As November approaches, Puget Sound transforms into a vibrant tapestry of festivities, blending the spooky allure with the rich traditions of Day of the Dead and the sparkling anticipation of Christmas lightings. Whether you’re seeking family-friendly activities or embracing the spirit of the season, here’s a curated guide to the must-attend events across the region.
Catrinas Festival
Date: October 31 – November 3, 2024
Location: Town Hall Seattle, Downtown
Details: The Seattle Catrinas Festival 2024 marks its third anniversary as a premier celebration of Día de los Muertos in the USA. This four-day event invites families to honor their deceased and celebrate ancestral legacies from 2 PM to 10 PM. Attendees are encouraged to bring photographs, flowers, and mementos to place on a giant altar adorned with folk art and offerings. Participants are also invited to dress as Catrinas or Catrines. The festival features a vibrant street market showcasing local entrepreneurs with traditional foods, face painting, handicrafts, and various other items. Additionally, over 300 handmade Catrinas will be displayed at one of the altars, crafted by Mexican families from Mexico.
MyHauntedForest
Date: November 1, 2024 (6 to 11 p.m.)
Location: 17616 S Vaughn Road NW in Vaughn, Kitsap County
Details: MyHauntedForest offers an ultimate medieval-themed haunted experience, blending terrifying thrills with captivating special effects and medieval lore. This immersive event, established eight years ago, has become one of the region’s most anticipated Halloween attractions. With new characters and classic frights, it’s a spine-chilling adventure designed for those seeking adrenaline-pumping scares.
Dia De Los Muertos
Date: November 1, 2024 (6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.)
Location: Burien Community Center, 14700 6th Avenue Southwest, Burien
Details: Celebrate the Mexican tradition of honoring ancestors at Dia De Los Muertos. This free community event welcomes all to share in the remembrance of loved ones. For more details, visit the Burien City website.
Día de los Muertos Community Celebration
Date: November 1, 2024 (6:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.)
Location: Seattle Art Museum, Brotman Forum, Seattle
Details: Celebrate the 30th anniversary of Día de los Muertos at SAM. Witness a stunning tapete installation by Oaxacan artist Fulgencio Lazo and local artists, and immerse yourself in a vibrant evening of art, music, dance, and traditional Mexican food. Enjoy hands-on activities that inspire creativity, and take the opportunity to view the tapete until November 11. This free event is first-come, first-served, with RSVPs recommended.
Can Can’s This is Halloween
Date: November 1 – 2, 2024
Location: The Triple Door, 216 Union St., Seattle
Details: This is Halloween is a spectacular production featuring live orchestral music, cabaret, burlesque, and video projection inspired by The Nightmare Before Christmas. The show runs from October 17 to November 2, with PG-13 content for all ages on Sundays at 5 p.m., and 9 p.m. shows for ages 21+. Tickets range from $49 to $83. Doors open 60 minutes before the first show and 45 minutes before the second show.
House of Spirits: A Haunted Cocktail Soirée
Date: November 1 – 2, 2024
Location: DAR Rainier Chapter House, 800 E Roy St., Seattle
Details: House of Spirits: A Haunted Cocktail Soirée offers an immersive experience inside a haunted mansion with mini cocktails, macabre magic, tarot readings, roaming specters, live music, and secret games. This 21+ event runs for two hours and promises a night of surreal entertainment and interaction. Expect the unexpected as you explore the mansion’s eerie atmosphere.
Georgetown Morgue
Date: November 1 – 2, 2024
Location: Georgetown Morgue, 5000 E Marginal Way S, Seattle
Details: Georgetown Morgue is a haunted house experience recommended for ages 12+. Known for its tragic history, the morgue is infamous for an unsolved crime where nine staff members were forced into the crematorium chamber. This year, a new terrifying storyline emerges with Dr. Simons and his minions lurking in the catacombs. Costumes and flash photography are prohibited, and free parking is available nearby.
Ghosts of Nebula
Date: November 1 – 2, 2024
Location: Georgetown Steam Plant, 6605 13th Ave. S, Seattle
Details: Ghosts of Nebula takes you on an interactive tour through haunted rooms set in 1921, where spiritualists attempt to access an alternate dimension called Nebula using the Georgetown Steam Plant’s power. This 90 to 120-minute experience, designed for ages 13+, invites participants to uncover the mysteries of the supernatural with a chance for a more immersive look into the beyond.
Stalker Farms
Date: November 1 – 2, 2024
Location: Stocker Farms, 8705 Marsh Road, Snohomish
Details: Stalker Farms offers an immersive haunted experience with original storylines, trained actors, custom-made costumes, and professional makeup artists. Guests can explore three walk-through haunts, a shooting gallery, midway games, and a non-haunted corn maze. Recommended for ages 12+, this event promises spine-chilling entertainment like no other.
Frighthouse Station
Date: November 1 – 2, 2024
Location: 626 E 25th Street, Tacoma
Details: Frighthouse Station, Tacoma’s ultimate haunted house near the Tacoma Dome, offers a high-detail, story-driven horror experience. Expect tight corridors, pitch darkness, strobe lights, fog, intense sounds, and terrifying creatures. Recommended for ages 12+, this haunted house promises to leave you and your friends screaming in fear.
Astra Lumina Light Show
Date: November 1 – December 15, 2024
Location: Seattle Chinese Garden, South Seattle College, Seattle
Details: Astra Lumina returns for a magical night walk at the Seattle Chinese Garden, inviting attendees to explore a celestial pathway filled with radiant lights, cosmic imagery, and enchanting sounds. This immersive experience, designed by Moment Factory, marks the 20th installment in the Lumina Night Walk series. Open Thursday to Sunday, it promises a unique journey through the garden’s mysterious grounds that celebrates the beauty of visiting stars.
Diwali: Lights of India
Date: November 2, 2024
Location: Seattle Center Armory, Seattle
Details: Join the celebration of Diwali, the festival of lights, at Seattle Center, where the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil is honored. The event features classical and folk dances, henna and face painting, delicious Indian food, an art gallery, and craft-making activities. Traditionally celebrated with family feasts, new clothes, sweets, gift-sharing, and firecrackers, this free festival offers a vibrant cultural experience for all ages.
Dia de los Muertos Festival
Date: November 2, 2024, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Location: El Centro de la Raza’s Centilia Cultural Center, 1660 S. Roberto Maestas Festival Street, Seattle, WA 98144
Details: The Día de los Muertos Celebration invites attendees to enjoy a vibrant day filled with food, live music, and entertainment. The event also features a mercado, children’s activities, and a display of the ofrenda (altar) exhibit, celebrating the rich traditions of this important holiday.
Brewallup 2024
Date: November 2, 2024
Location: ShowPlex, Puyallup
Details: Brewallup celebrates the Puyallup Valley’s hops heritage with an exciting event featuring craft beer sampling, delicious food truck offerings, and live music. In collaboration with CaskCades and Cruise Puyallup, this strictly 21+ event showcases the finest craft beers and ciders while hosting the South Sound’s premier car show. Guests can sip, sample, and vote for their favorites in the People’s Choice Awards. General admission is $40 in advance and $50 at the door, including eight 4-ounce beer tastes. Attendees must present ID upon entry.
PNA’s Día de Los Muertos Celebration
Date: November 2, 2024, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Phinney Center, 6532 Phinney Ave. N., Seattle, WA
Details: This vibrant celebration honors the deceased through food, drink, and festivities, fostering connections among the community. A traditional altar, created by poet Raul Sanchez, serves as the centerpiece, showcasing offerings for the departed. Attendees are encouraged to partake in this joyful event, embracing the memories of loved ones while celebrating the beauty of the holiday. The event is free and open to all.
Polish Bazaar
Date: November 2, 2024
Location: Polish Cultural Center
Details: The Polish Bazaar, organized by the Polish Women’s Club, returns for its annual one-day event at the Polish Cultural Center, celebrating Polish culture and cuisine. Attendees can explore a variety of booths featuring amber jewelry, arts and crafts, Polish crystals, and Bolesławiec pottery, along with offerings from local Polish organizations. Guests can purchase Christmas ornaments, wafers, paczki, and frozen pierogi. Delicious Polish dishes such as pickle soup, borscht, pierogi, Polish sausage, and cabbage rolls will be served throughout the day, accompanied by Polish beer and a dessert booth with pastries and coffee. Take-home dinners and sweets will also be available.
“Coco” with Live Score
Date: November 3, 2024, at 4:00 PM
Location: Benaroya Hall, Seattle
Details: Experience a unique screening of the Disney Pixar film Coco accompanied by a live orchestra at Benaroya Hall. The event promises to enhance the beloved animated film with a dynamic live score, creating a magical atmosphere for all attendees.
Día de los Muertos Festival – TAM
Date: November 3, 2024
Location: Tacoma Art Museum
Details: Celebrate the 20th Annual Día de los Muertos Festival, free and open to the public, in partnership with Mi Centro. This beloved event honors the Mexican holiday where families gather to remember their departed loved ones. The festival features community altars, live music, traditional dance performances, and art-making workshops. Visitors can enjoy delicious foods, view stunning ofrendas by local artists, and learn about the customs that make this occasion meaningful. This celebration offers a heartfelt experience for all ages, creating lasting memories with family and friends.
Wicked
Date: November 6 – December 1, 2024
Location: The Paramount Theatre, Seattle
Details: The acclaimed musical Wicked returns to Seattle, captivating audiences with its enchanting tale of the witches from the Wizard of Oz. A massive Broadway hit and multiple award winner, this production will be held at The Paramount Theatre, promising a magical experience for all attendees.
Freakout Festival
Date: November 7 – 10, 2024
Location: Various venues, Ballard
Details: The Freakout Festival showcases 120 performances featuring gritty guitars and mesmerizing light shows across seven venues in Ballard. While two of the venues are free and open to all ages, the remaining venues require tickets and are 21+. This vibrant celebration of rock music promises an unforgettable experience for attendees.
Sea to Sky Seattle
Date: November 7 – 11, 2024
Location: DoubleTree Hotel Seattle Airport, SeaTac
Details: Sea to Sky Seattle invites participants to a West Coast Swing dance convention with professional workshops and DJ-led dance sessions. Hosted at the DoubleTree Hotel Seattle Airport, this event is a must-attend for swing dance enthusiasts looking to improve their skills and enjoy the dance community.
Best of the Northwest Art and Fine Craft Show
Date: November 8 – 10, 2024
Location: Hangar 30, Magnuson Park, Seattle
Details: The Best of the Northwest Art and Fine Craft Show returns with 120 artists showcasing jewelry, clothing, paintings, glass art, and sculptures. The event also features food trucks and live music. Children 12 and under enter for free, and the show begins with a special VIP preview on Friday, offering early access to the art, refreshments, and prize drawings.
Port Gamble Ghost Conference
Date: November 8 – 10, 2024
Location: Port Gamble Theater, Poulsbo
Details: The Port Gamble Ghost Conference offers a weekend of paranormal investigations, guest speakers, classes, and ghost tours in the historic town of Port Gamble. The event starts at the Port Gamble Theater and requires pre-registration for participation.
Veterans Day Parade & Observance – Auburn 2024
Date: November 9, 2024
Location: E Main St., Auburn
Details: Auburn’s Veterans Day Parade features veterans’ units, military vehicles, motorcycles, 25 marching bands, and floats along E Main St. from E St. to A St. The event is free and part of a larger series of observances, with more details available on their website.
GeekGirlCon
Date: November 9 – 10, 2024
Location: The Conference Center at Washington State Convention Center, Seattle
Details: GeekGirlCon celebrates women in science, technology, arts, literature, comics, and game design with panels, workshops, cosplay, and gaming. The event fosters a diverse and inclusive community, offering an immersive experience for fans of geek culture.
Polar Express Train Ride
Date: November 9 – December 22, 2024 (Saturdays & Sundays)
Location: Chehalis-Central Railroad & Museum, Chehalis
Details: Experience a magical 45-minute round trip to the North Pole, featuring hot cocoa, cookies, and a visit from Santa. Passengers enjoy the soundtrack of The Polar Express, with Santa gifting each child a silver sleigh bell. Christmas carols are sung on the return journey.
Seattle Slack Key Festival
Date: November 10, 2024 (1 p.m.)
Location: Town Hall Seattle, Seattle
Details: Celebrate Hawaiian culture with master musicians, tropical flowers, and local food and crafts at the annual Seattle Slack Key Festival. Featuring renowned Hawaiian artists, the festival showcases the ki ho’alu guitar style, bringing the sounds of Hawaii to Seattle. Doors open at noon.
Quilt & Craft Show
Date: November 14 – 16, 2024
Location: Washington State Fair Events Center, Puyallup
Details: The Quilt, Craft & Sewing Festival features workshops, seminars, and vendors offering fabric and craft supplies in the Showplex Building. Attendees can explore a variety of exhibits showcasing sewing, quilting, needle-art, and crafting from top-quality companies. Free parking is available.
WildLanterns
Date: November 15, 2024 – January 19, 2025
Location: Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle
Details: WildLanterns returns to Woodland Park Zoo, featuring large-scale lantern displays of animals and nature from around the world, including lions, pandas, parrots, dragons, and more. Visitors can enjoy snacks and a performance at the entrance building, creating a magical, immersive holiday experience for all ages.
Tacoma Children’s Business Fair
Date: November 16, 2024 (12:00 PM – 3:00 PM)
Location: Waterfront Market at Ruston, Tacoma
Details: Young entrepreneurs will showcase their startup ventures at this one-day event, where kids create brands, develop products, and market their businesses. With over 35 booths, the Tacoma Children’s Business Fair offers a unique opportunity for young innovators to present their ideas and products. Sponsored by Acton Academy and other supporters, the fair aims to inspire the next generation of business leaders.
Tacky Turkey Sweater 5k
Date: November 17, 2024
Location: 7210 East Green Lake Dr N, Seattle
Details: Kick off the holiday season with this fun 5k event that combines the best of both worlds—an early Turkey Day run and an ugly sweater race. Gather your friends and family, don your tackiest sweater, and enjoy a festive run around Green Lake.
Kirkland Turkey Trot
Date: November 17, 2024, at 9:00 AM
Location: Marina Park, Kirkland
Details: Join the Kirkland Turkey Trot for a fun, family-friendly run that celebrates the start of the holiday season. Participants will enjoy a scenic route along Lake Washington Blvd to Carillon Point and back, concluding at Marina Park. After the race, the celebration continues at Moss Bay Hall with festivities and holiday cheer for everyone.
Auburn Turkey Trot
Date: Thanksgiving morning, November 28, 2024
Location: Sunset Park, Lakeland Hills Way and 69th St SE, Auburn
Details: Join the Auburn Turkey Trot for a family-friendly 5K run/walk at Sunset Park, featuring a nearly flat route through Lakeland Hills. This community-focused event encourages Thanksgiving costumes and accessories, celebrating togetherness during the holiday season while supporting the Auburn Public Schools Foundation. Pre-schoolers and strollers are welcome without registration, but dogs are not permitted on the course to ensure the comfort of all participants. While the event is not timed, it promises to be a fun-filled run for everyone!
Gig Harbor Turkey Trot
Date: November 28, 2024 (8:00 AM)
Location: Judson St, Gig Harbor
Details: Join the annual Gig Harbor Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning for a timed 5K run! Online registration is now open, with packet pickup and T-shirt sales available on Wednesday from 2 PM to 6 PM at the Tom Taylor YMCA and on race day from 7 AM at the starting line on Judson St. Please note that registration prices double to $40 on the day of the event. Dogs are not permitted on the course, in accordance with city regulations.
Thanksgiving Day Apple Cup 5K
Date: November 28, 2024 (Race starts between 7:45 AM – 9:10 AM)
Location: Green Lake Park, 7351 East Green Lake Dr N, Seattle, WA
Details: Celebrate Thanksgiving and the Apple Cup at the 6th Annual Thanksgiving Day Apple Cup 5K! Participants can run or walk the 5K course, which loops around Green Lake and offers a flat, fast route perfect for achieving personal records. Dress in Husky or Cougar colors, or get creative with turkey costumes! The event includes official chip-timed results. Please note that participants under 18 must have a parent or guardian register them and sign the waiver. Join in for a fun, community-focused event!
Turkey Trot
Date: November 28, 2024 (9:00 a.m)
Location: The start/finish line is on SE Bush Street at 1st Ave SE, between the Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank and the Issaquah Community Center.
Details: The Turkey Trot is a cherished holiday tradition for Eastside families, attracting 4,300 participants in 2023. This event offers sponsors extensive media coverage and promotional visibility throughout East King County, both leading up to and during the event.
2024 Proliance Surgeons Tacoma City Turkey Trot
Date: November 28, 2024 (Thanksgiving Day)
Location: Fleet Feet Tacoma, Proctor District, Tacoma, WA
Details: It’s a family affair at the Tacoma City Turkey Trot, featuring a 5K Run/Walk and a 1K Kids run. Every finisher receives a medal! This fun 5K on Thanksgiving morning kicks off at Fleet Feet Tacoma, making it the perfect way to start the holiday. Whether aiming for a new personal record or enjoying a leisurely walk, participants come together as a community to earn that pumpkin pie! Costumes and accessories are encouraged for both adults and kids. The Kids 1K is designed for children aged 12 and under, with grown-ups welcome to join without registration.
Gingerbread Village
Date: November 21, 2024 – January 1, 2025
Location: Sheraton Grand Seattle, 1400 6th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101 (Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Friday – Saturday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM)
Details: For 29 years, the Sheraton Grand Seattle has delighted visitors with Gingerbread Village, benefiting type 1 diabetes research. Top local architecture firms, alongside Sheraton chefs and Breakthrough T1D Elves, create stunning 6-foot tall gingerbread structures that add a touch of sweetness to the holiday season.
Christmas Town
Date: November 29 – December 24, 2024
Location: Village of Lights, Leavenworth, WA
Details: Experience the enchantment of the holiday season as lights twinkle on snow in Leavenworth. Enjoy a variety of food vendors on Front Street from 10 AM to 7 PM, live music in the gazebo from 11 AM to 7 PM, and meet roaming Christmas characters from noon to 4 PM. Kids can partake in fun activities and enjoy cocoa in Festhalle on Saturdays from noon to 6 PM and Sundays from noon to 4 PM. Santa will make appearances at the gazebo at noon in Front Street Park, 820 Front St.
Winterfest at Seattle Center
Date: November 29 – December 31, 2024
Location: Seattle Center, Lower Queen Anne
Details: Winterfest at Seattle Center brings holiday magic with festive lights, live bands, Mexican dance performances, carolers, comedy shows, and ice sculptures. Visitors can explore the model trains, enjoy weekend entertainment at the Armory Stage, and revel in a New Year’s Eve Celebration. This free event, running for five weeks, offers fun and festive activities for all, making it a must-see holiday destination.
Zoolights
Date: November 29, 2024 – January 5, 2025 (4:30 PM – 10:00 PM)
Location: Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Tacoma
Details: Zoolights, presented by BECU, returns for its 37th year, transforming the zoo into a vibrant winter wonderland with over a million lights. This classic holiday event requires online timed tickets and offers a magical experience for all ages. Wander through glowing displays and celebrate the festive season in one of the community’s most beloved holiday traditions.
Tacoma’s Annual Tree Lighting Celebration
Date: November 30, 2024, 3:00 PM (Doors open at 2:00 PM)
Location: Pantages Theater, Tacoma
Details: Join the Tacoma Concert Band for the City of Tacoma’s Annual Tree Lighting Celebration. This festive event features soprano Elizabeth Galafa Ylaya and talented local student musicians as part of TCB’s Side-by-Side Program. Enjoy a heartwarming mix of holiday music that embodies the spirit of the season. Tickets are on sale now, starting at $20.50 (excluding fees). Celebrate the holidays with a delightful afternoon of music and community spirit!
Garden d’Lights
Date: November 30 – December 31, 2024 (closed on Christmas Day)
Location: Bellevue Botanical Garden, 12001 Main Street, Bellevue, WADetails: Experience the enchanting Garden d’Lights, featuring over half a million sparkling lights intricately designed into whimsical shapes of plants, flowers, birds, animals, and cascading waterfalls, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Bellevue Botanical Garden. Tickets must be purchased online starting Tuesday, October 15, as they are not available at the gate. Don’t miss this magical holiday experience!
November in Puget Sound promises a magical blend of cultural celebrations and festive cheer. From haunted happenings to heartfelt Day of the Dead tributes and the dazzling spectacle of Christmas lightings, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Embrace the spirit of community and tradition as you join in these unforgettable events that make the season truly special.
