A Guide to Seattle’s Best Holiday Events and Festivities This Season

Festive Season at Fairmont Olympic Hotel

The Fairmont Olympic Hotel is an iconic landmark (they just celebrated their 100th anniversary!) in the vibrant heart of downtown Seattle, where timeless charm meets modern luxury. Find yourself in the center of it all, with recently refreshed and exquisitely designed spaces where you can gather, connect, see and be seen. Located just steps from the Seattle Waterfront, Pike Place Market and the city’s renowned museums, the Fairmont Olympic is your gateway to an unforgettable Seattle experience. For generations, the Fairmont Olympic Hotel has delighted guests with its festive holiday traditions and joyful atmosphere. With so many incredible options like the Teddy Bear Suite, Holiday Afternoon Tea, the famous lobby Christmas tree, and so much more; there’s something for everyone at the Fairmont. Visit here for all of this season’s happenings.

Photo Courtesy of Fairmont Olympic Hotel

Chateau Ste. Michelle

Sip & Sleigh

New this year, Chateau Ste. Michelle will be ringing in the holiday season with several Sip & Sleigh events, offered every Friday, Saturday and Sunday until December 22. Groups of family and friends will be whisked away on a decorated “sleigh” guided by a winery team member, stopping at several holiday-themed stations to enjoy Limited Release wines and perfectly selected food pairings. Guests are encouraged to bundle up and enjoy the winery’s outdoor grounds adorned with holiday lights and beautiful decor.

Photo Courtesy of Chateau Ste. Michelle

Enchanted Winter’s Eve: A White Masquerade

Celebrate the holiday season with a white masquerade winter party at Chateau Ste. Michelle on December 20! Dance the night away and enjoy a selection of Chateau Ste. Michelle wine. Tickets are $100 per person and include entry, two glasses of wine and delicious desserts prepared by the Chateau Kitchen culinary team. Small bites will also be available for purchase. Guests are encouraged to wear white or winter-themed attire and a masquerade mask.

Chateau Private Igloo Experience

Redefine your Chateau experience and indulge in your very own private outdoor escape in one of Chateau Ste. Michelle’s waterproof igloos. Igloos come complete with comfortable and warm seating for up to five people in a semi-private spot in the winery’s sunken garden, two bottles of Chateau Ste. Michelle wine of your choice, and a charcuterie board. The large igloo comes complete with four bottles of wine and two curated charcuterie boards and seats up to 14 people. Reservations can be made here.

Photo Credit: Molly Amber

Christmas Dive Bar

Christmas Dive Bar, a seasonal pop-up in the heart of Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood, launched its second season and will be rocking through the New Year! This year, they’re cranking up the holiday spirit with a twist: The Sleigh N’ Sip Lodge, a brand new fully decorated third-floor Christmas Lodge perfectly curated for groups and oozing with nostalgia. At Christmas Dive Bar, you’ll find disco balls galore, festive bar snacks, holiday themed cocktails, and a giant bar stocked with everything needed to get your holiday cheer on. Located at The Woods, Christmas Dive Bar is where the spirit of Christmas meets the laid-back charm of your favorite neighborhood bar.

Merry Little Christmas Bar at The Edgewater

This December, immerse yourself in the cozy holiday spirit at The Edgewater’s Merry Little Christmas Bar, a festive pop-up bar nestled inside the enchanting Reindeer Room on the second floor of The Edgewater Hotel. Twinkling lights and holiday cheer set the scene as you sip on festive cocktails like Barrel Aged Eggnog, Boozy Hot Cocoa, and Gingerbread Martinis. Savor delicious treats like the Beecher’s & Boursin Cheese Ball, the Hot Smoked Salmon Dip with cranberry and crisp bread, and the famous Prime Rib Sliders. The Merry Little Christmas Bar is perfect for a festive date night, a fun night out with friends, or even a private event for you and your colleagues. Reservations are available between 5 and 11 p.m. Thursdays to Sundays, from December 5th-29th.

Photo Courtesy of The Edgewater Hotel

Santa’s Detour at Purple Stone Way

Heavy Restaurant Group is reopening Santa’s Detour, now known as “the best Christmas bar no longer inside a construction zone!” Get ready to experience one of the most festive, fun, and lively holiday pop-ups of the season. Winter revelers enter Santa’s Detour through Purple Stone Way and will be transported to a wonderland full of vintage decorations and twinkling lights. Enjoy festive treats like Swedish Meatball Sliders, Fondue Fries, and Chocolate Pecan Rum Balls while sipping on holiday libations like the Classic Christmas Martini and Mulled Wine. Santa’s Detour is open Wednesday to Saturday through Christmas and is walk-in only.

Photo Courtesy of Santa’s Detour

Rosebay Chalet

Rosebay Chalet is a luxe holiday pop-up bar at downtown Seattle’s Hotel 1000. From now until January 2, the boutique hotel’s cocktail bar has transformed into an ephemeral alpine retreat, transporting guests to the chic après-ski scene of the Swiss Alps with cozy ski chalet decor, festive craft cocktails, and decadent après-themed snacks. Perfect for friends or a date night, Rosebay Chalet’s après-ski menu features dishes like Goat Cheese Lavender Fondue, Poutine with Beecher’s cheese curds and gravy, and Truffled 4 Cheese Mac & Cheese. For drinks, the Frosty Rosebay Toddy is a spiced delight with aromatic warmth, blending rich bourbon with zesty lemon, smooth honey, and a hint of allspice. The Winter’s Kiss from a Rose delivers a festive punch, balancing sweetness and tartness with a mix of vodka and pomegranate liqueur, brightened with fresh grapefruit. Plush faux furs, woolen throws, soft pillows, and benches and poufs create cozy corners for casual conversation over chalet-inspired sips and tastes. Rosebay Chalet is open daily from 4 to 11 p.m. from now until January 2.

Photo Credit: Molly Amber

Seattle Christmas Market

Back for its second year, you can discover the wonders of the Seattle Christmas Market now through December 24th. Founded in 2023, the Seattle Christmas Market is a holiday event inspired by traditional European Christmas Markets. The five-week yuletide celebration takes place at the Fisher Pavilion and South Fountain Lawn at Seattle Center. Celebrate the holiday season with traditional food and drinks, international artisan crafts and gifts, interactive installations, entertainment, and seasonal decorations. With over 20+ food and drink huts, guests can enjoy Christmas Market favorites like bratwurst, raclette, goulash, pretzels, meat pies, schnitzel, borscht, and spätzle. Sweets galore include strudel, scones, churros, crepes, cream puffs, chimney cakes, and Belgian chocolate. Chilly days and nights call for warming beverages like hot chocolate, apple cider and, for the adults, Glühwein. To purchase tickets, visit seattlechristmasmarket.com.

Photo Courtesy of Seattle Christmas Market

The Elf Bar at Astra Hotel

This December, step into The Elf Bar, a whimsical, Elf-themed pop-up Christmas bar designed to spread holiday cheer! With festive décor, playful vibes, and enchanting surprises, it’s a holiday experience that’s sure to delight. Located at the Astra Hotel in South Lake Union, The Elf Bar is $16/person for a 90 minute interactive experience, and includes a festive welcome drink. Additional cocktails and food are available for purchase. The experience includes lots of photo opportunities, Elf-themed games, and performances by a few elves themselves! You can visit The Elf Bar pop-up from now until December 22. Book your session here.

Photos Courtesy of The Elf Bar

Enchant Christmas

Enchant Christmas is an immersive holiday event taking place at T-Mobile Park from now until December 29. Known for its dazzling light displays, the experience features a massive walk-through maze adorned with millions of sparkling lights, creating a magical winter wonderland. Enchant typically includes:

• The Light Maze: A signature attraction where visitors explore a themed maze to discover hidden surprises and festive light sculptures.

• The Ice Skating Trail: A scenic skating path surrounded by glowing lights and holiday décor.

• Christmas Market: Local artisans and vendors offer holiday gifts, crafts, and seasonal treats.

• Santa’s Landing: A chance for families to meet Santa Claus and capture photos.

• Live Entertainment: Performances and festive music throughout the venue.

Photo Courtesy of Enchant Christmas

Holiday Happenings at Kimpton Palladian Hotel

The Kimpton Palladian Hotel in downtown Seattle is delighted to announce a series of culinary and festive events to celebrate the holiday season. Alongside the arrival of a new Executive Chef, this season’s events bring something for everyone—from classic holiday feasts to themed soirées and lively brunches. On December 8, Palladian’s Drag Queen Brunch will delight guests with a dazzling lineup of Seattle’s star drag queens. The brunch buffet opens at 11:30 a.m. in Pennyroyal, with a lively show in Shaker & Spear from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. A portion of the proceeds will benefit GenPride, a non-profit dedicated to supporting LGBTQIA+ seniors in Seattle. On December 24, the hotel is hosting their Christmas Eve ‘Feast of Seven Fishes,’ a decadent five course pre-fixe dinner. Finally, on December 25, the Palladian is hosting a Christmas morning brunch. Gather with loved ones for a holiday meal that celebrates the joy of togetherness with seasonal specialties.