Seattle Washington Travel Information by ChristmasMarketUSA.com

Seattle’s not just about coffee and tech—it’s a vibrant hub of culture, nature, and yes, some pretty stellar holiday markets. So grab your raincoat (you’ll need it) and let’s explore!

Where is Seattle?

Nestled in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle sits pretty between Puget Sound and Lake Washington. It’s the largest city in Washington State, about 100 miles south of the Canadian border. Picture misty mountains, evergreen forests, and water everywhere you look—that’s Seattle for you.

How to Get There

By Air:
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is your main gateway. It’s about 14 miles south of downtown and handles flights from all over the world. Pro tip: Take the Link light rail from the airport to downtown—it’s cheap, fast, and you’ll avoid traffic headaches.

By Train:
Amtrak’s your friend here. The Cascades line connects Seattle to Vancouver and Portland, while the Coast Starlight runs all the way from Los Angeles. Both pull into the gorgeous King Street Station downtown.

By Car:
Road trip, anyone? Interstate 5 runs right through Seattle, connecting it to Portland (3 hours south) and Vancouver (3 hours north). Just be prepared for some legendary traffic during rush hour.

Seattle’s Famous Christmas Market

Okay, let’s talk holiday cheer. Seattle might not be as famous for Christmas markets as some European cities, but trust me, we’ve got some gems. The Winterfest at Seattle Center is a must-visit. It’s not technically a market, but it’s got all the festive vibes you’re craving.

What makes it special:

• Ice skating rink with views of the Space Needle (I mean, come on!)
• A mini winter train village that’ll make you feel like a kid again
• Free weekend performances
• Food vendors serving up seasonal treats
• While we might not be as famous for Christmas markets as some snowy European towns, Seattle’s got its own festive flair that’s totally worth exploring.

Seattle’s Merry Markets

Winterfest at Seattle Center

I mentioned this before, but let’s really get into it. This isn’t your traditional market, but it’s the closest thing to a winter wonderland in the heart of the city.

• Runs from late November through December
• That ice rink I talked about? It’s seriously magical. Imagine gliding (or wobbling, no judgment) with the Space Needle lit up above you.
• The winter train village is like a miniature Seattle covered in snow. It’s adorable and I dare you not to smile.
• Weekend performances range from local choirs to cultural dance groups. It’s like a festive variety show!

Urban Craft Uprising’s Winter Show

This one’s for all you indie lovers out there.

• Typically held in early December at the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall
• Over 150 makers and indie crafters selling unique gifts
• Think handmade jewelry, artisanal foods, quirky home goods
• It’s got a super local, creative vibe that’s quintessentially Seattle

Julefest at the Nordic Museum

For a taste of Scandinavian Christmas traditions:

• Usually takes place in mid-November
• Features Nordic foods, crafts, and music
• Santa Lucia procession (trust me, it’s beautiful)
• Great place to pick up unique ornaments and holiday decor

Magic in the Market at Pike Place

Our famous market gets a holiday makeover:

• Typically on one Saturday in late November or early December
• Meet Santa and get a free photo (yes, adults too. Don’t pretend you’re too cool.)
• Live music and carolers
• Special holiday treats from market vendors

Fremont Sunday Holiday Market

The quirkiest neighborhood in Seattle (home to the famous Troll) hosts a special holiday version of their weekly market:

• Every Sunday in December leading up to Christmas
• Local artisans selling handmade gifts
• Food trucks with seasonal specials
• Often features live music and sometimes even fire dancers (because… Fremont)

Beyond Seattle: Day Trip Options

If you’re willing to venture a bit out of the city, there are some seriously charming options:

Leavenworth Christkindlmarkt

I mentioned this before, but it deserves more love:

• About 2 hours east of Seattle in the Cascade Mountains
• The whole town looks like a Bavarian village
• Traditional German market with food, crafts, and glühwein
• Millions of twinkling lights make it feel like you’re in a snow globe

Country Village Bothell

Just north of Seattle:

• Charming outdoor shopping area with independent boutiques
• Santa train rides for kids (and kids at heart)
• Live reindeer to visit!
• Weekend events like gingerbread house workshops

Bonus Tip: While not a market, check out “Enchant Christmas” at T-Mobile Park. It’s a massive light maze and market that takes over the Mariners’ stadium. It’s pretty spectacular and definitely unique!

Seattle might not have centuries-old Christmas markets, but we’ve got our own PNW spin on holiday cheer. From urban craft fairs to Bavarian-style villages, there’s a festive experience for every taste. Just remember to pair your market-hopping with plenty of hot cocoa (or spiked cider, I won’t tell). Happy holidays, Seattle style!

Where to Stay

Alright, let’s talk lodging. Seattle’s got options for every style and budget:

Luxury Lovers:
Four Seasons Hotel Seattle: Prime downtown location with killer views of Elliott Bay. The rooftop infinity pool is chef’s kiss.

Thompson Seattle: Sleek, modern, and right by Pike Place Market. The rooftop bar is a scene and a half.

Mid-Range Marvels:
The State Hotel: Boutique vibes in a historic building, steps from Pike Place. The wall of ferns in the lobby is Instagram gold.

Ace Hotel: Hip, minimalist, and perfect for the cool kids. Plus, it’s in Belltown, aka foodie heaven.

Budget-Friendly Gems:
Green Tortoise Hostel: Right across from Pike Place, with a super social vibe. Great if you’re flying solo and want to make friends.

Hotel Hotel Hostel: In funky Fremont, with both dorms and private rooms. The neighborhood alone is worth the stay.

Seattle History

The Early Days

Native American Roots

• Long before Pike Place was slinging fish, the Duwamish and Suquamish tribes called this area home.
• Chief Seattle, the city’s namesake, was a Duwamish leader. Talk about leaving your mark!

Pioneers and Mud

• The first European settlers arrived in 1851. Imagine stepping off your boat into knee-deep mud. Welcome to Seattle!
• These early folks nicknamed it “New York Alki,” meaning “New York by and by.” Spoiler alert: It didn’t quite become the New York of the West, but we like it better this way.

Boom, Bust, and Rebuild

The Great Seattle Fire of 1889

• Oops! A cabinet maker accidentally started a fire that burned down most of downtown.
• Silver lining? They rebuilt everything in stone and brick. Take that, future fires!

Gold Rush Madness

• The Klondike Gold Rush of 1897 turned Seattle into the gateway to Alaska.
• Suddenly, we were swimming in prospectors, entrepreneurs, and a whole lot of money.

20th Century Shake-ups

Boeing Takes Flight

• William Boeing started building planes here in 1916.
• During WWII, Seattle became a major manufacturing center. Rosie the Riveter would’ve felt right at home.

The Space Needle and World’s Fair

• The 1962 World’s Fair put Seattle on the global map.
• The Space Needle was built in just 400 days. Talk about a rush job!

Grunge and Coffee: Seattle in the ’90s

• Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden… suddenly flannel was fashionable everywhere.
• A little coffee shop called Starbucks started expanding. Maybe you’ve heard of it?

Tech Boom and Beyond

Microsoft and Amazon

• Bill Gates brought Microsoft to the Seattle area in 1979.
• Amazon was founded here in 1994. From books to… well, everything.

Seattle Today

• We’re a hub for tech, aerospace, and biotech.
• But we haven’t forgotten our roots. You can still watch fish-throwing at Pike Place Market!

Historical Tidbits

• The Seattle Underground: After the great fire, they rebuilt the city one story higher. You can tour the old street level today.
• The Klondike Gold Rush turned Seattle into a city of men. In 1898, the ratio was 10 men to every woman!
• Seattle was the first major American city to elect a woman as mayor. Bertha Knight Landes took office in 1926.
• The Boeing 747 was so big they had to build a new factory in Everett, WA. It’s the largest building in the world by volume.

Fun Facts About Seattle

• Seattle sees about 152 rainy days per year. But here’s the kicker: we actually get less annual rainfall than New York or Boston!
• The Space Needle was built for the 1962 World’s Fair and was the tallest building west of the Mississippi at the time.
• Seattle is home to more dogs than children. Seriously, there are about 153,000 dogs to 107,178 kids!
• We’re a brainy bunch: Seattle consistently ranks as one of the most literate cities in the U.S.

From muddy frontier town to grunge capital to tech hub, Seattle’s always been a city of reinvention.

We’ve weathered fires, booms, busts, and a whole lot of rain to become the quirky, innovative place we are today.

So next time you’re sipping a latte in the shadow of the Space Needle, take a moment to appreciate the wild journey that brought us here.

Seattle’s history is as rich and complex as our coffee – and that’s saying something!