10 free Seattle winter activities to enjoy next month
December in Seattle means much more than Christmas lights and shopping. Enjoy chill winter air, hot apple cider, jazz, and more.
Here are ten FREE activities to check out next month.
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Spreading Warmth at the National Nordic Museum
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Pick up your knitting needles and spread a bit of color and joy in Ballard this holiday season. Enjoy holiday drinks and chocolate while knitting together a collaborative installation inspired by the work of Frida Clements. Your work will be installed in Bergen Place and kept up all season. The National Nordic Museum will also be collecting lightly used sweaters, hats, mittens, or scarves, which will be donated to those in need in the community.
When: December 1
Time: 1 to 4 pm
Where: National Nordic Museum, 2655 NW Market Street, Seattle
Admission: Free
Hot Apple Cider Bean Bag Toss
Don’t worry, you’ll be tossing bean bags, not bags of hot apple cider. For the fourth year in a row, play the giant snowman bean bag toss game and enjoy a cup of hot apple cider for participating. It’s a nice addition to a stroll along Ballard Commons Park.
When: December 7
Time: 11 am to 3 pm
Where: Ballard Commons Park
Admission: Free
Ballard Holiday Fest
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The Ballard Holiday Fest is back. Enjoy free photos with Santa from 2 to 4:30 pm, a tree lighting and sing-along at 4:45 pm, and free hot chocolate, apple cider, and cookies throughout the day. Follow the trail of the Jul-Tomte as he searches Ballard for his beloved bowl. You’ll receive a stamp or signature from each shop that you find the Jul-Tomte and be entered to win a Family Plus National Nordic Museum Membership with each stamped passport.
When: December 7
Time: 2 to 5 pm
Where: Bergen Place Park
Admission: Free
West Seattle Tree Lighting and Holiday Show
Come out to the West Seattle Tree Lighting and Holiday Show to meet Santa, enjoy musical performances, and check out the Holiday Night Market. The night market takes place from 3 to 7 pm and features goods from over 40 local artisans. Unlike other tree lighting ceremonies, this one lets you create an ornament that will be added onto the community tree that will be lit at 6 pm.
When: December 7
Time: 3 to 7 pm
Where: Junction Plaza Park
Admission: Free
Lake City Winter Festival
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Lake City Winter Fest continues the longstanding tradition of bringing the community together in the neighborhood. Expect free treats, tree lighting, kids’ crafts, face painting, and free pictures with Santa.
When: December 7
Time: 5 to 7 pm
Where: Albert Davis Park
Admission: Free
Philippine Holiday Lantern Festival
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Learn all about Filipino culture and tradition at the Holiday Lantern Festival. Enjoy an endless array of activities such as a Santa photo booth, traditional table setting displays, a lantern contest, holiday carols, treats, raffle prizes, and more. The grand prize of the raffle includes a Filipino Pig Luau Lechon delivered to you on December 24.
When: December 14
Time: 9 am to 9 pm
Where: 1007 12th Avenue South, Seattle
Admission: Free
Jazz-Land in the Park
Celebrate the Winter Solstice with some smooth jazz in Pratt Park. Starting at noon, enjoy a cool jazz performance by members of the Joe Brazil Legacy Band — an ensemble and coalition of musicians in honor of the late, great Joe Brazil.
When: December 21
Time: 12 to 3:30 pm
Where: 1800 South Main Street, Seattle
Admission: Free
Bombazo en Diciembre
Move into the Bombazo by joining a workshop of traditional Puerto Rican drumming, song, and dance. Bring along your barril drums, cuás, and maracas as well as long skirts, scarves, and cloth. Prep for the weather with mittens, coats, blankets, water bottles and snacks.
When: December 15
Time: 3 to 5 pm
Where: Jimi Hendrix Park, 1499 23rd Avenue South, Seattle
Admission: Free
Tis The Season: Card Making & Holiday Drive
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This event truly captures the meaning of Christmas: giving. Make a card, play festive games, enjoy free hot beverages and snacks, and bring winter clothing along to donate to Aurora Commons.
When: December 21
Time: 1 to 4 pm
Where: Mineral Springs Park, 1500 N 105th Street, Seattle
Admission: Free
First Hill Park Winter Artist Residency
During the first three Fridays in December, First Hill Park will be hosting a Winter Artist Residency Meeting, where you can enjoy art by a local artist and ask them any questions you have. It is also a great time to meet your neighbors.
When: December 6, 13, and 20
Time: 10 am to 1 pm
Where: First Hill Park
Admission: Free
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