17 Unique Things to Do in Seattle This Winter
For those of us who call this beautiful port city home, know there’s just no place like Seattle during the winter!
The breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, a burgeoning culinary and nightlife scene, and plenty of indoor activities make Seattle a winter wonderland.
So bundle up, because your days hibernating by your heater are over – it’s time to explore all that Seattle has to offer!
Whether you’re visiting for a day or planning to stay awhile, here are 17 fun things you can do in Seattle this winter season.
1. Space Needle
There’s no better way to truly appreciate the beauty of Seattle during winter than a trip up the Space Needle.
With its recent $100 million makeover, there’s never been a better time to experience one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Plus, the rotating glass floor on the observation deck allow you to take in 360-degree views from 520 feet above street level – including incredible vistas of snow-covered mountains and Puget Sound.
Whatever your reason for visiting Seattle, make sure you visit the Space Needle – it’s an absolute must-see!
2. Food Tour of Pike Place Market
Seattle’s Pike Place Market is the perfect place for family fun come wintertime, and with a chef-guided tour, it can’t get any better!
With more than ten different stops to sample food from, it’s sure to be an afternoon full of surprises.
3. Check Out the Pinball Museum
With admission costing only $20 at the Seattle Pinball Museum, you can travel back in time and play on over 50 different pinball machines.
If that isn’t enough nostalgia to satisfy your craving, try Add-A-Ball – an awesome hangout where classic arcade and pinball games abound.
Get in touch with your inner child this winter and challenge yourself on these marvelous machines!
4. Seattle Aquarium
Don’t think the Seattle Aquarium is strictly for kids – if you skip it, you’re missing out on a real gem!
The facility is perched on a pier overlooking the gorgeous Puget Sound.
Not only will you get to learn all about the amazing creatures of Puget Sound, but you also get to experience them first-hand.
Explore their 400,000-gallon Underwater Dome with your eyes… and maybe even your hands in their touch tank!
Who knows? You may just find yourself giving a friendly sea urchin a pat.
5. Amazon Spheres
At the Amazon Spheres, a few lucky people can enjoy a tour of this ultramodern office building made up of lush botanical gardens.
It’s like stepping inside a greenhouse, but with modern architecture – kinda like if nature and technology decided they liked each other.
So head on over and get a glimpse at some greenery that’s growing strong despite the cold!
6. Catch a Hockey Game
You may think Seattle winters are dreary and cold, but there’s plenty to do if you know where to look.
Take hockey for example; nothing quite like grabbing a cold one and watching grown men hurl a puck around at breakneck speed, crash into the boards and even get ready to rumble.
Seattle now has its own professional team, the Seattle Kraken, so you don’t have to travel far to see these heavy-hitting sport stars in action.
Keep your eye out on number ten in blue – trust us, this player has got game.
7. Teatro ZinZanni
Let’s face it: winter can really put a damper on things (especially in rainy Seattle).
But luckily, Teatro ZinZanni is here to fill the season with a little bit of laughter, entertainment and delicious cuisine.
This unique 3-hour experience brings together jaw-dropping performances from cirque, comedy and cabaret artists from around the world, all while serving up a multi-course meal that is sure to make even those chilliest of days oh-so-warm.
8. Take a Ride on the Ferry
When in Seattle, a ferry ride is the ultimate winter must-do. Just imagine it: the cold sea air on your face as you marvel over the iconic beauty of the city.
If orcas are on your bucket list, wintertime is one of your best bets to see ’em!
With snow-capped mountains providing a spectacular backdrop, snowflakes swirling in the brisk wind and salty sea spray on your tongue, it’s certainly an experience you won’t forget.
Break out those warm winter woollies and trade in those hot cups of cocoa for an adventure – Washington style!
9. Central Cinema
If your idea of winter fun includes beers, food, and entertainment in one heavenly package, then the Central Cinema should be your first port of call.
This Seattle staple brings the dinner-and-movie trifecta to life – just grab some grub and pair it with draft beer, cocktails, or wine – it’ll make your taste buds curl with wintery delight.
10. Walk Around Pike Place Market
You don’t need to wait until the peak tourist season to indulge in all that Pike Place Market has to offer.
This market is like an adult playground – you can shop for local produce and handmade goods, enjoy a hot cup of tea, or simply wander around the stalls hunting for your favorite street food.
Don’t worry if you can’t make up your mind – wandering is half of the fun!
Winter at Pike Place Market is a rewarding experience best felt through slow exploration and discovery.
11. Volunteer Park Conservatory
Can’t wait until summer to feel some heat? Take a mini-escape this winter and head to the Volunteer Park Conservatory for a world-class horticultural experience.
This historic greenhouse is made up of 3,426 individual panes of glass and recently underwent a $3 million facelift.
Step inside and bask in the 75-degree air that will whisk you away to a subtropical wonderland full of rare cacti and succulents from around the globe.
So don’t let those winter blues get you down, beat them with some green at the Volunteer Park Conservatory!
12. Stroll Around Downtown
Seattle in the wintertime has more to offer than just cold weather – there’s also tons of fun and festive activities to enjoy!
From parades and carousel rides to a lively holiday market, you’d be hard-pressed to find something not to love here.
And don’t worry about grabbing a bite afterward; there’s plenty of eateries nearby with your stomach’s name on it.
13. Rachel’s Ginger Beer
If you’re looking for something to do during the winter in Seattle, why not spice it up (literally!) with a visit to Rachel’s Ginger Beer?
Handcrafted in Seattle, this local favorite has flavors that are sure to wake up your taste buds. The Pike Place location will even mix it up into an adult-friendly cocktail!
After all, there’s nothing quite like combatting the winter blues with some delicious, refreshing drinks.
14. Woodland Park Zoo
Though outdoor zoos are the norm, the Woodland Park Zoo offers more than a dozen indoor areas and sheltered observation spots.
What’s even better? There are fewer tourists in the winter months, so you dont’ have to wait in line or share the viewing window with crowds.
If you’re looking for an extra kick of seasonal spirit, you could check out the WildLanterns Display – an immersive experience featuring globetrotting wild places recreated through large-scale lanterns!
15. Chihuly Glass Museum
No need to hibernate this winter in Seattle; the Chihuly Glass Museum will introduce you to a world of glass art unlike anything else.
Take a deep dive into Dale Chihuly’s captivating sculptures, with the museum featuring eight galleries of incredible displays across its immaculately-designed interior.
Each piece is composed with an impressive level of detail and creativity, so much so that many of them occupy an entire room all by themselves.
16. Enjoy a Delicious Bowl of Pho
For a wintery pick-me-up, Pho Bac in Seattle should be your next culinary destination.
Known for its delicious and generous helpings of beef noodle soup, it will surely become a favorite.
The large portion size is filling enough, but it’s the tastiness of the broth that really seals the deal.
This is no plain ol’ broth either; zesty nuances abound with each spoonful, giving this dish an entirely new level of yumminess.
But don’t forget – be sure to garnish it with some fresh basil, bean sprouts, a spritz of lime and whatever condiments tickle your fancy.
Tick-tock soup fans! Get yourself to Pho Bac for the best bowl this winter.
17. The Original Starbucks
Visit the homiest of homes for coffee aficionados: the original Starbucks in downtown Seattle.
Take advantage of the fewer crowds in the winter and snap a sentimental selfie without having to battle the teeming summer hordes out front.
With this iconic location being just steps from Pike Place market, there’s really no excuse not to get your caffeine fix!
Tip: If you love coffee as much as we do, make sure you hit up all the cafes around Pike Place!
