December preview: Lights, performances, and holiday magic all month long

The twinkle lights are on, the cocoa is flowing, and the Puget Sound is officially in full holiday mode. December brings tree lightings, festive parades, dazzling performances, and winter traditions old and new. 

Whether you’re heading to a show, strolling through a light display, or celebrating the season with family and friends, Link, Sounder, and ST Express can get you there. 

Here’s what’s happening around the region this month: 

Dec. 1 – 7 

• Redmond Lights Kickoff – Downtown Park, Redmond 
  A vibrant celebration of art, light, and community. 

• Snowflake Lane – Bellevue 
  Nightly parades, music, and snowfall along Bellevue Way. 

• Tree Lighting – City Hall, Mountlake Terrace 
  A cozy neighborhood celebration to welcome the holidays. 

• Holiday in the Park – Volunteer Park, Seattle 
  Festive lights and family activities at one of Seattle’s favorite seasonal traditions. 

• Disney’s The Lion King – The Paramount Theatre, Seattle 
  The iconic Broadway musical returns with breathtaking visuals and beloved songs. 

• Elf the Musical – The Fifth Avenue Theatre, Seattle 
  The hilariously heartwarming holiday classic live on stage. 

• Festival of Trees – Fairmount Olympic Hotel, Seattle 
  Stunningly decorated trees supporting a great community cause. 

• The Teddy Bear Suite – Fairmount Olympic Hotel, Seattle 
  An annual holiday tradition filled with teddy bears, lights, and photo-friendly fun. 

• Gingerbread Village – Sheraton Grand, Seattle 
  Elaborate gingerbread creations crafted by local architects and bakers. 

• The Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition – Pike Place Market, Seattle 
  Caroling teams fill downtown with music in this annual fundraising tradition. 

• John Legend – WAMU Theater, Seattle 
  A special holiday season performance from the award-winning artist. 

• Winterfest Tree Lighting Festival – Town Square Park, Kent 
  Celebrate winter with lights, entertainment, and community fun. 

• Federal Way Link Extension Opening!  
  Join the celebration as Sound Transit Light Rail expands south with a brand-new extension to Des Moines, Kent and Federal Way. 

• Holiday Tree Lighting – Town Square Park, Federal Way 
  Enjoy Santa’s big arrival, live music, free cocoa and cookies, and the tree lighting. 

• Santa Parade – Main Street, Puyallup 
  Welcoming Santa with lights, music, and Puyallup charm. 

• Victorian Christmas Festival – Washington State Fair Events Center, Puyallup 
  Travel back in time with holiday decor, shopping and entertainment. 

• Holiday Magic – Washington State Fair Events Center, Puyallup 
  A sparkling indoor winter wonderland for all ages. 

Dec. 8 – 14 

• Snowflake Lane – Bellevue 

• Disney’s The Lion King – The Paramount Theatre, Seattle 

• Elf the Musical – The Fifth Avenue Theatre, Seattle 

• The Teddy Bear Suite – Fairmount Olympic Hotel, Seattle 

• Gingerbread Village – Sheraton Grand, Seattle 

• Leon Thomas – Showbox SoDo, Seattle 
  Soul-infused rock pioneer Leon Thomas III takes the stage, blending powerful vocals and cinematic grooves. 

• Winter Bonsai Solstice – Pacific Bonsai Museum, Federal Way 
  A serene celebration of bonsais during the shortest days of the year. 

• Holiday Magic – Washington State Fair Events Center, Puyallup 

• The Midwinter Revels – Rialto Theater, Tacoma 
  A festive performance blending music, folklore, and seasonal storytelling. 

• O Christmas Tea – Federal Way Performing Arts and Events Center
  A comedic holiday adventure filled with whimsy and delight. 

Dec. 15 – 21 

• Snowflake Lane – Bellevue 

• Disney’s The Lion King – The Paramount Theatre, Seattle 

• Elf the Musical – The Fifth Avenue Theatre, Seattle 

• 11th Hour Makers Market – Pacific Place, Seattle 
  Shop local for handcrafted gifts right before the holidays. 

• The Teddy Bear Suite – Fairmount Olympic Hotel, Seattle 

• Gingerbread Village – Sheraton Grand, Seattle 

• Winter Beer Fest – The Boxyard, Seattle
  Sample seasonal brews from local craft breweries. 

• Gunna – WAMU Theater, Seattle 
  Get ready for a high-energy night as Gunna brings his Wun World Tour to Seattle. 

• Earl Sweatshirt – Showbox SoDo, Seattle 
  Experience a night of alt-hip hop as Earl Sweatshirt headlines his 3L World Tour. 

• Holiday Magic – Washington State Fair Events Center, Puyallup 

Dec. 22 – 28 

• A Very Die Hard Christmas – Village Theatre, Everett 
  A quirky holiday parody for fans of action and comedy.