information from Seattle Parks and Recreation
Seattle Parks and Recreation is pleased to announce a series of wintertime events in city parks. Funded by the Seattle Park District, the Arts in Parks initiative invites everyone to enjoy neighborhood celebrations that are free and open to the public.
The Arts in Parks program supports new and established community festivals, art happenings, and music concerts that enliven Seattle parks by promoting arts and culture, celebrating diversity, building community connections, and energizing parks while connecting with rich cultural traditions. Arts in Parks is an initiative of Seattle Parks and Recreation and the Office of Arts and Culture. Learn more here.
To find a Seattle city park visit: www.seattle.gov/parks/find.
Sunday, December 1 and Monday, December 2
National Nordic Museum, Dec. 1 from 1 – 4 p.m.
Bergen Place, Dec. 2 from 1 - 3 p.m.
Calling all knitters and crocheters! It's time to pick up your needles and help spread a bit of color and joy in Ballard this holiday season. Bring your yarn, needles of choice, and enjoy holiday drinks and Seattle Chocolate as we work together to create a knit installation inspired by the work of Frida Clements. This free event happens December 1, 1pm to 4pm, at National Nordic Museum, 2655 NW Market Street, Seattle. Knitted art will be installed in Bergen Place on December 2 from 1 - 3 p.m. and will continue to be on display throughout December.
Friday, December 6, 13, and 20
First Hill Park from 10:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m.
Come join us at First Hill Park the first three Fridays in December to enjoy art by a local artist. This is a great opportunity to meet your local neighbors and to talk about improvements to the neighborhood.
Saturday, December 7
Ballard Commons Park from 11 a.m. -3 p.m.
The 4th Annual “Hot Apple Cider Bean Bag Toss” is coming to Ballard Commons Park on December 7th from 11 am to 3pm. Stop by our tent in the park to play the Giant Snowman Family Bean Bag Toss game and enjoy a free cup of cider for participating. It is a colorful and quirky 10-minute diversion on your Ballard stroll! Our tradition of drinking hot apple cider takes the chill away and the big bright bean bag toss game, by local artist Blanca Santander, chases away the grey. Make it a point to swing by and say hello! Fun for all ages!
Bergen Place Park from 2 - 5 p.m.
Enjoy live music, free photos with Santa, popcorn, treats, hot chocolate and find out the winners of the Tomte Trail adventure and more at this free event celebrating the holiday season in Ballard. Fun family entertainment in the heart of Ballard!
Junction Plaza Park from 4 - 6 p.m.
Come to the Holiday Night Market on Saturday, December 7th, from 3 to 7 p.m. on Alaska St., where you’ll find local handmade goods from over 40 local artisans. Get your picture with Santa too! Watch for Santa from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Holiday Night Market Santa House. Make an ornament to hang on the tree to show holiday spirit the entire community can enjoy! Held in Junction Plaza Park at 42nd and Alaska during the Holiday Night Market, we present a full music and entertainment line-up with the finale: the tree lighting.
Albert Davis Park from 5 - 7 p.m.
Lake City Winter Fest continues the longstanding tradition of bringing community together in the neighborhood for free treats, tree lighting, kid's crafts, face painting, live music and free pictures with Santa.
Tuesday, December 10
Othello Playground from 3 – 5 p.m.
Come learn how to produce a photoshoot at this amazing workshop!
Saturday, December 14
Jimi Hendrix Park from 2 - 4 p.m.
Dance along with this unique cross-cultural tradition of stilt walking from the Caribbean.
Mineral Springs Park from 1 - 4 p.m.
Come join us at Mineral Springs Park on Saturday, December 21st from 1 to 4 p.m. for a FREE holiday event including music, holiday card-making activities, festive games, hot beverages and snacks. Bring winter clothing items for donation to Aurora Commons. All are welcome! Event will be held rain or shine!
- Park ‘n Roll –Summer themed Latin American Soft Rock
Ballard Common Park from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Come jam out with us at Ballard Commons Park while we play Latin American soft rock!
Dr. Jose Rizal Park from 12 – 9 p.m.
Come and join us as we celebrate the Filipino Way of Culture and Tradition! We will have games and activities for all ages. Santa Photo Booth, Traditional Table Setting Displays, Parol (lantern) Contest, Holiday Carols, Traditional Holiday Treats, Raffle prizes, and much more. Grand prize or raffle tickets is a Filipino Style (Pig Luau) Lechon (delivered to your home on December 24th) for your Noche Buena.
Sunday, December 15
Jimi Hendrix Park from 3 - 5 p.m.
Bring your barril drums, cuás, and maracas. Bring your full, long skirts, scarves, and cloth. Bring mittens, coats, and blankets. Bring your own snacks, hot drinks, and reusable water bottle. We will begin with a workshop on traditional Puerto Rican drumming, song, and dance and move into the Bombazo. All ages and abilities are welcome.
Saturday, December 21
Pratt Park
12-3:30 pm
Winter Jazz Land will be a warm-spirited, family friendly, fun- filled event! It will feature live music, festive sounds of jazz music, singing, and encouraged dancing. Hot Chocolate and spiced cider will warm bodies as live jazz music warms the soul for the holiday season.
Lincoln Park from 2 - 4 p.m.
Come join us for some Nyabinghi drumming and singing which comes from Jamaican Rastafarian culture! We will have a drum circle along with dancers that will teach dance steps and songs. Songs sheets will also be provided!
Sunday, December 22
Lincoln Park from 2 - 4 p.m.
Gather with family and friends to learn and share the Mixteco indigenous language. Learn Mixteco words through planting, painting, and drawing. All ages are welcome.
- Winter Wonderland in the Park
Salmon Bay Park from 5 - 7 p.m.
Enjoy a special evening set to the sounds of Ballard High School's outstanding Vocal Jazz choir. While their songs warm your heart, the park will be lit up with luminaries. Hot cider and hot chocolate will be served, and artists of all ages will be able to participate in a variety of winter-themed crafts.
University Heights Plaza from 1 - 3 p.m.
Come join us for a workshop that introduces Capoeira, an Afro-Brazilian art form. Capoeira includes elements of dance, theater, martial arts, gymnastics and song.
