Do you live in the Seattle area, or do you plan on visiting this holiday season? If so, take advantage of your time in the area with Seattle’s many upcoming festivals and activities. Before the New Year kicks in, bundle up and get ready to embrace the weather and fun in this big city on the water.

1. The Bellevue Street Show

For a family-friendly experience, come out and enjoy the crowds at the Bellevue Street Show. Running from Nov. 24 to Dec. 24, you’ll see magnificent lights amidst the snowfall, music, and dancing that can be witnessed all along Snowflake Lane. The show begins at Bellevue Way between N.E. 4^th and N. E. 8^th. It’s an event that’s free for all.

2.  Visit the Ballet

Those who love the holiday favorite “George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker” will be happy to know that it’s coming to Seattle from Nov. 24 to Dec. 28, a sprawling amount of time that affords plenty of opportunities to check out the live music and fantastic set and costume design. It’s being put on by the Pacific Northwest Ballet. Witness its extravagance at McCaw Hall.

3. Activities at the Seattle Center

The Seattle Center offers Winterfest this year, a festival that runs from Nov.  24 to Jan. 1, with an exciting diversity of exhibitions to pursue. One of the perks of attending this event is the ability to truly pick and choose among activities. There is something for everybody to enjoy, from watching folk dancers to playing with model trains and checking out ice  sculptures. Skating is available for a fee at the Fisher Pavilion, which is lots of fun for the whole family.

4. Victorian Christmas

Have you ever sought truly special gifts for your loved ones, but felt disappointed when looking at the shopping mall or a department store? Enjoy the festivities of A Victorian Country Christmas, an event that offers a diverse 500 exhibits. Enjoy shopping at vendors who sell beautiful goods that can fulfill all the items on your gift list. Sift through the unique art, jewelry, décor, and clothing. Even toys and gadgets are available on this exciting day. A Victorian Country Christmas has 500 booths with artisans in Victorian costumes at the Washington State Fair Events Center in Puyallup from Nov. 29 to Dec. 3.

5. Christmas Ship Festival

Take part in a beautiful and truly different holiday celebration on Lake Washington and Puget Sound. From Dec.1-23, you can ride on the Christmas Ship or one of the follow boats while you listen to choir performances.  You can also take in the excitement by watching from the shore as the Christmas Ship Festival ensues. There’s nothing like a holiday on the water during Seattle’s most spirited time of year. If you’re planning on being in the Seattle region before the holiday, you will truly enjoy a variety of excursions to select from. Stay warm at the ballet or pile on clothes   Image by igorovsyannykov, used under CCO 1.0