Christmas in quarantine… we all have been dreading this moment! As we find ourselves rounding the 9th month of a massive global pandemic, we are now facing the holiday season in a format that feels pretty darn isolated and lonely. There is no way to avoid admitting it – this is HARD!
I want nothing more than to uplift your spirits and remind you that you are not alone – we are all going through this together, just from what feels like an immeasurable distance! As a family, we have found that getting out of the house (in a safe/responsible way) helps us stay sane, and participating in holiday activities has helped us take our minds off the heaviness of things. So, I put together a little list of some great socially responsible ways to celebrate the holidays in Seattle for Christmas 2020. I hope there are some ideas on here you find fun, and help you get into the Christmas spirit. I do have to disclaimer that if you do go out, please mask up, appropriately distance, and stay safe!
Drive Through Downtown & Pike Place Public Market at Night
There is nothing that gives me holiday feels more than downtown Seattle all lit up in Christmas lights! We have an official loop for this: you start on I5 South heading into the city from Freemont so you get a good view over the bridge. Exit downtown down to Pike Place, and loop up and down the 1-way streets to see the market, Westlake Center, and the waterfront looking on Elliott Bay. For bonus views, head to Queen Anne and head up the hill to Kerry Park for the grand finale!
Enjoy George Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker” Digitally
The Pacific Northwest Ballet’s Nutcracker performance is hands-down one of our favorite holiday traditions. This year we are not only sad at the thought of missing, but thinking on how hard they must be struggling unable to perform to a live audience! When they released digital viewing packages starting at just $39, I couldn’t say “IN” fast enough. You can click here to get your ticket and enjoy from the comfort and safety of home!
Drive-Through Christmas Lights at Warm Beach
This one is a decent drive from downtown Seattle (we are north of the city and it was about 50 minutes for us) – but heck, what else do we have to do right now?! Have the kids put on their Christmas PJ’s, make some travel mugs of cocoa, and go have fun with it! The cost is only $25 per car so it is very affordable. There is a radio station with Christmas tunes and terrible dad jokes compliments of “Bruce the Spruce” that you tune into on arrival, and it takes about 15 minutes to drive all the way through. As far as 2020 safe holiday entertainment goes, we vote this is 100% kid-approved and worth it.
Drive around Lake Union to Enjoy Christmas Lights… Then Get Dick’s Drive In
This is actually a tradition we started many years ago. I can’t tell you how because I am not sure, but in our house this counts as an official Christmas activity no matter what the year is! We like to drive in a full circle around Lake Union, with the ending point being Dick’s Drive-In in Wallingford. If you don’t want to get caught in downtown traffic, you can even just go down Eastlake and back to Northlake, then up Stone to Wallingford. Possibly a vague description, but Seattle peeps will get me.
Head to Snoqualmie to Play In The Snow
Heading towards Snoqualmie Pass, there are quite a few great places for snowy hikes without driving too far from the city. If you make it all the way to the ski resort you will find plenty of room to go enjoy sledding hills and beautiful winter views, even without purchasing a lift ticket! Steven’s Pass is an option too and often offers more snow, just a further drive.
Attend the Holiday Magic Drive Through at The Washington State Fairgrounds
This is similar to the Christmas Lights at Warm Beach, just in the opposite direction. If you live in the city or further south, this is likely the more idea option for you. Or if you are extra bored, why not try both on different weekends?!
Order Festive Takeout From Your Favorite Local Restaurant
These restaurants need us so much right now, even more than I think we could imagine. With no bail-outs in sight and businesses dropping on the daily, ordering takeout from your favorite restaurant means SO MUCH! Many restaurants have come up with fun takeout menus for the season, great family meals, inventive cocktails and more. Copine in Seattle is a favorite of ours and just released their holiday menu – we are drooling!
Thank you so much for reading! Wishing you a safe and wonderful holiday, and that you are able to find hope as we look towards the New Year.
X.O. – Abbey Co.
P.S. – In case you aren’t done with your holiday shopping yet, I am sharing links to some of my favorite stocking stuffers. They are all items I use and enjoy, and also help my family to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle!
*Disclaimer* I am an Amazon affiliate and get a tiny kickback if you purchase anything from my links… I only share things that I use and love, and it is just a small avenue for me to earn money to support my blog as I go.
Great ideas!! I love looking at Christmas lights!