The holiday season is a time for joy, wonder, and creating magical memories with your loved ones. If you’re looking for the very best fun family Christmas activities in Washington 2025, you’re in for a festive treat!
From dazzling light displays to Santa train rides and charming Christmas markets, Washington State is filled with holiday experiences perfect for families. In this guide, we’ll share some of the top activities to add to your holiday bucket list this year. 🎄✨
Fun Family Christmas Activities in Washington 2025: Top Ideas for Holiday Cheer
1️⃣ Visit Dazzling Christmas Light Displays
Nothing captures the magic of the season quite like twinkling holiday lights. Washington State offers countless breathtaking displays that kids (and grown-ups!) will love.
Top spots:
- WildLights at Woodland Park Zoo (Seattle)
- Fantasy Lights at Spanaway Park (Tacoma area — drive-thru display)
- Winter Glow Spectacular (Spokane)
- Leavenworth Village of Lights (Leavenworth — entire town lit up!)
Pro Tip: Bring hot cocoa and cozy blankets for drive-thru light displays.
2️⃣ Hop Aboard a Christmas Train Ride
Train rides during the holidays are always a hit with children! Washington is home to several festive trains that take passengers on magical holiday journeys.
Best picks:
- The Polar Express™ — Mount Rainier Railroad (Elbe)
- Santa Train — Northwest Railway Museum (Snoqualmie)
- North Pole Express — Chehalis-Centralia Railroad
- Christmas Tree Specials — Chelatchie Prairie Railroad (Yacolt)
Kids can meet Santa, enjoy treats, and experience the wonder of the season aboard these charming trains.
3️⃣ Attend Family-Friendly Christmas Shows & Performances
Introduce your family to the magic of holiday theater! From ballet to sing-alongs, Washington offers many festive performances perfect for kids of all ages.
Highlights:
- The Nutcracker — Pacific Northwest Ballet (Seattle)
- Holiday Pops Concert — Seattle Symphony
- A Christmas Carol — ACT Theatre (Seattle)
- Local holiday pageants and children’s theater productions across WA
4️⃣ Explore Christmas Markets & Holiday Fairs
Washington’s Christmas markets are wonderful places to shop for gifts while enjoying holiday ambiance. Many markets also feature entertainment, treats, and activities for children.
Top markets:
- Seattle Christmas Market — Seattle Center
- Leavenworth Christkindlmarkt
- Tacoma Holiday Food & Gift Festival — Tacoma Dome
- Spokane Winter Glow Holiday Market
Look for Santa photo booths, carolers, and kid-friendly crafts!
5️⃣ Have Breakfast with Santa
Many venues across Washington host breakfast or brunch with Santa, offering an intimate setting for kids to meet Santa and enjoy holiday fun.
Popular spots:
- Local community centers
- Hotels & resorts (such as Great Wolf Lodge, Grand Hyatt Seattle)
- Christmas markets
- Zoos & aquariums
Check local listings early — these events often sell out!
6️⃣ Go Ice Skating Together
Ice skating is a timeless holiday tradition and a fun activity for families of all ages.
Rinks to visit:
- Bellevue Downtown Ice Rink
- Seattle Center Winterfest Ice Rink
- Spokane Riverfront Park Ice Ribbon
- Local seasonal pop-up rinks in various cities
Don’t forget to take family photos with the rink’s festive backdrop!
7️⃣ Take a Family Holiday Getaway
Why not make this Christmas extra special with a festive family getaway? Washington offers great destinations for a holiday-themed trip.
Ideas:
- Leavenworth — iconic Christmas town in the Cascades
- Suncadia Resort — snowy activities, sleigh rides, holiday fun
- Great Wolf Lodge Grand Mound — indoor water park + Christmas festivities (Snowland)
- Seabrook — charming coastal town with holiday events
With so many fun family Christmas activities in Washington 2025, it’s easy to plan a holiday season full of joy and wonder. Whether your family loves sparkling light displays, festive train rides, meeting Santa, or exploring charming markets, there’s something magical waiting for you across the Evergreen State.
🎄✨ Bundle up, make your list, and start planning your family’s festive adventures today!
For Other Christmas Events – See this Link!
Best holiday train rides in Washington state 2025 for families!