Posted in Washington Winter October 31, 2022 by

It’s Not Christmas In Washington Until You Do These 12 Enchanting Things

Whether you have a huge family that celebrates the holidays or you’re just trying to survive the season, you probably have a few seasonal traditions. You might not even be aware of them, but it won’t feel like Christmastime until you’ve experienced them. We have rounded up some Christmas activities in Washington that are most likely on your holiday list, but if they are not, you may want to add them in!

These are a few examples:

1. Go to your local tree lighting ceremony.
Michael Knowles / Flickr
Nearly every city and town hosts an annual tree-lighting ceremony or some kind of parade to kick off the holiday season. Check your local publications, because quite a few of them will happen as early as mid-November through the beginning of December.
Tacoma, WA, USA
2. Check out a holiday market.
Aaron Hockley / Flickr
From our small-town craft fairs to our huge holiday markets like ​​Puyallup’s Victorian Country Christmas Festival, nothing will get you into the Christmas spirit faster than a seasonal marketplace.
Public Market, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
3. Go to Leavenworth.
Sam DeLong / Flickr
If you can make it to the ​​Alpine village in December, you’ll fall in love with it all over again. With the dazzling lights and horse-drawn carriage rides, these Christmas activities in Washington are sure to leave you feeling like you've stepped onto the set of a Hallmark movie.
Leavenworth, WA 98826, USA
4. Visit the Lights of Christmas in Stanwood.
The Lights of Christmas Facebook
Head to Warm Beach Camp to see over one million lights on display.
20800 Marine Dr, Stanwood, WA 98292, USA
5. Catch a glimpse of the Christmas Ships on Lake Union in the Seattle area.
Seattle Parks / Flickr
If you’re on the west side, the Christmas Ship Festival is a must-see.
Lake Union Park Bridge, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
6. Drive through the neighborhood in town that always goes all out for the occasion.
Karol Franks / Flickr
You know the one. Here are some of our ​​favorite houses that go all out to show off their holiday spirit during Christmas in Washington.
7. Ride the Polar Express.
Mt. Rainier Railroad and Logging Museum‎ Facebook
Washington has several "Polar Express / North Pole" trains, and they’re all awesome. This is a photo of ​​Mt. Rainier's version.
Eatonville, WA 98328, USA
8. Listen to Christmas music on the radio even when you publicly claim to hate it.
mingaling / Flickr
Just once, turn up the volume and have a sing-along in your car. No one else has to know.
9. Participate in a holiday-themed 5K or pub crawl (whichever is more your style).
Jeremy Reding / Flickr
Seattle’s annual SantaCon is typically in mid-December. It’s as awesome as it looks.
10. Watch a classic Christmas movie on cable.
s_herman / Flickr
"A Christmas Story," anyone?
11. Bake cookies. Eat way, way too many of them.
Sue Thompson / Flickr
EVERY year.
12. Make excuses to keep going downtown because it’s just that beautiful.
Heath Robertson / Flickr
Our Main Streets look dazzling in December… and even though they’re constantly crowded, you can’t resist them.

So have you decided to put any of these Christmas activities in Washington on your Holiday Bucket List? Are there any holiday traditions we should add to the list? You know there is nothing better than making a list and checking it twice!

Could you use some holiday cheer right now? Head to one of Washington’s enchanting Christmas towns this weekend.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Christmas in Washington

November 04, 2022
Katie Feldkamp

What is it like to celebrate Christmas in Washington?

From high in the mountains to down on the Pacific coast, the weather in Washington can have such a range depending on where you are in the state. So while there may not be a guarantee of a white Christmas, especially in our coastal cities, one thing is for sure — no matter where you are in the Evergreen State, you will find plenty of Christmas cheer. We have created so many lists to help make the most of the holiday season. From the best Christmas towns in Washington to the best displays of Christmas lights in Washington, we have it all here for you!

Are there any German Christmas markets in Washington?

Yes! In Leavenworth, Washington there is an annual Christkindlmarkt that is just brimming with holiday tradition! Visitors can stroll along the outdoor booths and marvel at all the shopping they can do, all the while sipping mulled wine and eating German treats. It’s an annual event you don’t want to miss!