19 Fun Things to Do in Seattle in Winter in 2023

While it may be a tad rainier and colder, winter in Seattle is a fun time to explore the city. There are many fun things to do in Seattle in winter both indoors and outdoors, so you’ll find plenty to do during this season.

As a long-time local, I’ve experienced dozens of winters and keep finding new Seattle winter activities to do each year. Hiking and snowshoeing are now some of my favorite things to do during a Seattle winter, but I also enjoy attending all the holiday festivities.

Whether you’re visiting Seattle in the winter as someone from out of town or are a local looking for new activities, here are some tips for visiting and activities to do in Seattle during winter.

This post was updated in October 2022.

Winter in Seattle Travel Tips

Here are a few tips to help you plan your trip during winter in Seattle, whether you’re looking for a quick day trip near Seattle or here for the weekend.

Seattle in the Winter Weather

First off, let’s talk about Seattle’s weather in the winter. The first question I always get from my readers is how much it rains. Yes, the winter weather in Seattle has more rain and is more grey than the rest of the year, but it’s not that bad.

The second question I tend to get is does it snow in Seattle, and the answer is yes. We tend to only get a few inches of snow during this time of year, but you can head to one of the many mountains around the state to get your fix of flurries.

We don’t often get multiple days in a row where it’s pouring rain, and it might just drizzle for part of the day. When the sun does come out during the winter, it makes for some beautiful days when many locals still get outside. That means you don’t have to worry about what to do in Seattle in the winter since you can still go outdoors.

Seattle in November

(Yes, I know that November is still technically fall, but many of us consider it winter around here.) For Seattle in November, the average low is 40°F, while the average high is 50°F. It rains about half the month, and there are still dry and sunny days to get out and enjoy the outdoors.

Seattle in December

For December in Seattle, the average low is 39°, and the average high is 46°. While it’s colder and rainy, there are many fun Christmas activities to participate in and distract you from the weather.

Seattle in January

For January in Seattle, the average low is 36°, and the average high is 46°. This is the coldest month we typically have, so bundle up, grab some hot chocolate, and participate in the many indoor activities in the area.

Seattle in February

For February in Seattle, the average low is 40°, and the average high is 49°. Ironically, this always seems to be the time it snows, as it’s starting to get warmer and we get closer to spring.

What to Pack for Winter in Seattle

Add these items to your packing list for what to wear in Seattle in the winter.

• Rain jacket – It’s not a surprise that it rains in Seattle in winter, so buy one with a hood (necessary!). Amazon | Backcountry.com
• Rain boots – Equip yourself with rain boots so you can explore the city without getting your shoes wet (plus, these are fashionable). Amazon | REI
• Scarf – Stay warm with a scarf around your neck when walking around. Amazon

Outfit Suggestions

Insulated Coat	tasc Performance Crosstown Leggings	Pom-Pom Beanie	Blundstone High-Top Boots

Where to Stay in Seattle in the Winter

Here are a few hotel recommendations on where to stay in Seattle in the winter. They’re both close to various main attractions, so you won’t have to walk far in the rain. I always recommend people stay here when they want to be downtown.

• Motif Seattle – You’ll be in the heart of the shopping district at this hotel so you can hit up Pacific Place, Westlake Center, and a variety of stores in the area before walking back to your room. They also have a rooftop dining area that has heat lamps in the winter. (rates start at $135 per night)
• Lowe’s Hotel 1000 – I love Hotel 1000 because it’s located close to Puget Sound, so you’ll have beautiful views of the water from your room. You can easily walk to Pike Place Market, Pioneer Square, and the waterfront from here. (rates start at $215 per night)
• Staypineapple, Hotel FIVE – This modern hotel is in the middle of downtown so you’re close to plenty of tourist attractions, and you can even borrow a bicycle to go exploring. (rates start at $90 per night)
• This modern apartment sleeps 6, has a rooftop and deck, is pet-friendly, and parking is available. (rates start at $223 per night)
• Harbour Steps has amazing water views, free Wi-Fi, and a balcony overlooking the ferries. (rates start at $229 per night)
• This downtown apartment has two bedrooms, a view of the water, and is at an ideal location in Belltown on 1st Avenue, perfect for walking around. (rates start at $203 per night)

Renting a Car in Seattle in Winter

If you stay downtown and mainly plan to explore the city, you can get away with visiting Seattle without a car. There are numerous transportation options such as Uber/Lyft, busses, and the Link Light Rail. Parking is also pretty tight in Seattle, although you might luck out with your hotel having a parking garage.

However, you’ll need a car if you want to venture out of the city. You can reserve a car at the airport so you’ll have it from the start. I recommend Alamo or Hertz.

If you head to the mountains, I recommend renting an SUV or all-wheel drive vehicle and having chains with you.

19 Things to Do in Seattle in Winter

Just because it’s colder and wetter during a Seattle winter doesn’t mean you need to stay inside! Here are some of my favorite things to do in the winter in Seattle.

1. Discover Seattle’s Music Scene

Winter in Seattle is the perfect time to spend a day getting lost in the Museum of Pop Culture, or MoPop as it’s known around Seattle. We had some pretty big names come from Seattle, including Nirvana and Jimi Hendrix. This is one of the best things to do in Seattle if you’re a music lover.

See some of the original lyrics that they wrote and some of the actual instruments they used when they first started. Exhibits are always changing, so there’s something new to see every time you go. Both the inside and outside of this Seattle winter activity make it one of the most Instagrammable spots in Seattle.

Afterward, you can take the Seattle Center Monorail to visit Westlake Center and walk to the waterfront. You could also explore Seattle Center by grabbing lunch at MOD Pizza or Skillet Counter.

This museum is part of Seattle CityPASS, which saves you money on numerous attractions, so make sure to get this in advance!

2. Spend a Day Skiing or Snowboarding

The fact that mountains surround Seattle is the main reason I can make it through winter here. There are plenty of places to go around Washington State, but I recommend heading to Snoqualmie Pass as one of the best winter activities in Seattle. It’s only 45 minutes east of the city, and there are a ton of activities to do there, making it one of the most popular Pacific Northwest activities this time of year.

Other options include Stevens Pass, which is about two hours northeast of Seattle, as well as Crystal Mountain, which is 2.5 hours southeast of Seattle. If you’re visiting from out of town, you’ll want to put this on your 3 day Seattle itinerary.

Don’t want to drive to the mountain yourself? You can now catch a ride via Flixbus for less than $10!

Skiing and snowboarding are some of the more popular things to do in Seattle in the winter, so make sure you get up early to get a spot in the parking lot before it fills up. You’ll also want to know what to pack for a ski trip before you head out to make it easier.

If you don’t ski but want to be active, you can intertube instead. It’s the best way to spend a winter day! Head to one of the lodges afterward for hot chocolate and a warm bowl of chowder.

You could also spend one day at Mount Rainier National Park exploring the area via snowshoes, which is a popular activity for all ages. There are plenty of things to do during winter at Mt. Rainier. This is also one of the best Washington national parks to visit.

3. Go on a Tour of Seattle

There are plenty of Seattle tours to do in the winter if you don’t feel like exploring on your own. This is also a good way to see Seattle in a day if you’re on a time crunch. Here are some I recommend!

• Underground Tour – One of the best Seattle fun facts is you can go under downtown Seattle! This is one of my favorites that I’ve done multiple times when visitors come into town. Seattle was built on the old city, and you can still go underneath the current city in some spots.
• Leavenworth Tour – If you don’t want to drive to Leavenworth yourself, especially when it snows during winter in Seattle, then you can join a tour that will take care of it for you. It’s a fun way to spend a day during the holidays, and you’ll also stop at the famous Deception Pass on the way back.
• Brewery Tour – Those who love beer will find the large selection of microbreweries in Seattle exciting. One of the best Seattle tours to go on is one of the many brewery tours in the area. This way you’ll sample a variety of local beer.
• Chef-Guided Food Tour – Many people know Starbucks is from Seattle, but they might not know that it’s not the first choice of locals. There are way better places to get coffee from in my opinion, so go on a coffee tour to see for yourself.
• Snoqualmie Falls Tour – This is a perfect tour if you’re looking for something to do for only a few hours, as it takes you to the beautiful Snoqualmie Falls and gives you a tour of Seattle as well (or treat yourself to a stay at Salish Lodge for the night).

If you want to do your own tour, I recommend walking along the Seattle Waterfront where you’ll find scenic views and plenty of souvenirs from Seattle to purchase.

4. Explore a Glass Garden

Another famous person to come from Seattle is Dale Chihuly, who is a master when it comes to glass blowing. He has since started a school to teach his work, and the Chihuly Garden and Glass showcases some of the best of this.

There’s nothing like spending a rainy afternoon in Seattle in the winter under the shadow of the Space Needle walking around an assortment of colorful glass.

The Chihuly Garden and Glass also has some unique events to check out, such as doing yoga in the beautiful glasshouse that sits in the shadow of the Space Needle. You’ll want to add this to your list of what to do in Seattle in the winter if you love yoga.

The big event to be at every year is the New Year’s Eve party. While it’s not cheap, you’ll enjoy a fun night of partying in the heart of Seattle. You’ll also have the best view of the fireworks when they go off from the Space Needle.

Chihuly Gardens is also part of CityPASS, so make sure to buy yours in advance.

5. See the Lights at the Zoo

Every year, thousands of people head to Woodland Park Zoo at night to see the WildLanterns display. This is a fun way to see the zoo in a different “light,” as all the pathways are illuminated with colorful lights. There are plenty of places for photo ops, and it’s great for families and adults alike looking for cheap things to do in Seattle.

They have concession stands open at night so you can grab a snack or hot chocolate as you walk around. This year, WildLanterns runs from November 11, 2022 – January 22, 2023, making it perfect when you’re looking for things to do in Seattle in January, as most holiday events are over by then.

6. Go Snowshoeing in the Mountains

While I love hiking in the summer, I know that I don’t have to stop exploring the mountains when the Seattle winter snow comes. Just bundle up and rent or buy a pair of snowshoes to head out to trails by Stevens Pass or Snoqualmie Pass.

There are so many Washington winter hikes you’ll want to check out this season. Just make sure to read the WTA trip report before you go to make sure there aren’t any avalanche advisories, but there are usually plenty of easy, flat trails you can do that are safe.

I own a pair of MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoes since I like being able to go out whenever I want. You can also rent them from places like REI for the day or the weekend. I also have a whole list of hiking clothes for winter to check out for more gear recommendations.

7. Get Lost in a Map Store

When looking for things to do in winter in Seattle, head to Metsker Maps. If you’re a traveler or just love maps, you can easily spend an hour in this store. I personally have to restrict myself to not buy everything I see here! The store is located just around the corner from Pike Place Market.

Metsker Maps is full of everything related to traveling the world, including globes, passport holders, and of course, maps. There are world maps as well as specific country maps, and they’re all surprisingly affordable. This is one of the more unique things to do in Seattle during winter and a great way to pass time on a grey day.

They have a ton of unique maps specific to different areas of Seattle, which one day I’ll get back to buy (when I can have more self-control!).

8. Visit a Bavarian Village

An adorable Bavarian-themed village in the mountains that I love visiting any time of the year is Leavenworth. When you’re looking for a good winter day trip from Seattle and want to go on a short road trip, you have to make a trip to Leavenworth. Leavenworth in winter is magical, as there’s snow on the ground and Christmas lights everywhere.

Leavenworth has plenty of holiday events going on when looking for what to do in Seattle in December, such as the Christmas tree lighting and holiday concerts. Staying in Leavenworth for the weekend is a fun way to celebrate the holidays.

There are many people there who wear traditional Bavarian outfits and sing Christmas carols, which is a great way to be put in the holiday mood during winter in Seattle. You can warm up with hot chocolate and German sausages when it gets cold out.

Leavenworth is about two hours northeast of Seattle and you can easily get there by car, but make sure you have chains when you drive there. You go over a mountain pass and don’t want to get stuck. This is an ideal weekend getaway from Seattle.

9. Go Ice Skating

If you cross the bridge over to the city of Bellevue, you can lace your skates up and go to an outdoor skate rink. It’s open from the day after Thanksgiving until mid-January and should be on the top of your list for what to do in Seattle in winter. They also have free lessons on Tuesdays-Thursdays if you haven’t gone since you were a kid and are looking for places to visit near Seattle in winter.

Grab a cup of hot chocolate to warm up, and you’re in for a fun evening! Ice skating is the perfect winter activity in Seattle and you’ll get some exercise in. I recommend staying in Bellevue for the weekend if you’re on a weekend trip from Vancouver.

10. Watch a Parade of Boats

During December in Seattle, head down to Lake Union to see some beautiful boats lit up with holiday lights as they float around the lake. This is a fun thing to do in Seattle in the winter for the holidays.

You can get a window seat in some of the restaurants near the water to get a view or book a spot on the ship for the most action. This is a pretty popular event, so book your ticket in advance. The parade is on December 18, 2022, from 7 pm to 9:30 pm this year.

11. Watch a Hockey Game

You don’t have to go to Vancouver in the winter just to watch hockey (although it is fun to plan a 3 day Vancouver itinerary). When you’re looking for inexpensive things to do in Washington state in December, check out the Everett Silvertips hockey team. There’s nothing like getting some popcorn while watching grown men get into fights when you need winter things to do in Seattle!

Everett is about 30 minutes north of Seattle, but you can easily take the train from the King Street Station downtown if you don’t have a car.

Another option is to go to Seattle Thunderbirds, which is the hockey team south of Seattle in Kent. You can take the light rail from downtown Seattle to the Kent station and either walk about half a mile to the ShoWare Center or take an Uber.

In addition, Seattle now has its own professional hockey team, the Seattle Kraken! The city has been waiting for this day for a long time, so I encourage you to get tickets for the whole family if it’s feasible when looking for things to do in Seattle in November.

Hockey is one of the more lively winter activities in Seattle you should put on your list, especially if you prefer to stay indoors. This is one of my favorite things to do in Seattle during winter when I need some entertainment.

12. Learn About Sea Life

The Seattle Aquarium is the perfect place to go when visiting Seattle in winter. You can explore the different types of sea life floating around and even touch a few.

They have different events throughout the day where they’ll showcase a few of the creatures there so you can learn more. This is one of the best things to do in Seattle in the winter with kids, as they’ll be entertained for hours. On the weekend, a diver will even go in the tank and answer questions from the crowd.

While I love the aquarium year-round, it’s the perfect way to spend a day when wondering what to do in Seattle in January since all the holiday festivities are over by then.

The Aquarium is part of the Seattle CityPASS, so make sure to grab it to save money when you want to see other attractions!

13. Visit Westlake Center

From November 26th-January 1st, downtown Seattle in the winter is the place to be to celebrate the holidays. They have a ton of different events going on such as parades, a carousel ride, and even a holiday market on the weekends.

This year they also have plenty of lights set up to take pictures, and even have “selfie stations” that show you where to stand to get the best picture. I found this helpful since I often explore alone, so I didn’t have to ask someone to take my picture during this Seattle activity in December.

With all the fun and festive winter activities in Seattle during this time of year, you won’t want to leave. There are also plenty of restaurants in the area to grab a meal at when you’re done here.

Westlake is also where the Seattle St. Patrick’s Day parade ends, so you’ll want to come back here in March to watch the festivities.

14. Explore a Chocolate Factory

Going to Theo’s Chocolate is like going to a real-life Willy Wonka chocolate factory (without the Oompa Loompas). You’ll go behind the scenes to see how chocolate is made and get to sample along the way.

Theo’s is a very popular chocolate bar throughout Seattle, so you’ll want to take a few bars home to share with your friends when you do one of the tastiest things to do in Seattle in winter. You can book your tour online in advance before you go.

15. Check Out Pop Up Events

If you want to be swept away to a winter wonderland, visit Enchant Christmas for what’s sure to be one of your favorite winter activities in Seattle. This takes place at T-Mobile Park and has a Christmas market, local food vendors, a kid zone, and even Santa. Enchant is one of the more festive things to do in Seattle in December.

The highlight of the park is the Light Maze, which provides a fun place for kids to run around as well as a great background for photos. You can also take a few laps on the ice skating rink, making it one of the best things to do in Seattle in December. As of October 2022, Enchant has not announced if it will resume this winter or not.

Seattle also always has seasonal pop-up events, and The Friends Experience is the latest one that’s perfect for a rainy winter activity in Seattle. Head to Pacific Place in downtown Seattle to recreate your favorite scenes in iconic places from the show like the hallway and the kitchen, as well as read about new facts you might not have known!

You’ll want to buy your tickets in advance since the show was wildly popular and still has many fans. I went on a weekday, and it was crowded, so you might want to go earlier in the day for the best photo ops.

16. Visit a Hot Spring

One of the best reasons to visit Seattle during winter is to spend a day exploring a hot spring in the mountain. My favorite is Scenic Hot Springs by Stevens Pass (this is reservation only though, so make sure to read my post on it for more details on how to book a spot).

Other hot springs in the area include Olympic Hot Springs and Sul Duc Hot Springs on the Olympic Peninsula (you can check out my list of Olympic National Park hikes if you’re looking for more). Wherever you go, read a trail report online first if you have to hike there so you bring the proper gear.

17. Go Bouldering or Rock Climbing

One of the best ways to stay warm during this time of year is to go bouldering at an indoor climbing gym. While I don’t rock climb as much as I want to, I love bouldering because it helps build the finger strength that I often lack while climbing. This is also a great way to understand hand and foot placement or to rock climb if you don’t like heights.

If you love being high up, try your hand at rock climbing! You can go to an open gym, or you can sign up for lessons, which tend to be pretty inexpensive and very helpful.

There are always new gyms popping up all over the place, but some of the popular ones are the Seattle Bouldering Project, Stone Gardens Seattle, and Vertical World. You can get a monthly membership or just stop in for a day pass on a rainy day.

18. Play Pinball

When you’re looking for what to do in the winter in Seattle that will keep you warm, spend a day playing pinball! You can first stop at the Seattle Pinball Museum, where you’ll be able to play over 50 different pinball machines. While admission is $20 for adults, you’re then able to play the games for as long as you want.

You can also stop at Coindexter’s in Greenwood to play games while enjoying a drink at their bar. Add-A-Ball in Fremont is also considered one of the best places to play pinball in the area and ideal when you need things to do in Seattle in February, as choices are often limited.

19. Enjoy Comfort Food

Here are some of my favorite places to visit in Seattle in winter for comfort food:

• Pike Place Chowder – With items on their menu such as smoked salmon chowder and crab and oyster chowder, it’s easy to see why it’s so popular. No winter in Seattle is complete without having a cup of warm chowder, as it’s practically a Seattle winter activity in itself (the more rainy the day, the better!).
• Duke’s Seafood – With multiple locations around the Seattle area, you’ll want to stop by one of them to try some fantastic seafood. While they also have chowder, they always have a seasonal menu using local ingredients. It’s an excellent place to stop for happy hour or an anniversary idea in Seattle.
• Don Lucho’s Restaurant & Pisco Bar – This Peruvian restaurant is not only delicious but has covered and heated outdoor seating so you can stay cozy while watching the latest soccer game on TV.

Of course, I couldn’t give you a guide to winter in Seattle without recommending a few breweries! They’re the perfect way to warm up during this season. I have a full post on the best Seattle breweries, but here are a few I recommend:

• Queen Anne Beerhall – This is a German-style hall with long tables, steins of beer, and even a sausage station. They import many German beers here, so you’re likely to find your favorite one if you’ve been to Germany. Visiting this brewery makes Seattle in the winter more bearable!
• Two Beers Brewing Company – Located in the SoDo district, this brewery combines both the companies Two Beers and Seattle Cider, so you have plenty of options to choose from. It’s a good place to spend a night playing pool, darts, or shuffleboards with friends.
• Optimism Brewing Company – This kid-friendly brewery in Capitol Hill is a spacious place to meet friends, try a variety of beers, and stay warm if you choose to go outside under their covered patio.

Events to Check Out During Winter in Seattle

If you’re looking for some specific events to check out in and near Seattle during winter, here are some fun ones.

Winterfest

When: Every weekend from November 25-December 24, 2022

Head to the Seattle Center for some very action-packed events including comedy shows, live music, and more. You can also check out the Winter Train Village and Village to see a late 19th-century train model go through a model village, as well as participate in a scavenger hunt.

Boat Parade

When: December 9, 2022

Spend the afternoon in Fremont shopping and eating, and then head to the Fremont Cut after 8 pm to watch a parade of decorated boats pass by. I’ve seen this before and some of the boats get really creative, so it’s fun to go to.

There are also various ones around the area, and you can see lit-up boats almost nightly on Lake Union.

Jingle Bell Run

When: December 11, 2022

Lace up your shoes and participate in a race around Green Lake to start your morning with some exercise. There is a kids’ race, 1K, and 5K to choose from depending on your fitness level.

Holiday Jazz Concert

When: December 11, 2022

The Seattle Center will put on the music from A Charlie Brown Christmas to put you in the Christmas mood. Cocktails will be available for sale as well.

Winter Solstice Market

When: December 16-17, 2022

Visit Hangar 30 at Magnuson Park for food, a winter beer festival, local vendors to buy from, and more. Friday is for 21 and over only, but Saturday is for all ages.

As you can see, there are plenty of Seattle winter activities to do during this time of year! Whether you go ice skating, visit a Bavarian-themed Christmas village, or go skiing, there are plenty of fun things to do in Seattle in winter.