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
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.
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
11th Hour Makers Market – Pacific Place, Seattle
Shop local for handcrafted gifts right before the holidays.
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.
Dec. 22 – 28
A Very Die Hard Christmas – Village Theatre, Everett
A quirky holiday parody for fans of action and comedy.
Bellevue New Year’s Eve Night Market – Main Street, Bellevue
Shop, snack, and celebrate as you ring in the new year.
A Charlie Brown Christmas Live – Tacoma
A nostalgic holiday performance based on the classic special.
Jingle Bell Run – Wright Park, Tacoma
A festive, family-friendly run to close out the season.
Dec. 29 – Jan. 4
Together As One – WAMU Theater, Seattle
A massive New Year’s celebration with music and dancing.
Tacoma Light Trail – Tacoma
A glowing outdoor art walk perfect for winter evenings.
Model Train Festival – Washington State History Museum, Tacoma
A favorite annual tradition for train lovers of all ages.
Other upcoming events:
Everett Silvertips Hockey at Angel of the Winds Arena
University of Washington Husky Football at Husky Stadium
Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park
Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field
Seattle Sounders at Lumen Field
Seattle Reign at Lumen Field
Seattle Symphony at Benaroya Hall in Seattle
Showbox Presents Concerts at various locations
Seattle Theatre Group at various locations
Northwest Sinfonietta at various locations
Seattle Thunderbird Hockey at the ShoWare Center
Washington State Historical Society in Tacoma
Ready to ride?
Skip the traffic and parking stress - Sound Transit can get you to all your holiday favorites.
Whether you’re headed to a light display, a festive show, or a community celebration, make transit part of your seasonal traditions.
Have an event to share? Email us at lifestyle@soundtransit.org.