This annual celebration takes place at the Seattle Center, a downtown arts and recreation center, from late November through the end of the year. This five-week, fun-filled celebration is open to all ages and features free activities, including ice skating in the 12,600-square-foot Fisher Pavilion, cultural celebrations, ice-sculpting displays, fireside singing and various musical acts, such as the Eastside Modern Jazz Orchestra and the Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra. Pay a visit to the Winter Train and Village in Center House, erected each year. It is a miniature turn-of-the-century town, complete with several different trains, buildings, lights, snow and a impressive model train depot. Most attractions are open at 11 a.m. and close at 8 p.m.
A Seattle tradition for the last 61 years, the Argosy Christmas Ship Festival begins in late November and runs nightly until the end just before Christmas. Each night, the beautifully decorated Argosy Christmas Ship, the Spirit of Seattle, and a parade of smaller ships, venture out onto Lake Washington and sail by more than 45 different Puget Sound waterfront communities. On-board choirs provide a 20-minute performance, which is broadcast out to the surrounding shoreline locations via a state-of-the-art speaker system. Buy tickets to sail and partake in a boxed meal on the main ship, or opt to travel on the parade Dinner Boat, offering a four-course seated meal with private table. Make your booking on a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday night to take advantage of special rates. The ships set sail from different locations each night, including Pier 55, Poulsbo, Shilshole, and Kirkland.
Any time of year is a great time to visit Seattle's most famous landmark, the Space Needle. Constructed in 1962 for the World's Fair, the Space Needle remains one of the most recognizable structures in the world to this day. The structure stands at an impressive 605-feet over downtown Seattle and includes the revolving SkyCity Restaurant, named "2009 Restaurant of the Year" by the "Washington Wine Commission," and the SpaceBase retail shop, selling Space Needle-themed gifts, cards and jewelry. Take one of the three high-speed elevators up to the Observation Deck for an awe-inspiring view of the entire city and the clear waters of Puget Sound. The Space Needle is open 365 days a year from 10am to 11pm. SkyCity Restaurant is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday, and also for brunch on Saturday and Sunday.
