It’s a Very Merry Downtown Holiday Season

SEATTLE, Nov. 9, 2026 — The Downtown Seattle Association/Metropolitan Improvement District is excited to announce its 2026 slate of free holiday programming. A Very Merry Downtown brings back beloved traditions, including the return of the Westlake Park carousel for the first time since 2019, and adds new surprises, from giant gnomes to a holiday train window display.

Holiday highlights include:

Annual Tree Lighting Celebration, presented by Amazon: The season kicks off Friday, Nov. 27, the day after Thanksgiving, as the celebration begins at Westlake Park. Beginning at 11 a.m., enjoy family-friendly craft making, costumed characters and sweet treats. At 5 p.m., the massive holiday tree and star will be lit, followed by a fireworks show. Tree lighting will be emceed by Michael Bumpus and Stacy Rost of MyNorthwest Seattle Sports radio. Free and open to everyone.

Westlake Park Holiday Carousel, presented by Nordstrom: After a six-year hiatus, the carousel is back Nov. 27-Jan. 3, with regular hours of 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. The suggested donation is $4 per ride and supports downtown parks. Parents riding with children under the age of 12 ride free. The carousel, which made its downtown Seattle holiday debut in 1987, closes at 3 p.m. on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve and is closed Christmas Day.

Pines on Pike Christmas Tree Lot: Returning for a second year at First & Pike, the lot is open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Nov. 27-Dec. 18. In partnership with Seattle Christmas Tree, it offers trees up to 8 feet, garlands and wreaths. Dickens Carolers will perform on Fridays from noon to 2 p.m.

Ice skating at Occidental Square, presented by Alaska Airlines: The free pop-up rink returns Dec. 12-20, open noon to 6 p.m. daily. Skaters of all ages and abilities are welcome, and skates are available to borrow. The Holiday Bazaar on opening day, Dec. 12, runs from noon to 5 p.m.

New this year:

Gnome for the Holidays: Numerous towering 25-foot-tall gnomes, each with their own personality, pop up in downtown parks and public spaces Dec. 4-Jan. 3. Visitors are invited to find them all for one-of-a-kind holiday photos.

Holiday train window display: A new spin on an old favorite, the festive holiday train window display will be viewable 24 hours a day at Pacific Place, at the corner of Sixth & Pine, Nov. 27-Jan. 3. It is free to enjoy.

Sips & S’mores: Grab a cozy drink and celebrate the season at Bell Street Park’s Sips & S’mores! From 4-7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 11, stop by the park for free hot drinks, sweet treats, live music and holiday vibes.

“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.”

A Very Merry Downtown is made possible in part by MID ratepayers. Make sure to stay up to date on all of the festive fun downtown this holiday season.

“Downtown Seattle is a place unlike any other in the region this holiday season with free and low-cost experiences for all to enjoy,” DSA President & CEO Jon Scholes said. “Whether you’re skating at Occidental Square, searching for giant gnomes, catching the tree lighting at Westlake Park or enjoying caroling on the streets, there’s something for everyone downtown this season. Thanks to the investment of our partners and downtown property owners, we can offer these new holiday experiences and long-time traditions to residents, workers and visitors alike.”