Festive Seattle-Area Holiday Activities to Make the Season Sparkle

Wintertide Lights, Everett

Date and time: Open daily, Dec. 1–31, 4–8 p.m.
Cost: Free; donations accepted

Every year, Everett’s Evergreen Arboretum turns into a forest of sparkle. Take an enchanting walk through the arboretum for free. Trees, bushes and pathways are all illuminated with festive lights, and it’s a community tradition that many look forward to. Don’t miss this year’s gazebo luminary installation, with special workshops on Saturday, Dec. 7 and 14, and a Solstice Luminary Walk on Saturday, Dec. 21.

Lavender in Lights, Arlington

Date and time: Open weekends, Friday–Sunday, Nov. 15–Dec. 22, 2024.
Cost: Free

This charming lavender farm transforms into a winter wonderland, with more than 1,000 lavender plants aglow with lights. There will also be a hot cocoa station and an adorable farm stand filled with holiday gifts and other seasonal treats. There’s even a snow machine! Get ready for all the photo ops and farm fun.

Winter Wonderland, Burlington

Date and time: Friday, Dec. 6, noon–4 p.m.; Saturday–Sunday, Dec. 7–8, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Cost: Free

Burlington Plaza becomes a winter wonderland the first weekend in December, with indoor and outdoor activities the whole family will love. Outside, you’ll find snow-day fun (depending on the weather), with opportunities to learn about snowshoeing and go sledding. There will even be live reindeer! Inside, there will be crafts, curling, face painting, and simulated skiing and snowboarding. Shop local vendors in the plaza, and budget in a trip to the Children’s Museum of Skagit County for extra fun.

Giant Menorah Lighting, Lynnwood

Date and time: Sunday, Dec. 29, 4–5 p.m.
Cost: Free

Fun family attractions such as balloon twisting, music, chocolate gelt and doughnuts are part of Chabad of Snohomish County’s giant menorah lighting at Lynnwood City Hall.