It’s a Very Merry Downtown This Holiday Season

SEATTLE, Nov. 14, 2025 — The Downtown Seattle Association/Metropolitan Improvement District is excited to announce its 2025 slate of free holiday programming. With a mix of long-standing traditions and festive new experiences — including activities at Pacific Place and First & Pike plaza — downtown’s holiday season promises something for everyone.

Holiday highlights include:

• Annual Tree Lighting Celebration, presented by Amazon — Kicking off the season on Friday, Nov. 28 (the day after Thanksgiving) in the heart of the retail core, emceed by Rick Rizzs, the voice of the Seattle Mariners. While Westlake Park is under construction through spring 2026, Westlake Center will host the popular annual event. Expect music, a dazzling light display, fireworks and ample activities from 1-6 p.m. The tree lighting festivities will begin around 5 p.m.
• Ice skating at Occidental Square — Returning for its fourth year, the ice skating rink runs from Dec. 13-21 under twinkling lights. Special thanks to Hudson Pacific Properties for being a premier sponsor of this annual fan-favorite. The extended run in 2025 means the ice rink will be open for consecutive weekends for the first time. Private skating sessions are available Monday-Thursday between 12-4 p.m.; reservations can be made via email. Skaters of all ages and skill levels are welcome, and skates are available to borrow for free. Also at Occidental Square, from noon-6 p.m. on Dec. 13, the Holiday Bazaar will include vintage wares, crafts, home goods and more.
• Pioneer Park & Bell Street Park activations — Holiday decorations, carolers and a crepe station will brighten Pioneer Park. At Bell Street Park you’ll find letters to Santa, poetry and other fun seasonal lighting features. A holiday art walk — with numerous galleries and shops, and a busker performing — will fill Bell Street Park from 5-7 p.m. on Dec. 12.   

New free fun this year

• Candlelight Concerts and more at Pacific Place — On Friday evenings (Nov. 28, Dec. 5, Dec. 12, Dec. 19) from 6-7 p.m., enjoy free Candlelight Concerts by Fever. Plus, the shopping center will play host to Frosty Fun Family Activities on multiple Saturdays from 12-4 p.m. (Nov. 29, Dec. 6, Dec. 13, Dec. 20).
• Pines on Pike Christmas Tree Lot at First & Pike plaza — From Nov. 28-Dec. 14 (10 a.m.-7 p.m.), pick out your Christmas tree, wreaths and garlands at this iconic Seattle intersection.
• Light installations on Pine Street corridor — Spark your evenings with festive lighting installations running along the Pine Street corridor, transforming the downtown core into a luminous winter wonderland between Fourth and Seventh avenues.

“We’re excited to bring back these favorite holiday traditions while introducing new experiences for everyone to enjoy,” DSA Director of Public Realm Operations Owen Harrang said. “There will be festive lighting and selfie stations throughout downtown, creating a cheerful environment for residents, workers and visitors alike. There’s nothing like the energy of downtown Seattle during the holidays, and we can’t wait to share it with you.”

Stay tuned on all of our holiday, family-friendly happenings online.

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About the Downtown Seattle Association

Established in 1958, the Downtown Seattle Association is a nonprofit membership organization whose mission is to create a healthy, vibrant downtown for all. By advocating on issues including transportation, economic development and the urban experience, DSA works to ensure that downtown remains a great place to live, work, shop and play for all. DSA also manages the Metropolitan Improvement District, a business-improvement area spanning 300 square blocks downtown.