The holiday season is here, bringing all the magic and excitement of the holidays! The greater Seattle area offers countless festive activities to enjoy with your family during this special time of year. However, I know that for many of us, the cost of activities can feel out of reach as we focus on saving for the holidays. That’s why I’ve put together a list of wonderful, budget-friendly family activities that are both affordable and accessible—no matter your financial situation. As a single mom of three, I understand the importance of every little detail, from finding free or low-cost events to navigating where to park while juggling little ones.
In this guide, you’ll find my favorite stops to make the most of this holiday season without breaking the bank. Let’s create joyful memories and brighten the season for our families while staying within budget. Happy holidays and happy adventuring!
Dates: December 1st-24th
Hours: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Cost: FREE
Location: Evergreen Church, Bothell, WA
This event is one of our family’s all-time favorites! Best of all, it’s completely free, including cookies, a Santa train, and even a snow zone where the little ones can play to their hearts’ content. You can also enjoy a cup of delicious hot chocolate to keep warm. The event features incredible light tunnels and a festive Christmas photo booth perfect for capturing holiday memories. With three parking lots available and a helpful map provided on the website, getting there is easy and stress-free. It’s the perfect outing for a magical family night!
Dates: November 29th – December 24th
Hours: 7:00 pm each night
Cost: FREE
Location: Bellevue Square
I know, I know, Snowflake Lane is a classic and can be busy. However, I may have found one of the best hacks for enjoying Snowflake Lane with little ones, which can be skipped to make this event free. Have dinner around 5:00 pm at Forum Social House. They have great food and a classic kids' menu, where you will find anything your little one loves to eat. I recommend ordering as soon as you are seated, so read that menu in advance and pay when your food comes. You’ll wrap up dinner around 6:00 pm and come out right where Snowflake Lane takes place. There is no need to fight crowds or figure out where to watch. I am telling you, this is the perfect spot. I found that coming on a Tuesday night is especially great to escape the crowds. If you are looking for a balcony view of Snowflake Lane, Forum Social House gives access to theirs for $25. I find that being right in the middle of the action is best with littles, however!
Dates: December 7th – January 6th
Hours: 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm nightly
Cost: FREE
Location: Downtown Park, Redmond
This is a wonderful lighted art show. It's rarely busy, and you can take your time walking by each art installation. Grab dinner at the Redmond Town Center and walk just six 6-minute to the downtown park to enjoy the view. Before heading to dinner, download and print one of these great coloring sheets for your little one to color. Make sure to drop off the drawing to the Redmond Town Center Management Office for a $10 gift card! We always use the gift card at Brick and Mortar Books.
Dates: Saturday, December 14th
Hours: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Cost: FREE
Location: Downtown Stanwood, starting at the east end down Main Street.
Do you have a little one who loves all things trucks?! Then this show is the one for you. From big rigs, side by sides, construction trucks, dump trucks, and tractors. They have it all! A detailed map on their website shows where the show will start and end. If you’re looking for somewhere local to grab a bite, SAAL Brewing is on the route and has an affordable kids' menu. We will be there this weekend; I hope to see you there.
Dates: November 23rd – December 23rd
Hours: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Cost: FREE
Location: 9701 15th Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98117
This was one of my favorite places to visit when I was nannying! It’s a wonderful spot to bring the little ones during the day and let them explore. The beautiful decorations provide plenty to talk about and learn as you walk through. One of my personal favorites is the themed model train, which is always fun to watch as it rolls along. There are also fun photo opportunities and festive light displays that are sure to capture everyone’s attention. For a little treat, be sure to check out the cozy bakery inside, serving breakfast and lunch. Inside Santa’s yurt, there’s a special area for the kids to write a letter to Santa. And the best part for parents: you can schedule a time to meet Santa and take a photo—no more waiting in long lines! They sell the best cookies if they are within the budget.
Dates: December 1st – December 31st
Hours: 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Cost: FREE
Location: 145 Alverson Boulevard, Everett, WA, 98201
Looking for the perfect place to take an evening stroll with the little ones and enjoy some magical Christmas lights? This is the place. This spot is ideal for families, offering a safe and secure environment where the kids can explore freely without you having to worry about them running into the street or needing to hold your hand constantly. This year, they’re hosting a special Solstice Walk on December 21st from 5-7 PM. The walk features luminaries, music, and Storytime for kids in the gazebo. They’re offering two luminary-making workshops beforehand to make it even more special!
Dates: December 7th – January 1st
Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 4 pm—9:30 pm; Friday and Saturday, 4:00 pm—11:00 pm.
Cost: FREE
Location: Park Rd NE and NE Ravenna Blvd, Seattle, WA, United States, Washington
Candy Cane Lane is a charming neighborhood in Seattle that goes all out with its holiday lights each year! The dazzling displays are lit up every night of the week, making it a must-see for families during the holiday season. This year, they have pedestrian-only nights! On December 7th, 10th, 15th, and 19th, the street will be closed to vehicles, allowing visitors to stroll through and fully immerse themselves in the magic. Best of all, this is a free event. Their annual food drive makes it even more heartwarming; donations are accepted at the Candy Cane Lane exit.
Dates: Now - January 12
Hours: 7 days a week, all hours
Cost: FREE
Location: 10400 34th Ave NE, Tulalip, WA 98271
Tulalip Lights is one of the best light displays; you can't miss it. Every evening throughout the holiday season, the enchanting displays come to life with a vibrant array of lights, creating a magical spectacle that captivates families and visitors alike. This breathtaking display is truly a must-see, inviting everyone to share in the joy and wonder of the festive season. This year, they have added additional lights to make it even more spectacular.
I know December can feel overwhelming when it rolls around. There are so many exciting places to visit, but often they come with hefty price tags. A quick Google search will reveal plenty of amazing activities, but finding those hidden gems that won’t break the bank right before Christmas can be much more difficult. That’s why I’ve compiled this list of budget-friendly outings. These special activities have become cherished traditions for my family, and I’m thrilled to share them with you.
Happy Holidays!
Cheers,
Kyla Lopez
The Nanny Consultant.
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