December in Seattle: Your 2025 Guide to Festive Events, Local Shopping & Seasonal Traditions
December in Seattle brings a blend of cozy traditions, community gatherings, and festive nights out. Whether you’re looking for a holiday market, an intimate performance, or something delightfully unexpected, this guide gathers the best of what’s on across the city (and nearby). Everything is grouped into simple categories so you can find exactly the mood you’re after!
Holiday Markets, Shopping Events & Community Gatherings
December 5th-7th, 2025 • Various times, see below
Seattle Center Exhibition Hall
Urban Craft Uprising is Seattle’s long-running craft show founded in 2005. It returns this year with a huge lineup of hand-crafted goods, including clothing, jewelry, bags, accessories, candles, toys and plenty more. It’s an easy place to find thoughtful, one-of-a-kind gifts all in one spot.
The Winter Show is known for its lively, welcoming atmosphere, where you can meet the people behind the products and discover items you won’t find in traditional stores. If you’re hoping to shop locally and meaningfully this season, this is one of your best bets.
Timings for the event are: 5-9pm Friday (ticketed event), 10am-6pm Saturday, 10am-5pm Sunday
December 6th, 2025 • 11am-2pm
Flora & Henri, 401 1st Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104
Two beloved Seattle spots, London Plane and Flora & Henri, team up for their very first cookie exchange. Participants bake one dozen cookies using a recipe from The London Plane Flower & Cook Book, then come together to exchange them with others in a cozy, festive setting. It’s equal parts community, sweetness, and holiday spirit.
This event is for anyone who loves baking or just enjoys the charm of a homemade holiday tradition. It’s also a great reason to pull out your apron, try a new recipe, and spend a few hours surrounded by people who appreciate good treats and good company.
December 6th • 2-4pm
Seattle Christmas Market. 305 Harrison St, Seattle
The Seattle Christmas Market hosts a dedicated Ukrainian Heritage Day, bringing traditional music, dance, and holiday spirit to the Alpen Haus. The Ukrainian Association of Washington leads cultural performances that add depth, storytelling, and vibrant energy to the market’s festive atmosphere.
Between performances, you can explore the market’s stalls filled with food vendors, gift shops, and European-inspired treats! It’s a meaningful way to experience a different holiday tradition within one of Seattle’s most beloved seasonal events.
December 6th, 2025 • 10am-1pm
Urban Family Brewing, 1103 NW 52nd St, Seattle
Lost the Plot’s mobile bookstore brings readers together for a book-swap afternoon hosted at Urban Family Brewing Co.
Guests can browse the mobile shop’s curated selection, pick up a new title, and exchange a book they’re ready to pass on. Pair it with a beer, and you’ve got a warm, low-key way to spend a December afternoon.
RSVP here!
Bella Luna Farms Holiday Market
December 7th, 2025 • 11am-3pm
18432 Snohomish Avenue, Snohomish, Washington 98296
Bella Luna Farms opens its picturesque property for a one-day holiday market featuring farm-fresh provisions, Bellson Creamery cheeses, baked treats, and seasonal offerings from local vendors. The setting alone makes this a standout - peaceful, festive, and surrounded by nature.
This market is ideal for anyone who enjoys slower-paced holiday shopping. You can take your time browsing, sample fresh cheeses, and pick up gifts that feel comforting and high quality. It’s also a lovely outing for families or friends looking to escape the busier city markets for something a bit more intimate.
December 7th, 2025 • 11am-2pm
4800 Airport Way S, Seattle, WA 98108
Of the Earth’s open house invites guests into the studio for an afternoon of browsing paper goods, botanical crafts, and unique seasonal items. The studio atmosphere makes this feel more personal than a traditional market, you’re stepping directly into the creative space where their work comes to life.
Visitors can also join in hands-on holiday card-making, making it a great option if you want a festive activity alongside your shopping. It’s relaxed, friendly, and a refreshing way to support a local business while creating something of your own.
Seasonal Performances, Festive Nights Out & Community Events
Sake Noire x The Shop at Porter: Holiday Soirée with Jun Lida
December 5th & 6th, 2025 • 6pm
The Shop by Porter, Seattle, WA
This two-night soirée pairs live jazz, Japanese-inspired cuisine, and inventive cocktails for an elevated holiday evening. The night begins with light bites, sake, cocktails, and conversation before renowned Japanese trumpet player Jun Iida and his ensemble take the stage.
Guests can also enjoy a cocktail and ice-cutting demonstration from award-winning mixologist Marie Yoshumizu and Porter Hospitality Beverage Manager Niah Bystrom, plus a Japanese-inspired menu by Executive Chef Jeff Potts. A guided sake tasting with Sommelier Quan Liang adds a thoughtful cultural touch, making this a refined way to welcome the season.
December 13th, 2025 • 11am-2pm
The Avelon Ballroom, 2315, 6th Ave, Tacoma
La Paloma Tacoma hosts a playful twist on holiday nostalgia with a Home Alone look-alike competition. Guests dress as characters or character-inspired interpretations from the iconic film, with prizes awarded for standout looks.
It’s a fun, quirky event that doesn’t take itself too seriously - perfect for people who enjoy themed nights out, friendly competition, and reliving one of the most beloved holiday movies in a lively setting.
December 23rd, 2025 • Various times (see below)
Farm 12 at Step By Step
Hosted by Vinyl Coffee Roasters, Christmas with the Townies is a community-driven benefit concert held just before Christmas. The event features comforting winter food - grilled cheese, soups, hot cocoa, and cider - paired with live music in a warm, relaxed setting.
The concert supports programs that empower mothers, giving the evening a meaningful purpose beyond the festivities.
Get your tickets here! 1st Show - Doors: 3pm - Show: 3:30-5:30pm, 2nd Show - Doors: 8pm - Show: 8:30-10:30pm
Opening Night (Nov 28th)
The Spirit of Seattle lights up for the very first time, officially launching the Christmas Ship Festival. Guests can expect thousands of holiday lights, festive décor, and the season’s first onboard choir performance. It’s a spirited start to nearly a month of waterfront celebrations.
10th Annual Parade of Boats - Argosy Cruises (Dec 12th)
The Parade of Boats is one of Seattle’s most stunning December traditions. Hundreds of illuminated vessels glide across Lake Union in a glowing procession, all viewable from the shore at Evanston Plaza or from aboard Argosy’s decorated ships.
The evening includes festive parties, music, and plenty of holiday atmosphere both on land and on the water. If you’re looking for a truly “Seattle in December” experience, this is the one.
Grand Finale (Dec 23rd)
The final night of the festival closes out at Gas Works Park, where crowds gather to watch the Christmas Ship deliver its farewell concert. Guests can also board the ship for the last sail of the season - a sentimental and memorable way to wrap up the month.
Across the season, the Spirit of Seattle visits over 40 waterfront communities including Downtown Seattle, Kirkland, Renton, Ballard, Edmonds, Leschi, Tacoma, and South Lake Union. Each sailing features onboard choirs, holiday treats, and lights that reflect across the water. A portion of ticket proceeds supports The Seattle Times Fund for Those in Need, making it a festive outing that also gives back.
December in Seattle is full of warm, welcoming, and creative events - from cookie swaps and jazz nights to waterfront parades and open-studio markets. Whether you’re looking for a calm afternoon activity or an evening that feels special, this month offers options for every kind of holiday mood.
To keep discovering Seattle’s best local spots, seasonal events, and independent businesses all year long, download The Pao App and find your next favorite place.
