A Few Things to Do for the Holidays in Seattle

Tis the season. The leaves are beginning to turn splendid fall colors, the weather a bit colder, and the rain and snow are making their way back. The holidays will be here before you know it once again. I've come up with a few things to do or see during the holiday season that will put you in the holiday spirit.

Starting the day after Thanksgiving, it being on November 24th this year, Seattle begins to celebrate Christmas. Kicking off the holiday season is the Bon-Macy's Holiday Parade. It usually begins around 8:45am and starts on 7th Avenue, heads down Pine, to 5th, then ending up on University. Hundreds of people attend this spectacular event. Some of the traditional parade participants are f floats, costumed characters, marching bands, and giant balloons. Afterward, head off to Westlake Center and enjoy good food, music, and holiday decor while getting some shopping done (or shall I say started for some) before the fabulous Tree Lighting Ceremony begins. The ceremony begins at about 5pm at the Westlake Center. This is a traditional event for downtown Seattle and ends with a wonderful firework display.

Winterfest jumps in to participate in this joyous time for the 19th year in a row. Every year it is held at the Seattle Center. It begins on the day after Thanksgiving as well, and ending on New Year's Eve. This is an awesome 5-week event with always something new happening everyday of those 5 weeks. From holiday train displays to the Winterfest Ice Rink there is something for all ages. Enjoy the variety of holiday foods, family activities, free concerts, and the many holiday-themed exhibits. This fun-filled event will leave you smiling and ready for Old St. Nick to arrive.

After 5 whole weeks of Winterfest, you have to visit the Space Needle on December 31st. That's right! It's New Year's Eve. Ever year the Space Needle displays the world's largest structure launched firework display! It is said that there will be more than 2,000 Pyrotechnic Effects this year! Thousands of people attend this spectacular event. Like New York's Time Square Countdown, the Space Needle will be hosting it's own "west coast" version at it's base. It is also displayed on television where many more people witness the sky lighting up without fighting the crowds.

Hope some of these wonderful events help you get into the holiday spirit. Have a very happy and safe holiday season!