Here's a list of Santa photo opportunities. They include free and paid Santa pictures. We found Santa in locations from Stanwood to Puyallup. 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 … [Read more...] about Where to get pictures with Santa Claus
winter holidays
Affordable December 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 Affordable December entertainment
Restaurants open for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day
Check our list of Seattle-Tacoma metro area restaurants offering Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinners. As usual, we focus on locally owned (or Northwest originated) restaurants with modest prices. We also include popular national chain restaurants. If you are looking for something different, you’ll find a list of … [Read more...] about Restaurants open for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day
Free Holiday Events (Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa)
Any day of the week during the long holiday season from Thanksgiving to New Year's Day, you can find FREE things to do that put you in a festive mood. Some events are short-lived, but some begin on Thanksgiving Weekend (or before) and some continue through New Year's Eve. Some of the popular events include Festival … [Read more...] about Free Holiday Events (Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa)
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
Christmas light displays around the Puget Sound region
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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 drive-thru or walk-thru commercial displays with an … [Read more...] about Christmas light displays around the Puget Sound region
“Where is Santa” photos: free phone call, 5×7 photo, visits at area malls
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This is a sponsored post. When you support our advertisers, you help to keep our site in business, bringing you the best deals and free events in Seattle and around the Puget Sound region. Sponsored by: Cherry Hill Programs (whereissanta.com). Read full disclosure: Privacy Policy - Affiliate Program Participation … [Read more...] about “Where is Santa” photos: free phone call, 5×7 photo, visits at area malls
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
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
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
Getaway: Annual festivals in Leavenworth (120 mi. E)
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Leavenworth, Washington is a small town (pop. ~2,000) about 120 miles east of Seattle. Nestled in the western foothills of the Cascade Mountains, the area is graced by mountains rising to 5,000 and 8,000 feet. The area is known for abundant sunshine, low rainfall (9 inches per year), and nearby fruit orchards. One … [Read more...] about Getaway: Annual festivals in Leavenworth (120 mi. E)
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
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
Drive or walk the free Tacoma Light Trail
Tacoma Light Trail is a free trail of light art downtown. It’s a collaborative event and couldn’t happen without the generosity and creativity of many. Rosemary Ponnekanti (writer, musician and director of Tacoma Ocean Fest) started the Tacoma Light Trail in 2020. However, it’s a collaborative event, … [Read more...] about Drive or walk the free Tacoma Light Trail
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
Free printable coloring and activity pages for kids and adults
Here's a list of printable coloring pages for your kids or the kid in you! Download and print these free coloring pages for a rainy day activity, to support Seattle sports teams, during the Christmas holiday, or any time you or kids are looking for something fun and cheap to pass the time. We love it because anyone can … [Read more...] about Free printable coloring and activity pages for kids and adults
