Hotels near Seattle Christmas Market at Seattle Center

The Seattle Christmas Market, founded in 2023, is modelled on the traditional German Christmas markets and fills the Fisher Pavilion and the South Fountain Lawn at Seattle Center. Last year it featured more than 80 artisan huts selling handmade gifts and decorations, plus German-style food such as bratwurst, pretzels and chimney cakes. Glühwein is served in a collectible market mug.

The market adds rides and family activities, including a carousel, a ski-themed Alpen Haus where families can warm up, a scavenger hunt and visits from the market mascots, Holly and Jolly. Special event nights in recent years have included karaoke, trivia and country music evenings.

Entry is by timed ticket bought online, which keeps crowds manageable but means you need to plan ahead. In 2025, weekday hours started at 4pm, with longer daytime hours at weekends and in the final week before Christmas.

Pro Tip: Book a weekday evening time slot for the shortest queues, and check whether a mug is included in your ticket. Last year the market closed on Thanksgiving Day, so avoid planning around that date.