Looking for things to do during Thanksgiving weekend in Seattle? Starting on Thursday, November 27 and running through Sunday, November 30, the Emerald City goes full speed into the start of holiday festivities. Whether you’re looking for a place in Seattle to find a last-minute Thanksgiving meal or you’re searching for free, family-friendly activities this weekend, our list has something for you. You can shop for holiday gifts, attend a free Christmas tree lighting, participate in a turkey trot, or get a drink at a festive Christmas bar.
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 27. 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.
2. Join a turkey trot or cheer on marathon runners
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
The Seattle Marathon is also happening on Sunday, November 30! You can cheer on the runners at the finish line at Pier 66.
3. The Downtown 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 28
Where: Westlake Park
4. 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 29 from 11 am to 6 pm
Where: Pike Place Market
5. 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. Chinatown-International District Food Walk
Enjoy some delicious bites and shop local at the CID Small Business Saturday Food Walk on Saturday, November 29. From 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. there will be special $8 menu items and other discounts at participating eateries. See the map and more info here.
7. Free WinterFest fun 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 28 through December 31
Where: Seattle Center
8. Shop small at a Seattle holiday market
There are multiple Christmas markets where you can get your holiday shopping done in Seattle this week:
- Native Art Market on Friday, November 28 at Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center (free)
- Seattle Christmas Market open daily at Seattle Center (admission fee required)
- WinterFest World Bazaar at Seattle Center (free; weekends only)
- GeekCraft Expo Seattle Holiday Market on November 28-30 at Hangar 30 in Magnuson Park (admission fee required)
See our guide to all of this year’s holiday markets in Seattle!
9. 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 28 through December 28
Where: McCaw Hall at Seattle Center
10. 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 28 through December 24
Where: Bellevue Square
11. 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 watching the ship’s choir performances from the shore at a free bonfire. Read all about the Seattle Christmas Ship Festival here.
12. 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.
13. Get festive at these Seattle Christmas bars
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 best Christmas bars in Seattle.
14. 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!
15. See a stunning display of Seattle Christmas trees
The Fairmont Olympic Hotel is currently hosting 20 fabulously decorated trees for the annual Seattle Festival of Trees fundraiser. It’s free to go view them at the hotel daily through December 2, and you can also check out the Teddy Bear Suite while you’re there. Read more about the Seattle Festival of Trees.