Cultural Events:
- Seattle Festival of Lights at Woodland Park Zoo: A mesmerizing light display with over 700,000 LEDs, creating a festive and enchanting atmosphere throughout the zoo.
Holiday Shopping:
- Westlake Center: A bustling downtown shopping mall with a wide variety of stores, including luxury brands, department stores, and unique boutiques.
- Pike Place Market: Experience the vibrancy of Seattle’s iconic public market, offering a vast selection of fresh produce, seafood, crafts, and local delicacies.
Entertainment:
- Seattle International Film Festival: Catch the latest and greatest in global cinema at this prestigious film festival, showcasing a diverse range of movies from around the world.
- Benaroya Hall: Attend a performance by the renowned Seattle Symphony or Seattle Opera, renowned for their world-class musicianship and captivating performances.
Other Attractions:
- The Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP): Immerse yourself in the world of popular culture, with exhibits dedicated to music, movies, video games, and more.
- Pike Place Fish Market: Witness the famous fish-throwing antics and enjoy the lively atmosphere of this bustling market, offering a glimpse into Seattle’s maritime heritage.
Weather In Seattle During December
Average Temperature:
- High: 47°F (8°C)
- Low: 36°F (2°C)
Rainfall:
- Average monthly precipitation: 5.5 inches (140 mm)
- Number of rainy days: 17
Snowfall:
- Average monthly snowfall: 0.1 inches (2.5 mm)
- Number of snowy days: 1
Wind:
- Average wind speed: 9 mph (14 km/h)
Other Weather Conditions:
- Fog: Common in December, especially in the mornings and evenings.
- Clouds: Partially cloudy or overcast for much of the month.
- Humidity: High, typically around 80-90%.
- Sunshine: Limited, with an average of only 25% of possible sunshine hours.
General Characteristics:
- December in Seattle is typically cold and wet, with frequent overcast skies and occasional rain.
- The days are short, with an average of 8 hours of daylight.
- Temperatures can fluctuate, so it’s important to pack layers of clothing.
- Fog and low visibility are common, so be aware when driving.
- Outdoor activities may be limited due to weather conditions.
Things To Do In Seattle In December
December Events in Seattle:
1. Snowflake Lane (November 24 - December 24):
- Thousands of twinkling lights illuminate Bellevue Square each evening, creating a magical winter wonderland.
2. Winterfest at Pike Place Market (mid-November - December 31):
- Enjoy seasonal treats, festive decorations, live music, and a 60-foot Christmas tree at Seattle’s iconic marketplace.
3. The Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition (December 10):
- Witness amateur choirs compete in a humorous and spirited caroling competition at Benaroya Hall.
4. Yuletide at the Nordic Heritage Museum (December 4 - January 2):
- Experience Scandinavian holiday traditions, including Lucia parades, storytelling, and a holiday market.
5. Pacific Northwest Ballet’s Nutcracker (December 2 - 27):
- Delight in the enchanting ballet classic performed by the world-renowned Pacific Northwest Ballet.
6. Seattle Men’s Chorus’s “A Tender Christmastide” (December 18 - 19):
- Listen to beautiful choral music, including holiday favorites and new compositions.
7. Seattle Symphony’s Christmas Vespers (December 17 - 20):
- Attend a festive concert featuring traditional carols, seasonal orchestral works, and a community sing-along.
8. Polar Bear Plunge on New Year’s Day (January 1):
- Start the New Year with a chilly swim in Puget Sound for charity at Alki Beach.
9. Zoolights at Woodland Park Zoo (November 25 - January 1):
- Marvel at over 1 million twinkling lights and festive displays, while enjoying live music and holiday treats at the zoo.
10. Holiday Shipfest (December 3 - December 25):
- Witness a spectacular fleet of festively-decorated boats parade through Lake Washington and Puget Sound.
Tourism In Seattle, United States During December
In December, Seattle transforms into a festive wonderland, offering a plethora of holiday-themed experiences for visitors. The city’s iconic Pike Place Market bursts with seasonal cheer, adorned with twinkling lights, towering Christmas trees, and bustling vendors selling festive treats like mulled cider and gourmet gingerbread.
Visitors can immerse themselves in the holiday spirit by strolling through the enchanting Woodland Park ZooLights, a dazzling display of over 1 million twinkling lights illuminating towering trees and creating a magical wintery wonderland. The spirit of giving prevails throughout the city, with charitable events such as the Christmas Ship Festival, where decorated boats parade through the waterways, raising funds and spreading festive joy.
For those seeking a more cultural experience, Seattle’s renowned museums host special holiday exhibitions. The Seattle Art Museum showcases its “Christmas at the SAM” display, featuring festive artwork and seasonal installations. The Museum of Pop Culture delves into the history and impact of holiday music and traditions through interactive exhibits.
Seattle’s culinary scene also embraces the festive spirit, with restaurants offering special holiday menus and events. Traditional Christmas dinners featuring roasted turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce are widely available, alongside innovative seasonal dishes that reflect the city’s diverse culinary landscape.