Tweet |
2018 Holiday Happenings in the Seattle Area
Our Northwest holidays may be wet, but they’re still bright! Make the most of the season with Seattle favorites—such as dazzling light displays and the Parade of Boats—along with new additions like the “Enchant” event with light mazes and ice skating inside Safeco field. Scroll down for all the details…
WildLights at Woodland Park Zoo
5500 Phinney Ave. N, Seattle, WA 98103
www.zoo.org/zoolights
click here to get tickets
- Dates/Times: Open nightly 11/23/18 – 1/5/19 | 5:30 – 8:30 pm
- Cost: $9.95 – $14.95 per person (ages 2 and under are free)
- Promotion: Get a 10% group discount on WildLights tickets for groups of 20+ (12/14/18 – 1/5/19).
- Parking: Free parking is available at all lots after 4:30 pm (admission at both gates)
- Food: Refreshments are available at food kiosks, Pizza Corner, and at the Pacific Blue Chowder House (with covered seating provided). You are also welcome to bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Special activities: Carousel, fire pits, select indoor animal exhibits, ZooStore, & indoor snowball fights at the Snowmazium
- Closures: December 12, 24 & 25, 2018
Image courtesy of https://zoo.org/zoolights
Winterfest at Seattle Center
305 Harrison Street, Seattle, WA 98109
www.seattlecenter.com/winterfest
Map
- Dates/Times: Winter train & village open daily 11/23/18 – 12/31/18 | 10 am – 6 pm
Winterfest Ice Rink open 11/23/18 – 1/6/19, Sun-Thu from 11 am – 8 pm, Fri-Sat from 11 am – 10 pm - Cost: Free for all ages (ice skating is $2 – $8 including rental)
- Parking: Paid parking available at the Mercer Garage, 1st Ave N Garage, 5th Ave N Garage, and Theatre Commons Lot. Click here for the campus map
- Food: A multitude of dining options await you in the Armory
- Special events: Ice skating at the Winterfest Ice Rink, ice sculpting, caroling, the Winter Train & Village, and more!
- Holiday Closure: 12/25
Enchant at Safeco Field
1250 1st Ave S, Seattle, WA 98134
https://enchantchristmas.com/seattle/
click here to get tickets
- Dates/Times: 11/23/18 – 12/30/18 | Sun-Thu from 4 – 10 pm, Fri-Sat from 4 – 11 pm
- Cost: $19 – $32.99 per person (ages 3 and under are free) | VIP passes with dinner starting at $64.99
- Promotions: Discount days on 11/27, 12/4 & 12/11 | Discount on final 2 hours of any day | Group discounts for 15 or more
- Parking: $8 – $60 at Safeco Field Garages or check out the city’s Interactive Parking Map
- Food: Seasonal food and treat concessions throughout
- Activities: Ice skating trail, light maze, visits with Santa & Mrs. Claus, nightly live music & shows, gift market
- Closures: 11/26, 12/3 & 12/10
Garden d’Lights at Bellevue Botanical Garden
12001 Main Street, Bellevue WA 98005
https://bellevuebotanical.org/garden-dlights/
click here to get tickets
- Dates/Times: Open nightly 11/24/18 – 12/30/18 | 4:30 – 9:00 pm
- Cost: $5 per person (ages 10 and under are free)
- Promotion: Free admission nights on November 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 & 29
- Parking: Premium parking is $5 per car in the Garden’s lot (cash only) as space allows OR park for free at Wilburton Hill Park
- Food: Hot drinks and snacks are available at the Aaron Education Center
- Activities: Gingerbread village, live music
- Holiday Closures: None

Image courtesy of https://gardendlights.org/
Snowflake Lane at the Bellevue Collection
Bellevue Way & NE 8th Street, Bellevue WA 98004
http://snowflakelane.com/
- Dates/Times: Nightly 11/23/18 – 12/24/18 | 20 minute show starts at 7 pm
- Cost: Free for all ages
- Parking: Free parking at Bellevue Square, Bellevue Place and Lincoln Square
- Food: A variety of dining options (from happy hour, to kid fare, to gourmet meal) are all within walking distance
- Special Events & Activities: Ice Skating, Santa Parade & Tree Lighting, Santa Photos

Image courtesy of http://bellevue.com/snowflake-lane
Christmas Ship Festival
Launch locations include Lake Union Park, Kirkland City Dock, Hyatt Regency Lake Washington, Des Moines Marina, Port of Poulsbo, Seattle Waterfront – Pier 55, Tacoma (Dock Street Marina), Edmonds, and Shilshole Bay Marina
www.argosycruises.com
click here to get tickets
- Dates/Times: Click here for the full schedule
- Cost: $22 – $68 per person (kids 3 and under are free)
- Parking: Varies by location – click here for details
- Food: While dining ahead of time is recommended, there are snacks and drinks available for purchase on the ship. You can also pre-order Ingallina’s boxed meals (with vegetarian and gluten-free options) at least 72 hours prior to your cruise. Outside food/drinks are not allowed.
- Special Events: Parade of Boats Night, Kid Cruise, Grand Finale Night
Ivar’s Clam Lights at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park
1201 Lake Washington Blvd N, Renton, WA 98056
https://rentonwa.gov/clamlights
- Dates/Times: Open nightly 11/30/18 – 1/1/19 | 5 – 9 pm
- Cost: Free for all ages
- Parking: Park for free at the Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park parking lot
- Kickoff Event on November 30th, 2018, 5:30-8:30: Music, selfie-station with Santa & Mrs. Claus in their sleigh, official lighting ceremony, Parade of Boats viewing, and a visit from the Christmas Ship and Dickens Carolers
- Holiday Closures: None

Image courtesy of https://rentonwa.gov/clamlights
Westlake Center Tree Lighting & Holiday Activities
400 Pine St., Seattle, WA 98101 (Westlake Park)
http://redtri.com/seattle/westlake-center-tree-lighting/
- Dates/Times: Tree lighting ceremony on 11/23/18 at 4:30 pm. Holiday market Fri-Sun beginning 11/23 through 12/23. Carousel and other festive attractions through January 1st, 2019
- Cost: Free for all ages
- Parking: Access the Republic Parking garage from Olive Way between 4th & 5th Ave, or check out this interactive map of city parking
- Activities: Carousel, Holiday Market at Westlake Park

Image courtesy of http://redtri.com
Zoolights at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
5400 N Pearl St, Tacoma, WA 98407
www.pdza.org/event/zoolights
click here to get tickets
- Dates/Times: Open nightly 11/23/2018 – 1/6/2019 | 5 – 9 pm
- Cost: $10-$12 (free for kids 2 & under)
- Promotions: $6 for zoo members; Scout discount night 12/4; Military discount nights Nov. 26, 28 & Dec. 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, & 19
- Parking: Free parking in zoo lots (carpooling recommended)
- Food: Warm drinks & treats available at the cafe and kiosks
- Activities: Camel rides, carousel, aquarium, Kids’ Zone with animals
- Holiday Closure: 12/24

Image courtesy of https://www.pdza.org
ABOUT WINDERMERE MERCER ISLAND
We earn the trust and loyalty of our brokers and clients by doing real estate exceptionally well. The leader in our market, we deliver client-focused service in an authentic, collaborative and transparent manner and with the unmatched knowledge and expertise that comes from decades of experience.
© Copyright 2018, Windermere Real Estate/Mercer Island.
Puget Sound Pumpkin Patches
Grab your boots, pack a thermos…it’s time to choose those perfect Halloween pumpkins! This year, why not explore a new town and make your pumpkin patch experience a true adventure? All of these farms are open every weekend in October, and most are open on weekdays too. Check out their websites to find the most current hours.
EASTSIDE
Fall City Farms
Pumpkins, cider, mini doughnuts, wagon rides & farm animals.
3636 Neal Road | Fall City, WA
(425) 222-4553
fallcityfarms.com/pumpkins
Fox Hollow Farm
Hay maze, Haunted Forest, bounce inflatables, farm animals, s’more roasting…and espresso!
12031 Issaquah-Hobart Rd. SE | Issaquah
(425) 996-0575
foxhollowfamilyfarm.com
Jubilee Farm
Hay rides, pumpkin trebuchet, food trucks, music, hay maze & hand-crank cider press.
229 W Snoqualmie River Rd NE | Carnation
(425) 222-4558
jubileefarm.org
Oxbow Farm
Kids’ farm tours, hay rides, arts & crafts, climbing tractor, house of hay & pumpkin slingshot.
10819 Carnation-Duvall Rd. NE | Carnation
(425) 788-1134
oxbow.org/oxtober
Remlinger Farms
25 rides & attractions (including a mini roller coaster!), hay rides, pony rides & farm faire.
32610 NE 32nd Street | Carnation, WA
(425) 451-8740
remlingerfarms.com
Two Brothers Pumpkin Patch at Game Haven Greenery
Baby calves and an eerie number of well-attired scarecrows.
7110 310th Avenue NE | Carnation, WA
(425) 333-4313
facebook.com/twobrotherspumpkins
NORTH OF SEATTLE
Bailey Vegetables
Play barn, wagon rides, kettle corn, and oodles of fresh produce.
12711 Springhetti Rd | Snohomish
(360) 568-8826
baileyveg.com
Bob’s Corn & Pumpkin Farm
10-acre corn maze, kids’ maze, play area, big slides & apple cannon.
10917 Elliott Road | Snohomish
(360) 668-2506
bobscorn.com
Carleton Farm
Pumpkin cannon, zip line, hay mountain, kids’ corn maze & giant pumpkin jump pad.
630 Sunnyside Blvd SE | Lake Stevens, WA
(425) 334-2297
carletonfarm.com
Craven Farm
Corn mazes, farm animals, miniature golf, hay rides, espresso (!) & face painting.
13817 Short School Road | Snohomish
(360) 568-2601
cravenfarm.com/fall-festival
Fairbank Animal & Pumpkin Farm
Tiny Tot “maize maze,” hay tunnel, veggie garden & flocks of farm animals.
15308 52nd Ave W | Edmonds
(425) 743-3694
fairbankfarm.com
Stocker Farms
Country Market: 10622 Airport Way | Snohomish
7-Acre Corn Maze & Pumpkin Events: 8705 Marsh Rd | Snohomish
(360) 568-7391
stockerfarms.com
The Farm at Swan’s Trail in Snohomish
Corn maze, petting farm, wagon rides, u-pick apple orchard & live duck races.
7301 Rivershore Rd | Snohomish
(425) 334-4124
thefarm1.com
SOUTH OF SEATTLE
Carpinito Brothers Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch
Rubber duck derby, hay rides, hay slides, kettle corn & corn maze
6868 S. 277th St | Kent
(253) 854-5692
carpinito.com
Maris Farms
Racing pigs & ducks, corn maze, plus the creepy “Haunted Woods” complete with zombies and homicidal maniacs.
25001 Sumner-Buckley Highway | Buckley
(253) 377-3574
marisfarms.com
Mosby Farms
Corn maze, hay rides and fresh farm market.
12754 SE Green Valley Road | Auburn
(253) 405-0711
mosbyfarm.com/pumpkin-patch
Scholz Farm and Garden
Farm animals, corn maze, fresh veggies & preserves.
14310 128th Street E | Puyallup
(253) 848-7604
pugetsoundfresh.org/farm/scholz-farm-and-garden
Spooner Farms
Corn maze, pumpkin sling shot, farm animals, face painting, caramel apples & roasted corn.
9710 State Route 162 East | Puyallup
(253) 840-2059
spoonerberries.com
Thomasson Family Farm
Laser tag, corn box, hay barn, petting farm, slides, duck races, wagon rides & tricycle track
38223 236th Avenue SE | Enumclaw
(360) 802-0503
thomassonfarm.com
ABOUT WINDERMERE MERCER ISLAND
We earn the trust and loyalty of our brokers and clients by doing real estate exceptionally well. The leader in our market, we deliver client-focused service in an authentic, collaborative and transparent manner and with the unmatched knowledge and expertise that comes from decades of experience.
windermeremercerisland.com | (206) 232-0446 | mercerisland@windermere.com
2737 77th Ave SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040.
© Copyright 2018, Windermere Real Estate/Mercer Island.
2018 Football Schedules, Recipes, Tips & More…
Are you ready for some football? Scroll down for printable schedules, game-day recipes and awesome tailgating hacks…
Hosting friends for game day? We’ve got you covered with everything from easy snacks to bonafide Seattle-born favorites…
1. Easy Chicken Taquitos
So quick and delectable, you can skip the freezer aisle and go fresh instead! Click here for the recipe.

Photo courtesy of allrecipes.com
2. Seahawks Popcorn
Just the right mix of sweet and salty, this perfect treat is also a breeze to make. Click here to learn how.

Photo courtesy of twosisterscrafting.com
3. Just Good Chili
Coffee and cocoa powder? This is chili done Seattle-style, baby! Here’s the skinny.

Photo courtesy of thewednesdaychef.com
4. Seattle Dogs
A carry-over from the 1990s grunge era, cream cheese and sauteed onions define these wholly Seattle creations. Here’s how to make your own at home.
5. Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
Need we say more? Click here and let the magic begin.

Image courtesy of allrecipes.com
6. Ivar’s Clam Chowder
A Seattle legend and oh so good for those rainy day games. Dive in!

Image courtesy of geniuskitchen.com
7. Hawk Shots
Fun, festive and easier then they look. This is how you do it.
8. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Root beer is the secret to this culinary gem. Yummy in a sandwich, or eat it right out of the crock pot all by itself…we won’t tell. Here is the scoop on how to make it.

Image courtesy of allrecipes.com
9. Avocado and Black Bean Dip
Surprisingly simple and delicious, this dip is also healthier than most. Grab some chips and check out the recipe.

Image courtesy of allrecipes.com
10. The Paseo Cuban Sandwich
For Seattleites who know the joy of Paseo sandwiches–or anyone who just loves good food–this recipe is well worth the extra effort.

Photo courtesy of The Seattle Times
11. Crab Rangoon
For those looking to go the extra mile, these tasty appetizers will be the talk of your party. Find the full rundown here.

Photo courtesy of allrecipes.com
12. The 12th Man Margarita
The quintessential Seahawks cocktail created by Elliott’s Oyster House. Now you can mix it at home and impress your friends.

Photo courtesy of lakeunionsearay.com
Bonus: Color Formulas for Team-Colored Frosting!
ABOUT WINDERMERE MERCER ISLAND
We earn the trust and loyalty of our brokers and clients by doing real estate exceptionally well. The leader in our market, we deliver client-focused service in an authentic, collaborative and transparent manner and with the unmatched knowledge and expertise that comes from decades of experience.
© Copyright 2018, Windermere Real Estate/Mercer Island.
Kicks for Kids Shoe Drive Now Through August 15th
WHAT: Windermere’s Kicks for Kids event is a back-to-school sneaker drive for low-income youth, distributed through the Eastside Baby Corner.
WHY: Kids from struggling families are in need of back-to-school shoes that fit. When kids feel good about their appearance, it improves both their self-esteem and their performance in school.
WHEN: Formal shoe collection will take place from August 1st – August 15.
WHERE: Windermere Mercer Island is the collection point where you can drop off new athletic shoes or sneakers (youth sizes 1-6 and adult sizes 7-9) or $20 Payless Shoe Source gift cards.
WHO: Sponsored by Windermere Mercer Island in partnership with the Eastside Baby Corner, located in Issaquah, Washington.
Windermere Mercer Island invites you to help in its back-to-school sneaker drive, known as the Kicks for Kids Shoe Drive, which serves the local communities to connect low-income youth with shoes for the upcoming school year. This year, we’re connecting with the Eastside Baby Corner, which is an amazing organization that helps kids thrive by providing resources and essentials with their 51 partner agencies – 26 of which are access to services through schools. The Eastside Baby Corner partners with charitable organizations throughout the Greater Seattle Area and helps them with the resources they need to best assist local families in need.
Help us make sure every child has a new pair of shoes for school!
ABOUT WINDERMERE MERCER ISLAND
We earn the trust and loyalty of our brokers and clients by doing real estate exceptionally well. The leader in our market, we deliver client-focused service in an authentic, collaborative and transparent manner and with the unmatched knowledge and expertise that comes from decades of experience.
© Copyright 2018, Windermere Real Estate/Mercer Island.
Make “Spring Cleaning” A Holiday Tradition
Spring cleaning – a centuries’ long tradition welcoming warmer weather and longer spans of daylight – has morphed into slang for a major cleaning or organizing project applicable at any time of year. So whether you are tackling a deep clean in the living room, or organizing the heck out of your child’s Lego collection, it can be said you are spring cleaning!
As we’re approaching the holidays, a time when we create wonderful memories with our own family, we have discussed with Grace and Julia the reality that not every family has the means to give gifts during this season. So my girls decided that we should inject some spring time into the upcoming holiday season and clean their rooms and donate toys and clothes with lots of life left in them to those who need them
When it came to their hefty stuffed animal collection, however, there was a bit of resistance. Grace and Julia have collected mountains of stuffed animals over the years. Each of these gently loved toys held special meaning for them. While the girls struggled at letting them go, the thought of a helping a child in need made the cleaning project go smoother.
I came across an organization that repurposes those stuffed animals to help those who are facing a traumatic experience. The Stuffed Animals for Emergencies (S.A.F.E) organization, a nonprofit which has a local chapter here in on the Eastside, collects and redistributes gently used stuffed animals for children in emergency situations. The cleaned toys are given to local police and fire departments, homeless shelters, church organizations and nonprofits benefitting children, who then give the toys to kids in need of some comfort during stressful situations.
Once we read about how our wonderful stuffed animal friends could really help kids in need, Grace and Julia became excited about sharing their stuffed toy collections. It was so important to my girls that the animals not be sold (even if the proceeds went to something charitable). The thought that their stuffed animals could make an impact on a child during a scary emergency situation made all the difference. As we packed up our bags we reminisced, laughing and talking about where each came from. We took pictures of the super special animals to cherish our memories of them. I have to tell you, it was a joyful, freeing experience for both Grace and Julia.
When we finished our cleaning tasks, we contacted our local chapter volunteer, "Beverly C" in Redmond, and she responded immediately with her address and instructions. When we dropped our bags off, the girls and I promptly received a wonderful email from Beverly thanking us for our donation. The whole experience was easy to implement and gave my girls the meaning they needed to let go of those special items to make space in their bedrooms. Both my girls and I recommended S.A.F.E to a number of our friends, who have since decided to make their own donations.
If you are facing a similar situation with your kids, because they do not want to let their stuffed animals go, sit down at the computer together and read about S.A.F.E. They have even put together a video to watch that explains how volunteers sort, clean and distribute the stuffed animals. The minute your children can picture being in a situation where it would be comforting to have a soft furry friend to hug, this cleaning chore becomes a win as opposed to a loss.
Another opportunity to do some major pre-holiday cleaning is right around the corner, and it will greatly benefit those in the Seattle area who cannot afford a bicycle. My office, Windermere Mercer Island, will be hosting a bike drive in our parking lot on Sunday, December 12th. We’re partnering with Bike Works, a local nonprofit that keeps bikes, bike parts and bike accessories out of the landfills while teaching youth and adults how to repair and maintain bicycles. With Bike Works kids can learn how to refurbish bikes and in the process earn their own bicycles through community service. Part of that community service involves repairing bikes to their prime working conditions for other children, who otherwise would not be able to afford a bike.
If you have bikes and bike parts, please bring them to my office located at 2737 77th Ave SE on Mercer Island during our bike drive on December 6th. Volunteers from Bike Works will be on hand from 12-3pm to collect the bikes and parts, to take back to their facility in Columbia City. The bikes that have seen better days will have all the usable parts removed from them and the rest of the bike responsibly recycled. Bikes in good condition will be given tune ups and refurbished to prime condition. They will be either given to low income youth through the UGottaGetABike and Kid Bike-O-Rama programs, to low income adults in need of a commuting bike through the Bikes-For-All, or sold at an affordable price at the BikeWorks bike shop. All proceeds from sales at the bike shop are used to support all the programs offered by Bike Works including sliding scale summer camps, Earn-A-Bike after school classes, adult repair classes and twice-a-month open shop time.
It feels so good to enter the holiday season with a clean, clutter free home – especially when you know the items you no longer need can be of great help to someone else. I’d love to hear from you about other local organizations that could benefit from our holiday inspired “spring” cleaning. Please share in the comment section!