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Woodland Park Zoo: discount tickets & special exhibits

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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

Free family-friendly 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 family-friendly Winterfest activities at Seattle Center

Free and cheap holiday events (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa)

Any day of the week during the long holiday season from Thanksgiving to New Year's Day, you can find FREE and cheap things to do that put you in a festive mood. Some events are short-lived. Some begin on Thanksgiving Weekend (or before) and continue through New Year's Eve. The calendar list below will include all kinds … [Read more...] about Free and cheap holiday events (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa)

Where to get pictures with Santa Claus

Here's a list of Santa photo opportunities. They include free and paid Santa pictures all around the Puget Sound region. All that, and toys, too! We're indubitably impressed! Some of the free Santa photo ops are at Christmas festivals and other holiday events featuring an appearance by Santa Claus. Most of these free … [Read more...] about Where to get pictures with Santa Claus

Chanukah “festival of lights” commemorates a miracle

Chanukah, also known as the festival of lights, is an eight day festival beginning on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev. Because it occurs close to Christmas, many non-Jews think of this holiday as the "Jewish Christmas". However, as you must know, the holiday has nothing to do with Jesus or Santa. In fact, … [Read more...] about Chanukah “festival of lights” commemorates a miracle

Get updates on Santa from NORAD

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) is a United States and Canada bi-national organization charged with the mission of aerospace warning, aerospace control and maritime warning in the defense of North America. NORAD also tracks Santa’s progress around the world every December 24 through their … [Read more...] about Get updates on Santa from NORAD

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. All of the books are available at local libraries, some in several formats including audio books and eBooks. Many would also make wonderful gifts. We've proposed a wide range of themes, including Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa … [Read more...] about 25 books to read aloud with family during the holiday season

Updated for 2024: Veterans Day free meals, car wash, haircuts, and other discounts

Most of the Veterans Day deal below are free meals and shopping discounts for veterans and active duty personnel. A few are also available to the general public. For meaningful events honoring veterans, see our list of Veteran’s Day Events such as parades and other commemorations. Always keep in mind that … [Read more...] about Updated for 2024: Veterans Day free meals, car wash, haircuts, and other discounts

Thanksgiving dinner to go from grocers + BBQ + sushi

If you prefer to leave the cooking to someone else, Puget Sound area grocery stores offer prepared Thanksgiving dinners to go featuring turkey and vegetarian options with everyone's favorite side dishes. Pre-order a turkey dinner from local grocery stores and everything comes packaged in ready-to-heat … [Read more...] about Thanksgiving dinner to go from grocers + BBQ + sushi

When is Columbus Day (aka Indigenous Peoples Day)?

Columbus Day is recognized as a Federal Holiday on the second Monday in October. However, across the country there are variations on this holiday. Washington State does not recognize Columbus Day as a legal holiday for state government employees. Some cities and counties in Washington officially recognize … [Read more...] about When is Columbus Day (aka Indigenous Peoples Day)?

What is the meaning of Thanksgiving Day?

Thanksgiving Day is a federal holiday always celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November. It is a day for gathering with friends and family, giving thanks, traditional roast turkey dinners, and professional football games on television. Thanksgiving Day background The national holiday is inspired by a gathering in … [Read more...] about What is the meaning of Thanksgiving Day?

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 locally … [Read more...] about Our top 10 picks for Seattle shopping on Cyber Monday

When is Veterans Day and why do we celebrate it?

Veterans Day is a federal holiday celebrated every year on November 11, a date that goes back to World War I (WWI). What is Veteran's Day about? Known as “The Great War,” World War I (WWI) began in July 1914 and officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed in France on June 28, 1919. However, seven … [Read more...] about When is Veterans Day and why do we celebrate it?

Our guide to Black Friday shopping in the Puget Sound region

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 the Puget Sound region

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 Veterans Day deals (November 11), Black/Green Friday (day … [Read more...] about Best things to buy in November

Free things to do in November

Listed below are the free things to do in November. For all events on our calendar, free and paid, visit our November events calendar. November 2024 free events and 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 November

100+ fun, cheap ideas for Halloween costumes

If you are looking for cheap and easy Halloween costume ideas, you've come to the right place. We've got the lowdown on Halloween costumes you can pull together from stuff you have around the house. Our super easy costume ideas use everyday clothes and include accessories and makeup to complete the look. You'll … [Read more...] about 100+ fun, cheap ideas for Halloween costumes

Free and cheap Halloween events around Puget Sound

Our list of free and cheap Halloween events includes fun things to do for kids, families, teens, and adults in Seattle and around the Puget Sound region. From daytime family fun to night time adult entertainment, there's a little something for everyone. History of Halloween traditions The meaning of Halloween stems … [Read more...] about Free and cheap Halloween events around Puget Sound

Halloween haunted houses and spooky tours in the Puget Sound region

Some of the links in this post are special! When you make a purchase through our links, we might earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Read full disclosure here.

The following list of Seattle and Puget Sound Halloween attractions and haunted houses are very scary and intended for adults and teens. Some of these attractions are indoors, some are outdoors, and some are a mix. Those that are indoors are often in unheated buildings. Below, we begin with a list of "Tips for … [Read more...] about Halloween haunted houses and spooky tours in the Puget Sound region

Discount dining for Seattle Restaurant Week

Held twice annually in April and October, Seattle Restaurant Week is the Seattle-Tacoma metro area's largest discount dining celebration. About Seattle Restaurant Week It all started when local area restaurants united to thank diners for their support of the restaurant community over the years. Since its inception, … [Read more...] about Discount dining for Seattle Restaurant Week

Where to get a flu shot (influenza vaccination)

Review the guidelines for flu shots and make sure you have a plan for the current flu season. Flu shot recommendations for 2024-25 season Influenza (Flu) is a very contagious respiratory illness. Flu is caused by infection with four types of influenza viruses (A, B, C and D) and various subtypes (such as A/H1N1, … [Read more...] about Where to get a flu shot (influenza vaccination)

How (and why) to build a rain garden

Most Seattle rain is collected by gutters around your rooftop and flowing from your driveway and patio into the street. All of this runoff is diverted into the storm drain system that ultimately empties into the nearest body of water—namely Lake Washington or Puget Sound. Along the way, it collects oil, fertilizers, … [Read more...] about How (and why) to build a rain garden

Get emergency alerts in the Puget Sound region

There are several emergency notification systems in the greater Seattle metropolitan area and throughout the Puget Sound region that can communicate with residents during emergencies. These systems are used to send alerts to the public, as well as to first responders and other government employees during emergencies, … [Read more...] about Get emergency alerts in the Puget Sound region

Our big list of boat shows & waterfront festivals

The Seattle-Tacoma metro area is surrounded by fresh and salt water. The Puget Sound region is inextricably linked to fishing and maritime industries, pleasure boating, and waterfront activities. Residents enjoy a wide variety of activities on the water, in motorboats and sailboats, and a wide variety of paddle boats, … [Read more...] about Our big list of boat shows & waterfront festivals