Celebrate the holidays in University Place with our expert event guide. From hometown residents to holiday guests, our guide highlights the best festive activities in University Place.
One of the standout events this season is the Pacific Northwest Ballet's lively presentation of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, enchanting audiences with its classic choreography and stunning visuals. Another delightful experience is the Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship Festival, where beautifully decorated vessels sail the waters, spreading holiday cheer with festive music. And the Winterfest is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring a variety of family-friendly activities and seasonal attractions. For more details on these and other fun events and activities, check out the rest of the page below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around University Place
- Winterfest (Seattle)
- Pacific Northwest Ballet (PNB) presents George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker (Seattle)
- Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship Festival (Seattle)
- Snowflake Lane (Bellevue)
- Holiday Magic (Puyallup)
- Tulalip Lights (Tulalip)
- Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
- Puyallup Lighted Santa Parade (Puyallup)
- Kris Kringle Market (Olympia)
- Pop-Up Ice Skating Rink (Olympia)
See these and even more events listed below!
University Place Holiday Light Displays
Holiday Magic
What to Expect:
Twinkling lights and festive food in a holiday setting.
Description:
Holiday Magic at the Washington State Fair in Puyallup, WA, features twinkling lights, festive food, and holiday activities both indoors and outdoors.
Where: Puyallup | More Info: Holiday Magic
Tulalip Lights
What to Expect:
Largest holiday light display in Washington State with an indoor ice rink.
Description:
Witness over six million holiday lights and enjoy an indoor ice-skating rink at Tulalip Resort & Casino, featuring festive displays and family-friendly activities.
Where: Tulalip | More Info: Tulalip Lights
Puyallup Lighted Santa Parade
What to Expect:
Twinkling light displays and festive floats.
Description:
The Puyallup Lighted Santa Parade features decorated floats, marching bands, and festive music as it winds its way down Meridian Street in downtown Puyallup. The event includes a Holiday Market with vendors offering unique gifts and crafts.
Where: Puyallup | More Info: Puyallup Lighted Santa Parade
Winter Glow Spectacular
What to Expect:
Extensive holiday light displays and free community event.
Description:
Winter Glow Spectacular is a free community event featuring extensive holiday light displays and family-friendly activities in Orchard Park, Liberty Lake, Washington.
Where: Liberty Lake | More Info: Winter Glow Spectacular
Santa's Sneak Peek Week North Pole Cruises
What to Expect:
Exclusive holiday light displays and Santa's remodeled North Pole.
Description:
Embark on a 40-minute cruise across Lake Coeur d'Alene to see over 1.5 million twinkling lights, fire-breathing dragons, and visit Santa's remodeled North Pole. Enjoy holiday light displays, meet Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their helpers, and have your child's name magically announced on the Nice List.
Where: Coeur d'Alene | More Info: Santa's Sneak Peek Week North Pole Cruises
University Place Holiday Markets and Shopping
Winterfest
What to Expect:
Late 19th-century model train and village display.
Description:
Seattle Center's Winterfest, presented by Symetra, offers a variety of seasonal activities including a late 19th-century model train and village display, live entertainment at the Armory Stage, and a European-inspired outdoor Christmas market. The event features festive decorations, daily live performances, and a New Year's Eve celebration with entertainment and festivities throughout the grounds.
Where: Seattle | More Info: Winterfest
Kris Kringle Market
What to Expect:
Family-friendly holiday market with local artisans and festive activities.
Description:
The Kris Kringle Market in Lacey, Washington, is a family-friendly holiday event featuring local artisans, live glass blowing demonstrations, and festive activities like visits with Santa and live reindeer. Enjoy a variety of handcrafted items, savory and sweet treats, and a warm inviting atmosphere.
Where: Olympia | More Info: Kris Kringle Market
University Place Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Pacific Northwest Ballet (PNB) presents George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
What to Expect:
World-class ballet with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
Pacific Northwest Ballet presents George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, featuring Tchaikovsky’s classic score, gorgeous costumes, and impressive performances in a picture-perfect setting.
Where: Seattle | More Info: Pacific Northwest Ballet (PNB) presents George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship Festival
What to Expect:
Family-friendly holiday experience with live choir performances and festive decorations.
Description:
The Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship Festival is a cherished Northwest tradition since 1949, featuring a decorated Spirit of Seattle sailing to various Puget Sound waterfront communities. Enjoy a 1.5-hour cruise with a community choir performance, reading of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, and a full-service bar offering specialty cocktails and local beverages.
Where: Seattle | More Info: Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship Festival
Snowflake Lane
What to Expect:
Complimentary holiday parade with festive music and snowfall.
Description:
Snowflake Lane is a nightly holiday parade featuring colorful floats, toy drummers, dancers, and falling snow, set along Bellevue Way between Bellevue Square and Lincoln Square.
Where: Bellevue | More Info: Snowflake Lane
Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Lost Christmas Eve
What to Expect:
Triple celebration of 20 years of "The Lost Christmas Eve," 20 millionth concertgoer, and $20 million donated to charity.
Description:
Trans-Siberian Orchestra returns to Spokane to celebrate 20 years of their beloved rock opera "The Lost Christmas Eve," marking their 20 millionth concertgoer and surpassing $20 million donated to charity. This spectacular show features pyrotechnics and classic holiday songs like "The First Noel" and "O Come All Ye Faithful."
Where: Spokane | More Info: Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Lost Christmas Eve
Spokane Symphony New Years Eve Performance
What to Expect:
Beethoven's Ninth Symphony performance with a festive After Party and free entry to a Big Band Celebration.
Description:
Celebrate the 200th anniversary of Beethoven's monumental Ninth Symphony with the Spokane Symphony Chorale. This uplifting masterpiece, dedicated to freedom, joy, and unity, features the iconic "Ode to Joy" chorus. The event includes an After Party with complimentary champagne and a bite to eat, and free entry to the Master Class Big Band Celebration at the Knitting Factory.
Where: Spokane | More Info: Spokane Symphony New Years Eve Performance
University Place Other Holiday Activities
Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Family-friendly holiday celebration with live music and festive activities.
Description:
Join the City of University Place for the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting in Market Square, featuring holiday music, children's activities, and popular food trucks. The event includes live reindeer, character performers, and stilt dancers, culminating in the lighting of the Christmas tree at 6 p.m.
Where: University Place | More Info: Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
Pop-Up Ice Skating Rink
What to Expect:
Seasonal ice skating with sensory-friendly sessions and live performances.
Description:
Pop-Up Ice Skating Rink in Isthmus Park, Olympia, offers a 5,000 sq. ft. ice rink with various skating sessions and special events for all ages.
Where: Olympia | More Info: Pop-Up Ice Skating Rink
Poulsbo Scandinavian Christmas
What to Expect:
Traditional Norwegian and Scandinavian cultural experiences.
Description:
Join Poulsbo Sons of Norway for a festive celebration featuring Norwegian street food, Scandinavian vendors, and a Lucia Bride ushered to shore in a Viking boat. The evening culminates with an annual bonfire and the Viking King’s Winter Solstice Proclamation.
Where: Poulsbo | More Info: Poulsbo Scandinavian Christmas
Santa @ River Park Square
What to Expect:
Santa's arrival and tree lighting ceremony.
Description:
Santa Claus returns to River Park Square, meeting families at the foot of a show-stopping 50-foot tree. Family festivities include balloon artists, face painting, and special photo stations.
Where: Spokane | More Info: Santa @ River Park Square
Christmas Tree Elegance
What to Expect:
Unique holiday tradition with expertly decorated trees and a raffle.
Description:
Christmas Tree Elegance is a 13-day event featuring beautifully decorated trees at the Historic Davenport Hotel and River Park Square, with raffle tickets available for purchase.
Where: Spokane | More Info: Christmas Tree Elegance
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Lakewood (5 miles)
- Tacoma (5 miles)
- Parkland (8 miles)
- Spanaway (11 miles)
- Puyallup (13 miles)
- Federal Way (13 miles)
- South Hill (15 miles)
- Des Moines (16 miles)
- Auburn (16 miles)
- Graham (17 miles)
- Kent (18 miles)
- Burien (19 miles)
- Lacey (19 miles)
- SeaTac (19 miles)
- Olympia (21 miles)
- Tukwila (21 miles)
- East Hill-Meridian (21 miles)
- Renton (23 miles)
- Bremerton (23 miles)
- Maple Valley (26 miles)
- Bainbridge Island (27 miles)
- Seattle (28 miles)
- Mercer Island (28 miles)
- Bellevue (31 miles)
- West Lake Sammamish (32 miles)
- Issaquah (32 miles)
- Kirkland (35 miles)
- City of Sammamish (35 miles)
- Sammamish (36 miles)
- Redmond (36 miles)
- Inglewood-Finn Hill (37 miles)
- Shoreline (37 miles)
- Kenmore (39 miles)
- Bothell (40 miles)
- Mountlake Terrace (40 miles)
- Edmonds (41 miles)
- Cottage Lake (42 miles)
- Lynnwood (42 miles)
- North Creek (44 miles)
- Picnic Point-North Lynnwood (45 miles)