Free Christmas Events

There are a lot of cool things happening this Christmas season. But the rising cost of EVERYTHING these days has put the financial freeze on many of us. Meaning, many will not be able to afford unnecessary holiday events this year. To keep your holly jolly vibes going strong throughout the holiday season, I have compiled a list of FREE Christmas Events worth checking out!

Sheraton Grand Seattle Gingerbread Village

Sheraton Grand Seattle | 1400 6th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101 | November 22^nd – January 1^st | Sunday-Thursday from 9:00 am – 9:00 PM, Friday & Saturday from 9:00 am – 11:00 pm

Credit: Sheraton Grand Seattle

THIS IS NOT A DRILL. I repeat, this is not a drill! For the first time since the pandemic, the iconic Sheraton Grand Gingerbread Village is returning! Their theme this year is “Buzzing Back in 2022.” The gingerbread village is free for all ages and opens on November 22^nd. If you miss out on this one “you are a sad, strange little man, and you have my pity.”

I should also add that while this event is free, they will be accepting donations at the door that will directly benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s Northwest Chapter. So, if you can give, it goes toward a worthy cause.

Bellevue Snowflake Lane

Bellevue Square | On the sidewalks between Bellevue Square and Lincoln Square from NE 4^th to NE 8^th Street | November 25^th – December 24^th | Nightly at 7:00 pm

Credit: @SnowflakeLaneBellevue Facebook

Snowflake Lane’s magical parade is returning this year! Along with it, free complimentary sights from character performances to floats, to lights and nightly snowfall. If you get there early enough, you can use one of the free parking garages nearby. You’ll also want to get there early enough to grab a front row spot on the sidewalk.

Green Lake Pathway of Lights

Green Lake Community Center | 7201 East Green Lake Dr N, Seattle, WA 98115 | December 10^th from 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Credit: Seattle.gov

Attending the annual Green Lake Pathway of Lights is a great way to get into the holiday spirit. At this event, the crowd is a big part of creating the magic in the atmosphere. When I went years ago there were people, pets, strollers, wagons, and even umbrellas bedazzled in twinkling Christmas lights. Apart from being around people in high spirits, there was complimentary refreshments and live holiday music near the Community Center. I saw on their Facebook page that “The hot air balloon glow will only be from 4:30- 5:30 and is weather dependent. The main events are rain or shine!” So, plan to get there early if you want to be part of the lighting up Green Lake!

Evergreen Christmas Light Show hosted by Evergreen Church

3429 240th St SE, Bothell, WA 98021 | December 2nd – 24th from 6:00-9:00 pm

The Evergreen Christmas Light show is the perfect setting to drive out the Washington winter darkness. Eat Evergreen’s FREE famous chocolate chip and gingerbread cookies, while you warm yourself from a heated viewing area. The music choreographed light show lasts for 30 minutes and runs back-to-back from 6:00-9:00pm; from a tunnel light with a snowstorm that dusts every 30 minutes to a heated indoor train and village display there are plenty of photo opportunities along the way. For more information on the event please visit their website at Christmas at Evergreen.

Holiday Light Drive (GPS Mapped)

All over Washington | Check their map for confirmation lights are up and operational

Credit: Pacific NW Christmas Lights & Google Maps

In my family we usually just drive around until we happen upon a home. Unfortunately, gas prices have risen astronomically this year. Which puts a real damper on our normal Christmas light display quest. Luckily, Pacific NW Christmas Lights has put together a map of locations with drive worthy displays. They are still accepting submissions to add displays to their map at Pacific NW Christmas Lights.

Winter Porch Light Parade – Communities Shining Bright (Virtual Map launches Dec 1st)

Bothell | Kenmore | Lake Forest Park | Shoreline | Map Launches Dec 1st and they are still accepting submissions to have your display featured

Credit: Winter Porch Light Parade Web Page

“Join the cities of Bothell, Kenmore, Lake Forest Park, and Shoreline, WA to celebrate communities shining bright with the 2022 Winter Porch Light Parade from December 1 – 31! Create light displays that will become part of a virtual map, marking the many holidays and traditions celebrated during the winter season. From porches to patios, balconies to banisters, windows or even cars, anyone can participate and help our communities transform into a magical wonderland of lights.” For more information please visit their website at Winter Porch Light Parade.

Festival of Trees

Mill Creek Town Center | Main Street Merchants | 15310 Main St, Mill Creek WA 98012 | November 25- January 2nd | Grand Prize Announced on January 3rd 2023

Credit: City of Mill Creek & The Mill Creek Town Center

The Festival of Trees is brand new for 2022. Go hunt down four cute holiday critters along the windows of the Mill Creek Town Center Main Street. Find them all and submit their locations to be entered to win a prize! For more detailed information on the event please visit the event page.

Santa Parade

Mill Creek Town Center Main Street from LA Fitness to City Hall| Windermere Mill Creek 15418 Main St, Suite M103 Mill Creek, WA 98012 | Parade Starts at 3:30 pm

Credit: Mill Creek Town Center & the City of Mill Creek

Santa is coming to town! That’s right! For the first time since the pandemic, the Santa Parade will be returning to main street at the Mill Creek Town Center. There will be free train rides offered from 2-6pm. The Santa Parade will start at 3:30 and the tree lighting will be at 4:00 at City Hall. There will also be an appearance from the jolly man himself, Santa!

Meet and Greet with the Grinch hosted by Windermere Mill Creek

15418 Main St, Suite M103 Mill Creek WA 98012 | Windermere Mill Creek |2:00 – 6:00

Come see us to meet the Grinch!

After the Santa Parade on December 3rd stop by our Windermere office to meet none-other than the Grinch! Remember to bring your own phone to snap off your own portrait! We can’t wait to see you there!

Holiday on the Bay

Port of Everett | Pacific Rim Plaza, 1028 13^th Street, Everett, WA 98201 | December 3rd from 11:00 am – 7:00 pm

Credit: Port of Everett

“Rain or shine, guests will gather in and around the Port’s Pacific Rim Plaza, near Hotel Indigo, for the day’s outdoor festivities including a holiday pop-up market, free kids’ activities from cookie decorating, crafts and face painting to touch-a-truck, fire truck rides and character meet-and-greets, a tree-lighting ceremony and visit from Santa, lighted boats on parade, holiday drive-in movies (reservation required), and festive music and lighting displays.”

Check out Your Local Tree Lighting Event!

All over Washington State | Dates Vary

Credit: City of Mill Creek Tourism Page

Many of these tree lighting ceremonies have events attached to them. I would recommend following the hyperlink to the city pages to confirm dates, times and activities.

November 25 Everett from 4-7 at on Colby & Hewitt
November 26th Snohomish from 12:00 pm-7:30 pm at Historic Downtown Snohomish
Nov 26 Arlington from 4:00 pm-7:00 pm on Olympic Ave
Nov 26 Edmonds from 3:00 pm-7:00 pm at Centennial Plaza
Nov 27th Monroe from 4:30-7pm at Travelers park
Dec 2nd Mount Lake Terrace at 6:30 pm at City Hall
December 3rd Everett from 11:00 am-7:00 pm at the Port of Everett Waterfront.
December 3rd Marysville from 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm at Delta Plaza
December 3rd Lake Stevens from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm at North Cove Park
December 3rd Mill Creek 4:00 pm at city hall
December 3rd Woodinville from 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm in DeYoung Park
Dec 3 Camano Island & Stanwood 4:00 pm -5:00 pm at Camano Commons
Dec 3 Mukilteo from 3:00 pm-6:30 pm at Rosehill Community Center
Dec 3 Granite Falls 4:30p.m. in front of the museum at 109 E. Union Street, behind the Granite Falls Civic Center
December 4th Lynnwood from 5:00 pm-7:00 pm at Silver Creek Family Church