Insider’s Guide to Winter in Seattle | 27 Things to Do
One of my favorite things about living in Washington is the wintertime. The air is crisp, and the sunny bluebird days, the cozy evenings, and the beautifully snowy hikes are worth the visit. Winter in Seattle is a magical time of the year.
Seattle is a hot spot to visit in the winter for many reasons. The city is close to the mountains, making it a perfect spot to snowboard, hike, or snowshoe. You will see the glimmering Seattle skyline if you take a ferry across the water. There are plenty of festive activities with magic in the air.
Is Seattle Worth Visiting in the Winter?
Absolutely, Seattle is worth visiting in the winter!
The city’s mild winter weather means you can enjoy outdoor activities or cozy vibes—perfect for relaxing in a warm jacket, sipping coffee, and exploring Seattle’s indoor gems.
Pack a reliable waterproof & windproof rain jacket and waterproof hiking boots to stay dry while exploring. Also, remember warm layers like a insulated down jacket and warm gloves for snowy mountain adventures or chilly evenings.
27 Things To Do During Winter in Seattle
1. Chef Guided Food Tour of Pike Place
Indulge your taste buds on a chef-led food tour of Seattle’s iconic Pike Place Market. You’ll get insider stories, hidden bites, and probably some warm clam chowder to fend off the winter chill.
2. Go on a Winter Hike
Bundle up and hit the trails for a magical winter hike near Seattle, like Lake 22 or Twin Falls. Frosted trees and misty views add a serene vibe that summer can’t beat.
3. Book a Night at Post Hotel
Escape to luxury with a stay at the Post Hotel in Leavenworth, known for its dreamy alpine spa and river views. It’s the ultimate cozy retreat after a day in the snow. You will have to book a room early at this hotel because it fills up quickly.
4. Attend a Kraken Game
Catch the buzz at Climate Pledge Arena and cheer on Seattle’s NHL team, the Kraken. This is one of the most sustainable top-tier arenas. They have great drinks, and food that accommodates many dietary needs.
5. Spend a Drizzly Day at the Museum of Pop Culture
Rainy day? Dive into pop culture with exhibits on everything from sci-fi to Nirvana at MoPOP. The funky architecture is an experience in itself.
6. Embrace the Festive Spirit in Leavenworth
Leavenworth turns into a Bavarian snow globe in winter, complete with twinkling lights and holiday cheer. Don’t miss the mulled wine and sledding in the town square!
7. Rent a Hot Tub Boat
Sail around Lake Union in your own floating hot tub—yes, that’s a thing in Seattle. It’s like a spa day with unbeatable skyline views.
8. Visit the Seattle Christmas Market
Stroll through the Seattle Christmas Market, where mulled cider, festive treats, and handcrafted gifts set the holiday mood. It’s like a mini European Christmas village!
9. Warm Up Like a Local
Start your day with a coffee from a local roaster like Storyville, then lose yourself in the aisles of Elliott Bay Book Company. It’s the perfect recipe for a cozy winter day.
10. Take the Gondola on Crystal Mountain
Ride the gondola to Crystal Mountain’s summit for panoramic views of snow-covered Mt. Rainier. Stay for dinner at the Summit House if you’re feeling fancy.
11. Cheer on the Seahawks
Bundle up in blue and green and join the 12s at Lumen Field for a Seahawks game. The electric crowd will keep you warmer than any blanket!
12. Head to Winthrop for the Hot Air Balloon Roundup
See Winthrop’s snowy landscapes from above during the Hot Air Balloon Roundup. The vibrant balloons against the white terrain make for jaw-dropping photos.
13. Book a Cozy Cabin Weekend in Index
Snuggle up in a rustic cabin in Index, where you can listen to the Skykomish River while sipping hot cocoa by the fire. Bonus: epic mountain views out every window.
14. Go Ice Skating
Glide (or stumble) your way across the ice at one of Seattle’s winter rinks, like Bellevue Ice Arena or the outdoor rink at Seattle Center. No skates? No problem—they’ve got rentals!
15. Drinks at Chateau St. Michelle Igloo
Sip Washington wine in a heated igloo at Chateau St. Michelle Winery. It’s as fancy as it sounds, with cozy vibes and top-notch vino to match.
16. Watch the Christmas Boat Parade
Watch decorated boats light up the waters of Lake Union and Lake Washington during the Christmas Ship Parade. Bundle up—it’s festive, not tropical!
17. Relax in a Hot Spring
Soak away winter blues at Goldmyer or Sol Duc hot springs, nestled in scenic PNW wilderness. It’s like nature’s version of a spa day.
18. Snowshoe on Mt. Rainier or Snoqualmie Pass
Strap on snowshoes and wander through pristine winter landscapes. Mt. Rainier offers epic views, while Snoqualmie is closer for a quick snowy escape.
Pro Tip: Check out REI for snowshoe rentals or any other outdoor winter gear!
19. Seattle Polar Bear Plunge
Kick off the new year with a brisk dip in Lake Washington at the Polar Bear Plunge. It’s chilly, crazy, and surprisingly invigorating!
20. Eat Sushi at Wasabi
Warm your soul with the freshest sushi in town at Wasabi in Belltown. As someone who has lived in Washington for the majority of my life, this is my all time favorite Sushi spot.
21. Take a Glass Blowing Class
Channel your inner artist with a glass-blowing class at Seattle Glassblowing Studio. You’ll create something beautiful—and warm up next to those blazing furnaces.
22. Attend a Concert at the Paramount
Catch a winter concert or Broadway show at the historic Paramount Theatre. The gilded interior alone is worth the visit.
23. Go Sledding at Snoqualmie Pass
Relive your childhood by sledding down the powdery hills at Snoqualmie Pass. Pro tip: pack a thermos of hot cocoa for post-run warm-ups.
24. Wine Tasting in Woodinville
Sip your way through Woodinville’s cozy tasting rooms, where Washington wines shine. Winter is the perfect excuse to linger over a glass (or two).
25. Watch New Year’s Eve Fireworks
Ring in the new year with the dazzling fireworks show at the Space Needle. Bundle up, and arrive early for the best views.
26. Check out Seattle Center Events
From Winterfest ice sculptures to indoor exhibits, Seattle Center is packed with fun winter activities. Plus, the Armory has great food to fuel your day.
27. Visit the Space Needle & Chihuly Garden and Glass
See Seattle from above with a visit to the Space Needle’s observation deck. Then warm up indoors with a stroll through the stunning Chihuly glass art exhibit below.
What To Wear While Visiting Seattle in the Winter
If you are spending time walking around the city or heading out to the mountains, these are my favorite items to wear during the winter in Seattle.
❄️ Rain Jacket: REI Co-op Rainier Rain Jacket – Women’s
❄️ Beanie: Carhartt Cuffed Beanie
❄️ Boots: Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GORE-TEX Hiking Boots – Women’s
❄️ Down Jacket: Marmot Highlander Down Jacket – Women’s
❄️ Pants: Trailhead Pants – Coalatree
❄️ Bibs: Flylow Foxy Bib Pants – Women’s
❄️ Gloves: Outdoor Research Arete II GORE-TEX Gloves – Women’s
❄️ Socks: Darn Tough – Women’s
How Cold Does it Get in Seattle in the Winter?
Seattle winters are typically mild compared to other parts of the U.S., with daytime temperatures hovering around 40–50°F. Overnight lows can dip into the mid-30s°F, but it’s rare to see heavy snow or freezing conditions in the city.
Seattle Winter List Wrapped Up
Winter in Seattle offers a mix of cozy, adventurous, and downright magical experiences, perfect for locals and visitors alike.
The rain might make an occasional appearance, but with so many unique activities—both indoors and outdoors—it only adds to Seattle’s wintery charm. From snow-capped mountain escapades to sipping wine in an igloo or exploring the city’s vibrant cultural scene, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Happy Trails,
Mindful PNW Travels
