Business Has Been 'Very Good' At The Seattle Christmas Market

It is only ten days to Christmas, but do not despair! The Seattle Christmas Market is still there (to satisfy all of your holiday needs)!

Founded in 2023, the Seattle Christmas Market is located at the Seattle Center, right by the Seattle Space Needle. Offering German food and drink, entertainment, seasonal decorations, and handmade crafts and gifts, there is something for everyone at this modern twist on a traditional German market.

Although there is entertainment like a lighted Tunnel of Love, a walk in the forest with some familiar fairy tales, and a carousel, there is also plenty of food and drink to sample. Glühwein at the Christmas Pyramid has hot-spiced mulled wine and Kinderpunsch for the kids! There are also stalls for beer, coffee, and apple cider!

There are also plenty of food options. Their website provides a detailed list of vendors, which have tags for gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, nut-free, dairy-free, and sustainable options. Casa de Paella provides different paella bowls depending on the day as a delicious gluten-free option. Tin Can Cakes also offers traditional cakes with gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options, all with a festive holiday design!

You sure can! In addition to sweet treats like boxes of chocolate and decorated candy apples, there are plenty of gifts for people of all ages. There are several different booths that sell handmade stuffed animals as well as handcrafted hats and luxury leather items.

A Polish pottery stall uses handmade techniques, including sponge stamps and freehand decorations, to make each piece unique. All of the pieces are oven, microwave, dishwasher, and freezer safe! For the kids, a gourmet licorice stand might provide the perfect stocking stuffer. These ropes are two feet long and come in over thirty unique flavors, from a sweet rainbow to a classic red twist!

Although traditional Christmas markets are free, this one does charge an admission fee. While most German Christmas markets rely on public funding, this event operates independently and the admission fee is used to secure venue rentals and setting up decorations. While the market does have some five dollar days, where select time slots are only five dollars, most single-entry admission tickets cost $19.99 per person. Fortunately, children under six are free.

Despite the cost of admission, one vendor told The Blast that business was “very good” this year and is expecting an even greater turnout while heading into the week before Christmas. The event, which started last year, caused some complaints about long lines, overcrowding, and a bit of confusion around the timed ticket entrances. Fortunately, the Christmas Market, which runs until December 24 this year, seems to be running much more smoothly this year.

Fans who swing by the igloo on the Winter Deck right by the entrance will be able to take photos with Santa Claus himself, St. Nikolaus. The photograph is free and guests are provided with a free printout to take home with them. Santa is there on different times each day, so make sure to check the schedule before heading out to make sure you’ll get a chance for the perfect photo opportunity!

In addition to taking photos with Santa, there is also a “family favorite” scavenger hunt designed to keep children busy. The scavenger hunt is available for no charge at the Market info hut, located just outside of the restaurant. The scavenger hunt features a maze, a word search, and more! It will be available during the full duration of the market, from November 21 to December 24.

The Seattle Christmas Market is open rain or shine, but if the inclement weather gets to be too much for you and your family, there are many popular attractions nearby to visit, including the popular Space Needle. The Museum of Pop Culture will also provide an entertaining afternoon, with attractions that include costumes from real-life celebrities like Beyonce and Michael Jackson.

For the kids, there are also exhibits from the “Harry Potter” movie franchise and even Harry’s own glasses! There is a filming miniature of the Death Star II filming miniature, which was designed by Bevel Lemelisk and used in the film “Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi” in 1983. There are also costumes and props used in movies and shows like “The Lord of the Rings,” “Game of Thrones,” “The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” and more!

And, if you happen to be hungry, here's our list of some of the best gluten-free and allergy-friendly restaurants in Seattle!