6 winter festivals opening in Seattle this weekend: November 22 to 24

As much as we loved fall, it is time for us to leave behind pumpkin spice weather and embrace the oncoming season: winter.

To kick off the season of ice skating, snow, and sparkly lights, here are six winter festivals opening this weekend:

Enchant Christmas

Twinkling lights, a maze with larger-than-life sculptures, a Christmas market with over 40 local artisan vendors, ice skating and all of our favourite parts of Christmas are coming together in one amazing festival: Enchant Christmas. From November 22 to December 29, T-Mobile Park is being overrun by elves and Christmas Cheer. Do not miss the opening weekend to get you into the holiday spirit.

When: November 22-December 29
Time: 4 to 10 pm
Where: T-Mobile Park, 1250 1st Avenue S, Seattle
Admission: $14.99-$89.99

Seattle Festival of Trees

Your tree is great, but the Fairmont Olympic Hotel’s trees are better. Head out to the Seattle Festival of Trees to see over 20 Christmas trees decorated from head to toe. The festival also offers storytellers reading your favourite tales, a classic Christmas choir, and housemade cookies.

When: November 23 to December 4
Time: 1 to 4 pm
Where: Fairmont Olympic Hotel, 411 University Steet, Seattle
Admission: Free

DSA Holiday Carousel

Not a winter festival, but nevertheless a Seattle winter tradition. The DSA’s iconic winter carousel is back spinning in Westlake Park for its 31st year. The carousel will remain by donation, and spin all night long — until 8 pm that is. Bring your little cousins, best friends, or perhaps a tinder date? The Holiday Carousel is nestled right beside the Urban Craft Uprising Holiday Market which opens on November 29. A ride and a hot chocolate on the side? Now that’s a perfect winter night. 

Where: November 23 to January 1
Time: 11 am to 5 pm
Where: Downtown Seattle, Westlake Park, 401 Pine St., Seattle
Admission: $4, suggested donation

Sheraton Grand Gingerbread Village

No matter how many times you’ve been, the Gingerbread Village at the Sheraton Grand never fails to impress. It is absolutely impossible to dislike the lit-up miniature houses and scenes. Speaking of, a talented team of architects and chefs (with the help of a few children) put together the village and ensure that it stays glued together. The Gingerbread Village seems to be getting bigger and better every year, it’s going to be tough to vote your favorite scene. Bring your friends and family, but remember don’t eat the gingerbread houses.

When: November 23 to January 1
Time: 9 am to 9 pm
Where: Sheraton Grand Seattle, 1400 6th Ave, Seattle
Admission: Free, donations accepted

Julefest

If you’ve never been to the National Nordic Museum, what better time to go than during the holidays? The annual Julefest Nordic Christmas Celebration turns the museum into a winter wonderland complete with Santa’s workshop. During the festival, feast on nordic favorites such as aebleskiver (danish donuts) while jamming along to the music of the north.

When: November 23 to November 24
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Where: National Nordic Museum, 2655 NW Market Street, Seattle
Admission: $8

Gobble Up!

So, maybe not a winter festival, nonetheless, Gobble Up celebrates what we love most about the holidays: food. From forest-infused spirits to handmade cutting boards, this food festival has everything for the foodie to master-chef and anyone in between. If you’re a fan of samples, this free festival is the one for you. 

What: November 23
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Where: Magnusen Park, Hangar 30
Admission: Free