Other Christmas Activities Near Des Moines 2026

Spectators line downtown Main Street to watch community entries, lighted vehicles, cars, and festive floats travel past. The celebration includes live musical performances at City Hall before and after the procession. Festivities conclude with the annual municipal tree lighting ceremony...

Visitors can take to more than 9,000 square feet of real ice at Bellevue Downtown Park. The open-air seasonal rink welcomes skaters of all ages and skill levels, featuring festive themed skate days throughout the run. Skates are available on-site...

Visitors can view massive, six-foot-tall gingerbread masterpieces displayed in the hotel. The creative structures are designed from detailed schematics by architects, baked by Sheraton chefs, and decorated in partnership with Breakthrough T1D Elves who incorporate unique cultural elements and personal...

Spectators gather along downtown streets to watch a holiday parade featuring walking groups, oversized vehicles, and floats. Parade participants walk along the route handing out candy to children and onlookers.

Spectators gather along Main Street to watch local businesses, performers, and partners showcase their holiday spirit. The procession travels east to west, starting at Meade Avenue and concluding at Kincaid Avenue.

Visitors can see Santa's reindeer team up close at the country's largest zoo-based reindeer farm. Guests can view Santa's house, the airfield, and the elves' workshop, or take photos with Rudolph and Santa's Grand Traveling Sleigh. The festival also provides...

Visitors can watch the mayor's welcome and the lighting of the community holiday tree. Festivities feature a performance by the Maple Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra, photo opportunities with holiday characters, and the chance to see live reindeer. Attendees can also...

Visitors can wander through the hotel lobby as it transforms into a festive forest of uniquely decorated Christmas trees. Each one-of-a-kind tree is designed by volunteers and dedicated to a Seattle Children's patient, accompanied by an inspiring storyboard with the...

Visitors can browse an evening night market, take in the annual tree lighting ceremony, and enjoy musical performances by local choirs, bands, carolers, and a holiday DJ. The festival also features a pet costume contest, a beverage garden, and a...

Caroling teams perform live along Pike Place, filling the market with holiday music. Spectators can wander the street to listen to the vocal groups before gathering for a stage show and awards presentation. The event serves as a large community...

Participants can take part in a 10K run or a 5K run and walk celebrating the holiday season. The route takes runners and walkers along the scenic Green River. After crossing the finish line, awards are presented to top finishers...

Participants take part in an active three-mile holiday run or walk completing three loops through the park. Finishers receive a medal, sticker, commemorative race bib, and beanie, with complimentary hot chocolate available to warm up. Strollers and leashed dogs are...

Guests can celebrate the upcoming ski and snowboard season with live music, food trucks, and a beer garden. Activities include ski and snowboard waxing, marshmallow roasting, and browsing vendor booths. The gathering also features contests, giveaways, and chance drawings for...

Families gather to celebrate the season with a variety of festive activities. Guests can take part in holiday-themed games and craft projects, as well as enjoy seasonal treats.

Participants complete a 4.2-mile or 10k loop through the old-growth forest of Seward Park, passing towering Douglas firs and Western red cedars along Lake Washington. The route follows a wide main path before turning onto narrower, twisting trails with roots...

Participants create unique holiday ornaments using a selection of festive stencils. The workshop teaches beginner-friendly decorative metal techniques such as stamping and piercing, with all materials and seasonal refreshments provided.

Participants handbuild a ceramic luminary holiday tree designed to glow from within. Instructors guide attendees through rolling and shaping clay slabs, carving decorative openings for light, and adding custom details. Students can complete their tree during an included return glaze...

Families work together to decorate a 3D cardboard gingerbread townhome during this hands-on craft session. Participants embellish their projects with paper candies, painted frosting, and colorful accents along the rooftops and trim.

The Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord celebrates the adoration of Jesus by the three wise men who traveled from the East to pay him homage. The feast day honors the manifestation of Jesus as Messiah, together with his...

In this hands-on workshop, participants craft four unique mosaic ornaments using stained glass and beads. Students learn layout, design, and adhesion techniques on small-scale wooden substrates. The session also covers the safe use of basic mosaic tools, including wheeled nippers...

Participants craft custom holiday cards using stationery, seasonal rubber stamps, inks, and fine art glitters. The session also covers making festive paper chain garlands and ink-dyed tissue paper for wrapping gifts. Light refreshments and treats are served during the workshop.

Visitors can wander the campus grounds to admire twinkling lights in the trees and watch live ice sculpting demonstrations at the Mural Amphitheatre. Inside the Armory Food & Event Hall, guests can view a historic model train and village display,...

Participants dress in Santa Claus suits and festive holiday attire to parade through Downtown Seattle and Pioneer Square. The event features live entertainment, free admission to participating venues, drink specials, and a costume contest with professional photographers capturing the festivities....

The event kicks off with a lighted holiday car parade traveling through Woodin Creek Village and down 175th Street to downtown Woodinville. Following the parade, a festival features hundreds of decorated vehicles on display alongside photos with Santa. Guests can...

Participants can run or walk through Wilmot Gateway Park in a festive holiday event welcoming all ages and dogs. The gathering concludes with a finisher celebration. Proceeds support the Forgotten Children's Fund to provide gifts for local families.

The Federal Way Holiday Tree Lighting 2026 features a visit from Santa, live holiday music, and warm treats. The Mayor will light the tree.

Experience the magic of the holiday season at Kelsey Creek Farm's annual Holiday Barn Lighting. Join the community for festive carols, a special visit from Santa, and the enchanting countdown to illuminate the barns. This beloved event offers a unique...

Prepare to be amazed by Cirque Dreams Holidaze, a spectacular holiday show that blends the magic of circus with the joy of the season. This dazzling production features a cast of world-class acrobats, aerialists, and performers who bring to life...

Experience the holiday spirit at Auburn's annual Gingerbread Contest! This delightful event showcases impressive gingerbread creations from community members, inviting everyone to admire the festive displays. Visitors can participate by voting for their favorite entries in both youth and adult...

Get ready for SeaTac Winterfest, a delightful community celebration! This event promises a festive atmosphere with activities for everyone. It's a wonderful opportunity to connect with neighbors and enjoy the holiday spirit.

Experience the magic of the holidays in Seattle's historic Pioneer Square! Join the festive Ornament Scavenger Hunt from December 1st to 20th, searching for hidden handmade glass ornaments. Discover unique gifts in local shops and contribute to the Winter Supply...

The historic Court House Square hosts the Illuminated Ballroom, a free, family-friendly event with performances by Guilded Lilly and Tacoma Dance Studios Belly Dance, plus art-making activities. Drinks will be available for purchase.

A free, family-friendly Light-Up Bike Ride tours Tacoma's light displays. Registration information will be available soon.

Unleash your creativity this holiday season by crafting a stunning Christmas wreath. Participants will learn to design and assemble their own festive decoration, perfect for adding a personal touch to their home. All materials are provided for this hands-on workshop.

Families can decorate sugar cookies with Mrs. Claus, participate in holiday crafts, and write letters to Santa.

Ring in the New Year at Seattle Center's vibrant celebration! This free event offers a night of entertainment across the grounds, featuring live music from The Blue Wave Band and a dazzling Fountain of Light dance party with DJ Arson...

Ring in 2026 with Seattle's premier New Year's Eve celebration, New Year's at the Needle. This iconic event features North America's largest structurally launched pyrotechnic display, complemented by a stunning drone performance that illuminates the skyline. Enjoy live entertainment at...

Experience the magic of the festive season at the historic Fairmont Olympic Hotel in Seattle. They offer a blend of elegant holiday cheer and exclusive guest experiences, including special dining offers at The George and Shuckers Oyster Bar, and a...