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- We've got bonfires, a ton of craft workshops, Winterfests, a reindeer festival, and some options for Turkey Day.
We've got bonfires, a ton of craft workshops, Winterfests, a reindeer festival, and some options for Turkey Day.
π Woodinville to Issaquah: This Holiday Train Has No Brakes ππ
β¨ Skip the Seattle traffic and the headache of downtown parkingβthereβs a whole world of fun happening right here on the Eastside! Whether you're into bites, brews, beats, or browsing, this side of the lake serves it all with less stress and more charm. Go local, stay playful, and make the most of your weekend, without ever hitting I-5. Now letβs dig inβ¦
Table of Contents
Saturday Nov 29th 51Β°/34Β° π€οΈ
π§ββοΈπ¨ Elf Workshop β Craft Like a Holiday Pro wi β¦
ππΊ Garden dβLights β A Dazzling Wonderland Await β¦
π¨π Kirkland Art Center Holiday Arts Market β Sho β¦
πβ¨ Winterfest Tree Lighting & Celebration β Spark β¦
π πΆ Winterfest at Kirkland Urban β Jingle All the β¦
Live Music πΆ
Friday
Prohibition Cellars - Echos of Epic 6pm
Two Vintners Winery - Barn Devils 6pm
Chelan Ridge Winery - Alex Britton 5pm
Northwest Spirits - Rocci Medawar 6pm
Obelisco - Larry Murante 7pm
The Lime - Harmonious 9:30pm
Bakeβs Place - Kalimba 6pm
Rollin Log Tavern - The Cover Up w/Kate Wirth 9pm
Saturday
Obelisco - Tyler McGinnis 7pm
Chelan Ridge Winery - Ben King Meine 5pm
Gard Vintners - Tyler McGinnis 3pm
The Lime - Radio 80 9pm
Bakeβs Place - The Chicago Transit Experience 7pm
Evergreen Family Wines - Josiah Bogle 2pm
Vino Bella Wine Bar - Copastetic 7:30pm
Weekend Fix π₯³
Thursday Nov 27th 52Β°/45Β° π§οΈ
π¦ Orphanβs Thanksgiving β A Friendsgiving Feast with a Twist π·β¨
Feeling more "meh" than merry this season? Skip the solo stuffing and join fellow homesick legends for a long-table Friendsgiving feast that tastes like homeβif your home had a private chef and zero awkward political debates. Aussie chef Lauren Jackson (yep, the one behind Jackson House) is curating the menu, so your taste buds are in for a treat. Just bring your favorite drink, a dessert to share, and your fabulous self β weβll handle the food, the vibes, and the feast-induced food coma.
π Time: 1:00 PM
π Location: Private Residence β Maltby Area (exact address shared with registered guests)
π More Info: HERE β
Come hungry, leave happy β and maybe with a new mate or two! π₯
π¦π English Hill Annual Turkey Trot (EATT) β Trot, Gobble, Give Back! π«π½
Start your Thanksgiving with a sprint, a strut, or a leisurely wobble at the beloved EATT β where runners, walkers, strollers, and even pups come together for a free 1K or 5K! Whether you're chasing a medal or just the promise of post-run hot cocoa and a banana, there's something here for everyone. Plus, your effort supports Seattle Childrenβs Hospital, so you're basically a hero in sneakers. Bonus: chocolate medals for the 1K finishers and a raffle that could land you something sweet (besides the chocolate).
π Time: 8:30 AM bib pickup | 9:00 AM 1K | 9:15 AM 5K
π Location: Sunrise Elementary School, 14075 172nd Ave NE, Redmond, WA
π More Info: HERE β
Lace up, show up, and trot like a turkey on a mission! π¦π
π₯§ Thanksgiving Potluck at The Cookhouse β Feasting, Friendships & Full Bellies π₯
Gobble gobble, yβall! Whether you're a solo flyer or rolling in with your crew, The Cookhouse is dishing up community, casseroles, and copious amounts of holiday cheer. This potluck is the perfect way to dodge the awkward dinner table convos and dive headfirst into warm hometown vibes, great food, and neighborly love. Bonus points if you bring a legendary dish (dibs on stuffing that actually slaps).
π Time: 12:00 PM β 8:00 PM
π Location: Cookhouse, 12461 NE Woodinville Dr, Woodinville, WA
π More Info: HERE β
Pull up a chair, pass the pie, and make Thanksgiving deliciously local. π§‘π
Friday Nov 28th 52Β°/40Β° βοΈ
π Comedy! A Funny Finish: Sam Miller at Warr-King Wines π·π€
Craving laughter stronger than your post-holiday coffee? PNW comedy titan Sam Miller returns to Woodinville for a hilarious night you wonβt want to miss. From jokes about jail in Yakima to the joys of sober parenting (yes, really), this towering comedian (he's 6'6"!) brings down the house with every punchline. Throw in award-winning local wine and a bonus feature act, Robert βThe Drunken Tenorβ McPherson, and you've got the recipe for an unmissable comedy night.
π Time: 7:00 PM
π Location: Warr-King Wines, 19501 144th Avenue NE #d700, Woodinville, WA
π More Info: HERE β
Come for the wine, stay for the laughsβyour funny bone will thank you. π·π
βοΈπΊ Opening Day Snowflake Lane β Let It Snowβ¦ Every Night! πβ¨
Who needs the North Pole when youβve got Bellevue? Experience nightly snowfalls, dazzling lights, and toy drummers so festive even Santa gets FOMO. Snowflake Lane is your passport to a winter wonderland bursting with music, floats, and more twinkle than a glitter bomb factory. Bonus: Free parking = holiday miracle unlocked.
π Time: 7:00 PM
π Location: Bellevue Square & Lincoln Square, Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA
π More Info: HERE β
Grab a peppermint mocha and catch the snow without freezing your toes off! βοΈπ
Ready to party like itβs Whoville? Winterfest at Forum Social House is serving up Grinchy giggles, Santa selfies, and enough cocoa to float your marshmallows. Whether youβre posing with alpacas (yes, really) or sinking a hole-in-one at Par1 Mini Golf, thereβs something magical for every age. This is what holiday dreams are made of β minus the mall crowds and tantrums.
π Time: 3:00 PM (Santa photos 3β4 PM, venue opens to public at 5 PM)
π Location: North Tower, Lincoln Square, 700 Bellevue Way NE STE 300, Bellevue, WA
π More Info: HERE β
Bring your jingle bells and holiday spirit β itβs time to festive like a pro! π πΆ
π¦π Issaquah Reindeer Festival β Real Reindeer & Holiday Cheer! ππ§£
Get your antlers ready for the Northwestβs most magical mashup of education and holiday joy β complete with live reindeer! The Issaquah Reindeer Festival brings you face-to-face with Santa, snuggly animals, and snowy vibes thatβll make your heart grow three sizes. Kids and adults alike will leave with a little more wonder and a lot more holiday magic.
π Time: 10:30 AM β 4:00 PM
π Location: Cougar Mountain Zoo, 19525 SE 54th Street, Issaquah, WA
π More Info: HERE β
Dash on over and meet Rudolphβs crew IRL β itβs a sleigh-load of fun! π·β¨
πΆπ FrensFest 0.2 β All-Night Winter Rager with Vibes for Days πΊπ
Looking to dance off the stuffing and find your groove this Thanksgiving weekend? FrensFest 0.2 is your ticket to a Friday night that rolls straight through Saturday and into Sunday morning (yes, itβs that epic). Expect live music, food trucks, local vendors, and enough good vibes to power a snowstorm. Whether you're a night owl or just here for the beats, this party is built to keep your energy sky-high.
π Time: Friday night at 10:00 PM through Sunday 2:00 AM
π Location: Mirra Social, 500 Bellevue Way NE, Ste. 310, Bellevue, WA
π More Info: HERE β
Bring the frens, feel the beats, and let the winter magic roll! βοΈπΆ
Saturday Nov 29th 51Β°/34Β° π€οΈ
π§ββοΈπ¨ Elf Workshop β Craft Like a Holiday Pro with Santaβs Crew! βοΈβ¨
Let the kids go full elf-mode with this hands-on holiday crafting workshop! Every Saturday, little makers can join Santaβs Elves in creating magical holiday projects that would make even the Grinch crack a smile. Whether theyβre making ornaments, cards, or top-secret elf inventions, it's the perfect way to sprinkle in some holiday cheer (and sneak in a little shopping break for parents).
π Time: Saturdays, 12:00 PM β 3:00 PM
π Location: The Village at Totem Lake, 11901 NE Village Plaza, Kirkland, WA
π More Info: HERE β
Reserve your spot and let your kiddos craft up a holiday storm! πποΈ
ππΊ Garden dβLights β A Dazzling Wonderland Awaits π‘π³
Get ready for a stroll through pure holiday enchantment. With over 500,000 lights shaped into whimsical animals, plants, waterfalls, and more, Garden dβLights transforms Bellevue Botanical Garden into a twinkling treasure trove. Keep an eye out for live music on select nights and warm your hands (and heart) with seasonal treats along the way. This is your annual reminder that fairy tales are real β at least for one glowing evening.
π Time: 4:30 PM β 9:30 PM
π Location: Bellevue Botanical Garden, 1200 164th Ave SE, Bellevue, WA
π More Info: HERE β
Glow big or glow home β donβt miss this sparkling seasonal gem! π«π
ππ Gingerbread Workshop β Frost, Decorate, Dominate! ππ©βπ³
Grab your frosting bags and unleash your inner cookie architect! With 700+ pounds of candy and 60 gallons of glorious gooey icing, this gingerbread workshop is basically the sweet Olympics. Friday sessions even feature Nutcracker ballet snippets and adult beverages, so you can sip and sculpt like a sugar-powered Picasso. And the best part? You make the mess β they clean it up.
π Time: Sessions at 10:00 AM & 2:00 PM
π Location: Hyatt Regency Bellevue, 1116 108th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA
π More Info: HERE β
Come hungry, leave sticky-fingered, and proud of your frosting-fueled masterpiece! π¬π
π¨π Kirkland Art Center Holiday Arts Market β Shop Small, Gift Big! ποΈποΈ
Step aside, Amazon β this is where the real holiday magic happens. The Holiday Arts Market is bursting with ceramics, ornaments, and unique gifts made by local artists who are way cooler than mass production. Plus, you can catch live demos and artsy activities while pretending you totally planned ahead on your gift list. Spoiler: It's way more fun than the mall.
π Time: 11:00 AM
π Location: Kirkland Arts Center, 620 Market Street, Kirkland, WA
π More Info: HERE β
Support local artists and impress everyone with gifts that scream βthoughtful geniusβ! πΌοΈπ
πβ¨ Winterfest Tree Lighting & Celebration β Sparkle Season Is ON! πβοΈ
Bundle up and head to Peter Kirk Park for Kirklandβs most heartwarming holiday tradition β the Winterfest Tree Lighting! Youβll sing with Dickens Carolers, whirl on the ice rink, and maybe even shed a tear as the lights glow bright (no judgment). This is the kind of festive fun that makes you believe in movie-style holiday magic β minus the cheesy soundtrack.
π Time: 7:30 PM
π Location: Peter Kirk Park Plaza, 202 Third Street, Kirkland, WA
π More Info: HERE β
Bring the fam, your festive spirit, and a scarf β itβs gonna be lit! ππ₯
π·π Sip & Create: Glass Tree Ornament Workshop β Sparkle While You Sip! ποΈπ₯
Create holiday keepsakes that actually make it to the tree and donβt get mysteriously broken by the cat. At this cozy workshop, youβll craft your own fused glass tree and ornaments while sipping wine and snacking like a festive artisan. No glitter explosions or glue gun mishaps here β just professional tools, warm drinks, and a whole lot of seasonal joy.
π Time: 4:00 PM β 6:00 PM
π Location: Picket Fence Art Studio, 14700 148th Ave NE, Woodinville, WA
π More Info: HERE β
Add sparkle to your season (and your shelves) with handmade glassy greatness! β¨π
π πΆ Winterfest at Kirkland Urban β Jingle All the Wayβ¦ to Alpacas?! ππ¦
Winterfest just dropped the holiday mic with a lineup including Santa in his sleigh, magical snowfall, line dancing, AND alpacas. Yup, you read that right. Between the balloon artists, carolers, live ice sculpting, and sβmores (FREE, while they last), this plaza transforms into a real-life snow globe of joy. Warning: You will take more photos than your phone storage can handle.
π Time: 4:00 PM
π Location: Kirkland Urban, 425 Urban Plaza, Kirkland, WA
π More Info: HERE β
Itβs festive chaos in the best way β donβt forget your selfie stick! πΈβοΈ
Sunday Nov 30th 46Β°/36Β° π€οΈ
π€π½οΈ Stand-Up Comedy Show at Forum Social House β Post-Turkey Punchlines! ππ¦
Still recovering from Aunt Lindaβs cranberry βsurpriseβ? Swap the family drama for comedy gold at Forum Social Houseβs last show of 2025. Expect PG-13 content, real-deal laughs, and a vibe thatβs way more fun than leftovers. Come early for dinner and drinks β then stay for jokes that will stretch your waistband even more (in the best way).
π Time: 5:00 PM dinner | 6:00β7:30 PM show
π Location: Forum Social House, 700 Bellevue Way NE, STE 300, Bellevue, WA
π More Info: HERE β
Come hungry for laughs β and dessert (because priorities). π°π
Calling all bookworms, gift-hunters, and people who say βI love that new book smell.β The Historically Hip Author Fair is your chance to meet local authors, discover new reads, and snag signed books that make way better presents than socks. With genres for every age and vibe, this one-day bash is basically a literary treasure hunt wrapped in tinsel.
π Time: 12:00 PM
π Location: La-Z-Boy Home Furnishings & DΓ©cor, 628 Front Street N, Issaquah, WA
π More Info: HERE β
Turn the page on boring gifts β shop smart, read local! ππ
Whether you're a cookie rookie or royal icing royalty, this class will have you piping like a pro. Youβll decorate four festive designs while sipping something cozy and laughing with fellow sugar artists. Itβs a sweet way to kick off the holiday season β and yes, licking the frosting is totally encouraged.
π Time: 6:00 PM
π Location: Chelan Ridge Winery, 19151 144th Avenue NE, Woodinville, WA
π More Info: HERE β
Cookies, wine, and no cleanup? Yes, chef! π·π
π₯πΆ Community Bonfires at the Park β Sβmores, Ships & Shoreline Cheer π’βοΈ
Wrap yourself in something fuzzy and join the community bonfire as Argosyβs Christmas Ship Festival lights up the lake! The City of Kirkland brings the flames (the safe kind), FHNA brings the cocoa, and YOU bring the festive vibes. Itβs short, sweet, and totally magical β like a cozy hug with holiday music playing in the background.
π Time: 4:35 PM (music until 4:55 PM)
π Location: OO Denny Park, 12032 Holmes Point Dr NE, Kirkland, WA
π More Info: HERE β
Bundle up, sip your cocoa, and let the shoreline serenade begin! π₯π΅
Trivia π€
Which Bellevue park has been ranked as one of the nationβs top parks for urban walkers?
Last Weeks Question and Answer:
What trail connects Redmond and Woodinville along the Sammamish River? Sammamish River Trail
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