Holiday Happenings In + Around Redmond
Holiday magic is in the PNW air
Spring and summer came and went. Autumn showed its lovely colors. Then, just like that (oh, snap!), the holiday season arrived. For folks lucky enough to live in or visit the Pacific Northwest during this festive time, it’s time to start planning for holiday happenings in and around Redmond.
Archer’s hand-picked these Redmond-area holiday activities — each with a hearty helping of West Coast holiday spirit.
Holiday lights
Redmond Lights — Enjoy nightly light and art installations (5 – 11 PM) in Redmond’s Downtown Park, plus Friday Night Celebrations (6 – 9 PM) with live entertainment, local food vendors, crafting activities, community booths and performances and a Kids Light Promenade (December 2).
Bellevue Magic Season — Bellevue’s holiday tradition features an open-air ice rink, holiday dance, music and theatre performances, Garden d’Lights at Bellevue Botanical Garden, gingerbread house decorating at KidsQuest’s Gingerbread Lane and the downtown magical street performance, Snowflake Lane.
Kirkland’s Winterfest and Google Lights — Winterfest features a nightly tree lighting and merchant decorating contests. Google and SRM Development have created a nightly wonderland of thousands of colored lights along Cross Kirkland Corridor.
Holiday spirits + eats
AKB, a hotel bar — Archer’s whipped up The Giving Drink — a bourbon cocktail that celebrates all things holiday: apple cider, cinnamon, cloves, star anise, all topped with edible gold flakes. Perhaps the best part? Archer donates $2 from the sale of each drink to No Kid Hungry — a national campaign committed to ending childhood hunger in the U.S.
Woodblock — In Redmond with more than 500 whiskey selections gracing the drink menu, guests are sure to find a warming spirit here. Along with shareable, approachable fare, savor whiskey flights, seasonal cocktails and the local-favorite: spiced apple cider.
Village Wines — Enjoy live music 6 – 8 PM Thursdays while choosing from more than 50 wines, local beers on tap and a delicious menu. Saturday, November 12, come have a glass of wine while shopping for holiday gifts by local artists.
The Feather Ballroom — Join Santa and Mrs. Claus in Snohomish for a breakfast buffet, festive games, holiday crafts, a hot cocoa bar and story time with Santa.
Winter Beerfest — At Hangar 30 in Seattle’s Magnuson Park, this popular tasting tradition features up to 30 local breweries. Bonus: Designated driver admission is only $5.
Nifty holiday gifts
Small Business Saturday — Redmond Town Center (with 100+ shops, restaurants and services) hosts this all-day affair the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Help support brick-and-mortar small businesses and the local economy.
Redmond International Winter Market — Following the Redmond Lights event, head to downtown Redmond (December 3, 11 AM – 7 PM) for great gift ideas from various cultures and international artisans, as well as tasty treats from local and international small businesses.
Annual Magic in the Market — All 9 acres of Pike Place Market are abuzz in holiday spirit. Along with a special shopping offer, visitors can enjoy (among many, many other things) cookie decorating, holiday choirs, Santa and crafty holiday photos, hands-on Hanukkah kids crafts, glass blowing demonstrations and a lighting ceremony.
Festive holiday stays with Archer
While you’re in the planning mode, reserve a luxe stay at Archer Hotel Redmond, nestled in the walkable Redmond Town Center. Book directly with us and receive an immediate bonus for your stay — a $25 drink + dine credit that can be used throughout the hotel (bar, restaurant, in-room dining, takeout).
