Stay Close, Celebrate Big: Holiday Magic in Seattle Southside

From holiday markets and wreath-making workshops to a Sasquatch-themed solstice celebration and a symbolic year-end boat burning, the region offers a refreshingly local take on festive fun just minutes from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).

This season’s updates highlight how Seattle Southside continues to shine — from its growing roster of award-winning destination marketing accolades to the launch of the inaugural Best of Seattle Southside Awards, giving residents and visitors a voice in celebrating the area’s vibrant dining scene.

Below, you’ll find story-ready inspiration including:

• Shop Big, Stay Local — a holiday getaway and shopping guide featuring local makers, boutiques, and seasonal stops.
• A Delicious Destination — leave the cooking to the experts, find delicious dine-in ideas or gourmet grab-and-go for holiday meals.
• Holiday Events Calendar — from mimosas and cookie crawls to tree lightings and New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Whether you’re looking for regional travel story angles, event roundups, or local gift ideas, Seattle Southside offers endless ways to celebrate close to home this season.

Consider those Holiday Culinary Plans Covered
’Tis the season to eat, celebrate, and connect! If cooking feels like a chore, Seattle Southside’s got you covered with Thanksgiving spreads to go or dine-in feasts for a group. From Copperleaf’s farm-to-table holiday buffet to classic spreads at 13 Coins, Tuscany at Des Moines Creek, and more, many with special Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and holiday menus. Whether you crave cozy comfort food or a festive feast plated by someone else, make your reservations early and let your holiday dining be a joy, not a stress. Get all the details here.

Shop Big, Stay Local: A Festive Getaway in Seattle Southside
Skip the stress of long-distance travel this holiday season and treat yourself to a festive staycation in Seattle Southside. Just minutes from the airport with several options for cozy stays, you’ll find everything from world-class shopping at Westfield Southcenter to locally owned gems that make the season shine. Pick out holiday greenery and curated home goods at Zenith Holland Nursery & Gift, shop luxe décor and gifts at Iris & Peony, find stocking stuffers at Seattle-based paper goods store MochiThings, savor artisan sweets at the Seattle Chocolate Factory, and cozy up with coffee and baked treats at Paris Baguette. For something different, check out the spice selection and global gifts at Tawakal Minimarket and Mall of Africa. With convenience, variety, and authentic local charm, Seattle Southside is the perfect base for a holiday getaway close to home.

Southside Gift Guide: Experiences, Flavors & Finds
Looking for memorable gifts this season? In Seattle Southside, you’ll find a treasure trove of local options—from All Points Yarn’s yarn and knitting supplies to a spa day at Cedarbrook. Treat a foodie with Maeve truffles or Sharps RoastHouse spice kits or scratch-made sourdough pasta, or grab a Seawolves jersey or the 2026 Seawolves Rugby Calendar to support local sports. For gifts that go beyond the shelf, gift an iFLY indoor skydiving experience or a Waterland Arcade gift certificate for a nostalgic arcade afternoon. Wherever your giftee’s passions lie, Seattle Southside offers something unique, local, and full of heart.

Mark the Calendar for Holiday Happenings

Des Moines Waterfront Farmers Market Holiday Bazaar - November 8, 2025
Kick off your holiday shopping between 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. at Beach Park Auditorium, Dining Hall & Picnic Shelter (Des Moines, WA). Browse local makers, get photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus, bring nonperishable food donations for the Des Moines Food Bank, and grab a cozy coffee or stay for lunch. Come shop local and celebrate the season on the waterfront. Learn more here.

Wreath-Making Class at Zenith Holland – November 14 to 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 – November 15, 2025 to January 4, 2026
Celebrate the season with Holiday Tea at Marina Mercantile in Des Moines. Enjoy festive finger sandwiches, wintery sweets, and warm scones in a cozy, twinkle-lit setting. Reservations recommended. 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. Check in at Discover Burien to 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! Begin at Discover Burien to 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.

Solstice with Sasquatch – December 21, 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.

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. “Seattle Southside is one of the region’s most diverse dining destinations, and this program gives the community a voice in celebrating the restaurants, cafés, and eateries they love most,” said CEO Mark Everton. Local businesses can boost participation with a provided promotional toolkit, and the awards will become an annual tradition, highlighting the area’s culinary diversity and excellence. Vote for your favorites here.

Seattle Southside Achieves Double Recognition in Global Destination Awards
Explore Seattle Southside is celebrating international recognition this fall, earning finalist honors in both the prestigious 2025 Stella Awards and the City Nation Place Awards for its excellence in destination marketing, innovative storytelling, and industry leadership.

Explore Seattle Southside has been named a finalist for the 2025 Stella Awards in the Best CVB/DMO category, recognizing excellence in destination marketing and services for meetings and events professionals. The Stella Awards, presented by Northstar Meetings Group, honors organizations that deliver quality service, innovation, and value to the meetings industry. Explore Seattle Southside is the only Pacific Northwest DMO represented within its geographic category. Find a full list of winners here.

Explore Seattle Southside has also been shortlisted in two categories at the City Nation Place Awards 2025:

• Valerie Skubal, Social Media Manager at Explore Seattle Southside, for The City Nation Place Future Leader Award
• Explore Seattle Southside – “Welcome Back, Aliens” Campaign for Best Communication Strategy – Tourism

The City Nation Place Awards celebrate outstanding place branding and destination storytelling from around the world. Finalists are listed here. Winners will be announced during the City Nation Place Global conference in London on November 6, 2025.