Looking for the perfect base to explore the magic of Seattle’s holiday season? Lynnwood is your ideal starting point. Just minutes from Seattle, Lynnwood is home to comfortable hotels (with affordable rates) and a newly opened light rail station that provides easy, stress-free access to some of Seattle’s most iconic holiday events. Whether you’re seeking a celestial journey through Astra Lumina, shopping for unique gifts at the Seattle Christmas Market, or exploring gingerbread masterpieces, Lynnwood conveniently connects you to the heart of holiday fun. So grab your tickets, bundle up, and dive into the magic of the holidays—one light rail stop at a time!
Seattle Winterfest & Seattle Christmas Market: Holiday Fun at Seattle Center
Seattle Center is home to a flurry of holiday fun this year! From November 28-December 31, Seattle Center Winterfest brings seasonal decor, a Winter Train & Village, weekend entertainment on the Armory Stage, a bash to ring in the New Year, and so much more!
Also at Seattle Center this holiday season, the Seattle Christmas Market! From November 20-December 24, let the market get you excited for the season with tasty eats, treats, and gift options from artisan craft vendors, festive light displays, and all new ways to celebrate the season like the Fairytale Forest, Love Lock installation, Santa’s Snow Globe, and more!
At Seattle Center, you’ll also find many of the city’s major attractions: the Space Needle, Museum of Pop Culture, Seattle Children’s Museum, Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Gates Foundation Discovery Center, and even a skate plaza!
Getting to Seattle Center
From Lynnwood City Center Station, take the 1 Line Light Rail to Westlake. Transfer on foot to Westlake Center Monorail Station and take the Monorail to Seattle Center. The Seattle Christmas Market takes place on South Fountain Lawn and Fisher Pavilion between Climate Pledge Arena and the Seattle Center Armory.
Find Holiday Magic at Pike Place Market
On Saturday, November 29, kick off your holiday season at Pike Place Market! The 30th Annual Magic in the Market is a day packed with seasonal shopping, holiday activities for the whole family, live performances, Market traditions, and Santa!
From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., enjoy free Santa photos, fresh trees, crafts, holiday music, and more! At 5:00 p.m., the Lighting Ceremony will illuminate the Market’s tree, giant vegetables, and Market-wide holiday lights, officially welcoming the holiday season.
Getting to Pike Place Market
From Lynnwood City Center Station, ride the light rail to Westlake station. From the station, walk along Pine St. for approximately 5 minutes, and you’ll arrive at the market.
Astra Lumina: Experience Celestial Wonders
This holiday season, step into a world of celestial wonder at the Seattle Chinese Garden with Astra Lumina! From November 6 to December 31, this immersive night walk will transport you to an enchanted garden where the stars come to life. Created by Moment Factory and Fever, this breathtaking event blends projections, lighting, and an original soundscape to guide stargazers of all ages along a luminous pathway. Spark your imagination and enjoy a deep, cosmic connection to the night sky.
Perfect for families, friends, or anyone seeking a festive escape into the wonder of the cosmos, Astra Lumina offers an unforgettable holiday experience that has captivated over 460,000 visitors across the U.S. Don’t miss your chance to witness this spellbinding adventure before the stars ascend back into the night!
Getting to Seattle Chinese Garden
Hop on the Light Rail at Lynnwood City Center Station and go to Symphony station. From there, walk about two minutes to 3rd Ave & Seneca St. to transfer to the 125 Westwood Village South bus. At 16th Ave SW & SW Brandon St, get off the bus and walk 0.3 miles to the Seattle Chinese Garden.
Gingerbread Village
Experience a gingerbread village unlike anything you’ve seen before. Marvel at towering gingerbread structures crafted by Seattle architects, Sheraton chefs, and Breakthrough T1D Elves! These masterpieces will bring extra joy to your holiday season while also benefiting type 1 diabetes research. Visit from November 20-January 1.
Getting to Gingerbread Village
This year’s Gingerbread Village takes place at the Sheraton Grand Seattle. To get there, take the Light Rail from Lynnwood City Center Station to Westlake station. Walk about 5 minutes via Pine and Pike streets, and you’ll arrive at the Sheraton Grand Seattle.
This holiday season, make Lynnwood your home base for all the magic Seattle has to offer. Enjoy easy access to key holiday destinations, including festive markets, light displays, and iconic Seattle landmarks. Lynnwood provides a convenient and comfortable place to stay while you explore the city’s seasonal wonders
Photo credit: Braden Heil for Seattle Christmas Market