Inexpensive and Fun Holiday Events in Washington State

If you're heading to the state of Washington for the holidays, here are some great holiday events that you don't want to miss.

Zoolights: Ruston, Washington

The Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium puts on a beautiful light display. The zoo is all lighted up with the holiday spirit as you meander through the zoo's pathways. There is live entertainment that is sure to put you in the holiday mood. Grab a cup of hot cocoa and watch the kids ride the zoo carousel ride or better yet, ride the carousel as well. This experience is magical as you stroll through the lighted walks and even the animals appear to be celebrating the holidays.

Seattle Center Winterfest: Seattle, Washington

You don't want to miss this incredible event with all the activities being free for all ages. The grounds are illuminated in thousands of twinkling lights. There is live entertainment such as the Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra, cultural performances, local jazz groups, and so much more. You can take a ride on the Classic Carousel or go ice skating at the Starbucks Ice Rink. How about the Winter Train that so many come back year after to year to ride? The Winter Train embarks on a journey through a turn of the century village. Stroll among the 74 acres and head for the Winter Solstice Fire Festival, full of bonfires and beautifully carved ice sculptures with a world of snow globes and twinkling lights. You'll make this an annual holiday event for your family. It is quite a unique experience.

Christmas Ship Festival: Seattle, Washington

This holiday celebration has been a tradition for over 50 years. The Argosy Christmas Ship festival's primary focus is to bring communities together to celebrate the holidays. Every night the Argosy Christmas Ship sails to a different Puget Sound community and there are over 45 of them! Choirs aboard the ship sing as they arrive at each port. All the local landlubbers anticipate the arrival of the Argosy while warming themselves around bonfires. You are welcome on board the Christmas Ship and are encouraged to enjoy the festivities. This is a floating holiday parade. If you own a boat you can even join in the fun and sail right along with the Christmas Ship.

Christmas Arts and Crafts Show: Spokane, Washington

How about an arts and crafts show with over 300 of the finest artists and crafters in the United States? This holiday show has 78,000 square feet of exhibit space. You will find one of a kind items here including beaded jewelry, watercolors, quilts, hand blown glass, candles, sculptures of all kinds, photography, specialty foods including vinegars, mustards, jams, fudge, and even huckleberry items. Many of the foods are available for sampling. You can certainly have your cake and eat it too at this enjoyable holiday show.

Seattle Festival of Trees: Seattle, Washington

For 30 years the members of the Dr. Forrest Flashman Guild have held the annual Festival of Trees, a wonderful display of uniquely decorated Christmas trees. These trees are on display at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel and have become a tradition for many families during the holiday season. Every tree is dedicated to one of the child patients of the local hospital.

There are pictures with Santa, a holiday and gift boutique, door prizes, and entertainment. The entertainment is provided by the Music Project Foundation which teaches the study of music as an empowerment to students. This is a great cause and a great holiday destination in Washington.

Resources:

Seattle Center Winterfest

http://www.seattlecenter.com

Christmas Ship Festival

http://www.argosycruises.com/themecruises/xmasSchedule.cfm?zoom_highlight=christmast

Christmas Arts and Crafts Show

http://www.custershows.com/winter/spokane/default.htm

Zoolights

http://www.pdza.org/

Seattle Festival of Trees

http://www.seattlefestivaloftrees.com/