There are few things better than a massive Christmas tree for getting one into the holiday spirit. If you’re looking for a Christmas tree display in Seattle, you actually have more than one option. We rounded up a few of the most exciting holiday tree displays in Seattle this season, as well as a fun getaway option.
Here are the most awe-inspiring Seattle Christmas trees:
1. The Downtown Seattle Tree
The day after Thanksgiving, Seattle’s biggest Christmas tree will be lit up at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, November 29 in downtown Westlake Park. The Seattle tree lighting ceremony is a free event with entertainment and live music leading up to the tree lighting and fireworks after. After the tree is lit, it will be up for your viewing pleasure throughout December along with other holiday light displays in the park. Read more about the Seattle tree lighting ceremony before you go.
2. The Pike Place Market Tree
You can see the Christmas tree at Pike Place Market all season long, along with many other festive light displays at the market. It gets lit up every November during the festive Magic in the Market event shortly after Thanksgiving. This year’s Pike Place Market tree lighting event is on Saturday, November 30 and will have free photos with Santa, music, dancers, and more. Read all about Magic in the Market before you go.
3. Seattle Festival of Trees
Every winter, the historic Fairmont Olympic Hotel in downtown Seattle hosts the Seattle Festival of Trees for a good cause. You can donate, purchase one of the decorated trees, or buy tickets to the gala if you’d like to contribute towards beneficiaries Seattle Children’s Hospital and the Seattle Children’s Autism Center. This year’s tree display is at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel from Thursday, November 21 through December 2.
4. Seattle Center Winterfest Tree
Visit Seattle Center November 29 through December 31 to get an eyeful of this year’s Winterfest, which is free for all! Typically there is a Christmas tree displayed inside the Armory Food & Event Hall along with a winter train and village display. You’ll also get to enjoy free live entertainment and holiday light shows throughout the festival. See more on the Seattle Center website.
5. Seattle Christmas Market’s Walk-Through Tree
Also located at Seattle Center is the ticketed Seattle Christmas Market, which is open now through Christmas Eve. Once inside, you’ll be able to experience a unique holiday attraction: a massive Christmas tree that you can walk through! You’ll also be able to purchase festive food and drinks, shop for gifts, and enjoy live entertainment. Read more about this year’s Seattle Christmas Market before you go.
6. Christmastown in Leavenworth
If you’ve never been to Leavenworth, WA during the holidays, you’re in for a treat. In addition to plenty of Christmas tree displays, this Bavarian-style mountain town gets decked out with miles of string lights and more festive holiday decor. Leavenworth is only a two-hour drive from Seattle, making it an easy and festive winter weekend getaway. There is no lighting ceremony; you can show up anytime between November 28 through February 28 to see Leavenworth lit up for the holidays. See our guide to visiting Leavenworth for the holidays.