There is so much to experience in Seattle during the most magical time of the year! You don’t want to miss any of these events, especially during this season. Whether you have your own traditions or you are ready to start some new ones, get out there and enjoy dating during the coziest and most festive time of the year!

SIFF Film Center:

Go catch Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory at the SIFF Film Center, going on now through January 2nd. The movie is in “Smell-O-Vision”, which means you receive a goodie bag of fragrant and tasty treats to eat while you watch the most eccentric candy factory of all time! Think of the chocolate river stream on screen, as well as timeless songs like, “I’ve Got a Golden Ticket”.

Holiday displays in Seattle hotels:

Stroll through Downtown hotels, check out the decked out displays and feel the Christmas spirit! Two ideas are the Gingerbread Village at the Sheraton (Celebrate the Magic of the Holidays is the theme this year) and the famous Festival of Trees and Teddy Bear Suite at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel. This trip downtown doesn’t involve any shopping, just relaxing and taking in the beautiful decorations. Also, several of these traditions include proceeds that support Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation or Seattle Children’s Hospital, so all great to donate to and give back.

Winterfest at the Seattle Center:

‘Tis the season for uplifting seasonal spirits! Check out the Seattle Center all month long in December and catch the annual Winterfest celebration, full of fun-filled activities and performances! You will find ice skating, ice sculpting, live performances from carolers and klezmer bands and a winter train and village display. Enjoy listening to live music and indulge in treats in between rounds of ice skating! If you are short on time, go straight to the ice rink for some fun and laughs!

WildLights at the Woodland Park Zoo:

Seattle’s wildest holiday lights festival returns, with sparkling lights and faux snowball fights, Santa, his reindeer and delights for everyone! Every evening in December starting at 5:30, (through January 1) the zoo turns into an enchanted winter kingdom! This is not your typical colorful lights and displays, the celebration is over the top and magical. Don’t forget to take a ride on the old-fashioned carousel, built in 1918, before you leave!

Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship Festivals:

This is must-do activity during the holidays in Seattle! You will be treated to holiday music performed live by the Seattle choirs as the festive Christmas Ship moves through the Puget Sound waterfront, and you will take in the breathtaking lights and views of the city. Try these ways to experience the festival: ride on one of the Argosy boats following the ship, buy a ticket to go on the ship itself and view the performances, visit one of the public performance locations onshore to watch the ship arrive or get on your own boat to follow the fun!

Happy Dating!

-Your It’s Just Lunch Dating Advisor,

Taylor