Looking to slow down and embrace culture and great food? Head to Seattle during the winter months. During this time of year, you’ll contend with fewer crowds as you visit iconic attractions, attend events, and enjoy delicious bites.
Winter in Seattle is an opportunity to cozy up indoors and check out a brewery, enjoy a live show, visit the aquarium, or try a new restaurant. You can also venture outdoors to explore serene gardens or go underground to learn more about Seattle’s history on a walking tour.
Here are just a few things to do during winter in Seattle.
Guide to Winter in Seattle
Cruise the Lake in a Hot Tub Boat
Enjoy views of the Seattle skyline from the water by hopping in a hot tub boat. You’ll cruise Lake Union, taking in the city’s houseboats and the iconic Space Needle from a warm floating oasis. The best part? Boats are easy to navigate with a joystick, so no boating experience is required. Load up with your own snacks and beverages and make the most of your outing with tunes from a Bluetooth speaker.
Go Thrifting and Antiquing
If you’re looking for some vintage finds in Seattle this winter, the Fremont Vintage Mall is a great place to start. Browse an eclectic collection of clothing, records, memorabilia, jewelry, and products from local makers. You can also look for vintage clothing at The Barn Owl Vintage Goods in Georgetown, Red Light Vintage in University District, and Doll Parts Collective in West Seattle. Go antiquing for collectibles, clothing, and more at Seattle Antiques Market, which is located on the waterfront.
Explore an Outdoor Garden
About 20 minutes south of downtown, Kubota Garden is open daily and boasts 20 acres with trees, ponds, and bridges. Reserve your spot on the free tour that happens on the fourth Saturday of every month or stroll on your own with a self-guided tour.
Art enthusiasts should head to the Olympic Sculpture Park, which has a collection of sculptures and a view of Puget Sound. There’s also the Washington Park Arboretum near the University of Washington, and the Joseph A. Witt Winter Garden is full of seasonal plants and perennials in bloom including witch hazel, silk tassel, and Chinese red birch.
Catch a Live Performance
From grunge to musicals, winter is the perfect time to catch a show at one of the city’s acclaimed performing arts venues. Broadway shows are regularly touring at The 5th Avenue Theatre and the Paramount Theatre, or you can watch music at venues like The Crocodile, which showcases independent artists. The Triple Door and Tractor Tavern are two great options if you’re also looking for a filling meal. Those seeking a laugh should visit Laugh’s Comedy Club or check out a show at the Neptune Theatre.
Visit the Seattle Aquarium
Dive into underwater exploration with a visit to the Seattle Aquarium, which features local aquatic life and has a new ocean pavilion highlighting the rich biodiversity of the Coral Triangle. While learning about how all oceans are interconnected, you’ll come face to face with 3,500 animals and plants such as sharks, jellyfish, and coral. Don’t miss the expert-led presentations, including the chance to watch sea otters eat a meal!
Also See: Family-Friendly Indoor Activities in Seattle
Take a Guided Walking Tour
See the city through a new lens on a Seattle underground tour, which highlights how the city was rebuilt after the Great Fire of 1889. See the city’s original sidewalks and passages and the first floors of businesses that later became their basements. Coffee lovers can take a Coffee Culture Tour to learn about the city’s thriving coffee culture. The guides are also happy to provide recommendations for other local businesses to visit.
Also See: Discover Washington’s Local Coffee Roasters
Explore Museums
Winter in Seattle is the perfect time to explore the city’s various museums. For art, Seattle Art Museum and Seattle Asian Art Museum have collections and exhibits with pieces from local and global makers, while the Burke Museum includes exhibits on paleontology (with real dinosaur fossils), biology, and a curated selection of art from six Pacific Northwest Native artists. A great free option is FRYE Art Museum, which has a permanent collection of European art as well as rotating exhibits and a small cafe.
You can check out glass art by famed local artist Dale Chihuly in the galleries, garden, and glasshouse at Chihuly Garden and Glass. Explore the nearby Museum of Pop Culture, which explores how pop culture has shaped Seattle and beyond through music, television, movies, and more.
Travel Tip: Time your visit for February to experience Seattle Museum Month. You’ll receive half-off admission to select Seattle-area museums when you book stay at a participating downtown hotel.
Browse an Independent Bookstore
Whether you’re looking for your next read or want to shop for goods from local makers, you’re in luck thanks to dozens of independent bookstores across Seattle. From the vast selection of children’s books at Secret Garden Books or cookbooks at Book Larder to the cozy cafe at Fuel Coffee & Books, there’s something for every reader. You can also attend an author talk or get signed books at Third Place Books or Elliott Bay Book Company.
Discover the Pacific Science Center
The Pacific Science Center has highlighted the power of science and technology for more than 60 years through its exhibits and hands-on activities. Don’t forget to book your timed entry ticket for the immersive planetarium and daytime shows at the laser dome. During the holidays, the Laser Winter Wonderland show will put you in a festive spirit, or you can book an evening laser show with music from SZA, Queen, ODESZA, and more year-round.
Celebrate the Holidays at an Event
Winter in Seattle is full of festivals and events to keep you entertained. There are a number of holiday celebrations around the city including festive light installations at WildLanterns at the Woodland Park Zoo and Enchant Christmas, beloved lighted Christmas Ship sailings, Nutcracker shows at the Pacific Northwest Ballet, and food vendors and small businesses at the Seattle Christmas Market at the Seattle Center.
You can also celebrate Tết, or Vietnamese Lunar New Year, by attending the annual celebration at the Seattle Center. The Seattle Asian Art Museum also hosts a Lunar New Year Family Festival with lion dances, art activities with local artists, and story time.
Also See: Explore Festive Winter Events
Where to Eat and Drink
Looking for a place to eat in Seattle this winter? From hand-pulled noodles to craft breweries, here are some spots to check out.
Homer
Located in Beacon Hill, Homer offers Mediterranean and Middle Eastern inspired cuisine using local ingredients and served family-style. If you’re in the mood for fried chicken sandwiches, curly fries, and rotating flavors of soft serve and hard-shell topping, their sister restaurant Milk Drunk is right down the street.
Biang Biang Noodles and Paper Fan Cocktail Bar
Biang Biang Noodles is known for its XI’an hand-pulled noodles, which you can get as a dry mix or with soup or opt for homemade dumplings. Try the Mala spicy beef dry mix, which is one of their bestsellers, or opt for the map dry mix as a vegetarian option.
Upstairs you’ll find Paper Fan Cocktail Bar, which has specialty drinks with flavors like lychee, oolong, pandan, and hojicha. The bar fills up quickly, so make a reservation if you plan on visiting.
Also See: Taste Your Way Through Seattle’s International District
Life On Mars
Life on Mars in Capitol Hill is a music-themed bar decked out with a record wall and stands that look like record players. This bar is great for plant-based shareables, sides, and desserts. They also have a daily happy hour where you can get fries, cauliflower wings, and a burger and beer.
Métier Brewing Company
Métier Brewing is a Black-owned craft brewery with a flagship taproom in Central District that partners with other BIPOC and woman-owned businesses and artists to bring their brews and space to life. Here, you’ll find exclusive beers, zero-proof hop water, live music events, art, and dishes like blackened catfish and curried split pea fritters from Lil’ Brown Girl,
Pacha Collective
Pacha Collective is a recent addition to Greenlake, and it’s already beloved. This health and wellness collective serves dishes with local seasonal ingredients, such as superfood bowls packed with roasted veggies, marinated chickpeas, and vegan cucumber kimchi. They also have breakfast specials, toast, and tacos and a rotating selection of events. Don’t forget to check out Samba, the Volkswagon bus in the middle of the space.
About the Author
Aleenah Ansari is a Seattle-based writer covering travel, entrepreneurship, wellness, and representation in media for Insider, The Seattle Times, Byrdie, and more. You can usually find her searching for murals in Seattle and beyond, reading a book by a BIPOC author, and planning her next trip. Learn more at aleenahansari.com.