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 history and have summarized some of the key points. A short history of Christmas tree … [Read more...] about Free Christmas tree lighting events around Puget Sound
Holiday Guide
Affordable holiday champagne and sparkling wine
If you are looking for some bubblies to celebrate the New Year, there are many deliciously frugal alternatives. Local Seattle wine shops offer a great selection of sparkling wine offering good value and quality at very affordable prices. The selection includes local and domestic wines, as well as sparkling wines from … [Read more...] about Affordable holiday champagne and sparkling wine
Where to get pictures with Santa Claus
Here's a list of Santa photo opportunities. They include free and paid Santa pictures. Some of the Santa photo ops are at Christmas festivals and other holiday events featuring an appearance by Santa Claus. Most of the free opportunities for pictures with Santa are BYOC: bring your own camera. You'll also find a … [Read more...] about Where to get pictures with Santa Claus
Christmas lights around the Puget Sound region
Here's our list of Christmas light displays burning brightly with 100,000 to 1,000,000 lights. Most are FREE. Many are at private homes in neighborhoods throughout the Puget Sound region that can be enjoyed from the warmth of your vehicle as you idle past. Others are commercial displays with an admission … [Read more...] about Christmas lights around the Puget Sound region
Seattle restaurants open Christmas and New Year’s 2019
If you are planning to eat out at a restaurant on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day in the Puget Sound region, check our list of restaurants. The list includes locally owned and operate restaurants as well as popular chain restaurants. You can also check OpenTable Seattle restaurants to find restaurants with … [Read more...] about Seattle restaurants open Christmas and New Year’s 2019
U-cut, fresh cut 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, fresh cut Christmas trees around the Sound
Free Christmas and New Year events around the Sound
This list below features free Christmas events in the Seattle-Tacoma metropolitan region. Any day of the week during the Christmas season, you can find free things to do that put you in a holiday mood. Some events are short-lived, but some begin on Thanksgiving Weekend (or before) and some continue through New Year's … [Read more...] about Free Christmas and New Year events around the Sound
Best movies to watch Christmas week 2019
If you enjoy seeing a movie on the big screen on Christmas Day or a family outing with the kiddos over the holiday break, we've put together a list of movies releasing in December 2019 that you might not want to miss and some movie ticket discount information. Discount movie tickets on Goldstar Here are several ways … [Read more...] about Best movies to watch Christmas week 2019
NPR podcast playlist for the holidays
We've sorted through NPR and pulled together several podcasts sure to keep you in the holiday spirit. Some are directly related to Christmas, others are interesting muses about movies, radio, and winter pursuits. A Holiday Story About Kindness We begin with a short podcast (just 3-1/2 minutes) that tells a story … [Read more...] about NPR podcast playlist for the holidays
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. Most activities are open 10am-6pm, though some have shorter or longer hours. Many of the activities take place … [Read more...] about Free Winterfest activities at Seattle Center
Where to party New Year’s Eve for under $30
Here are our suggestions for free and cheap places to celebrate on New Years Eve for $30 or less in the Seattle-Tacoma metropolitan region. It’s a mix of fun, mostly music and dancing with champagne and countdowns, but also eclectic celebrations that include movies, fireworks, meditation, and other reflective and … [Read more...] about Where to party New Year’s Eve for under $30
Free things to do over Christmas winter break
Here are several suggestions for free things to do around the Puget Sound region over the Christmas winter break. These are all great outings for out of town guests or to keep the kiddos happily occupied during the long holiday from school. Gingerbread Village at the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Seattle has been one … [Read more...] about Free things to do over Christmas winter break
25 books to read aloud with family at Christmas
Here are our suggestions for Christmas 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, some Christian and some secular … [Read more...] about 25 books to read aloud with family at Christmas
Christmas videos to put you in a holiday mood
Here are some of our favorite Christmas videos sure to put you in a holiday mood, including renditions of the Hallelujah Chorus and Santa Claus is coming to town. Hallelujah Chorus by 5th Graders in Quinhagak, Alaska This charming version of the Hallelujah Chorus by the village of Quinhagak in Alaska took the … [Read more...] about Christmas videos to put you in a holiday mood
What’s open and closed on Christmas Day 2019
2019 Federal Holiday Dates Tuesday, January 1: New Year’s Day Monday, January 21: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Monday, February 18: President’s Day aka Washington’s Birthday Monday, May 27: Memorial Day Thursday, July 4: Independence Day Monday, September 2: Labor Day Monday, October 14: Columbus … [Read more...] about What’s open and closed on Christmas Day 2019
