tip: Go mid-week earlier in the season for a better chance at finding a good viewing spot. About the Author Ellee Thalheimer is a freelance writer and guidebook author based in the Pacific Northwest who has contributed to publications like Lonely Planet Guidebooks, Alaska Airlines Magazine, and Adventure Cyclist Magazine. When she can’t get outside, she writes fiction, drinks local IPAs, and perfects her handstands. Featured image: Courtesy of the Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce

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