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For most, Christmas is one of the most exciting holidays of the year. While traditions are important, it’s also fun to mix things up a bit. Why not go on an adventure this Christmas season, or even start a new tradition?

We’ve compiled a list of the best destinations so you know where to go for Christmas in Washington state this year! Keep reading to find out where you should go on your holiday adventure!

Where Should You Spend Christmas in Washington State?

Spend a Few Days at a Resort

where to go for christmas in washington state

Now that you have some time off work and the kids have a break from school, why take a vacation? Soap Lake Natural Spa and Resort is one of the best places to stay in Washington. Though the resort is known for its natural luxury spa, there are plenty of fun things to do in the cold winter season!

While it’s too cold to swim in the healing mineral waters outside in the winter, guests at Soap Lake Resort can actually have the natural healing waters pumped directly into their private in-room Jetted Tub! The water has some of the highest concentration of minerals in the world, which is known to treat ailments such as eczema, muscle aches, and other pains.

Contact Soap Lake Resort today to book your stay at this cozy Christmas location!

Take a Trip to a Christmas-Themed Town

Leavenworth Christmas Lights by Sam DeLong licensed by CC BY-SA 2.0

One of the most Christmas-themed towns in Washington is Leavenworth. Their Christmas Lighting Festival includes weekend visits from Santa, musical performances along the city streets, sledding in the park, and costumed characters roaming the streets. Vendors sell themed food throughout the town. Moreover, on Sundays, kids can collect free cookies by embarking on a scavenger hunt. You won’t want to miss the Christmas Lighting Festival!

Not only is the festival in full swing through December in Leavenworth, but you can also enjoy Holiday concerts, tubing, sleighing, dogsled rides, snowmobiling, alpine skiing, snowboarding, nordic skiing, and snowshoeing! The Christmas fun never stops in Leavenworth!

Embark on a Shipward Adventure

where to go for christmas in washington state

Christmas Ships23 by Sean O’Neill licensed by CC BY-ND 2.0

For a more adventurous, romantic Christmas, Seattle’s docks are the place to go! The Christmas Ship Festival has been a Northwest tradition since 1949. Seattle’s Christmas ship is decorated with hundreds of shimmering lights to get you in the festive, holiday mood. Additionally, choirs perform as you sail around picturesque waterfront communities and enjoy the ship’s festivities.

The Christmas Ship Festival has three events to choose from: the family-friendly Christmas ship, the twenty-one-and-up boat, and the onshore events that include bonfires, singing, and more! You won’t want to miss out on this exciting Seattle Christmas tradition.

Attend a Local Christmas Event

Lights at Zoo Lights by Camknows licensed by CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Perhaps you want a cozier Christmas adventure closer to home. Below are just a few of the awesome events going on in Washington during the Winter season! Find events that are close to you and make a tradition out of attending the events.

  • Seattle’s Candy Cane Lane: This exciting event takes place on a historic 1920s Tudor-style street in Seattle. Lights line the street, carolers sing, and mechanical objects make Christmas come to life. There are even real reindeer!
  • Seattle Center: At Seattle Center, whatever isn’t free is super affordable. Every year, they have an ice rink, ice sculpting, a train and village to explore, fireworks, a dance party, live performances, and student showcases.
  • Snowflake Lane in Bellevue: Just ten miles outside Seattle is Snowflake Lane at The Bellevue Collection. Here you can experience lights, music, dancers, and Christmas characters. The event is known for its festive parade. You won’t want to miss it!
  • Victorian Country Christmas in Puyallup: Only about an hour south of Seattle, this event brings the classic Christmas experience to life. There are over 500 stores where you can shop for your Christmas gifts, tasty food, professional stage shows at the two local theatres, live music, and classic Victorian decor.
  • Ivar’s Clam Lights: Every year along the coast of Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park, an array of over 200,000 lights decorate the trees and shrubs along the park’s flat water-front walk. Additionally, most nights you can see the Argosy Christmas Ship Parade pass by. It’s truly a sight to behold!
  • Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium: Our last recommendation on this list is one of the best! Locals transform the Point Defiance Zoo into a colorful winter wonderland, decorated with over 700,000 lights! There are three-dimensional animal light displays, 100-foot lit-up animals, camel rides, a vintage carousel, and visits from Santa, who often gets dunked into the aquarium water!

Plan Your Christmas Escape Today!

Now that you know where to go for Christmas in Washington state, it’s time to start planning! Book your stay at Soap Lake Resort, plan your trip to Leavenworth, book your spot at the Christmas Ship Festival, or find local events near you! It’s time to get excited about the holiday season!