Sip, Play, Explore: What’s New and Next in Seattle Southside

Sip, Savor, Celebrate: Discover Seattle Southside’s Craft Beverage Scene
As the holiday season approaches, Seattle Southside invites visitors to toast the season with a taste of its spirited side. From handcrafted meads to bold brews and small-batch coffee creations, the region’s craft beverage makers are blending artistry and community with every pour.

Raise a glass (or mug!) to these local standouts:
Oppegaard Meadery – Washington’s original craft meadery brings ancient tradition to modern tables with inventive honey-based libations. Their tasting room offers an atmospheric escape perfect for holiday gatherings and curious palates alike.

Bacovino Winery – Rooted in passion and local sourcing, Bacovino crafts elegant wines designed for sharing. Their welcoming Seattle Southside tasting room invites guests to slow down, savor, and celebrate connection.

Second Love Coffee – A bright, modern café that celebrates the ritual of coffee with locally-sourced, small-batch roasts and seasonal drinks that pair perfectly with cozy mornings and holiday meetups.

Logan Brewing Company – This community-driven brewery in Burien blends classic styles with creative flavor twists, from crisp IPAs to dark, wintry ales, all made to complement Southside’s growing food scene.

Whether you’re seeking a warming pour, a caffeine kick, or the perfect host gift, Seattle Southside’s craft beverage makers invite locals and visitors alike to celebrate the season through flavor, craftsmanship, and community.

Explore the Great Indoors: Adventures Await in Seattle Southside
When the Pacific Northwest weather turns, Seattle Southside offers plenty of ways to keep the fun going—no umbrella required. Families can explore, play, and connect through immersive indoor experiences that spark joy and imagination all winter long. From skydiving and arcade classics to virtual adventures and interactive game shows, these Seattle Southside favorites make the perfect escape for holiday breaks and cozy weekend getaways.

Where to Play Indoors This Winter:
iFLY Seattle – Take flight in a state-of-the-art indoor skydiving tunnel! iFLY offers safe, all-ages thrills—perfect for family bucket lists or kids eager to burn off extra energy during school breaks.

Waterland Arcade – Step back in time with rows of classic pinball machines, retro video games, and vintage charm. Parents and kids alike will love competing for high scores and arcade bragging rights, and over 50 craft beers and ciders to sip while you play.

Family Fun Center – From laser tag to go-karts, mini golf, and bowling, this Tukwila entertainment hub is the ultimate rainy-day retreat. With on-site dining, families can make a full day of it, no planning required.

Dimension XR – Step inside immersive virtual worlds with cutting-edge VR experiences, from intergalactic adventures to fantasy quests. It’s an unforgettable way to explore something new, without stepping outside.

The Great Big Game Show – Lights, buzzers, action! This new interactive attraction puts families in the spotlight with a real game show experience, complete with hosts, team challenges, and laugh-out-loud fun for all ages.

Tutugether – A new crafting studio at Westfield Southcenter, create colorful, quirky art and home decor. Make your own tufted rug, create art through paint pouring, or try “decoden,” a Japanese craft technique used to decorate small objects with charms, beads, and more. See our Guide to Crafting for more ideas.

Whether it’s a day of high-energy fun or a few hours of friendly competition, Seattle Southside invites families to discover the region’s most entertaining escapes from the rain and create memories that last long after the clouds clear.

Where to Go in 2026: Explore Seattle Southside’s New Trails
A trio of new themed trails is transforming the Seattle Southside region into a curiously wonderful playground of discovery. The UFO Mysteries Trail invites visitors to uncover the eerie history of the 1947 Maury Island Incident through interactive art and storytelling; the Bubble Tea Trail celebrates 24 local cafés serving up creative takes on the beloved drink; and the Happy Hour Trail maps out the region’s most buzz-worthy bars and restaurants. Together, these experiences blend flavor, fun, and community, making Seattle Southside a must-visit destination for 2026.

Mark the Calendar for Holiday Happenings:
Wreath-Making Class at Zenith Holland – Now through December 4, 2025
Create your own handcrafted holiday wreath at Zenith Holland Nursery in Des Moines. Each workshop includes all materials, taxes, and a $10 gift certificate to the nursery. Sessions are offered on multiple dates from mid-November through early December, making it a perfect seasonal outing for friends, families, or team gatherings. Space is limited, so advance registration is encouraged. Find event dates and details here.

Holiday Tea at Marina Mercantile – Now through January 4, 2026
Celebrate the season with a variety of upcoming events at Marina Mercantile in Des Moines. Activities include:

• December 5, Krampus Night
• December 13: Swift-Tea party to celebrate your girl’s birthday
• December 14, Cookies & Cocoa Party
• Now through January 4, Holiday Tea
  Learn more here.

Viking Night Market – November 21, 2025
Oppegaard Meadery, a family-friendly venue tucked away in Tukwila, is hosting a new monthly Viking Night Market featuring local artisans and vendors. Stop by the third Friday of every month to shop for unique art and goods, from home décor to jewelry and accessories to handmade, fantasy-inspired gear. There are also board games to post up and play with friends, and of course, plenty of delicious, small-batch mead served by the owner, Jon Oppegaard. Learn more here

Mimosa Walk – November 29, 2025
Raise a glass to the holiday season during Burien’s annual Mimosa Walk, where shopping local comes with a sparkling twist. Guests (21+) can sip specialty mimosa creations at participating retailers while browsing for unique gifts and enjoying the festive downtown atmosphere. Each $10 spent earns a raffle entry for prizes, making every purchase a win-win. Grab your map and commemorative glass before starting your bubbly stroll through town. Learn more here.

Holiday Cookie Crawl – December 6, 2025
Downtown Burien transforms into a sweet stroll during the Holiday Cookie Crawl, an annual holiday tradition! Pick up your map and reusable bag, then wander through local shops collecting cookies and treats while enjoying festive sights, shopping, and dining. This family-friendly event is limited to just 100 participants, so grab your spot early. Tickets: $25 per person. Learn more here.

Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration – December 6, 2025
Join the magic at Des Moines Marina for an evening of festive fun, including holiday crafts, live entertainment, food trucks, hot cocoa, and Santa’s majestic arrival by boat, the perfect way to usher in the season with family and friends. Learn more here.

Winter Bonsai Solstice – December 13, 2025
Step into serenity at the Pacific Bonsai Museum’s annual Winter Bonsai Solstice, where art, nature, and light intertwine for a peaceful evening stroll. Wander through the illuminated bonsai garden, sip free hot chocolate, and enjoy live music amid a twinkling canopy of trees. This family-friendly tradition welcomes guests of all ages, no reservations required, rain or shine, with a suggested $12 donation supporting the museum’s year-round programs. Learn more here.

Solstice with Sasquatch – December 20, 2025
Celebrate the winter solstice at the Museum of Flight with holiday music, crafts, hot chocolate, and surprise visits from a friendly Sasquatch roaming the site. It’s a whimsical, family-oriented event that blends regional lore with seasonal joy. Learn more here.

Celebrate New Year’s Eve on the Lanes – December 31, 2025
Ring in the New Year with a festive twist: rent private bowling lanes, enjoy food and drinks, and toast the midnight hour with flair at Bowlero South Seattle. Expect party vibes, casual fun, and a memorable night for groups of all ages. Learn more here.

Des Moines Burning Boat Festival – December 31, 2025
Gather at Des Moines Marina for a symbolic, communal send-off: a wooden boat constructed by Maritime High School students will be ceremonially burned. Toast marshmallows around fire pits, sip cocoa, and reflect on the year with your neighbors. all while honoring the spirit of community. Learn more here.

Reminder: Vote for your Favorites in the Inaugural Best of Seattle Southside Awards
Explore Seattle Southside has launched the inaugural Best of Seattle Southside Awards, a new community-driven program celebrating the region’s vibrant food and drink scene across SeaTac, Tukwila, and Des Moines. From brunch to bubble tea, residents and visitors are invited to vote for their favorite spots in categories like pizza, coffee, tacos, noodles, and more, with write-in options available. Voting runs through December 31, 2025, and winners will be announced in February 2026 at a special ceremony. Vote for your favorites here.