Seattle’s Christmas Market celebrates its second anniversary in 2024, running for a month from November 24th to December 24th. Presented by the same organizers of the Vancouver Christmas Market, which is a nod to the European holiday markets so famous throughout the continent.
I love a good holiday outing – and admittedly, I have never been to one of the original Christmas markets in Europe (though they are on the slow travel list), so I can only give you my impressions and not a true contrast.
Nonetheless, I found the Seattle Christmas Market delightful, and I suspect it will continue to become more robust with each passing year.
There are individual day pass tickets, or a season pass for the entire month. The season pass is definitely the better value and well worth the current $35.00 price tag if you intend to visit more than once. Day tickets average $20.00 each, with discounts available for special circumstances. However, your entry time for single day tickets must be scheduled. Season pass ticket holders may come and go at their leisure.
Parking is also an added expense in Seattle Center, if you don’t walk-in or take public transportation, so plan accordingly. Add-ons to your entry ticket – like souvenir mugs and festive beverages – are also available.
I attended during morning hours on December 23rd. The crowds were very manageable, and queue wait times almost nonexistent. However, visit the market after dark to experience the magic of all the holiday lights and photo opps.
Plenty of delights await you at the market. There is a traditional double-level carousel at the center (rides on this are included in your entry ticket price). Vendor booths scattered throughout offer handmade crafts, décor, clothing, jewelry, and treats to enhance your festivities. The quality offered was quite high and the selection was good.
European-inspired culinary delights also lived up to the hype. I enjoyed a Raclette sandwich – the famous Alpine delicacy based on heating cheese and scraping off the melted part, then typically served with boiled potatoes. I also sampled non-alcoholic apple cider – served hot and quite delicious for warming you up if the temps dip. There is mulled wine and hot chocolate also available.
Local artists on hand for truly unique gift ideas – some creating their work on-site. A charming model train village harkens back to the “Seattle” of old, perfect for the kids or the train enthusiast in your group.
Overall, I would recommend the Seattle Christmas Market. The venue creates a manageable space for crowd flow and control. I do believe the vendors will continue to increase year-over-year. Perhaps in 2025 I will also visit the Vancouver Market to compare and contrast.
Happy Holidays!
