Seattle in winter paints a picturesque scene, where you’ll witness the city’s emblematic skyline lightly dusted with snow, reflecting off the waters of Elliott Bay.
During the holiday season, the city lights up with several Christmas markets that bring a joyous blend of festive shopping, delicious foods and local crafts.
This guide will give you detailed insights into the 2023 Seattle Christmas Market: all the essentials, including dates, opening times and the local specialities not to miss.
Christmas in Seattle is a festive affair marked by lights glittering against the city’s skyscrapers and streets. The city’s neighbourhoods are lit up with elaborate holiday decorations, making it a genuinely magical time to visit.
Seattle Christmas Market 2023
The Christmas market in Seattle is a highlight of the city’s festive season and stands out for its unique character. Situated in the heart of downtown, the market takes over the city centre, turning it into a wonderland of holiday shopping.
Beyond the city centre, the spirit of Christmas permeates Seattle’s diverse neighbourhoods, each hosting unique holiday markets.
For a touch of Scandinavian cheer, head to Ballard’s National Nordic Museum, home to Julefest, a Nordic-inspired Christmas Market.
If you crave an authentic German festive experience, Christkindlemarkt in Christmastown at Leavenworth promises a rich cultural immersion.
Meanwhile, Pike Place Market transforms with Magic in the Market, bringing a festive spin to this iconic location.
Dates and Location
Seattle Christmas Market dates: Likely dates: 27th November to 24th December 2023.
Location: Pike Place Market.
Opening times: 11am to 7pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Admission: Free, no tickets required.
Santa: Yes.
Ice skating: No.
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten-free: Yes, but limited.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: No.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Reason to visit: Handmade artisan crafts. Gourmet foodie delights. A stunning backdrop of snow-dusted skyscrapers. Live festive performances. Unrivalled Pacific Northwest charm.
Recommended tour: Seattle underground walking tour.
Specialities: Freshly baked Pike Place pretzels. Locally sourced oysters. Gourmet hot chocolates. Signature Seattle salmon dishes. Washington State wines.
Where to stay: Inn at the Market is a popular hotel located directly at Pike Place Market.
Hotels near Seattle Christmas Market
If you’re visiting Seattle, staying in the area around Pike Place Market situates you perfectly for a visit to Seattle’s many holiday events.
For a convenient experience, I suggest considering the Inn at the Market, as its known for its excellent standards, service and central location.
Location of Seattle Christmas Market
Christmas in Seattle
This video takes you on a virtual tour of Christmas at Pike Place Market. As you watch, you’ll experience the festive vibe, the hustle and bustle of shoppers, and the vibrant atmosphere that makes this market fun to visit.
Food at the Christmas Market
Clam Chowder: An iconic Seattle dish you’ll find at Christmas markets is the creamy clam chowder, a comforting, rich soup featuring succulent clams, potatoes, onions, and celery. It’s perfect to warm you up during a winter’s stroll.
Cider Doughnuts: As a universally loved holiday snack, cider doughnuts take on a local twist with Pacific Northwest apples used in the dough, served warm and dusted with sugar.
Pacific Northwest Smoked Salmon: Hailing from the local waters, smoked salmon is a Seattle staple. Delight in the smoky, savoury flavour, which is enjoyed on its own or as a topping on artisanal crackers.
Piroshky Piroshky: This famous bakery draws queues for its delicious Russian pastries, ranging from savoury meat and cheese options to sweet fruit and cream fillings.
Beecher’s Handmade Cheese: Famous in Seattle, especially at Pike Place, you’ll come across these mouth-watering handcrafted cheeses. Often used in a variety of dishes, it’s their signature mac ‘n’ cheese that draws crowds with a rich and creamy recipe that provides hearty sustenance on a cold winter’s day.
German Bratwurst: A nod to the European origins of Christmas markets, bratwurst is a favourite. Grilled to perfection and served in a crusty roll with sauerkraut and mustard, it offers a satisfying bite amidst the yuletide shopping.
Mulled Wine: Spiced, warm wine is a classic at any Christmas market, and Seattle is no different. Local wines are used as a base, with traditional spices infusing it with a sweet and aromatic Christmas flavour.
Rachel’s Ginger Beer: A stall offering refreshing ginger beer in a variety of flavours. Their ginger beer is handcrafted and uses locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.
Daily Dozen Doughnut Company: A small doughnut shop that serves up fresh, warm mini doughnuts throughout the day. It’s a sweet treat you wouldn’t want to miss while at the market.
What to Buy
Artisan Chocolates: Created by local chocolatiers, these beautifully crafted confections are a great gift for anyone with a sweet tooth. Each piece satisfies the palate and the eye with intricate designs and exquisite packaging.
Handcrafted Jewellery: Local artisans offer a range of unique, handmade pieces, from pretty necklaces and bracelets to bold earrings and rings. The craftsmanship often reflects the rich culture and natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
Local Wine and Craft Beers: The Pacific Northwest is known for its vineyards and breweries. You can find a selection of locally produced wines and craft beers, which make an excellent gift for those who appreciate a quality tipple.
Hand-Blown Glass Decorations: Seattle, home to renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly, has a thriving glass art scene. Hand-blown glass ornaments make a unique, radiant addition to any Christmas tree.
Locally Roasted Coffee: Seattle is famous for its coffee culture. Take home a bag of locally roasted coffee beans, perfect for those chilly winter mornings.
Native American Art: Rich in Native American heritage, Seattle offers authentic tribal art pieces, which could be carvings, pottery, woven baskets, or beadwork. These items make thoughtful and unique gifts.
Seattle-themed Ornaments: From miniature Space Needles to ferry boats, these ornaments are perfect for remembering a visit to the Emerald City.
Locally Made Candles: Made with local ingredients and often packaged in reusable containers, these candles provide a sustainable and beautiful gift option. The variety of scents typically includes ones inspired by the local natural landscapes.
Gourmet Popcorn: Available in a myriad of unique and adventurous flavours, this snack is delicious and serves as a fun, festive stocking filler.
To extend you holiday experience, you might like to add another market to your winter season. This guide to the best US Christmas markets should give you some ideas of where to go.
Visit Seattle could be useful for additional information, like finding things to do in Seattle during your stay.
Sustainable Christmas Tips
Many of us are increasingly concerned about climate change and sustainability. Here are a few tips on how we can travel more responsibly in Seattle at Christmas.
Use Public Transport and Bike Shares: Seattle has an extensive public transport system, including buses, light rail and ferries. Taking advantage of these options can significantly reduce your carbon footprint. For shorter distances, consider using Seattle’s bike-sharing services, such as Lime or Jump, offering an eco-friendly way to explore the city.
Choose Accommodation with Renewable Energy Policies: When selecting your hotel in Seattle, opt for places that implement renewable energy policies and other sustainability measures.
Reduce Food Waste: As you explore Seattle’s culinary scene, be mindful of food waste. Opt for smaller portions when possible and consider sharing dishes.
Support Ethical Consumption: Seattle is known for its local artisans and small businesses. By choosing to buy local, handmade products at the Christmas market, you’re supporting the local economy and reducing the carbon footprint associated with mass-produced goods.
Eat Sustainably: Seattle’s location in the Pacific Northwest means there’s an abundance of fresh, local produce. Opting for plant-based meals or choosing locally sourced seafood can help reduce your environmental impact.
Bring Your Own Reusables: To minimise waste, bring your own shopping bags, coffee cups and water bottles. Many cafes in Seattle will happily refill your reusable cup, helping to cut down on single-use plastics. You can do this at the Christmas markets too.
FAQ
The Seattle Christmas Market typically begins in late November and runs through December.
The Christmas markets in Seattle are usually held in the city centre, in each neighbourhood and at Pike Place Market.
Seattle’s Christmas market opens from around 11am to 7pm.
The market is a great place to find unique gifts, many of which are locally made. You’ll find everything from handcrafted ceramics and blown glass ornaments to locally roasted coffee, organic skincare products, and hand-knitted woollen wear.
Yes, there are several other Christmas markets in Washington State, such as the ones in Leavenworth and Tacoma. Each has its own charm and is worth visiting if you have time during your trip.
If you would like to leave a review of Seattle Xmas Market, comment below.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. This post contains affiliate links to hotels and tours in Seattle, Washington State. This means I get a small commission from any bookings at no extra cost to you.
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