Seattle in winter paints a picturesque scene when the city’s famous skyline is lightly dusted with snow. The Seattle Christmas Market and holiday events are popular at this time and well worth attending.
Read on for confirmed 2024 dates and opening times to help you plan your visit.
Seattle Christmas Market 2024
Dates and Information
Seattle Christmas Market dates: 21st November to 24th December 2024 (confirmed).
Location: Seattle Center at South Fountain Lawn and Fisher Pavilion.
Opening times:
21st and 22nd November: 4pm to 9pm.
23rd and 24th November: 10am to 9pm.
25th to 27th November: 4pm to 9pm.
Thanksgiving: Closed.
29th to 1st: 10am to 9pm.
2nd to 6th December: 4pm to 9pm.
7th to 23rd December: 10am to 9pm.
Christmas Eve: 11am to 6pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Admission: Tickets are available for select time slots. Book online in advance for discount tickets or buy at the gate.
Payment: Cashless is preferred.
Santa: Yes.
Ice skating: No.
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten-free: Yes, some options.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: No.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Reason to visit: The largest winter market in the PNW. Live music and artisan gift shopping.
Recommended tour: Seattle underground walking tour.
Specialities: Freshly baked pretzels. Locally sourced oysters. Gourmet hot chocolates. Washington State wines.
Where to stay: Sound Hotel Belltown is a highly-rated hotel that is excellent value.
Convenient Places to Stay
If you’re visiting Seattle, Pike Place Market, Downtown or Belltown are all popular areas. Each of these are convenient for a visit to Seattle’s many holiday events.
I suggest staying at Sound Hotel Belltown, which is known for its excellent standards, service, and great location near cafes, restaurants, and attractions in Belltown.
Location
Christmas in Seattle
The Christmas market in Seattle is a highlight of the city’s holiday season and stands out for its unique character.
Situated at Seattle Center near the Space Needle, the area turns into a wonderland of holiday shopping and activities.
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, find out more about the Christkindlemarkt at beautiful decorations in our Leavenworth Christmas Market Guide.
Then you have Pike Place Market, which transforms with Magic in the Market, bringing a festive spin to this iconic location.
At the Food Stalls
- Clam Chowder: An iconic Seattle dish at local markets.
- Cider Doughnuts: Produced with Pacific Northwest apples.
- Smoked Salmon: From the PNW.
- Piroshky Piroshky: This famous bakery draws queues for its Russian sweet and savoury dumplings.
- Beecher’s Handmade Cheese: Seattle’s famous handcrafted cheeses.
- German Bratwurst: The popular German sausage.
- Mulled Wine: A festive classic.
- Rachel’s Ginger Beer: Handcrafted using locally sourced ingredients.
- Daily Dozen Doughnut Company: A small store serving fresh, warm mini doughnuts.
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 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 drink.
- 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.
- 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: This delicious snack is a fun and festive stocking filler available in unique and adventurous flavours.
Sustainable Travel Tips
- 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.
- Accommodation: When selecting your hotel in Seattle, book a place that implements renewable energy policies and other sustainability measures.
- Reduce Food Waste: As you explore Seattle’s culinary scene, be mindful of food waste. Order 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 markets, 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 fresh, local produce is abundant. Eating plant-based meals or choosing locally sourced seafood can help reduce your environmental impact.
- Bring Your Own Reusables: To minimise waste, bring 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.
If you want 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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