Clever Neighbors List of Things To Do Around The Puget Sound
Looking for things to do around the Puget Sound this Holiday Season? Here is a list of events to help your search!
Help A Local Charity
Winter Holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, for many, are a joyous time of year. But, sadly there are many who are in need this time of year.
Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission and the Tacoma Rescue Mission are two local organizations who reach out to the homeless year round. If you are looking for a local way to help those in need, these are two great resources. They are always looking for compassionate people who are willing to donate their time and/or money.
click here to see how you can help this Christmas.
Federal Way based World Vision, is a great international option that has local roots in the Puget Sound. World Vision offers a number of packages that you can purchase as gifts for friends or family. They also offer opportunities to sponsor children across the globe.
Looking for a great gift for the friend or family member that’s passionate about social justice? Check out The Nations Foundation and purchase them a one year subscription. click here for info on a subscription to the Nations Journal
The Nutcracker
The Nutcracker Ballet was first performed in Russia in 1892. It’s most famous for its music and beautiful choreography. Do you know who composed the iconic music?
Local performances can be seen in a number of cities around the Puget Sound. Here are some:
McCaw Hall in Seattle – Pacific Northwest Ballet
Federal Way Performing Arts Center – Tacoma City Ballet
Edmonds Center For The Arts – Olympic Ballet
Olympia’s Washington Center – Ballet Northwest
The Nutcracker has been performed across the world for over 100 years.
The Singing Christmas Tree
For over 50 years, Life Center Tacoma has been home to their own version of The Singing Christmas Tree.
The Singing Christmas tree consists of a large local choir. The choir stretches to the ceiling on a set piece, designed to look like a Christmas Tree.
Each year, a different story is told. The production often features live animals, children, adults and a symphonic orchestra. Click here for more info and tickets.
Closer to Portland? Click here for Portland’s Singing Christmas Tree
Leavenworth
Leavenworth is nestled deep in the Cascade Mountains. It is in close proximity to alpine skiing, wilderness trails and wineries. click here for a list of wineries
The city has steadily developed its Bavarian Roots for over fifty years. This is most evident in the German architecture. event the fast food restaurants are themed to fit in!
There are a number of festivals throughout the year including the Christmas Lighting Festival which occurs throughout December and the Bavarian Icefest which occurs in January.
Other events in the fall and winter include Oktoberfest in October and Christkindlemarkt which takes place in around Thanksgiving each year. These are both promoted by Projekt Bayern, which formed in 1996 to carry on the area’s Bavarian vision.
Leavenworth is a little over 2 ½ hours from Seattle or Tacoma. If you drive, make sure to check in with a reputable tire store like Northwest based Les Schwab Tires. It’s always a good idea to make sure your car and tires are up for the winter journey.
If you’d rather let someone else take care of the accommodation, book a tour on the Leavenworth Snow Train. Another option is to travel aboard deluxe motor coach. Check out Clipper Vacation’s Day Trip to Leavenworth.
The Bavarian Village of Leavenworth is a great destination for the Holidays.
Snowflake Lane – Bellevue Square
Since 2005, Bellevue Square Mall has hosted a holiday themed parade called Snowflake Lane. It occurs every night from late November to December 24th.
Popular holiday characters are featured along with music, falling snow and holiday lights. Santa makes his presence known each evening during the parade. Families line up early along the route and disperse afterward for hot cocoa, or a bite to eat at any of the local eateries. It might be smart to grab dinner before hand, and dessert after.
If you are looking for a closer interaction with Santa, his workshop is located within the mall on the second floor. Pictures with the big guy can be had with packages starting at around $24. A number of local schools, vocal ensembles and entertainers are scheduled to share their talents every mid-day in late November and early December. Click to check the entertainment schedule.
Reindeer Festival at Swanson’s Nursery
Swanson’s Nursery in Ballard has been providing the area with landscaping tips and products for years. They bring that level of service to the Holiday months with their Reindeer Festival which lasts from early November until Christmas Eve. The festivities include live music, a model train village and real live reindeer. Click here to learn more about meeting the Reindeer.
Along with a selection of Christmas Trees, there is plenty of shopping. And if you’re looking for the obligatory picture with Santa Clause, they offer that as well.
Special Holiday Adventure Tours are available upon request. These are a great opportunity for children to learn about the reindeer, model trains and Christmas Trees.
If you are looking for a one stop shop to prep for Christmas, this may be your spot!
Visit “Little Norway” aka Poulsbo
Poulsbo, founded by Norwegians in the late 1800’s, has maintained its Norwegian Heritage for over 100 years. In fact, two Norwegian monarchs have paid visits to the City.
There are a number of festive and historic events that take place here in the winter months. Which, may be fitting considering the movie Frozen is based on Scandinavian tales.
Here are some events you might consider in and near the City of Vikings:
A view of the shoreline in Poulsbo during the Holiday Season.
Tour The Lights
During the darkest time of the year, people love to light up the night with their own creative spin. There are many opportunities around the Puget Sound experience well crafted lighting displays. Here are a few:
Zoo Lights – Pt Defiance Zoo in Tacoma
Zoo Lights – Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle
Holiday With Lights at Wild Waves – Federal Way
Garden D’Lights – Bellevue Botanical Garden
Ivars Clam Lights – Coulon Memorial Park in Renton
Fantasy Lights – Spanaway Park
The Lights of Christmas – Warm Beach in Stanwood
Click here to check out some great neighborhood light displays
Seattle Winter Fest
The Seattle Winterfest runs from late November until New Years Day.
It features a number of family friendly Winter activities. There’s ice skating, ice sculpting and a turn of the century train display.
Dickens Carolers, Comedians and more. Click here to learn more.
Country Village – Bothel
If you are looking for a down home experience with a twist. Check out Country Village in Bothel. They have a number of activities each Holiday Season including A Pirate Christmas, Snowflake Creation Station, Live reindeer and activities with Mr. and Mrs. Clause. Click here to learn more about the Country Village
