Holiday Magic Returns to Downtown

The holiday season is here and downtown Seattle will soon dazzle with popular traditions along with new attractions.

The festivities kick off Friday, Nov. 24, at Westlake Park with the much-anticipated Tree Lighting Celebration at 5 p.m., along with the illumination of the iconic Macy’s Star and a fireworks display. The pre-show starts at 3:30 p.m., and local musical acts will continue to entertain after the tree lighting.

Westlake Park will again transform into a winter wonderland, adorned with giant holiday-themed light sculptures crafted from over 55,000 bulbs. Presented by Amazon, the installations, including Rudolph, candy canes and snowflakes, are a perfect selfie backdrop. The park will also host live concerts throughout the season, adding a musical touch to the holiday cheer.

At Occidental Square, our free pop-up ice skating rink returns bigger and better for its second year. Skaters of all ages and skill levels are invited to glide across the 80-foot rink from Dec. 8–10. Occidental Square will also feature free treats, snow flurries and appearances by classic holiday characters.

“We’re thrilled to bring these incredible holiday activities to downtown,” said DSA Vice President of Public Realm & Ambassador Operations, Jennifer Casillas. “Thanks to funding from downtown property owners and sponsors, we’re able to offer all of these activities to our community for free during this special season.”

For more information and a complete schedule, visit downtownseattle.org/holidays.

The DSA’s holiday events and attractions include:

The Downtown Tree Lighting Celebration — Nov. 24, 3:30–6:30 p.m.

This community event is an annual sign that the holidays have begun in downtown Seattle. Festivities start with a pre-show at 3:30 p.m., emceed by WARM 106.9’s Shellie Hart. Starting at 5 p.m., emcees Ursula Reutin and Micki Gamez of KIRO Newsradio will lead the crowd in counting down to the lighting of the tree, which will be immediately followed by the illumination of the historic Macy’s Star and a spectacular fireworks show. Then, we’ll keep the holiday celebration going with live, free performances by the African American Cultural Ensemble and The Jewel Tones.

Holiday Lights & Delights

Westlake Park Light Sculptures, Presented by Amazon — Nov. 24, 2023–Jan. 9, 2024
Westlake Park will feature larger-than-life installations of Rudolph, candy canes, snowflakes and more. The sculptures are built from more than 55,000 lights and make for the perfect sparkling selfie. Light displays are free and family-friendly and will be on display until Jan. 9, 2024.

Festive Friday Concerts in Westlake Park — Dec. 1, 8 & 15 from 4–5:30 p.m.
Local artists will perform on select Fridays in December. All concerts are free and open to the public.

Sweet & Snowy Saturdays at Occidental Square — Nov. 25, Dec. 2, 9 & 16 from 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
Occidental Square will be hit with snow flurries on select Saturdays this season. While the flakes drift down, guests can delight in live music, take pictures with costumed characters and enjoy free treats from The Pastry Project. This activation runs from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Wintry Wonderland Ice Skating at Occidental Square — Dec. 8, 1–7 p.m. and Dec. 9–10, noon–6 p.m.
Free ice skating returns to Occidental Square this season on an 80-foot rink. For three days, our pop-up outdoor rink will welcome skaters of all ages and skill levels to take a merry turn. Skates are available to use for free. Special thanks to Premier Sponsors PNC Bank and Hudson Pacific Properties.