December is the best month to fall in love with the Seattle area all over again. The days are short, sure, but the lights are long, the dinners are cozy, and every neighborhood from West Seattle to Kirkland throws its own kind of party.
After 24+ years helping families buy and sell homes across Greater Seattle, I’ve learned that people don’t just buy a house. They buy the Saturday nights, the tree lightings and the restaurant around the corner.
So here’s my insider’s guide to the best things to do in Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland and West Seattle this December. Save it, share it, and go make some memories.
Holiday events in Bellevue and Kirkland
The Eastside goes all in on lights in December, and most of the best of it is free.
Downtown Bellevue
Every night at 7 PM through Christmas Eve, Bellevue Way fills with drummers, dancers, glowing floats and falling snow, whatever the actual forecast says. It’s free, and parking in the Bellevue Collection garages is free too.
My tip: book dinner nearby and get to the sidewalk 20 minutes early.
Bellevue Collection
Garden d’Lights – Bellevue Botanical Garden
Through December 31, volunteers turn more than half a million lights into flowers, birds, critters and waterfalls. Tickets are timed, so buy ahead. (Bellevue Botanical Garden)
Reindeer & Reels
Peter Kirk Park, Kirkland
Friday, December 11, 5:30–8:30 PM. Kirkland’s brand-new winter celebration, complete with real reindeer. (City of Kirkland)
12Ks of Christmas
Marina Park, Kirkland. Sunday, December 13. A 12K, a 5K and a little elf run along the lake. Costumes are strongly encouraged, and judgment is strongly discouraged. (Running.life)
West Seattle holiday events:
West Seattle has a small-town holiday spirit with big-city views, and The Junction is its heart.
Hometown Holidays
West Seattle Junction. Saturday, December 5, 4–8 PM at Junction Plaza Park.
The tree lighting
A night market and live music along California Avenue, and it’s all free. (West Seattle Blog)
Shop Late Thursdays
On December 3 and 10, Junction shops stay open into the evening. It’s the easiest way to knock out your gift list and keep your dollars local
The best New Year’s Eve view in town
Skip the Seattle Center crowds and watch the Space Needle fireworks from across the water at Hamilton Viewpoint or Seacrest Park. Bring a thermos.
Where to eat: three Eastside tables worth booking
December reservations go fast, so book these this week.
Restaurant
Neighborhood
Why go
Kirkland waterfront
Family-run Italian from the Nardone family on Lake Street. Come hungry, and don’t be shy when the singing starts.
La Mar Cocina Peruana
Old Bellevue
Chef Gastón Acurio’s Peruvian cebichería. Bright and lively, and perfect for a holiday group dinner.
Sabine Café & Bar
Downtown Bellevue
All-day Mediterranean from the Ballard favorite’s team, at The Eight. Works for brunch or a nightcap.
Seattle’s holiday classics
Some traditions never get old.
These are the ones I’d put on every calendar.
When
What
Where
Through Dec 24
Seattle Christmas Market: Seattle Center
European-style stalls and mulled wine
All month
Winterfest: lights, stage shows and the winter train
Fri Dec 11:
Christmas Ship Parade of Boats:
The festival’s brightest night, with a free shore party
Evanston Plaza, Fremont
Wed Dec 23
Christmas Ship Grand Finale: the season’s last sail
Departs Pier 55
Through December
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
McCaw Hall
Best December day trip from Seattle: Leavenworth
If you do one road trip this month, make it over Stevens Pass to Leavenworth’s Village of Lights. From November 27 through December 24, the Christmastown festival covers the whole Bavarian village in more than half a million lights, lit nightly until 11 PM. Walking the village is free. (Leavenworth.org)
• Go midweek or leave early. Highway 2 backs up on December weekends.
• Check pass conditions before you go, and pack chains just in case.
• Stay the night if you can. The village is at its best after the day-trippers head home.
At midnight, fireworks launch off the Space Needle. That tradition has run every year since the mid-1990s, though this year’s lineup hasn’t been announced yet.
Watch from the Seattle Center grounds, from Kerry Park on Queen Anne, or from West Seattle across the water. (Secret Seattle)
Your December checklist
[ ] Catch the snow on Snowflake Lane
[ ] Light the tree in the West Seattle Junction
[ ] Wave at the Christmas Ship
[ ] Book the long, lingering dinner
[ ] Drive over the pass for the Leavenworth lights
[ ] Toast the new year with your people
Happy holidays from my family to yours!
Whether you’ve lived here for decades or you’re dreaming about making Greater Seattle home, I hope this guide helps you enjoy every glowing, rainy, wonderful bit of December.
Thinking about buying or selling in 2027? Let’s grab a coffee. My treat.
I’ve spent 24+ years and more than $375M in career sales helping families across West Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland and beyond, and I’ve been a Five Star Real Estate Agent award winner 23 years running.
Darrin Stumpf, Real Estate Broker & Investment Specialist (206) 779-6196 · darrinstumpf.com Where results and experience Matter!