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Westlake Park and Occidental Square Dazzle for the Holidays

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Couple taking a selfie with holiday lights

Each year, the Downtown Seattle Association decks out downtown for the holidays. And this year is no exception. Last week, we kicked off the season with an exciting tree lighting celebration presented by Alaska Airlines. The evening included live performances by local bands, along with fireworks and the lighting of the Macy’s Star. In Westlake Park and Occidental Square you’ll find  giant light sculptures, weekly live concerts, seasonal treats and a rotating cast of classic holiday characters. The fun continues through the new year.

“Thousands of people enjoyed our parks during the holidays last year,” said Jennifer Casillas, DSA vice president of ambassador & public realm operations. “This year, we’re ensuring visitors and workers — as well as the record number of people who now call downtown home — have plenty to do during the season. If you’re looking for free family fun, great restaurants, world-class arts and culture and unique shopping opportunities, come to the heart of the city.”

Special thanks to MID ratepayers who help support yearlong parks and public space events downtown, including during the holidays. Thanks also to 5th & Pine, CBRE, Invesco and Verizon for their sponsorship support this season.

DSA/MID’s downtown holiday events and attractions include:

Holiday Lights & Delights, Presented by Amazon

  • Light Sculptures in Westlake Park – Through Jan. 7, 2023

Be dazzled by soaring light sculptures and more in Westlake Park this season. Step into and under larger-than-life installations of presents, arches and trees built from more than 140,000 lights. Light displays are free and family-friendly.

  • Saturday Family Fun Day in Westlake Park – Dec. 3, 10 & 17 from noon-3 p.m. 

Westlake Park will be especially festive on Saturdays, with live music, entertainment and activities for all. Bring the whole family for merry characters, an occasional Santa-inspired “snow flurry,” hot cocoa and tasty treats — all set against a backdrop of over 140,000 sparkling lights.

  • Holiday Concerts – Dec. 2, 9 & 16 from 4-6 p.m.

Drop by Westlake Park to enjoy the live beats, harmonies and rhythms of talented local musicians the first three Fridays in December. 

  • Cookies, Cocoa and Carolers – Saturdays Dec. 3, 10 & 17 from noon-3 p.m., with support from Signature Sponsor Hudson Pacific Properties 

Fill your Saturdays with sweet treats, hot drinks and a rotating cast of wintry characters in Occidental Square. From Dickens carolers and holiday mimes to Jack Frost and an Ice Queen living statue, Saturdays in Occidental will feature fun (and tasty) activities for all ages.

Ice Skating Rink – Dec. 9-11, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Strap on your skates and glide across our ice rink in Occidental Square on the second weekend in December. Skates are available to visitors and all ages are welcome at this free classic winter activity. For those in the giving mood, a donation is appreciated. All donations support DSA/MID year-round programming and management of select downtown Seattle parks. Thanks to community sponsors 5th & Pine, Steinhauer Properties and The Metropole Building Project.

Lights Across Downtown Seattle 

DSA/MID is also raising thousands of holiday lights in locations across downtown, including along Bell Street, First Avenue, Pioneer Square and Westlake Park.

A complete list of these events can be found at downtownseattle.org/holidays.