Seattle & Portland Christmas Event Guide 2025

The Pacific Northwest is a prime spot to spend the holidays, with an amazing selection of events happening in both Seattle and Portland. From exciting performances and sensational shopping to dazzling light displays and festive outdoor experiences, there’s plenty of ways to celebrate this December!

1. Seattle Christmas Market at Seattle Center

This European-inspired Christmas market turns Seattle Center into a twinkling village of artisan stalls, festive food, and live entertainment, perfect for spending a few unhurried hours browsing and sipping something warm. It’s a great choice if you want a one-stop destination for shopping, photo ops, and seasonal atmosphere in the shadow of the Space Needle.

• Dates: Now through December 24, 2025 
• Address: Seattle Center, 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109
• Kid-friendly: Yes
• Pet-friendly: No
• Free: No 
• Website: seattlechristmasmarket.com

2. Seattle Center Winterfest

Ice sculptures, movie nights, model trains, and live entertainment are just a few of the many attractions to be found at Winterfest! If you’re looking for fun this December, this is a fantastic spot to celebrate the season.

• Dates: Now through December 31, 2025
• Address: Seattle Center, 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109
• Kid-friendly: Yes
• Pet-friendly: No
• Free: Free and ticketed events
• Website: seattlecenter.com/events/featured-events/winterfest

3. WildLanterns at Woodland Park Zoo

This dazzling, after-dark holiday light show turns the zoo into a luminous landscape of glowing botanical blooms and larger-than-life animal lanterns. Stroll through themed trails, enjoy special nights (like low-sensory evenings, “Night Owls” for adults 21+, and “Family Photo Night”), watch live acrobatic performances, and find photo-worthy moments at every turn!

• Dates: Now through January 18th, 2026
• Address: Woodland Park Zoo, 5500 Phinney Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98103
• Kid-friendly: Yes
• Pet-friendly: No
• Free: No
• Website: zoo.org/wildlanterns

4. Gingerbread Village Display at Sheraton Grand Seattle

Step into a world of confectionary wonder at the 31st Annual Sheraton Grand Seattle Gingerbread Village! This beloved holiday tradition transforms the hotel into a display of four towering, elaborately designed gingerbread masterpieces. This year’s theme is Toy Shop Time Machine and it’s guaranteed to deliver some holiday joy to all who go to see it!

• Dates: Now through January 1st, 2026
• Address: Sheraton Grand Seattle, 1400 6th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101
• Kid-friendly: Yes
• Pet-friendly: No
• Free: Yes
• Website: breakthrought1d.org/pacificnorthwest/events/gbv-2025/

5. George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker

Experience a world of sparkling snowflakes, elegant dancing, and storybook wonder in PNB’s production of The Nutcracker. From Tchaikovsky’s iconic music to the enchanting costumes and breathtaking choreography, you’ll be mesmerized by this timeless holiday performance!

• Dates: Now through December 28th, 2025
• Address: McCaw Hall, 301 Mercer St, Seattle, WA 98109
• Kid-friendly: Yes
• Pet-friendly: No
• Free: No
• Website: pnb.org/nutcracker/

6. Winter Wonderland at Portland International Raceway

This drive-through light show is one of Portland’s biggest holiday traditions, wrapping the racetrack in tunnels of lights and animated displays while raising funds for local hunger relief. Visitors can enjoy festive music, twinkling scenes, and a joyful holiday experience from the comfort of their own car, making it a great choice for families, friends, or anyone looking to get into the seasonal spirit.

• Dates: Now through December 31st, 2025
• Address: Portland International Raceway, 1940 N Victory Blvd, Portland, OR 97217
• Kid-friendly: Yes
• Pet-friendly: Yes, pets may stay in the car (no potty areas for pets)
• Free: No
• Website: winterwonderlandportland.com

7. Peacock Lane Holiday Lights

This historic Southeast Portland street decorates its charming homes with coordinated lights, inflatables, and classic displays, turning an evening stroll or drive into a nostalgic neighborhood tradition. It is a must-go event for visitors who love “old-fashioned Christmas” vibes and free, community-driven fun. They even offer complimentary hot cocoa to visitors!

• Dates: Now through December 31st, 2025
• Address: SE Peacock Ln between SE Stark & SE Belmont St, Portland, OR
• Kid-friendly: Yes
• Pet-friendly: Yes on leash
• Free: Yes
• Website: peacocklane.org

8. Christmas Ships Parade

This Northwest holiday tradition has been going on for over 70 years! Each December, the Christmas Ships Parade lights up the season with brightly decorated boats. It's a free and family-friendly event.They also collect toys for kids through local fire department partnerships.

• Dates: Now through December 21st, 2025
• Address: Various viewing points along the Willamette and Columbia Rivers in Portland metro
• Kid-friendly: Yes
• Pet-friendly: Many shore viewing spots allow leashed pets
• Free: Shore viewing free; cruises ticketed
• Website: christmasships.org

9. The Holiday Express (Oregon Rail Heritage Center)

Climb aboard a historic steam‑powered ride this Christmas season with the Oregon Rail’s Holiday Express. Vintage, heated rail cars, pulled by the 1912 Polson #2 steam locomotive, transport passengers on a festive, seasonal journey that you and your kids will not soon forget!

• Dates: Now through December 28th, 2025
• Address: Oregon Rail Heritage Center, 2250 SE Water Ave. Portland, OR 97214
• Kid-friendly: Yes
• Pet-friendly: No
• Free: No
• Website: orhf.org/train-rides/holiday-express/

10. OMSI On Ice

Glide through the holiday season at OMSI On Ice! The museum’s auditorium becomes an indoor synthetic‑ice rink, ideal for skating with friends and family. It’s a festive Christmas pastime that’s fun for all ages and a great way to celebrate the season indoors.

• Dates: Now through December 31st, 2025
• Address: OMSI, 1945 SE Water Avenue, Portland, OR 97214
• Kid-friendly: Yes
• Pet-friendly: No
• Free: No 
• Website: omsi.edu/exhibits/icerink/

Make Merry Memories This Christmas

From holiday events to Christmas inspiration, we have everything you need to make this season merry and bright! Be sure to follow us on Instagram @thechristmascom for more holiday events, gift ideas, and giveaways! 

Have an event to add or see an update we should make? Email us at info@thechristmas.com.