Looking for free holiday things to do in Seattle? Seattle comes alive in December with festive activities and events all over the city—many of which don’t cost a thing! This list has something for families, date nights, and simply soaking in the season.
Here are some of the best no-cost holiday happenings in Seattle to check out this December:
1. Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition
Pike Place Market is a holiday must-visit—between unique gifts, seasonal treats, and twinkling lights, it’s always buzzing. Swing by on December 6 from noon to 2:30 p.m. to catch the annual Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition, a free event that brings choirs together for a good cause.
2. Hometown Holidays in West Seattle
From December 4 through December 14, downtown West Seattle (aka The Junction) is filled with festive cheer. Expect freebies like selfies with Santa, a cocoa and coat drive, and a holiday art walk. The big highlight is the Holiday Festival on December 6, which has free entry. You can find the full event lineup on the West Seattle Junction website.
3. Ballard HolidayFest
Head to Marvin’s Garden Park & Ballard Ave NW on December 6 from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. for Ballard HolidayFest, a cozy neighborhood celebration. Enjoy free Santa photos from 2:00 to 5:00, plus cider, a tree lighting, s’mores by the fire, and a vendor market. Visit Ballard has all the details.
4. Pike Place Market’s Holiday Night Market
On December 11 from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m., Pike Place Market hosts a festive Holiday Night Market—a rare chance to shop after dark since most vendors usually close early. Expect a lively scene with a beer garden, music, and free Santa photos.
5. Pathway of Lights at Green Lake
The beloved Pathway of Lights returns to Green Lake on December 13. After sunset, the trail glows with luminarias, and visitors can enjoy live music, treats, and hot drinks. Weather permitting, there will even be hot air balloons.
6. Winter Bonsai Solstice
Visit the Pacific Bonsai Museum on December 13 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. for the enchanting Winter Bonsai Solstice. The collection will be illuminated with holiday lights, and you can warm up with free hot chocolate and music. It’s family-friendly and entirely free.
7. WinterFest at Seattle Center
Running November 28 through December 31, WinterFest transforms Seattle Center with a winter train and village display, daily light shows, and weekend live performances. All activities are free to enjoy (excluding the Seattle Christmas Market that is also on the Seattle Center campus). Read more about this year’s WinterFest.
8. Sheraton Grand Seattle’s Gingerbread Village
The iconic Gingerbread Village is back throughout December for 2025! Visit the Sheraton lobby daily (Sundays through Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.) to see the intricate, whimsical gingerbread creations at no cost. Donations benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s Northwest Chapter.
9. Christmas Ship Festival
A beloved Seattle holiday tradition! While you can buy tickets to ride the official Christmas Ship (family-friendly) or the 21+ follow boat, you can also join the celebration for free at one of the many onshore community events along the route. Read all about this year’s Christmas Ship Festival.
10. Downtown Holiday Lights & Delights
Downtown Seattle is hosting a full slate of free festivities throughout December, including live music, a holiday bazaar, and even a free ice-skating rink in Pioneer Square. Check the Downtown Seattle website for the complete event schedule.