Your Ultimate Guide To Winter Attractions And Activities In Washington
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Chris Muras
Author
There are so many scenic and beautiful places to explore in Washington State that it draws visitors from far and wide all year round. Winter in Washington is simply magical with falling snow, lush evergreen forests, and majestic mountains. Which makes it the perfect destination for the holidays and outdoor adventures alike. Here are some of our favorite things to do in Washington in winter.
Holiday Events In Washington
If you are looking for fun ways to celebrate a winter day in Washington these Washington holiday events will do the trick. From incredible Christmas lights displays to partying at a winter festival with fireworks exploding over Mount Rainier. Here are some fun things to do in Washington in winter.
Stanwood, WA 98292, USA
- Location: Stanwood, WA
- Popularity: If everyone in Washington State doesn't know about this event by now, they will soon. This popular event is unique because you stay primarily in your car so the busier it is the more you get to enjoy the lights.
- Price: Pack the car tight because admission is $32 per vehicle (up to 12 passengers), or, $60 per vehicle for buses and limousines.
For an unforgettable Christmas event in Washington State, there is no better place to see holiday lights of this magnitude. We are talking about over one million lights all lit up as you drive through tunnels of magic, forests wrapped in glittering lights, and two exciting activity stops to stretch your legs and grab some cocoa. The Lights of Christmas has been going on since 1996, and it is now the largest light show in the PNW. Going on a Christmas lights drive is one of those winter activities you can enjoy with the whole family. On a cold winter day, stay nice and toasty in your car as you enjoy this epic drive-thru holiday lights show.
Leavenworth, WA 98826, USA
- Location: Leavenworth, WA
- Popularity: Busy, busy, busy. Tree lighting ceremonies are always jam-packed, but that way you can keep warm. It's also a good idea to take a shuttle or walk in so you can avoid some of the heavy traffic.
- Price: Free. (But the city must shell out a few buckaroos for all that electricity)
You'll see Leavenworth pop up again in our featured Christmas towns section because it is just that incredible. But if you enjoy the fanfare of a good tree-lighting celebration, this is the town to go to. It is simply breathtaking. If you are looking for free things to do in Washington in winter, a tree lighting festival is a great option. The amount of holiday spirit Leavenworth generates at this time of year could power Santa's sleigh for the whole year all by itself. Come for the tree lighting, and stay for the festivities, because this Bavarian town nestled in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains is picture-perfect.
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White Pass Ski Area, 48935 US-12, Naches, WA 98937, USA
- Location: Naches, WA
- Popularity: This is a fun event that draws a lot of people looking to say farewell to winter. If you want to avoid some of the crowds, plan to attend on Sunday. Parking can fill up quickly so get here early.
- Price: The event is free and open to everyone! However, lift tickets will be needed at the normal rates if you plan to ski, snowboard, or go tubing.
By the time March rolls around many of us are ready for warmer weather and a break from shoveling snow. For others, it is our last chance to hit the slopes and take advantage of the last few snowstorms. In either case, the White Pass Winter Carnival in early March is a time to celebrate the end of winter with an all-out fun-filled event at the White Pass Ski Area near Mt. Rainier National Park. This family-friendly event is perfect for ski and snowboard lovers as well as those who just dig massive snow sculptures, snow castles, and fireworks displays. This winter carnival has everything from snow tubing to torchlight parades and kids' obstacle courses. A good winter festival wouldn't be complete without plenty of live music and a dance party open to all ages. If you are looking for family things to do in Washington in winter, you can't go wrong with this event.
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Lake Chelan Winterfest, 216 E Woodin Ave, Chelan, WA 98816, USA
- Location: Chelan, WA
- Popularity: Busy, busy, busy. Tree lighting ceremonies are always jam-packed, but that way you can keep warm. It's also a good idea to take a shuttle or walk in so you can avoid some of the heavy traffic.
- Price: If you are looking for cheap things to do in Washington in winter tickets go on sale toward the end of November for $10 each. The event starts in mid-January and runs for ten days.
Chelan is a wonderful town on the Eastern side of the Cascade Mountains. Because of its unique position, it is sunny nearly all year long - which is particularly enjoyable in the wintertime. When the Lake Chelan Winterfest rolls around, it is the perfect time to plan your Washington getaway if you enjoy warming your heart and soul with an exciting fireworks display as you enjoy an all-access pass to wonderful restaurants, breweries, wineries, and cideries. While you are in town, make sure you check out the many ice sculptures and ice carving demonstrations. You can see them all on the Ice Sculptures Driving Tour. Or, enjoy a carriage ride around town while sipping hot apple cider or hot chocolate topped with mini marshmallows. The Lake Chelan Winterfest celebration gets bigger and better every year, so you know you will have an amazing time listening to live music, hanging out at the ice bar, and taking in all of the fun winter activities, like Snowshoe Yoga!
Christmas Towns In Washington
Washington has several well-known Christmas towns, either because the town itself is the main attraction or because of a certain event that draws visitors from far and wide. Let’s take a look at some of our favorite Christmas towns in Washington State.
Shelton, WA 98584, USA
- Location: Shelton, WA
- Popularity: Say hi to the 32-foot Santa billboard that greets you as you drive into Christmastown USA for this darling town filled with holiday spirit.
- Price: Shelton's Christmas celebration is free to attend, however, some activities might have a small fee. One of the more popular things to do is pick out your own Christmas tree in the Olympic National Park with a $5 permit.
Shelton should have a special place in your heart - especially if you pick out a fresh Christmas tree each year. Shelton is known as Christmastown, USA because it is one of the nation's top suppliers of Christmas trees. Millions of fragrant trees have traveled all over the country that grew right here in Mason County, WA. Shelton's Railroad Avenue is lined with tall lush pine trees that are vividly decorated each winter. The town even set a world record for the most illuminated trees in one location - 797 trees all set up in a giant Christmas tree maze! As you can imagine, Shelton's Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony is pretty spectacular. Folks gather around the town post office to welcome in the holiday season with marshmallow roasts, kiddie train rides, and a gingerbread house contest. They also hold a unique Christmas parade where all of the performers and dazzling floats stay in one place and the entire town walks by at their own pace.
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, 5400 N Pearl St, Tacoma, WA 98407, USA
- Location: Tacoma, WA
- Popularity: Since Zoolights is over a month long there are plenty of opportunities to pick a quiet time to enjoy it. Tacoma itself is a fantastic city between Seattle and Olympia right across the Puget Sound from the Olympic Peninsula.
- Price: Admission to Zoolights starts at $12 for non-members and $6 for members.
Generally a "Christmas Town" is a charming small town that exudes holiday spirit, but this city of some 200,000 people makes the list because of an event at the Point Defiance Zoo that has been bringing light and love to our hearts for nearly 35 years (Since 1989) - ZooLights. From Thanksgiving to New Year this fun event dazzles up with hundreds of thousands of lights on walkable tunnels, animal figures (a 100-foot octopus!), and in the trees. If you are looking for romantic things to do in Washington in winter this place is magical. It is also a wondrous event for families because the expressions on children's faces when they walk through the zoo are priceless.
Meeker Mansion Museum, 312 Spring St, Puyallup, WA 98372, USA
- Location: Puyallup, WA
- Popularity: Puyallup is another lovely example of a larger city that knows how to pull out all the stops when it comes time to show off its holiday spirit.
- Price: Admission to the holiday tours at Meeker Mansion is $12 for adults, $11 for seniors, and $10 for children.
Enjoy a Victorian Christmas in Puyallup at the Meeker Mansion. The Mansion dates back to 1890 when the Meeker family traveled to Washington on the Oregon Trail. Today, visitors are drawn to the mid-sized town of Puyallup (which means "the generous people" in the native language of the Puyallup tribe) for Christmas at the Mansion. An annual event where the Meeker Mansion hosts numerous holiday-themed events. The festivities begin after Thanksgiving and run just before Christmas Eve. Take Christmas Tea Victorian style or attend the Holiday Craft Bazaar to pick up or make gifts for friends and family. Throughout the home, you'll discover elaborately decorated Christmas trees - nine of them, in fact. As well as period-correct ornaments and thousands of lights. You can even get a free candy cane or small toy if you find the hidden elves. A warm-up with hot cider or cocoa is always a nice treat too.
Leavenworth, WA 98826, USA
- Location: Leavenworth, WA
- Popularity: Leavenworth is probably one of the most popular Christmas towns in the country, if not the world. As a cute Bavarian village, it is like taking a European vacation right here in the Pacific Northwest.
- Price: There are plenty of free things to do in Leavenworth for the holidays, but expect to pay a premium for lodging at this time of year.
You didn't think we'd leave out this beautiful winter wonderland, did you? Leavenworth, WA epitomizes a Christmas Town. In fact, it is world-renowned as a picture-perfect holiday destination. If you want to avoid some of the crowds, plan for a weekday getaway, or make it a day trip by taking a shuttle service into town to avoid the full parking lots. As Christmas Hallmark towns go, Leavenworth will warm your heart with its stunning holiday decorations, overflowing holiday spirit, snow-capped mountain views, and small-town charm.
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Outdoor Activities
Washington has plenty of outdoor activities, and not just for skiers. Head to Stevens Pass to hike on the Pacific Crest Trail or go fly fishing on the Hoh River for a trophy trout. Even in the wintertime, there are a number of fun activities from skiing to ice skating. Let’s take a look at a few right here.
Riverfront Park, 507 N Howard St, Spokane, WA 99201, USA
- Location: Spokane, WA
- Popularity: This popular activity at Riverfront Park can get crowded depending on the day and time you come to skate. But there are always lulls in activity so you can expect to get some good ice time.
- Price: Pick up an unlimited ice pass at a 15-percent discount starting in mid-November. Regular season passes start at about $39 for adults and $28 for children. With an additional add-on for skate rental. Single-day rates are $10 per hour for adults and $7/hour for children ages 3-12. Skate rental is $7 per visit.
One of our favorite activities during a Washington winter is ice skating! And when you see this epic skating rink you'll see why. The Numerica Skate Ribbon at Riverfront Park is a cool 16-foot wide, 650-foot long lazy-river-like skating rink with an additional 3,500-square-foot skating pond. If you're in search of a hot date night on a cool skating rink this is your best bet. And when your toes get a little tingly you can warm up at one of several fire pits or skate on into the Sky Ribbon Café for some hot chocolate and a snuggle. Oh, and we forgot to mention the sound-activated light tunnel that is pretty magical on a cold winter night under the stars.
Summit Tubing Park, The Summit at Snoqualmie, Snoqualmie Pass, WA 98068, USA
- Location: Spokane, WA
- Popularity: Tubing at The Summit is quite popular, for that reason online tickets are available for purchase only until all spots are filled for that day.
- Price: Purchase your time slot online for a 1.75-hour session which includes a tube for $45. Anyone 45 inches or taller can ride solo. For those children under 45 inches, the price is $18 and they must ride with a paid adult.
There is no need to invest in expensive ski or snowboarding gear to have a fun time on a snow-covered mountain in Washington. Just head to the Summit Tubing Park at the top of the beautiful Snoqualmie Pass east of Seattle. The Summit is also a popular ski resort so you can take in a little skiing and snowboarding too (and some excellent mountain biking in warmer weather). But if you don't have time for ski lessons, just grab a time and start sledding down the mountain in one of over 20 designated tubing lanes. Snow tubing starts and ends each season depending on snowfall, so keep an eye on those weather reports for the first nice snowfall of the season before rushing to grab your tickets.
Methow Trails, 21 Horizon Flat Rd, Winthrop, WA 98862, USA
- Location: Winthrop, WA
- Popularity: Peak times can get busy but with so many miles of trails you can definitely enjoy some quiet time with nature on the Methow Trails.
- Price: A single day ski pass is $30. A ten-day punch card for skiing is $260. An annual ski pass is $349. An annual pass for snowshoeing or fat tire biking is $50. Kids 17 and under and adults age 75+ can ski free!
Perhaps the mecca of cross-country skiing in America can be found in the Methow Valley in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. It is North America's largest Nordic ski area with 120 miles of groomed trails to glide your way to outdoor winter bliss. You can also dust off the snowshoes or bring your fat tire bike. In the summer dog walking, hiking, mountain biking, and trail running is popular too. Spending a day on the Methow Trails is one of our favorite Washington winter activities, especially for seniors over the age of 75 and kids since they can use the trail for free!
Waterways Cruises and Events, 901 Fairview Ave N Suite A100, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
- Location: Seattle, WA
- Popularity: Make sure you book your cruise well in advance so as to not miss out on this fun and unique Thanksgiving Day experience.
- Price: Tickets for anyone 13 or older are $110. Children 5 to 12 are $63, and Seniors and Military tickets are $98.
If you'd like a break from slaving away in the kitchen all day for Thanksgiving this year, take a load off, and enjoy a relaxing Thanksgiving Day Cruise around the lake in Seattle. Start things off by toasting to family, health, and happiness with a glass of champagne (or sparkling cider for the little ones). Then sit back and enjoy your luxury yacht cruise around Lake Washington and Lake Union as the Thanksgiving feast is prepared by world-class chefs and delivered to your private table. If you'd like to warm up with a Hot Toddy or a festive Ginger Apple Moscow Mule at the ship's full-service bar, you can certainly do so. Just leave room for fresh pumpkin pie a la mode.
Winter Getaways
There are so many wonderful places to stay in Washington any time of year, but there is something special about a cozy winter getaway. We are pretty sure you’ll get excited about these next few weekend getaways or family vacation spots that have a special charm in the winter months.
Port Angeles, WA, USA
- Location: Port Angeles, WA
- Popularity: This hidden gem is one of those places you want to come back to again and again. So why not try a winter getaway and then start planning a return visit in the summer or fall too?
- Price: $415 per night
There is certainly something very romantic about staying in a cozy treehouse cabin during a Washington winter. The Eagles Perch Treehouse looks out over the Strait of Juan De Fuca on Washington's Olympic Peninsula giving you incredible sunset views. The cabin is built out of fragrant cedar and the floor-to-ceiling windows give you plenty of viewing room to spot eagles soaring in the sky. The charming towns of Port Angeles and Sequim are only about 10 miles away so you can top up your groceries and stop at a cute cafe shop before planning your backcountry winter hikes or snowshoeing routes.
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Goldmyer Hot Springs, Washington 98045, USA
- Location: North of Snoqualmie Pass, WA
- Popularity: If you enjoy hot springs but not when there are 50 other people trying to crowd into one little stream, this secret spot is pretty special.
- Price: A private group rate is $240. A shared-use day pass is $30 and an extra $10 if you plan to camp.
Sure there are hot springs resorts like the Sol Duc Springs Resort, but it doesn't open up until early spring. If you want a unique winter hot springs adventure in Washington, the Goldmeyer Hot Springs is a hidden gem that you'll have practically to yourself. Only 20 people per day are allowed to venture there! And you'll need to enter a lottery to be allowed a chance to enjoy the hike and hot springs experience. The Goldmeyer Hot Springs is about 25 miles east of North Bend in the foothills of the Cascades. The trail to get there is 11 miles each way, so you'll be ready for a dip when you reach the springs. Camping is also available, and is absolutely beautiful surrounded by old-growth pines.
- Location: Ashford, Glacier, Quilcene, or Gold Bar WA
- Popularity: A hot tub cabin is always popular but these private cabins in the woods make it seem like you are the only one in the forest.
- Price: $173 to $378 per night.
If you love a good cabin and hot tub getaway, Washington is one of the best places to find one. We have some of the best forests in the nation after all. There is nothing more romantic than soaking in a hot tub as light snow filters through the forest canopy. Any one of these five hot tub cabins in Washington would make a great choice. If you are into winter sports such as snowshoeing or snowmobiling on forest trails, a rugged outdoor adventure awaits.
Bull Hill Guest Ranch, 3738 Bull Hill Rd, Kettle Falls, WA 99141, USA
- Location: Kettle Falls, WA
- Popularity: This dude ranch books up quickly (some dates even a year in advance) so make sure you plan way ahead.
- Price: $260 to $315 per person per night. Discounts are available for children.
Head out to the Rockies for an authentic cowboy experience at the Bull Hill Guest Ranch. With several lodging options to choose from you can enjoy everything from a luxury glamping tent to a three-bedroom deluxe cabin. Even better, the ranch is all-inclusive so you'll enjoy all of the grub and beverages (including adult beverages) you can handle. Go horseback riding in the mountains, try your hand at fly-fishing, trap shooting, or participate in a cattle drive - you have all sorts of fun adventures to try.
With so much to see and do in Washington State, you’ll have plenty to keep you busy. Have you discovered a few new things to do in Washington in winter? Share a few of your favorites with a comment. We hope you’ve found a little inspiration to come for a visit.
If you are looking for fun places to visit in Washington in winter, check out this featured article with ten unforgettable places to explore.
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