Enchant Christmas at Safeco Field: Worth the Splurge for Families?

This time of the year, there are lots of stunning light displays to choose from: Garden d’Lights, WildLights and Zoolights, plus a few really decked-out private homes.

But the only one under a covered roof is the new Enchant Christmas attraction, which made its Seattle debut at Safeco Field this year. The holiday light event, which runs through Dec. 30, covers the entire baseball field with a spectacular light maze and an ice skating rink.

The biggest draw of Enchant for my family was that it was indoors. Even with the roof on, it’s chilly enough that you’ll want to bring layers, but at least everyone is shielded from the wind and rain.

We skipped ice skating, because it would have cost another $10 per person for skate rentals. (More on that in a minute.) The ice was looking mighty rutted anyway, and the rink is even smaller than the one at Seattle Center’s Winterfest. Enchant’s main attraction is the light maze, and we focused on that.

Reindeer scavenger hunt

At the maze entrance, each child (or child-at-heart) gets a postcard labeled with Santa’s nine reindeer. It’s a scavenger hunt! Each time you help Santa find one of his reindeer in the maze, you scratch off the name (lottery ticket-style). My kids, ages 7 and 3, got really into it and were determined to hunt down every last reindeer.

Strolling through the maze, taking lots of pictures and admiring the pretty lights makes for a fun and easy evening. In addition to the super-sized reindeer, there are lights built to look like a forest, a tunnel, a diamond ring and, of course, an enormous Christmas tree.

We visited on a school night, so the maze wasn’t terribly crowded. Expect crowds on the weekends.

Safeco amenities and cost

Safeco Field is a terrific venue for this family-focused holiday event. It’s the same welcoming staff we’re used to seeing at games, same nice restroom facilities — but also the same jacked-up prices at the concession stands. Enchant isn’t cheap to begin with ($69.99 for a family of four) and once you get in, everything else is extra: food and drink, Santa pictures and ice skate rentals.

I saw some people walking around with cool light-up drinks, but was bummed when I found out that they’re alcoholic (not for kids) and cost $15. Go in with a baseball-game-plus-extras mindset (Mariners tickets start around $20, too) and you’ll be prepared.

Music and marketplace

Enchant touts its live music performances, but we were so fixated on finding those reindeer that the music barely registered. There’s holiday music playing in the background, but it’s not loud or obnoxious.

We didn’t spend a lot of time browsing the marketplace, although you’re forced to walk past it to get to the light maze’s entrance and exit. There were vendors hawking the usual holiday tchotchkes, and a few oddball stalls mixed in. Facelift or Renewal windows, anyone?

We were relieved to finally locate Rudolph, because there was no going home until all nine reindeer had been scratched off our postcards. At the light maze exit, an employee sent everyone off with a candy cane and a “Happy holidays!” We all left with a bit of holiday spirit.

On the ride home (which was way past bedtime), my kids chatted happily about everything they saw at Enchant. In our neighborhood, they noticed houses decorated with lights. Just a few strands here and there, but the kids were equally thrilled with these as they were with the over-the-top display at Enchant. (Kids are funny. I took them to Enchant because I thought they would love it — and they did! — but apparently we could have had a much cheaper and equally fun time circling our block.)

Parents should know

• This is an all-ages, family-friendly event. Expect lots of kids and families.
• Strollers are not allowed on the light maze at the field level. There’s a stroller valet at the light maze entrance, but it will get congested quickly on busy days. Bring a baby carrier and leave the stroller in your trunk if you can.
• Outside food is not permitted, except for infant milk or formula.
• Plan for significant extra expense on top of the price of admission if you want to rent skates ($10/person) and/or buy food or drinks at concession stands.
• Bags must be 16” x 16” x 8” or smaller.
• There’s a nursing lounge located near guest services.