- Destinations
Best Winter Activities in Seattle (and around Seattle)
When I moved to Seattle in 2018, I was told by multiple people that I needed a hobby for every season. While I was hesitant to begin learning how to ski, there was no better area to learn this new hobby as a brave(and maybe idiotic) 30-something-year-old. But besides pretending to know how to ski, I found that if you looked hard enough, there were plenty of winter activities in Seattle to enjoy.
Due to its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, the City of Seattle has predominantly mild temperatures with rain and occasional snow in the winter months. So you can enjoy a rainy day walking around the city with a good cup of coffee or drive out to the mountains for a day in the snow!
Depending on if you’re looking for an outdoor adventure or a cozy indoor experience, there is a winter activity for you in Seattle.
If that sounds good to you, let’s get into it!
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Complete Guide to Winter Activities in Seattle
Even as a Seattle native, I love to plan stay-cations in the city, and the winter months make for a magical time of year!
However, if you’re visiting Seattle from out of state, here are some quick links for planning your visit to Seattle.
- Flights: You can easily fly into the Seattle area by flying into the SEATAC Airport or the Everett Airport. Check Flight Deals Here.
- Car Rentals: For adventures in and around the city, you’ll want a car rental. Seattle is actually not a horrible city in which to find parking.
- Vacation Rentals: Seattle and the surrounding area have some UNIQUE stays. Skip the hotel if you can help it, and opt for a vacation rental instead.
- Best Time to Visit: For holiday activities, you’ll want to visit in November and December, but winter lasts well into March if all you’re looking for is snow.
- How Many Days? If you’re planning a trip for winter activities in Seattle, you will want about four full days to complete your itinerary!
This blog post has outdoor activities, indoor activities, seasonal events, and weekend getaways.
Ice Skating
Ice skating is a classic winter activity, and there are plenty of places to fall on your butt…I mean, have fun around the city! This activity is a couple-hour commitment, and most places offer skate rentals.
Where to go ice skating in Seattle:
There are a couple of places to go ice skating in Seattle! The popular places include:
- Seattle Center Winterfest Ice Rink
- Kraken Community Iceplex
- Highland Ice Arena
You might be tempted to bundle up, but you’ll be working up a sweat in no time. Bring a warm hat and gloves!
Winter Beach Walk
Located on the Puget Sound, Seattle has plenty of beaches. Now, I am not suggesting you lay out for a tan, but walking the beach in the winter is a great way to see some of our local blubbery mammals like sea lions and resident orcas. Walk along Alki Beach or Carkeek Park for some winter tide pooling, or enjoy a beach bonfire at Golden Gardens Park.
If you’re walking the beach in the winter, you’ll want to wear your parka and waterproof boots! Consider bringing a pair of binoculars, my favorite is Nocs, for better wildlife sighting.
Winter Hikes
You can still experience epic views on local trails around Seattle in the winter. With gorgeous trails in Seattle, venturing outside of the city can boast some of the best scenery Washington has to offer if you’re willing to brave the snowy conditions.
Some of the best trails close to Seattle include:
- Discover Park
- Rattlesnake Ledge
- Seward Park
When you’re winter hiking, be sure to wear plenty of layers, including a wool base layer and a waterproof external shell. For a complete guide on how to dress for winter hiking, check out this post.
Tips for Winter Hiking:
- Start early while the snow is still frozen
- Bring hiking poles and microspikes
- Check trail, road, and avalanche conditions ahead of time
Check out this guide for a full list of winter hikes within a two-hour drive from Seattle!
Holiday Light Displays
Nothing sparks holiday cheer quite like a gorgeous holiday light display. One of the best things you can do this winter in Seattle is to walk one of the many holiday light displays with a warm cup of hot chocolate!
The holiday season in Seattle offers a number of holiday light displays, including my favorite, WildLanters, at Woodland Park Zoo. They even have adult nights with spiked beverages!
Some other places with holiday lights include:
- Seattle Christmas Ship Festival, where ships in Puget Sound decorate their boats for the entire holiday season.
- Walk through the Bellevue Botanical Garden’s Garden d’Lights display for a leisurely stroll through the park.
- Green Lake Park Pathway of Lights, where every winter, green lake gets illuminated with lanterns for a night of live music and food! It is a free event.
It is easy to find free holiday lights all around the city. The zoo will even put up holiday lights for different zoo animals to spread some cheer!
Food Tour & Shopping at Pikes Place Market
Visiting Pike Place Market in winter is a magical experience. The market is covered in holiday lights and decorations. The occasional freshly fallen snow adds a picturesque touch to the iconic market sign and cobblestone streets. Inside, the market buzzes with activity as vendors offer seasonal treats, hot beverages, and unique holiday gifts. Freshly baked goods and roasted coffee fills the air, inviting visitors to explore and savor the flavors of the season.
Whether you’re browsing for handmade crafts or enjoying a warm bowl of clam chowder, Pike Place Market in winter is a delightful destination that captures the spirit of the holidays.
Complete a food tour in Pikes Place Market for the ultimate experience. They have a Plant-Based Food Tour and a Chef-Guided Food Tour!
Seattle's Museums and Cultural Experiences
One of the best ways to escape the cold and dreary weather is by visiting one of the many wonderful museum experiences that Seattle has to offer. From the Museum of Flight to the Pacific Science Center and even the Seattle Pinball Museum, there is truly something for everyone.
- Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) – The Museum of Pop Culture is regularly deemed one of the top things to do in the Emerald City. With exhibits about Jimi Hendrix, Horror Films, and Cult Classic Sci-Fi Movies, this museum is a great option for those looking to learn more about film & music.
- Pacific Science Center – The Pacific Science Center is located in downtown Seattle near the Space Needle. It is perfect for people of all ages, with an IMAX theater, tropical butterfly house, and dinosaur exhibit. Pop into the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum next since they’re so close to each other!
- Seattle Art Museum (SAM) – Spend a snow day in one of the best indoor options Seattle has to offer. The SAM is a beautiful art museum and the perfect place to beat the cold. They oversee the Olympic Sculpture Park, which is a free outdoor art exhibit that is accessible year-round.
- Seattle Aquarium – One of my favorite activities in Seattle is visiting the Seattle Aquarium with their newly opened Ocean Pavilion. But bundle up because there are still some outdoor exhibits! The aquarium does its best to create living spaces that represent the natural habitats for the species that take up residence there.
- Pacific Northwest Ballet – The Pacific Northwest Ballet hosts The Nutcracker for an entire month leading up to Christmas. However, they have multiple programs throughout winter; this winter, 2025, there will be a telling of Sleeping Beauty!
Most of these activities can be done spur of the moment, but for things like the Pacific Northwest Ballet and festive events that happen at the Museums, ticket purchases should be made in advance.
Cozy Coffee Shop Experiences
Seattle’s coffee scene is known far and wide. There is no better time to experience the delicious roasts of Seattle, than in winter when you can visit a cozy coffee shop with a good cup of Joe and an excellent book. The greater Seattle area has plenty of opens to choose from be here are some of my favorites:
- Anchorhead Coffee is known for their house-made syrups but they are famous for their seasonal specialties. There are two locations, but their original is the Pike Place Cafe in Downtown Seattle on Western Ave. just north of the main market stalls.
- Aroom Coffee is a Vietnamese coffee shop in Fremont with phin-brewed coffee. The unique coffees are sweet and soothing to the soul.
- Monorail Espresso is a walkup coffee shop that always has fun holiday-themed specialty drinks! It is the perfect place to grab your coffee to go on your way to the next winter activity in Seattle!
There are HUNDREDS of coffee shops in and around Seattle. If you’re in West Seattle, one of my favorites is Ampersand Cafe on Alki Beach. They have a Mac Nut Brittle fall seasonal latte that is a 10/10.
Winterfest at Seattle Center
Winterfest at Seattle Center is a month-long event of live music, performances, and festive food. Last time I was at the Seattle Christmas Market I witnessed an engagement while sipping on a hot chocolate in the tunnel of lights.
On the opening day of Winterfest, the kickoff festival begins with the Ice Spectacle filled with some of the best ice sculptures around the International Fountain.
For a look at the complete events calendar at Seattle Center, check it out here!
New Year's Events
There are New Year’s Events all around Seattle, from the Gatsby’s Penthouse Party at Embassy Suites at the Hilton Seattle to the New Year;s Eve Concert and Party at Benaroya Hall. There are plenty of bar crawls and firework displays around the city.
- Gatsby’s Penthouse Party – Tickets Start at $119
- Crawl ‘Til The Ball Falls SPIN Seattle Bar Crawl – Tickets Start at $15
- Blue Year’s Eve: Adults-Only Improv Comedy – Tickets Start at $50
One of my favorite New Year’s events is the Argosy Cruise NYE 21+ Cruise with a live DJ, fireworks, and plenty of alcohol to ring in the New Year!
Ferry to San Juan Islands
The San Juan Islands in the Winter is a peaceful getaway. Head to Moran State Park on Orcas Island, Iceberg Point on Lopez Island, or Lime Kiln Point State Park on San Juan Island for a short hike. On the weekends, you’ll find that most shops and restaurants are open for business, but hours may be limited during the week depending on which island you visit.
Friday Harbor on San Juan Island is a great city for a day trip in the winter!
Check the ferry schedule in advance because their winter routes may change.
Brewery Hopping in Ballard
Ballard has some of the best breweries in Seattle all in one concentrated area! It is the perfect place for a beer crawl and a beer blanket. A good starting brewery for your crawl would be Bale Breaker or Reubens depending on the direction you want to walk.
Many of the breweries in the Ballard Brewery District are part of a passport system where you can check off each brewery in the district. Grab a passport at the first brewery you stop at and check them off along the way!
Winter Running Events
If you’re looking to get outside this winter for a run, there are a number of races in December!
Seattle is brimming with different run clubs to join. While they are not for me, there are plenty of opportunities for runners!
Urban Snow Day
Snow in Seattle isn’t often, but when it does snow in Seattle, it shuts the city down. The bus system stops and cars become obsolete, giving locals free rain for urban sledding, cross-country skiing, and sledding. It is not uncommon to see someone skiing through the city when there is snow on the ground, pulling a sled full of kids behind them.
Gas Works Park and Othello Playground are other common places for sledding when snow is on the ground in Seattle.
Cheer on the Kraken
Visit the Climate Pledge Arena to cheer on the local hockey team, Seattle Kraken! This new stadium is one of the best NHL stadiums! It is zero-carbon certified and an all-electric arena. If you’re not visiting the Climate Pledge Arena for the Kraken, you can go for one of the many concerts that are hosted at the arena when a game isn’t being played!
Day Trip to Leavenworth
Take a day trip to the Bavarian-themed winter wonderland town of Leavenworth for a day of holiday cheer, German beer, and gift shopping. It is a great place to go at the last minute for the day, but if you’re intending to spend the weekend, you’ll want to book a cabin ahead of time!
Just outside of Leavenworth is Lake Wenatchee State Park. The State Park has some of the best cross-country skiing trails in Washington State. If you’re looking for outdoor winter activities in Seattle, this is one to add to your list.
Candlelit Dinner
The food scene in Seattle is nothing short of exquisite. With countless restaurants to choose from, you could spend your entire life eating somewhere new every night. However, there is something special about the Seattle restaurants that create seasonal menus from local ingredients.
Here are a few options with rotating menus that don’t require a reservation a year in advance:
Le Coin – An excellent place for French cuisine.
Altura – Sit at the Chef’s counter and watch the preparation of your meal.
Maripili – Eat elevated Spanish comfort food from James Beard Award Semifinalist Chef Grayson Pilar.
Some other favorites include Cook Weaver, Archipelago, and Kashiba.
Downhill Skiing at Snoqualmie Pass
Just east of Seattle is the popular Snoqualmie Pass, a skiing area for Seattlies! Skiing and snowboarding is one of the favorite winter activities for many locals. You can get outfitted for gear at Evo or Backcountry! Spend your day at the Pass and head to Dru Bru for a beer and hot dog.
Hot Tub Boats on Lake Union
The winter season is the best time to book a hot tub boat on Lake Union! On a brisk winter day from the comfort of a wood-fired hot tub boat, you’ve got one of the best views of the city. Boat rentals are done for 2-hour increments for up to six people per boat.
Leisurely Snowshoeing
There are plenty of places to go snowshoeing around Seattle. Unless there is snow in Seattle, you will have to drive towards the Cascade Mountains or the Olympic Mountains. I use MSR EVO Trail Snowshoes and find them to be the best for casual snowshoeing with powder and packed snow.
Some great spots for snowshoeing include:
- Gold Creek Pond in Snoqualmie Pass
- Artist Point at Mount Baker
- Hurricane Ridge in the Olympic Mountains
When snowshoeing, always check avalanche conditions and wear waterproof gear! Northwest Avalanche Center is the best resource for checking the conditions of the mountains in Washington in the winter. Check them out here!
Guided Snowshoe Tour of Mount Rainier
Mount Rainier National Park is one of the most beautiful National Parks in Washington, but it is not always an ideal place to drive on your own without chains. Going with a guided tour is a great way to escape the rainy weather of Seattle and experience the majestic Mount Rainier on snowshoes.
This guided tour provides transportation, guides, lunch, and snowshoes!
Tips for Enjoying Winter in Seattle
Winter in Seattle can be a magical time if you’re prepared! Here are some handy tips to make the most of the season: rain, shine, and sometimes snow!
How to Dress for Seattle’s Winter Weather
Seattle winters are mild but wet, so the key to staying comfortable is dressing in layers. Start with a thermal base, add a cozy mid-layer, and top it off with a waterproof jacket. A waterproof jacket that covers your butt is essential for staying dry all day is key…trust me.
Waterproof boots or shoes with good traction are essential for navigating the slick city streets. Keep a beanie or scarf handy for those brisk windy days!
Staying Warm(and Dry) During Outdoor Activities
Seattle offers plenty of outdoor activities in winter, from exploring parks to observation decks. To stay warm, grab a hot drink from one of the many cozy coffee shops—Pike Place Market, Capitol Hill, and Ballard have great options.
Heading out in the morning? Bundle up and enjoy the quieter streets before the rain sets in. Afternoons can be a bit chillier but are perfect for catching a winter sunset. Go to Discovery Park to catch the sunset at the lighthouse.
Public Transportation Tips During Winter
Seattle’s public transportation is a lifesaver during the winter months, especially when you’d rather avoid driving in the rain.
The Link light rail and buses are your best friends for getting around the city. Popular routes like the 7, 40, and 49 buses will take you through key areas with minimal hassle. For destinations outside the city center, keep an eye on schedules, as some routes can run less frequently in winter.
If it is snowing…it is very likely that routes will get canceled so plan ahead and check the weather in advance.
Making the Most of Rainy Days
Rain is part of the Seattle experience, but it doesn’t have to dampen your plans! Embrace the drizzle with indoor activities like visiting the Seattle Art Museum, catching a show at the historic Paramount Theatre, or exploring the tropical greenhouse at Volunteer Park Conservatory. For something more hands-on, check out the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) or tour the Seattle Underground for a quirky history lesson.
Pack It Up
Seattle is an excellent winter destination because it offers the perfect blend of outdoor adventures, cozy destinations, and cultural experiences. Whether you’re exploring the city’s beautiful parks, indulging in Seattle’s coffee culture, or diving into the arts scene, there’s always something to enjoy during the colder months. Winter brings a unique charm to Seattle that invites both locals and visitors to embrace the season.
So, don’t let a little rain stop you from experiencing the magic of Seattle in winter! With the right layers and a spirit of adventure, you’ll find that the city truly comes alive in its own special way.
Now’s the time to start planning your winter itinerary and discover everything this season has to offer. From misty mornings to cozy evenings, winter in Seattle is full of surprises, waiting to be explored!
Meet the Author -
Sarah Borgen
I am an Educator and outdoor Enthusiast based out of Seattle and writer of Exploren Borgen! My adventures consist of weekends spent in the woods, on a hike, car camping, and taking a deep breath of fresh air. When not on an adventure, you can find me in a classroom teaching high school science! I love having a job that allows me to the opportunity to discuss things like conservation, sustainability, and accessibility.
The Ultimate Washington Map
Endless adventures, all at your fingertips
If you’ve ever wished you could access my adventure journals to uncover notes about hundreds of Washington destinations, now’s your chance. I spend an entire year creating this interactive map to make adventure more accessible. You can sort, filter, and explore my notes on hundreds of trails, breweries, campgrounds, and more.
Have a question? Put it in a comment and I'll get back to ya!
Meet the author
Sarah Borgen, AKA your outdoor bestie
I’m an outdoorsy educator and adventure advocate, which is why I’m passionate about creating resources – like blogs, guides, and interactive maps – to simplify your travels. I’m eager to share some of Washington’s greatest destinations and hidden gems with you.
