How many times have you looked over at your spouse on a Friday night, or even after church on a Sunday and asked “What are we going to do today?” If you’re like Angie and me, we never plan ahead but we’re always looking for fun things to do, particularly things that the kids will really enjoy.
Here’s a list of fun holiday things to do on the Eastside. Many of them are free! I encourage you and your family to get out and enjoy the community around you.
1. Leavenworth Snow Train
December 1, 8, 15, 22
Cost: Coach Seating $169 per person adults / $159 children
Premium Seating $199 / Dome Seating $239
**Mention Mars Hill Church and get 10% off!
More Info: //www.alkitours.us/ (Filling up fast)
Each Saturday in December, Alki Tours, located in West Seattle, operates the ONLY day-trip train that goes from Seattle to the winter wonderland of Leavenworth to see the annual Tree Lighting Festival. On each departure, eight hundred passengers board the train to enjoy a catered continental breakfast, onboard entertainment including strolling musicians, magicians and of course Santa. Near the 4000 foot summit, the train will transit Cascade Tunnel-the second longest in North America. At approximately 12:30pm, the train will roll to a stop in Leavenworth.
There is no place like Leavenworth during the Christmas season. The town is dressed to the hilt for Christmas with chestnuts roasting on an open fire, carolers strolling the streets, food booths, sleigh rides, local crafts, outdoor entertainment and more! At dusk, everyone gathers to sing "Silent Night" and witness the lighting of the village as it is transformed into a magical sea of lights. After, you'll reboard the train for a cozy trip home. A catered dinner is served on the return trip and the entertainment continues.
2. Snowflake Lane in Downtown Bellevue
November 23rd-December 31, 7pm
Sidewalks of Bellevue Way and NE 8th Street
Cost: Free
More Info: //www.magicseason.com/events/snowflake.html
This is a must, and it’s free! Every night along the sidewalks of Bellevue Way and NE 8th Street you can experience the wonder of dazzling lights, music, dramatic drumming from live toy soldiers and magical snow fall. Winter characters join in the Snowflake Lane fun including a Snow Queen and King, Sugar Plum Fairies and Mice! Have dinner in Downtown Bellevue with your family, then stick around for the fun every night at 7pm.
3. Bellevue Tree Lighting Ceremony
December 3rd, 4pm-6pm
Bellevue Galleria
Cost: Free
More Info: //bellevue.com/happening.php?id=316
Another free event you don’t want to miss is the Tree Lighting Ceremony at Bellevue Galleria. This year's tree lighting event will feature live musical performances by local schools and organizations, including Clyde Hill Elementary, Eastgate Elementary and more.
4. International Ballet Theatre presents The Nutcracker
December 14-16, 19-23
Meydenbauer Center in Downtown Bellevue
Cost: $50 adult / $25 child
More Info: //www.ibtproductions.com/
IBT performs The Nutcracker ballet in its' traditional Russian style with extraordinarily beautiful costumes and tremendous pageantry including: exotic Arabian dancers, soldiers and mice, elegant corps de ballet snowflakes and of course the beautiful ballerina, Clara and her handsome prince.
5. Garden d’Lights at the Botanical Gardens
November 24th- December 31st, 5pm-10pm
Bellevue Botanical Gardens
Cost: $5 per person / Children under 10 free
Free nights on November 26-29 & December 3-6
More Info: //www.gardendlights.org/
Garden d’Lights festival features over a half million lights which transform the Bellevue Botanical Garden into a blossoming winter wonderland. It’s absolutely beautiful and a great family outing.
6. Bellevue Outdoor Ice Skating
November 23rd- January 13th
Downtown Bellevue Park
Cost: $10
More Info: //bellevue.com/happening.php?id=314
Skate and celebrate at the region's largest open-air holiday ice skating experience. This beloved magic season tradition is the perfect memory-making activity for family and friends.
7. Christmas Carnival at Sambica
Weekdays: December 7th, 14th, 19th, 20th & 21st, 5p - 8:30p
Saturdays: December 8th & 15th, 2p - 8:30p
Sundays: December 9th & 16th, 2p - 5:30p
Sambica Camp: 4114 W Lake Sammamish Pkwy SE, Bellevue, WA 98008
Cost: Free
More info: //bit.ly/SAMBICAChristmasCarnival
Join Sambica for the first ever Christmas Carnival. This is a free event that includes a free photo with Santa (one 5” x 7” & electronic file) and complimentary espresso bar (latte, espresso, apple cider, & hot cocoa). There’s also an inflatable joust - fun for kids and parents!
8. Argosy Christmas Ship Festival
Nightly through December 23 (Book in advance)
Lake Washington
More info: //www.argosycruises.com/themecruises/xmasSchedule.cfm
Cost: $25 adults / $12 child
The Argosy Christmas Ship sails to different Puget Sound waterfront communities, over 45 in total. Choirs onboard sing 20-minute performances to these communities, all broadcast via state-of-the-art speaker system. In addition to good cheer, family, and friends, a portion of all ticket sales benefits The Seattle Times Fund For The Needy, an annual program that raises money for several charitable organizations in the Puget Sound area.
