News
A Very Merry Downtown Holiday Season Returns
Posted on
Giddy up! The Westlake Park Holiday Carousel is back for the first time since 2019 and is sure to be the mane event of the 2026 holiday season.
Presented by Nordstrom, the carousel runs from Nov.27-Jan. 3, highlighting a full season of festive activations throughout the heart of the city. The carousel made its downtown Seattle holiday debut in 1987.
A Very Merry Downtown, made possible in part by MID ratepatayers, kicks off on Nov. 27 — the day after Thanksgiving — with the annual Tree Lighting Celebration at Westlake Park, presented by Amazon. Family-friendly craft making, costumed characters and sweet treats start at 11 a.m. At 5 p.m., the massive holiday tree and star will be lit, followed by a fireworks show. The tree lighting will be emceed by Michael Bumpus and Stacy Rost of MyNorthwest Seattle Sports radio. The event is free and open to everyone.
Also on Nov. 27, the Pines on Pike Christmas Tree Lot returns to First & Pike, open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Dec. 18.
Then, from Dec. 12-20, the popular ice skating rink returns to Occidental Square, presented by Alaska Airlines, open noon to 6 p.m. daily, and free to all, with a festive market on opening day.
In an exciting, larger-than-life twist on the holiday season this year, check out numerous giant, 25-foot-tall gnomes, each with their own personality, throughout the city center from Dec. 4-Jan. 2. Visitors are invited to find them all for one-of-a-kind holiday photos.
And that’s not all. Sips & S’mores on Bell Street, the return of Occidental Square Holiday Bazaar, an interactive train window display at Pacific Place and much more will fill downtown with cheer.
“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.”
There’s much more happening this holiday season in downtown. Don’t miss it!