The Seattle Christmas Market is returning this November 2024!
The Seattle Christmas Market is back and opening early this year! Last year it opened the day after Thanksgiving but this year you can get your Christmas spirit started as early as November 21. The Seattle Christmas Market will be operating daily from November 21 through Christmas Eve at Seattle Center (with the exception of Thanksgiving Day).
It will bring holiday cheer to Seattleites at full force thanks to live music, a double-decker carousel, a 50-foot tree that you can walk through, and a marketplace with handmade goods from over 80 artisans—just to name a few of the attractions. The market is inspired by traditional European Christmas markets, so you can also expect festive food and drinks such as schnitzel and German beer.
Most of the market’s activities are free but there is an admission fee to visit the market. Presale tickets with limited-time early bird pricing are now available. Kids age six and under have free admission.
Read on for more details!
Location and parking
The Seattle Christmas Market will be held in the heart of the city on Seattle Center grounds. More specifically, you’ll find it at the South Center Lawn and Fisher Pavilion between Climate Pledge Arena and the Armory.
The best way to get to Seattle Center is by using public transportation such as the bus or the Monorail which links Seattle Center with downtown. If you drive, there are two paid parking garages at Seattle Center: the 5th Ave N garage and the Mercer Street garage.
Dates and hours
The market opens for the 2024 season on Thursday, November 21 and runs until December 24. It will be closed on Thanksgiving Day. You can see the daily hours here.
Tickets and admission
You have to purchase a ticket to be granted admission to the market. Tickets are on sale now. Ticket prices are starting at $16 for one-day general admission and will go up to $22 after the presale ends. Children age 6 and under are free.
You can choose between a general admission ticket, a family pass, or a season pass. For general admission, you book your time slot ahead of time and then stay as long as you like for that one visit. The season pass is a better deal if you plan to go more than twice. You can visit the market as many times as you like and don’t have to book a time slot in advance if you have a season pass.
Activities and events
Here are all the activities that you can enjoy at the Seattle Christmas Market:
- A Christmas carousel: ages two and up are invited to ride this double-decker carousel. Best of all, it’s free!
- Christmas shopping: there will be over 80 local and European artisans at the market selling unique gifts as well as holiday drinks and food.
- A walk-through Christmas tree: the market will have a 50-foot tall tree decorated with 50,000 lights, and you can step right inside of it!
- Festive food and drinks: the market will be serving German beer, mulled wine, hot chocolate, soft pretzels, raclette cheese, roasted nuts, crepes, fudge, and more.
- Lovers’ Lane: bring your beau with you to the market for the perfect holiday photo op. The two of you can stroll down the illuminated Lovers’ Lane and share a kiss under the mistletoe.
- Holiday karaoke: prepare to sing your heart out at the market’s Christmas Karaoke Shows!
- Christmas trivia: teams of up to six people can compete for free at Christmas trivia at the market while enjoying mulled wine and German beer. Winners will get special holiday prizes.
- Live entertainment including Yuletide carolers and the Bavarian Beer Garden Band.
- Free photos with St. Nick: available daily.
- A lantern parade: new at the market this year, a traditional lantern parade will start at 5:00 p.m. on December 1.
If you’d like even more info on what to expect at the market, you can check out the vendors list that showcases some of the food, drink, and handcrafted gifts that will be available for purchase.
Get tickets and more info on the market’s website.
Seattle Christmas Market
Where: Seattle Center
When: November 21 through December 24, 2024
Cost: $16+