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Holiday Adventures in Seattle, Part 1

For many, traveling to see friends and family for the holidays is all about spending time together. My family spent several Christmases in California with our huge family – sharing meals, playing games, trips to the beach – as long as we were catching up and sharing our stories from the time we spent apart, it didn’t really matter what we did.

If you’re looking to make some new traditions with your loved ones this year, Seattle is a great place to do it! We have so many Christmas activities in Seattle during the holidays, both secular and religious, that offer memories for years to come!

Take a Trip Down Candy Cane Lane – Dec. 7th – Jan. 1st

Candy Cane Lane in Ravenna

Christmas just isn’t the same without those evening journeys through sparkling neighborhoods that are decked out in lights. There’s no reason to leave this tradition behind when you head to Seattle for Christmas this year. Instead, elevate the experience by taking a trip down the city’s infamous Candy Cane Lane. Located at NE Park Road and the cross-section of 21st Avenue, this street has been dazzling holiday viewers for decades. The collection of 23 Tudor-style homes takes Christmas décor to the next level and delights visitors with sparkling rooftops, mechanical decorations and inflatable holiday accessories that bring the neighborhood to life.

While most people drive through, especially on the wet and windy nights, I recommend bundling up and walking. Many of the home owners and their families are out greeting people and spreading Christmas cheer. This event is free and there are donation bins at either end of the drive for donations of food and warm clothing for local families in need.

Visit the Woodland Park Zoo – Nov. 29th – Jan. 5th

You might say that you’re not really a zoo kind of person, which is ok. But I would challenge that label until after you’ve been to Wildlights at the Woodland Park Zoo. This annual event at our amazing zoo is an enchanting way to spend time with your loved ones as you encounter animals, sip hot chocolate and wander the grounds which are decked out in their holiday best. More than 700,000 LED lights adorn the zoo this time of year, creating one of a kind light display that’s sure to inspire. You can buy tickets on their website, $16.95 for adults and $12.95 for kids.

Skate at Winterfest Rink – Nov. 29th to Dec. 31st

While the Emerald City can get cold for the holidays, it doesn’t usually get ice-skating-on-your-local-pond cold. And there’s just something about ice skating that puts you in the holiday spirit. Lucky for you, we have the Winterfest Rink at Seattle Center. This area is part of the greater Winterfest event, which covers the entire Seattle Center, and transforms Fisher Pavilion into an oasis of wintery fun for the entire family. While much of Winterfest is free, the cost to ice skate is $8 for adults, $6 for kids 6-12, and $2 for kids 5 and under.  

Be sure to experience these fantastic Christmas activities in Seattle.

Savor the Best of Seattle

Whether you’re in town for the holidays or traveling this direction at any other time of the year, be sure you’re booked into a customized and accommodating home away from home with the help of the professionals at Seattle Oasis Vacation Rentals. Contact us today for more information and to begin planning your trip.


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Let the Holidays Begin!

Thanksgiving is over. The leftovers have been divvied up, the dining room put back together, and you’ve slept off all that wonderful food. In my family we put on our layers and comfy shoes and headed downtown for a day of Christmas shopping and taking in the sights and sounds of a magical Seattle Washington Christmas vacation! Here in the Emerald City, the day after Thanksgiving is when we officially kick-off the holidays, and this year November 29th will be no exception. The Macy’s Holiday parade, the Westlake and Pike Place tree lighting ceremonies, holiday décor at its finest….the list goes on. Want to see the city’s largest gingerbread house or professionally decorated trees, all while supporting the kids at Seattle Children’s? We have that. Looking for a super cute photo op for the kids with ginormous teddy bears? Check. Ice skating through a light maze? We have that too. With so many choices, I thought I’d put together a handy guide to help you get in the holiday spirit!

The Westlake Center tree lighting ceremony

First things first – the parade! Macy’s has long been putting on the holiday parade here, and it’s one of the best in my humble opinion. The route starts on 7th and Pine and winds through downtown ending up at Macy’s on 4th. It includes Santa on his sleigh and at the end the big guy heads up to open Santaland on the 2nd floor of the store at 11 am. The parade starts at 9 am and lasts about an hour. Get your seats along the parade route early, pretty much the entire city shows up for this. Pro Tip: wear layers. All of the events on the 29th happen rain or shine, but unless you’re an actual gingerbread person a rain jacket will let you enjoy the festivities regardless of how mother nature is feeling that day! The parade is a unique Seattle Washington Christmas activity.

After the parade head up to the Fairmont Hotel on 4th and University. There you can warm up, grab a hot beverage, and check out three very cool attractions. The first is their annual Festival of Trees in the main lobby. Each tree has a unique theme and is decorated to honor the brave kids at Seattle Children’s Hospital. Next, head up to the 2nd floor to the Teddy Bear Suite – yes, one of the amazing suites at the hotel is transformed into a teddy bear wonderland that is too cute for words. Get a photo with the little ones (ok, or yourself) for picture-perfect holiday cards. Finally, head to the lower lobby to see the huge gingerbread house made with over 4,000 real gingerbread bricks. It looks good enough to eat, but please don’t.

The Teddy Bear Suite at the Fairmont Hotel

Our fine city offers not one, but two great tree lighting ceremonies and it’s hard to recommend one over the other. The first is Magic in the Market, and it’s personally my favorite. It starts around 11am and offers Santa pictures (for free!) under the Market Clock, cookie decorating in the Market Atrium Kitchen, and holiday music. I’m a huge fan of supporting local artisans, and the Market offers unique gifts, along with yummy food and beverages. At 5 pm Santa will lead the countdown to light the 20-foot holiday tree and lights that extend throughout the entire market!  Your other option is the head to Westlake Park for their tree lighting ceremony that starts around 4:30. There you can hop on the Holiday Carousel, grab a bite to eat from one of the many great food trucks, or head into Westlake Center for some holiday shopping. Santa is a busy guy, and will be making an appearance at this event as well! There’s so much more to see and do for a fabulous Seattle Washington Christmas vacation, but I’ll tell you about those next week.

Holiday lights at Pike Place Market

After a day of holiday merriment in the city, why not come home to a cozy, relaxing place with super comfy furniture where you can put your feet up and enjoy a glass of wine? You can cook up the local fare you got at the market in the well-appointed kitchen, or just order in and savor some quiet time away from the hustle and bustle of downtown. The team at Seattle Oasis Vacation Rentals is here to make sure each of our guests enjoys a customized and luxurious stay right in the heart of it all. Contact us today for more information on our property options.


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November Events Guide

November Seattle Events Calendar Post

November is here, and with it the cooler weather and the last several years some snow. Which makes an amazing backdrop for all the fun holiday events going on. I personally love to bundle up on a sunny, cold day – even better if that day includes hot beverages, great food, and of course Christmas lights! Ok, I know there is another holiday between now and the best one, and our city doesn’t take a break in offering you some great places to shop, eat, take in a show, give back, and even visit a State or National park for free. Here are a few Seattle events you might like to try….

Oyster New Year at Elliott’s Oyster House, November 2nd

Food and Beverage. November starts out strong with The Whiskey Extravaganza at the Rainier Club on the 1st, offering unlimited tastings of over 100 whiskeys, delicious bites to go with, and even a master class! Oyster New Year on the 2nd not only offers 30 varieties of that delicious treat from the sea, which is reason enough for me to go, but also includes a seafood buffet, wine from 60 different wineries, microbrews, and live music at Elliott’s Oyster House on Pier 56. (P.S. Elliott’s is also the best place for HH if you love oysters as much as I do. Trust me.) Seattleites love our food, so we not only have Restaurant Week in the spring, but the late fall as well! Join other like-minded food-lovers the 3rd – 7th for special deals on three-course meals at 165 different restaurants all over the city. If you watch “America’s Test Kitchen” you won’t want to miss the Seattle Eats Festival which includes chef-made food, drinks, cooking demos, and even a chance to meet the cast members! November 8th and 9th, 21+ only. The 9th and 10th brings us the Northwest Chocolate Festival with tastings, workshops, and vendors offering the latest and greatest…basically all things chocolate! There are also several beer and spirits tastings, cruises, cabarets, bar crawls…seriously anything you could want to do that involves food and drink. Visit the website at Events12 for all the listings.

Dia de los Muertos at El Centro de la Raza, November 1st

Conventions, festivals, and fairs. Obviously the biggest event at the beginning of November is Dia de los Muertos, with events happening all over the city. I recommend visiting El Centro de la Raza or Court in the Square on the 1st or the Armory at Seattle Center on the 2nd and 3rd.  Next up is the Earshot Jazz Festival the 1st – 6th at multiple locations throughout the city. If jazz is your thing, you will not want to miss this. The Seattle Women’s Show on the 2nd at the Women’s University Club offers lots of great shopping, a wine and champagne bar, and gourmet food trucks for refueling. The Best of the Northwest the 8th – 10th is where I have gotten almost all of my holiday shopping done for years. This juried show has 120 artists offering everything from jewelry to wall art to clothing – even sculptures and gourmet food! Need some feel good with your gift-buying? The artists that you are supporting here donate art that is auctioned off in the spring to help support Uncompensated Care at Seattle Children’s! Need more? If you are active or retired military, you get in free. Speaking of military, there are a lot of local parades, dinners, and events happening in almost every neighborhood for Veteran’s Day. Take some time to thank those that keep us safe and allow us to celebrate the holidays in any fashion we wish. Thank You Veterans!

Seattle Turkey Trot in Ballard, November 28th

Turkey Day Offerings. Cranksgiving on the 16th is a fun scavenger hunt done on your bike. You look for food that is later donated to the West Seattle Food Bank, and you get prizes at the after party! The Green Lake Gobble & Mashed Potato Munch Off on the 17th is a fun way to get some exercise in and help support the Union Gospel Mission. Held at Green Lake Park, this event offers a 10K and 5K walk/run, a free kids dash, and a mashed potato eating contest. What more could you want? On Thanksgiving Day, there are tons of restaurants offering special menus. Everything from traditional turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes to ethnic cuisine with a traditional twist. The Eater, OpenTable, and TripSavvy sites all have great recommendations of where to go for your perfect Turkey Day meal. Before all that eating, drinking, and merry-making, you’re going to need to go for a walk. Or maybe a run. How about a Trot? The Seattle Turkey Trot in Ballard is a 5K benefiting the Ballard Food Bank starting at 9am. Bring your food donation and your furry friend – oh, and don’t forget  your costume! The Turkey Trot at Magunson Park at 10am is a 5K/10K/15K benefiting Teen Feed and the University Food Bank. Cash and food donations accepted at both.

Magic in the Market, begins November 30th

…….and the Holiday Festivities Begin! The 29th is the opening ceremony for Christmas in Seattle, and it’s an event you absolutely have to see. The Macy’s Holiday Parade is at 9am and has all the things you want from a proper parade: floats, marching bands, costumes, and of course Santa! Afterwards the Man in Red will be delivered to the 2nd floor of Macys where he will be listening to the kiddos and posing for pictures through December 24th. The annual Westlake Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration happens later in the day, along with the Macy’s Downtown Seattle Starlighting. Basically, just wear your warm layers and plan on spending the day at Westlake Center! The 30th is the annual Magic in the Market starting at 11am and concluding with the famous Pike Place Market Tree Lighting! After these Seattle events, there is something Holiday almost every day. A few notables are the Nutcracker at the Pacific Northwest Ballet, Winterfest at Seattle Center, Lumaze at Smith Cove, WildLights at the Woodland Park Zoo, Enchanted Christmas at T-Mobile Park (which includes a really cool maze)….it goes on and on.  

All this holiday fun can be exhausting, why not come home to a luxury unit with super comfy furniture and a view to die for? You can cook in the fully stocked gourmet kitchen or just enjoy a glass of wine and conversation with loved ones. The team at Seattle Oasis Vacation Rentals is here to make sure each of our guests enjoys a customized and luxurious stay right in the heart of it all. Contact us today for more information on our property options.


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Experiencing a Seattle 4th of July Celebration

If you’re a traveler who is taken in by astounding landscapes that range from towering mountains to lush forests and glittering waterways in between, Seattle, Washington is calling you. If you’re a traveler that has a heart for urban exploration, mesmerizing museums and art galleries that bring the best of traditional and modern combines, there’s something in the cityscape of Seattle with your name on it. When it comes to versatility, there’s a reason Seattle is so well-loved by visitors from near and far. It’s an amazing place to come and discover any time of year no matter where your interests lie.

However, when the 4th of July rolls around, there’s something particularly inspiring about the Emerald City. This sprawling urban oasis surrounding by unparalleled natural beauty sets an incredible scene for Independence Day festivities. Whether you’re passionate about fireworks or looking to savor the holiday through flavor, there are a few Seattle 4th of July events you simply don’t want to miss.

Seafair Summer Fourth

The only thing better than a fireworks display is a display set to custom music. Immerse yourself in a dazzling soundtrack that comes along with brilliant sky-high glitter when you buy a ticket to Seafair Summer Fourth this 4th of July. Located at Gas Works Park at 2101 N. Northlake Way, guest can be a part of the fun for $60. Fireworks and music begin at dusk but before that time comes, be sure to make the most of the many food trucks that dot the park and offer up a savory bite. An on-site beer garden curbs the beverage craving while live musical entertainment acts as pre-fireworks fun.

The Seattle 4th of July Fireworks Cruise

Enjoy your fireworks and a Seatlle 4th of July in pirate-style by boarding a vessel built with fantasy in mind at the hands of Emerald City Pirates on Lake Union. Your watery voyage begins at 8:30 pm and departs from 860 Terry Avenue North. Enjoy onboard snacks, beverages and live music as you wait for the fireworks to start. From your wave-based vantage point, you won’t have to worry about traffic, crowds or obstructed views. Fireworks will dazzle overhead once the sun goes down as you make the most of prime seating on the water. Return to your starting point around 11:30 pm having enjoyed the many sky-high colors that mark this important U.S. holiday.

A Seattle Stay to Remember

When your travels bring you to Seattle for 4th of July, the team at Seattle Oasis Vacation Rentals is happy to help you book a downtown property that feels like a home away from home. Enjoy comfort, quality, and luxury in equal measure with a downtown view that’s one of a kind. Contact us today to begin planning your Independence Day adventures to Seattle.

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