Hotels near Pike Place Market

Pike Place Market, open since 1907, is one of the oldest continuously operating public farmers' markets in the United States and a natural stop for holiday shopping in Seattle. Hundreds of farmers, craftspeople and small food businesses sell produce, flowers, fresh seafood, handmade goods and gifts.

In December the market is decorated for the holidays, and it is a good place to pick up local food gifts, from smoked salmon packed for travel to chocolate, jams and coffee. The famous fish throwers at Pike Place Fish Market and the original Starbucks store draw crowds year-round.

The market is busiest on weekend afternoons, and many stalls close by early evening, so plan to visit earlier in the day than the Seattle Christmas Market.

Pro Tip: Arrive before 10am on a weekday for the quietest stalls. Ask seafood vendors about packing smoked salmon for travel; many can pack it for flights or shipping.