25 Things to Do in Seattle in Winter (A Local’s Guide)
One of my favorite things about growing up in Washington State has been how much there is to do during each season.
Seattle in the winter is a rad place to visit for those who want the crisp air near the ocean, sunny bluebird days (yes, Washington does get sun), cozy evenings, and epic powder days on nearby mountains.
Seattle is a hot spot to visit year-round, but I truly think that the winter is underrated. The city is close to the mountains, making it a perfect spot to snowboard, hike, or snowshoe.
Downtown Seattle is located on the water, where you can take a ferry across and see the glimmery Seattle skyline. And a few of the reasons people visit are for the festive events, local shops, Pike Place Market, and more!
Winter in Seattle is truly a magical time of the year.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Travel Resources You’ll Love:
⭐️ GetYourGuide: Book for tours, attractions, & activities
⭐️ VRBO: Book for unique stays, entire apartments, rooms, & more
⭐️ Booking.com: Book hotels, flights, airport taxis, & more
25 Things To Do During Winter in Seattle
1. Chef Guided Food Tour of Pike Place
As a foodie, I love to explore local and traditional food everywhere I visit. One of the best ways to taste Seatte’s iconic foods are chef-led food tours at Pike Place Market.
You’ll get insider stories, hidden bites, warm clam chowder, and melt-in-your-mouth pastries. and probably some warm clam chowder to fend off the winter chill.
P.S. Don’t skip Beecher’s Handmade Cheese for mac and cheese! I’ve had many friends visit and always say that they want to make sure we have this on their Seattle itinerary.
2. Go on a Winter Hike
Bundle up and hit the trails for a magical winter hike near Seattle, such as Lake 22 or Twin Falls. In the winter the trails are quieter with snow-dusted trees and a fairytale like feeling.
As someone who is born and raised in the greater Seattle area, I’ve loved finding unique places to hike that are a bit off the beaten path. Plus, my dog loves to hike, so I love to find ones that are dog-friendly.
If you prefer to stay in the city of Seattle, a causal hike through Discovery Park is one of the best spots in the area. It’s the largest green space in Seattle and has sea cliffs and beach views. The Loop Trail and West Point Lighthouse area are especially peaceful in the cooler months, when the park feels like your own private escape.
3. Take a Ferry Ride to Bainbridge Island
Hop on a short 35-minute ferry ride across Elliott Bay where you can visit the quaint Bainbridge Island. This has been another hot thing to do while my friends visit because they love that the ferries here allow passengers, as well as cars. So if you have a rental car, feel free to drive on!
This is also one of my favorite views of Seattle’s skyline, especially when I hop on an evening ferry back from Bainbridge Island to see the twinkling lights of the city reflecting off the water.
Tip: Check the ferry hours ahead of time due to seasonal hours. I’d also recommend booking a spot for the ferry you want to take to ensure you have a slot on the boat.
When you arrive at the island, there are a lot of boutiques and cozy cafés like Blackbird Bakery, in the downtown area. After shopping or taking a stroll around the area, visit Bainbridge Bistro for tapas and wine.
4. Attend a Kraken Game
Seattle is a huge sports city and the winter has some of the most electric games of the year! The Climate Pledge Arena is where the Seattle Kraken play and even if you’re not a hockey fan, it’s still a really fun experience!
This is one of the most sustainable top-tier arenas. They have great drinks, and food that accommodates many dietary needs. I’m gluten-free and it’s one of the easiest arenas/stadiums I’ve been able to eat at.
5. Take a Winter Waterfront Stroll
The Seattle waterfront is calmer in winter, which makes it perfect for a relaxed walk. Start at Olympic Sculpture Park, wander along the piers, and stop for hot chowder at Ivar’s or a latte at Elm Coffee Roasters nearby.
6. Take a Weekend Getaway to Leavenworth
Round out your Seattle winter trip with a quick escape to Leavenworth, a Bavarian-style mountain town about two hours away. It can be done as a day trip or an overnight trip, however, I recommend staying the night so you’re not in a rush.
During December, the village glows with Christmas lights, carolers, and mulled wine. In Jaunary and February, it’s still a sought after retreat that is perfect for couples, families, or a group of friends.
Leavenworth is one of my favorite areas in Washington for the charm of the village, epic nearby hiking, and close to ski resorts. Plus, there are some great wineries here.
⭐️ Related Post:
Cozy Cabins Near Leavenworth, WA with Hot Tubs (Winter 2025)
7. Rent a Hot Tub Boat
If there’s one winter activity in Seattle that perfectly captures the city’s quirky, cozy spirit, it’s cruising Lake Union in a floating hot tub.
Yes, it’s real, a private, wood-fired hot tub boat where you can soak while taking in skyline views of the Space Needle, Gas Works Park, and the city’s houseboats.
The boats are easy to operate, no boating license required, and can fit small groups, making it ideal for couples or friends looking for something different to do on a chilly afternoon.
Bring a few towels, your favorite playlist (they have Bluetooth), and a thermos of cocoa or local cider for the ultimate winter vibe.
8. Visit the Seattle Christmas Market
Get into the holiday spirit at the Seattle Christmas Market, where twinkling lights, mulled cider, and handmade gifts create a cozy European-village feel right at Seattle Center.
Stroll between wooden chalets, sip glühwein or hot cocoa, and listen to live carolers as the city sparkles around you. This joyful atmosphere is one of the city’s most charming winter traditions.
9. Explore Local Bookstores and Record Shops
Rainy Seattle days are made for cozy browsing, and the city’s indie shops deliver. When it’s gray outside, you’ll more than likely see Seattleites tuck into local shops.
Wander through Elliott Bay Book Company in Capitol Hill, its creaky floors and tucked-away reading nooks feel like a retreat from the drizzle. Or flip through vinyl at Easy Street Records in West Seattle, where there’s always good music and a café to linger in.
10. Take the Gondola on Crystal Mountain
For one of Washington’s most breathtaking winter views, ride the Crystal Mountain Gondola to the summit for jaw-dropping views of Mount Rainier. I hadn’t done this till a few years ago, and now I go fairly often.
If you ski, Crystal Mountain is one of the best in the area. Even if you’re not skiing, the ride alone is worth it.
And if you’re in the mood to linger, grab dinner or a hot drink at Summit House Restaurant, the highest-elevation restaurant in the state. The sunset views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding mountains are beyond beautiful.
11. Book a Cozy Cabin Weekend in Index
Escape the city and spend a winter weekend tucked away in a cabin in Index, a small mountain town just an hour from Seattle. The sound of the Skykomish River and views of jagged Cascade peaks make it the perfect place to slow down, sip cocoa by the fire, and watch snow fall outside your window.
Check out spots like the Cozy A-Frame Cabin on the River or a Riverfront Getaway for that classic Pacific Northwest cabin feel.
⭐️ Related Post:
Cool & Unique Places to Stay in Washington (By a Local)
12. Go Ice Skating
Even though we don’t always get snow in the city, winter in Seattle still brings its sparkle, and one of them is ice skating.
Glide (or wobble) your way across seasonal rinks like the Bellevue Downtown Ice Rink, surrounde by twinkling lights and laughter. No skates? No problem, they’ve got rentals!
13. Sip Wine in a Heated Igloo at Chateau Ste. Michelle
Winter wine tasting doesn’t get cozier than this. Head to Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville and settle into one of their heated igloos, complete with string lights, blankets, and Washington’s best vintages.
It’s elegant, intimate, and ideal for a cold-weather date or a weekend outing with friends.
14. Watch the Christmas Ship Parade of Lights
A Seattle holiday tradition since 1949, the Christmas Ship Parade lights up Lake Union and Lake Washington with beautifully decorated boats.
Bundle up, grab a thermos, and watch the glowing flotilla from parks like Gas Works, Madrona Beach, or Kirkland Marina Park. You can even book a ride on one of the lead ships for front-row carols on the water.
15. Chase Winter Sunsets Around the City
Shorter winter days mean early sunsets, and softer, more dramatic light. Head to Alki Beach or Golden Gardens Park around 4 p.m. to watch the sky turn pink over the Sound, or catch the skyline glow from Kerry Park as city lights flicker on.
The light is different: softer, more diffused, and it gives you an image of Seattle you won’t see in high summer.
16. Snowshoe on Mt. Rainier or Snoqualmie Pass
When you’re craving real snow, head to Mount Rainier National Park or Snoqualmie Pass for a snowshoeing adventure through quiet alpine forests. Rent gear from REI or a local outfitter, pack layers, and set out early for the best conditions.
It’s a refreshing way to trade city drizzle for mountain powder, no lift ticket required.
17. Take the Polar Bear Plunge
Start the new year with an adrenaline rush at the Seattle Polar Bear Plunge, where hundreds of brave souls run into Lake Washington on January 1. It’s cold, chaotic, and fun, and bragging rights are guaranteed.
18. Eat Sushi at Wasabi in Belltown
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.
The creative rolls, cozy atmosphere, and consistently top-notch fish make it a must-visit. Grab a seat at the bar and order the “Wasabi Roll” or a warm bowl of miso soup for those extra chilly days.
19. Take a Glass Blowing Class
Warm up next to a glowing furnace while creating your own glass art at Seattle Glassblowing Studio.
Knowledgeable instructors guide you through shaping molten glass into bowls and other options. I loved how hands-on this class was. It let me channel my inner creativity by picking what colors I wanted my bowl and it has a lovely spot on my bookshelf.
20. Attend a Concert at the Paramount
Step into old-world elegance at the Paramount Theatre, where gilded ceilings and velvet seats set the stage for Broadway hits, concerts, and comedy shows.
Even if you’re not sure what’s playing, checking the calendar during winter is always worth it. I saw a concert there a couple of years ago and it’s been one of my favorite concert venues since!
21. Plan a Snow Day at Snoqualmie Pass
Only about an hour from the city, Snoqualmie Pass offers skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and tubing. Beginners can take lessons at Summit West, while families love the tubing hill at Summit Central.
Afterward, warm up with a drink from the lodge or stop at North Bend Bar & Grill on the way home.
Tip: Always check the pass report before you go for road and weather updates.
22. Go Brewery or Cider House Hopping
Seattle’s craft beverage scene thrives in winter. Check out Reuben’s Brews or Stoup Brewing in Ballard for rich winter ales, or visit Schilling Cider House for dozens of ciders on tap.
Many spots have heated patios or fireplaces for a relaxed evening out.
23. Watch the New Year’s Eve Fireworks
Ring in the new year under the iconic Space Needle fireworks show, one of Seattle’s most spectacular events.
Arrive early to find a good viewing spot at Kerry Park, Gas Works Park, or South Lake Union Park. Watching fireworks near the water means a bit colder temperatures, so make sure to bundle up to stay warm during this celebration.
24. Check Out Winter Events at Seattle Center
Seattle Center was one of my favorite spots to visit when I was younger, making it a great place for children and adults. The Winterfest ice sculptures, cultural performances, and indoor exhibits throughout the season make it extra special.
Between events, warm up inside the Armory, where local vendors serve everything from dumplings to microbrews.
25. Visit the Space Needle & Chihuly Garden and Glass
Seattle’s museums are a perfect way to escape the cold during the winter. Start with Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), it’s colorful, immersive, and shows off everything between Seattle’s iconic grunge scene, sci-fi, and film exhibits.
Next, head to Chihuly Garden and Glass, where glowing glass sculptures transform the gray light outside into explosions of color. Across the street, the Pacific Science Center is fun for families, and the Seattle Art Museum downtown has rotating exhibits that’ll keep art lovers happy for hours.
What To Pack for Winter in Seattle
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:
✔️ Down Jacket: Marmot Highlander Down Jacket – Women’s
✔️ Rain Jacket: REI Co-op Rainier Rain Jacket – Women’s
✔️ Water Resistant Pants: Trailhead Pants – Coalatree
✔️ Boots: Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GORE-TEX Hiking Boots – Women’s
✔️ Socks: Darn Tough – Women’s
✔️ Beanie: Carhartt Cuffed Beanie
✔️ Gloves: Outdoor Research Arete II GORE-TEX Gloves – Women’s
✔️ Insulated Water Bottle: 32 oz Thermal Mug
✔️ Swimsuit: Aerie
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.
Conclusion:Things to Do in Seattle in Winter
Winter in Seattle is calm, cozy, and quietly beautiful. Without the summer crowds, it’s the perfect time to slow down, grab a coffee by a fogged-up window, explore local shops, or unwind by a fireplace at a neighborhood brewery.
From snow-capped mountain escapes to sipping wine in a heated igloo or gliding across an ice rink under city lights, there are endless things to do in Seattle in winter.
Happy Trails,
Mindful PNW Travels
