Looking for something fun and festive to do the weekend of Thanksgiving in Seattle? We compiled a list of events, from the Seattle Tree Lighting to live shows and holiday markets.
Here are the top things to do the weekend of Thanksgiving in Seattle:
1. Get a delicious Thanksgiving meal
The long holiday weekend starts with Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 28. If you don’t already have plans, there is still time to make a reservation or schedule a pickup for Thanksgiving meals in the Seattle area. See our guide to the best Thanksgiving meals in Seattle.
When: Thursday, November 28 (some meal pickups are the day prior)
Where: multiple Seattle restaurants
2. Go on a Thanksgiving Day Cruise
Looking to make this Thanksgiving extra-special? You can book a Thanksgiving Day Cruise that takes you around Lake Union and Lake Washington while offering a festive buffet for you to enjoy at your own private table. A noon boarding and a 5:30 p.m. boarding are both available.
When: Thursday, November 28 at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Waterways Cruises at Lake Union Piers on South Lake Union (901 Fairview Avenue North)
3. Join a Seattle turkey trot
Get some fresh air and exercise on Thanksgiving day at these Seattle turkey trots:
- Thanksgiving Day Apple Cup 5k at Green Lake
- Montlake Turkey Trot and Kids Run at the Washington Park Arboretum
- Thanksgiving Day Race at Magnuson Park
There’s also the Seattle Marathon (and half marathon) on this Sunday, December 1!
4. Attend the Seattle Christmas tree lighting
This Seattle tradition always kicks off the holiday season the day after Thanksgiving! Free, family-friendly fun starts at noon and then the actual tree lighting ceremony begins at 5:00 p.m., followed by fireworks. See more info on the downtown Seattle website.
When: Friday, November 29
Where: Westlake Park
5. Go on an “enchanted night walk” at Astra Lumina
Astra Lumina is back at the Seattle Chinese Garden for its second year. All ages can enjoy this illuminated night walk that features stunning displays along with sound and music. Get tickets for Thanksgiving weekend here.
6. Explore a Washington State Park for free
The Friday after Thanksgiving is a State Parks Free Day. If you’re looking for a peaceful alternative to Black Friday, you could have a hike or a picnic with your family in one of these beautiful Washington state parks.
When: Friday, November 29
Where: All WA state parks
7. Experience the Titanic Exhibition in Seattle
Looking for a way to entertain your parents in Seattle over Thanksgiving weekend? They’ll probably love exploring Titanic: The Exhibition with you. This exhibition features a recreation of the ship’s interior, an audio guide with realistic sound effects, and original artifacts such as personal belongings. Get tickets here.
8. Enjoy the free Winterfest at Seattle Center
Every holiday season Seattle Center offers free fun as part of its Winterfest celebration. During these five weeks you can enjoy the Winter Train & Village, a World Bazaar, and live entertainment every weekend.
When: November 29 through December 29
Where: Seattle Center
9. Challenge yourself to The Tomb Raider Experience
This could be a fun bonding experience for your family or friend group. The Tomb Raider Experience Seattle is a thrilling escape game featuring immersive challenges and puzzles. Get your tickets here.
10. Visit the Seattle Christmas Market
Located at Seattle Center, the Seattle Christmas Market is a European-inspired outdoor Christmas village and marketplace. Note that unlike Seattle Center’s Winterfest, you must purchase tickets for entry.
When: November 21 onwards
Where: Seattle Center
11. Shop at a weekend holiday market
In addition to the Seattle Christmas Market and the World Bazaar at Seattle Center’s Winterfest, there are two other markets popping up for your holiday shopping needs the weekend after Thanksgiving:
- Native Art Market at The Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center. Shop for local Indigenous art, jewelry, food, and more.
- GeekCraft Expo Seattle Holiday Market at Hangar 30 in Magnuson Park. Shop for handmade geek goods by local crafters and makers.
When: November 29 to December 1
12. Go to the Nutcracker Ballet
Experience the wonder of the holiday season by seeing the Pacific Northwest Ballet perform George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker. There are two performances a day on the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday after Thanksgiving.
When: November 29 through December 28
Where: McCaw Hall at Seattle Center
13. See a Christmas improv show at Pike Place Market
Head to the Pike Place Market theater to watch Unexpected Productions put on an improv version of A Christmas Carol. Every night’s performance is unique! You can buy tickets at the door but make sure to arrive early. Afterwards you can find a delicious bite to eat at one of the many restaurants at the market.
When: November 29 through December 23
Where: Pike Place Market
14. Witness the spectacle of Snowflake Lane
A short drive across Lake Washington will take you to Bellevue where the annual Snowflake Lane production begins the Friday after Thanksgiving. Every night the parade spreads free holiday cheer with dancers, drummers, falling snow, and more.
When: 7:00 p.m. from November 29 through December 24
Where: Bellevue Square
15. Meet Santa at Magic in the Market
Magic in the Market is an annual holiday event at Pike Place Market. It’s full of free activities for all ages, from photos with Santa to a lighting ceremony that starts at 5:00 p.m.
When: Saturday, November 30 from 11 am to 6 pm
Where: Pike Place Market
16. Sample $6 bites at the Chinatown Food Walk
Tired out from the sudden flurry of holiday events? Refuel in Seattle’s Chinatown International District. The neighborhood is hosting a $6 Small Business Saturday Food Walk the weekend after Thanksgiving, as well as a Winter Market on the same day.
When: Saturday, November 30 from 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Little Saigon Creative for the Winter Market; Hing Hay Park for the food walk
17. Seattle Christmas Ship Festival
Seattle’s beloved Christmas Ship Festival is in full swing this weekend! You can join in the fun by getting tickets to ride the Christmas Ship with Santa or by catching the ship’s choir performances from the shore at a free bonfire. Read all about the Seattle Christmas Ship Festival here.
18. WildLanterns at the zoo
WildLanterns is back at the Woodland Park Zoo for another year of magic. The Seattle zoo gets transformed at night by stunning lantern displays. Read about this year’s WildLanterns before you go.
19. Get festive at a Seattle holiday bar
If you’re going out in Seattle over Thanksgiving weekend, make sure to stop at one of the holiday bars that are popping up all over the city. The festive decorations, themed drinks, and holiday music will boost your mood. See our guide to this year’s holiday bars in Seattle.
20. Shop local on Small Business Saturday
Seattle neighborhoods such as Ballard, the Chinatown-International District, and West Seattle are asking shoppers to put their dollars into local businesses this holiday season. Spend the Saturday after Thanksgiving browsing small businesses in your favorite Seattle neighborhood!