The holidays are among us, and that means it is time to enjoy winter festivities with our friends and family. Luckily, the Pacific Northwest hosts a plethora of events and traditions that are sure to bring you and your loved ones some holiday cheer. From jolly parades to stunning light displays, you are sure to find a local experience that brightens your spirits. Here is where you can spend the holiday season in Washington state:
Location: Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma, Pierce County
Date/Time: November 25, 2022 – January 2, 2023; 4:30 – 10:00 p.m.
What has eight tentacles and is made of thousands of sparkling LED lights? The giant Pacific octopus display at Zoolights, of course! Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium transforms into a magical feast for the eyes this winter season. Don’t miss their brilliant animal displays and walk through the tunnels of light.
Cost: $6-$16 per ticket
Location: Spanaway Park in Spanaway, Pierce County
Date/Time: November 25, 2022 – January 1, 2023; 5:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Did your parents drive you around the neighborhoods to see homes with incredible light displays? Continue, (or make,) that tradition with your kids this year! Fantasy Lights in Spanaway Park dazzles the night sky with thousands of lights for two whole miles.
Cost: $10-$45 per vehicle, prices dependent on the date and amount of vehicle passengers
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Watch The Nutcracker
Location: McCaw Hall in Seattle, King County
Date/Time: Shows between November 25, 2022, and December 27, 2022; times vary
OR
Location: The Washington Center for the Performing Arts in Olympia, Thurston County
Date/Time: Shows between December 10, 2022, and December 19, 2022; times vary
Head over to Seattle to see George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker by the Pacific Northwest Ballet. If Seattle is out of reach and Thurston County is closer, go to downtown Olympia to catch a showing by Ballet Northwest. As a holiday staple, either location is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, especially for young kids who aspire to take the stage with the sugar plum fairies one day.
Cost: Seattle – $27-$202; Olympia – $15-36 per ticket, depending on age
Location: On the Columbia River in Vancouver, Clark County
Date/Time: 15 dates between December 3, 2022, and December 21, 2022; starts at 6:00 or 7:00 p.m.
If you are a boat enthusiast and Christmas-light aficionado, the Christmas Ship Parade is where you should spend the holiday season! The Columbia River will be lit aglow as thousands gather to watch dozens of holiday-themed boats set sail across the water. This 68-year tradition will feature vessels up to 65 feet long. Some boat owners have been involved in the parade for over 40 years!
Cost: FREE
Location: Bellevue Square in Bellevue, King County
Date/Time: November 25, 2022 – December 24, 2022; 7:00 p.m.
Snowflake Lane is Bellevue’s very own winter wonderland! The nightly event showcases a holiday parade extravaganza with vivid light displays, magnificent floats, toy drummers, festive dancers, and snow. Patrons can watch from the sidewalks between Bellevue Square and Lincoln Square. Visitors are also welcome to show up early to take photos with Santa and do some holiday shopping in the mall.
Cost: FREE
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Watch a Christmas Carol
Location: Allen Theatre in Seattle, King County
Date/Time: November 25, 2022 – December 24, 2022; times vary
Take some friends or your kids to watch Charles Dickens’ Christmas classic come to life on stage. For many, the holidays can be a stressful time, but Ebenezer Scrooge reminds us all to find joy and be kind to others during this season.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Location: Spokane Fair and Expo Center in Spokane Valley, Spokane County
Date/Time: Fri-Sun between December 2, 2022 and January 1, 2023; times vary
Northwest Winterfest is an indoor cultural celebration that features massive glimmering lantern displays and local artistry. Visitors can walk through the exhibit to learn about how different cultures spend the holiday season, all while sipping on festive beverages and eating delicious food. It is bound to be a fantastic sensory experience!
Cost: $12 – $17, depending on age, free for kids under 10
Enjoy this winter season with your loved ones. Happy Holidays from Divorce Lawyers for Men!
