Other Christmas Activities Near Des Moines 2026

Experience the magic of Maple Valley's Gnometown Holidays, a cherished community event centered around a festive tree lighting ceremony. This heartwarming celebration welcomes everyone to ring in the season with holiday music, special guest appearances from Santa Claus and beloved...

Experience the profound joy and hope of the Incarnation during Christmas, the Nativity of the Lord. This significant solemnity marks the beginning of a 16-day celebration that extends through the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. Parishes across the...

The Seattle Festival of Trees Guild presents its 49th Annual Gala, a highly anticipated event benefiting Seattle Children's. While the gala is sold out, interested attendees can join a waitlist for potential ticket openings. Visitors can also purchase unique, volunteer-designed...

Discover the enchanting 32nd Annual Sheraton Grand Seattle Gingerbread Village, a spectacular holiday tradition benefiting Breakthrough T1D research. Marvel at towering, 6-foot-tall gingerbread creations, each a unique masterpiece submitted by architects and brought to life by Sheraton chefs and Breakthrough...

Experience the magic of the holidays in Seattle's historic Pioneer Square! Join the festive Ornament Scavenger Hunt from December 1st to 20th, searching for hidden handmade glass ornaments. Discover unique gifts in local shops and contribute to the Winter Supply...

Experience the holiday spirit at Auburn's annual Gingerbread Contest! This delightful event showcases impressive gingerbread creations from community members, inviting everyone to admire the festive displays. Visitors can participate by voting for their favorite entries in both youth and adult...

Experience the joy of the season at the Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition in Pike Place Market. This beloved event brings together caroling teams and thousands of revelers to celebrate the holidays and raise vital funds for the Pike Market...

Experience the magic of the season at the City of Auburn's Lighted Santa Parade and Tree Lighting! Watch as Main Street transforms into a dazzling spectacle of lighted floats, vehicles, and community entries. Enjoy live music and the festive atmosphere...

The Federal Way Holiday Tree Lighting 2026 features a visit from Santa, live holiday music, and warm treats. The Mayor will light the tree.

Families can decorate sugar cookies with Mrs. Claus, participate in holiday crafts, and write letters to Santa.

The Seward Solstice Run is a 4.2-mile or 10k trail race in Seattle's Seward Park. The course winds through old-growth forest. A 'Glitter, Glamour, and the Galaxy' themed costume contest is also available.

West Seattle's Hometown Holidays includes a Night Market, Tree Lighting, live entertainment, and Santa Claus. Activities include a Pet Costume Contest and artisan crafts.

The historic Court House Square hosts the Illuminated Ballroom, a free, family-friendly event with performances by Guilded Lilly and Tacoma Dance Studios Belly Dance, plus art-making activities. Drinks will be available for purchase.

Queer Northwest hosts a family-friendly workshop where participants create their own festive lantern.

This is the third class in a three-part series on creating holiday ornaments. Participants will learn beginner-friendly decorative techniques such as stamping and piercing, using stencils. All materials are provided, and seasonal refreshments will be served.

Create a ceramic luminary holiday tree in a beginner-friendly workshop. Participants will handbuild and carve a tree that glows when lit, ready before Christmas.

A free, family-friendly Light-Up Bike Ride tours Tacoma's light displays. Registration information will be available soon.

Families can decorate a 3D cardboard gingerbread townhome with paper candies, painted frosting, and colorful decorations. Designed for all ages, children must attend with an adult. Each townhome becomes a decorated masterpiece.

This observance commemorates the massacre of children in Bethlehem by Herod. Pope Francis' reflections connect the event to current suffering and injustice, particularly concerning children.

This event explores the life and legacy of Saint Stephen, Christianity's first martyr. It covers his final words, his role as a deacon, and the historical context of his martyrdom within early Christian history.

The Feast of the Holy Family honors Jesus, Mary, and Joseph as a model for Christian families and emphasizes placing God at the center of family life.

The Sumner Santa Parade takes place on Main Street. Local businesses, performers, and partners will participate in the parade route running east to west.

Seattle Southside offers holiday events including the Seattle Christmas Market, WildLanterns at Woodland Park Zoo, concerts, light displays, craft workshops, and Santa sessions at Westfield Southcenter.

The Issaquah Reindeer Festival takes place at Cougar Mountain Zoo. Attendees can meet reindeer, visit Santa's house and workshop, and take photos with Santa and his sleigh.

Studio Forma hosts a holiday crafting session with Emma Stimson for creating personalized holiday cards, paper chain garlands, and ink-dyed tissue paper for gift wrapping. Materials, refreshments, and activities for children are provided.

Get ready for Seattle SantaCon 2026, the ultimate holiday celebration! Thousands of Santas will descend upon Downtown Seattle on December 5th, 12th, and 19th for a day of festive fun. This isn't just a pub crawl; it's an annual mass...

Ring in 2026 with Seattle's premier New Year's Eve celebration, New Year's at the Needle. This iconic event features North America's largest structurally launched pyrotechnic display, complemented by a stunning drone performance that illuminates the skyline. Enjoy live entertainment at...

Seattle Center is transformed for Winterfest, a five-week celebration with lights, decor, ice sculpting, a model train village, and live entertainment on the Armory Stage.

Lace up your skates for a quintessential winter experience at the Bellevue Downtown Ice Rink. This popular seasonal attraction offers public skating sessions, with skate rental conveniently included. For those looking to improve their skills, free and private lessons are...

Lace up your running shoes for the annual Christmas Rush Fun Run and Walk! This festive event offers a choice between a scenic 10K run or a 5K run/walk along the beautiful Green River. It's a perfect way to kick...

Experience the magic of the holiday season in downtown Sumner during Hometown Holidays. Stroll along the charming Main Street, adorned with festive decorations and twinkling lights. Local shops showcase their holiday best with creative window displays and a wide array...

Get ready for the beloved Sumner Santa Parade! This festive event brings the community together on Main Street to celebrate the start of the holiday season. Local businesses and performers showcase their holiday spirit, culminating in the much-anticipated arrival of...

Experience a vibrant November in downtown Bellevue with a diverse range of events. Enjoy the humor of 'O Christmas Tea: A British Comedy' at the Meydenbauer Center Theatre, or expand your culinary horizons with a Cebiche & Pisco workshop. The...

Get ready for SeaTac Winterfest, a delightful community celebration! This event promises a festive atmosphere with activities for everyone. It's a wonderful opportunity to connect with neighbors and enjoy the holiday spirit.

Prepare to be amazed by Cirque Dreams Holidaze, a spectacular holiday show that blends the magic of circus with the joy of the season. This dazzling production features a cast of world-class acrobats, aerialists, and performers who bring to life...

Lace up for the Jingle Bell Run, a beloved holiday tradition perfect for families looking to stay active during the festive season. This 3-mile run/walk offers a fun way to enjoy the outdoors and burn off some energy. Participants can...

Unleash your creativity this holiday season by crafting a stunning Christmas wreath. Participants will learn to design and assemble their own festive decoration, perfect for adding a personal touch to their home. All materials are provided for this hands-on workshop.

Join Goodwill for a special Holiday Donor Celebration, a festive in-person event designed to express gratitude to their generous supporters. This gathering at the Goodwill Milgard Work Opportunity Center is a chance to celebrate the incredible impact donors have made...

Get ready for a dazzling display as Santa Claus makes his grand entrance in the annual Lighted Santa Parade. This festive event illuminates downtown Puyallup with creatively decorated floats and participants, all aglow with holiday cheer. It's a cherished tradition...

Get ready for a dazzling holiday celebration with 'A Very Merry Christmas Cabaret and Burlesque Extravaganza & Night Market.' This event promises an unforgettable evening filled with festive performances and a charming night market. It's the perfect way to add...

Experience a magical holiday celebration at the Center at Norpoint! This family-friendly event features delightful cookie decorating, a festive tree room, and creative arts and crafts. Enjoy live music, caroling, and the chance to meet Santa, Mrs. Claus, and even...

Experience the magic of the holiday season at Kelsey Creek Farm's annual Holiday Barn Lighting. Join the community for festive carols, a special visit from Santa, and the enchanting countdown to illuminate the barns. This beloved event offers a unique...

Ring in the New Year at Seattle Center's vibrant celebration! This free event offers a night of entertainment across the grounds, featuring live music from The Blue Wave Band and a dazzling Fountain of Light dance party with DJ Arson...

Experience the magic of the festive season at the historic Fairmont Olympic Hotel in Seattle. They offer a blend of elegant holiday cheer and exclusive guest experiences, including special dining offers at The George and Shuckers Oyster Bar, and a...

Discover the rich traditions of Twelfth Night, the final celebration of the Christmas season. This event delves into the symbolism of the Magi's gifts and the customs associated with the Feast of the Epiphany. Learn about the historical significance of...