The word solstice comes from the Latin word solstitium, meaning sol (sun) and stitium (to stop). The solstice occurs twice a year, when it reaches the northernmost point (summer in the norther hemisphere) and southernmost point (winter in the northern hemisphere). Each solstice indicates the stop of the sun before it … [Read more...] about Solstice events, lantern festivals, and light shows
7 affordable winter sports on ice and snow
Here is a list of winter sports you can enjoy in Washington State, including popular sports such as skiing, ice skating, and snowboarding. Our list starts with indoor ice sports, followed by outdoor snow sports. In addition, we list several other fun activities that appeal to a wide variety of recreational enthusiasts, … [Read more...] about 7 affordable winter sports on ice and snow
25 books to read aloud with family during the holiday season
Here are our suggestions for books to read aloud with family over the winter break. We've proposed a wide range of themes, including Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa stories. Some Christmas books offer Christian stories and others are secular holiday stories, tales about winter, and folktales from cultural … [Read more...] about 25 books to read aloud with family during the holiday season
U-cut, pre-cut fresh Christmas trees around the Sound
Here’s our list of Christmas tree farms where you can cut your own Christmas tree, plus some of the best local stores for fresh cut trees and other holiday greenery, as well as holiday lights, ornaments, and other seasonal décor. Choosing a Northwest Christmas Tree The Pacific Northwest is home to many species of … [Read more...] about U-cut, pre-cut fresh Christmas trees around the Sound
Seattle snow day sledding tips
Snow parks in the Cascade Mountains are a great choice during winter. But on the rare occasion the Seattle area gets enough flurries for a snow day, local kids take to any of the hundreds of parks and green spaces around the region for some sledding fun. Tips for sledding safely These are some good rules to ensure … [Read more...] about Seattle snow day sledding tips
Best things to buy in December
Every month of the year, certain items are discounted due to overstock, holiday sales, or transitions from one season to the next. Here are the shopping highlights for December in Seattle stores. Special events with shopping discounts and deals in December include the week before Christmas Day and the day after … [Read more...] about Best things to buy in December
December events and entertainment
Our December events calendar features a wide variety of entertainment in the Seattle-Tacoma metropolitan region. As always, we focus on events with a regular adult admission price of $15 or less, or virtual admission of $30. For more expensive events, we look for popular events with available ticket discounts … [Read more...] about December events and entertainment
Free things to do in December
Listed below are the free things to do in December. For all events on our calendar, free and paid, visit our December events calendar. December 2022 free, fun things to do Featured Events are list first each day, highlighted by a photo. Featured events are unique or annual events that we or our … [Read more...] about Free things to do in December
Art & craft shows in the Puget Sound region
The Puget Sound region boasts a thriving visual arts community. Throughout the year, you can tap into the local arts scene at art festivals, craft fairs, and makers markets in cities and venues all around the Seattle-Tacoma metropolitan region. At these arts and crafts events, you'll find primarily locally made … [Read more...] about Art & craft shows in the Puget Sound region
Free Christmas tree lighting events around Puget Sound
Listed below we keep a list of Christmas tree lighting celebrations in cities and communities around the Puget Sound region. In case you are wondering where we got the custom of lighting trees in winter, we dug up some interesting history. A short history of Christmas tree traditions The tradition of the … [Read more...] about Free Christmas tree lighting events around Puget Sound
MOHAI celebrates 80th birthday of Seattle rock legend Jimi Hendrix
MOHAI celebrates the 80th birthday of Seattle rock legend Jimi Hendrix with a spectacular weekend-long event, highlighting the artist’s life and career, including a screening of the documentary “Live in Maui,” a rare display of some of the performer’s most iconic stage outfits, and a pop-up shop of Hendrix-themed gifts … [Read more...] about MOHAI celebrates 80th birthday of Seattle rock legend Jimi Hendrix
Woodland Park Zoo: discount tickets & special exhibits
Seattle's Woodland Park Zoo is a 92-acre urban oasis located on Phinney Ridge. The Zoo presents exhibits featuring animals in their natural habitat, is accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, and certified by the American Humane Conservation program. The zoo is dedicated to wildlife … [Read more...] about Woodland Park Zoo: discount tickets & special exhibits
Farmers markets in the Puget Sound region
Washington State farmers markets provide a diversity of fresh produce, including fruits. vegetables, herbs, and flowers (edible and otherwise). You can also find other locally grown products, including meats, poultry, fish and shellfish, eggs, and a wide variety of value added-farm products such as preserves, ciders … [Read more...] about Farmers markets in the Puget Sound region
Free Snowflake Lane Christmas parade in Bellevue
Since 2005, Snowflake Lane has strived to be the region's most festive free holiday show. Presented by The Bellevue Collection, it has become one of the Pacific Northwest’s favorite holiday traditions. The Snowflake Lane parade runs nightly from the day after Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve. Join the festivities every … [Read more...] about Free Snowflake Lane Christmas parade in Bellevue
2022 Veterans Day parades and commemorative events
Here’s our list of Veteran’s Day parades and other commemorative events in Seattle and around the Puget Sound region. If you are looking for Veteran discounts and deals, see our list of Veterans Day free meals and shopping discounts. About Veteran's Day World War I unofficially ended when the Allied nations … [Read more...] about 2022 Veterans Day parades and commemorative events
Thanksgiving weekend free and cheap things to do
We've found many things to do over Thanksgiving Weekend sure to put you in a holiday mood. They include many holiday celebrations that may inspire you, and some that may help you reflect on what's right and good, and how to see the world through the eyes of a child once again. If holiday shopping is your thing, … [Read more...] about Thanksgiving weekend free and cheap things to do
Our top 10 picks for Seattle shopping on Cyber Monday
Here are our suggestions for Cyber Monday, which always happens right after Thanksgiving Weekend. It's a big prelude to the holiday shopping season with a focus on online shopping deals. If you live in the Seattle metropolitan region and want to add Pacific Northwest flair to your gift giving, check our list of … [Read more...] about Our top 10 picks for Seattle shopping on Cyber Monday
Maximize your dining dollars with restaurant loyalty reward programs & gift cards
If you like to eat out regularly (and who doesn't), whether at fine dining restaurants or casual eateries, be sure to join a reward or loyalty program. Many restaurants are more than happy to slip you a little green in the form of a discount when you come back regularly. We have a few tips for choosing a restaurant … [Read more...] about Maximize your dining dollars with restaurant loyalty reward programs & gift cards
Our guide to Black Friday shopping in Seattle
Thanksgiving Weekend is the one of the busiest shopping seasons of the year, from the day after Thanksgiving (Black Friday) through the following Monday (known as Cyber Monday--famous for online shopping). Throughout the weekend, you can enjoy extended hours at shopping malls, sales on gifts, and décor for the … [Read more...] about Our guide to Black Friday shopping in Seattle
Best retailers for gifts, party supplies & holiday decor
Here are the best places to buy gifts in the Puget Sound region. Our list focuses on local retailers with a variety of products for every occasion and gift recipient on your list. These shopping sources feature unique gifts for every special occasion, from Valentine's Day to Christmas and graduation to retirement. Many … [Read more...] about Best retailers for gifts, party supplies & holiday decor
Voter’s Guide for the Puget Sound region
Our voter’s guide covers information about registration and voting in Washington State, especially for voters in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area and around the Puget Sound basin, including Skagit, Snohomish, Island, Kitsap, King, and Pierce counties. Listed below, you'll find information about registering, voting by … [Read more...] about Voter’s Guide for the Puget Sound region
Free Winterfest activities at Seattle Center
Seattle Center is the scene for Winterfest--five weeks of free and affordable family activities and holiday-inspired fun. The festivities begin the day after Thanksgiving and go until New Year's Eve. The Seattle Center grounds are open 365 days a year. The Armory, Fisher Plaza, and other buildings are closed only on … [Read more...] about Free Winterfest activities at Seattle Center
RV rental: great for ski trips & winter getaways, home office space, holiday overflow
Advertiser article It's common to rent an RV or motor home for summer travel. But fall travel and winter vacations also offer many great reasons for renting an RV – weekend getaways, ski trips, holiday travel, or just some extra space at home. In many parts of the Pacific Northwest, fall is the perfect time … [Read more...] about RV rental: great for ski trips & winter getaways, home office space, holiday overflow
November events and entertainment
Our November events calendar features a wide variety of entertainment in the Seattle-Tacoma metropolitan region. As always, we focus on events with a regular adult admission price of $15 or less, or virtual admission of $30. For more expensive events, we look for popular events with available ticket discounts … [Read more...] about November events and entertainment
Best things to buy in November
Every month of the year, certain items are discounted due to overstock, holiday sales, or transitions from one season to the next. Here are the shopping highlights for November in Seattle stores. Special events with shopping discounts and deals include Black/Green Friday (day after Thanksgiving, Nov 25, 2022), … [Read more...] about Best things to buy in November