Seattle Holidays

Seattle Washington welcomes you with an energetic holiday atmosphere, filled with the spirit of the season.
Whether you’re a resident or passing this vibrant city provides a special setting, for embracing both cherished traditions and new experiences. From the twinkling lights illuminating the streets to the greetings from locals, Seattle encourages you to fully engage in the holiday festivities. Discover the charm of its neighborhoods each hosting their own distinct events and seasonal attractions. As you prepare for your visit anticipate immersing yourself in the joy and communal warmth that define Seattle’s holiday season. Come join us in commemorating this time of unity and merriment in one of the cities, in the Pacific Northwest.

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Overview of Holidays

Overview of Holidays in Seattle

Seattle boasts a tapestry of cultures and customs leading to the commemoration of holidays and festivals all year round. Here is a quick glimpse, into some of the celebrations and festivities:

  1. New Year’s Eve: On New Year’s Eve Seattle celebrates the arrival of the year, with a display of fireworks and exciting events. One of the traditions is the yearly fireworks spectacle held at the iconic Space Needle.
  2. Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Seattle celebrates this federal holiday with various events, including an annual march and rally that begins at Garfield High School.
  3. Lunar New Year: Seattle’s International District, including Chinatown, holds a big celebration for Lunar New Year, which includes dragon and lion dances, martial arts performances, and traditional food.
  4. St. Patrick’s Day: Seattle is known for its St. Patrick’s Day celebration featuring a parade and local establishments offering authentic Irish cuisine and music to mark the occasion.
  5. Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival: This festival celebrates the arrival of spring and cherry blossoms. It showcases traditional and contemporary Japanese culture with performances, arts and crafts, and food.
  6. Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF): Held annually in May-June, it’s one of the largest and most highly attended film festivals in the United States.
  7. Seattle Pride celebrations, in June, are among the biggest, in the nation showcasing a parade of lively parties, and various events that stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community.
  8. Seafair: A month-long summer festival typically held in July. It includes a fleet of Navy and Coast Guard ships, an air show with the Blue Angels, parades, fireworks, and the famous Seafair Cup hydroplane races.
  9. Bumbershoot is known for taking place during the Labor Day weekend. Is recognized as a music and arts festival, in the United States. It showcases a variety of genres and art forms such, as music, film, comedy, and other entertainment.
  10. Thanksgiving and Black Friday: Seattle embraces the Thanksgiving spirit by hosting festivities, such, as a parade and the ceremonial lighting of the Christmas tree and star, at Westlake Center. Following Thanksgiving is Black Friday signaling the commencement of the shopping season.
  11. Christmas Ship Festival: A beloved holiday tradition where a parade of boats decorated with Christmas lights sail to different waterfront communities around Lake Washington and Puget Sound.
  12. New Year’s at the Needle: The city rings in the New Year with a spectacular fireworks display at the iconic Space Needle.

Seattle commemorates holidays and festivities showcasing its community through various cultural, musical and artistic celebrations that take place all year round.