GSBA Member Guide to Holiday Events, Gifts, and Festive Spaces
The holidays are here, and GSBA members across our region are lighting up the season with
festive markets, cozy gatherings, sparkling performances, and meaningful ways to support
local LGBTQ+ and allied businesses. Whether you’re planning your next night out, searching
for the perfect locally made gift, or getting a jump on end-of-year celebrations, this guide
brings together the joyful, creative, and community-driven highlights happening all month long.
Dates and availability may shift throughout the season, so be sure to double-check details
before you head out — but we’re excited to spotlight every member bringing holiday magic
to our community.
Events, Gifts, Deals, and Festive Spaces
The season is here and our members are bringing out their brightest holiday magic. Whether you’re planning a night out, hunting for locally made gifts, or looking for that perfect end-of-year gathering spot, consider this your one-stop guide to celebrating with the GSBA community.
Edit: Be sure to double check dates as some of these events come and go quickly, but we still want to acknowledge our members!
Holiday Events
Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship Festival
Friday, November 14 – Tuesday, December 23 | 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Departs from multiple waterfront locations | prices vary ($54–$76, kids 3 and under free)
A Pacific Northwest classic since 1949. The Spirit of Seattle shines with hundreds of white lights as it visits nearly 40 waterfront communities throughout Puget Sound. On board, a live choir fills the air with holiday music for guests, follow boats, and the crowds gathered on shore. A magical way to experience the season by sea.
Light Up Your Trip
Thursday, December 4 | 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Downtown Seattle | free with RSVP
Shorter days shouldn’t dim your commute. This annual event offers free safety gear and giveaways from SDOT, King County Metro, Sound Transit, Lime, Bird, Seattle Neighborhood Greenways, and more. Bloom Coffee will be providing free hot drinks for the first 100 attendees. Hosted in partnership with SDOT and the Downtown Seattle Association.
Pottery Northwest: Holiday Artists Market
Saturday, December 6 | 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Pottery Northwest | free
Shop ceramics from local artists, enjoy interactive clay activities, and join a community potluck. Ornament-making stations allow attendees to create custom pieces that will be fired and ready for pickup before December 19. Raffle tickets available for a chance to win a year of classes.
Paint & Sip: Winter Watercolor Card Workshop
Saturday, December 6 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Republic of Cider, SODO | $35 per person (includes first drink)
A cozy winter evening of creativity. Learn step-by-step watercolor techniques to paint serene cold-weather landscapes and turn them into handmade cards. All supplies are provided, and cider is flowing with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. A beginner-friendly way to unwind and get festive.
Beguiled Books: GirlTherapy x The Grove Late Night Holiday Market
Saturday, December 6 | 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
1505 Western Ave | ticket required
Browse Blind-Dates, bookish goods, and more at this nighttime market.
Holiday Night Market at Pike Place Market
Thursday, December 11 | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Pike Place Market | free
Shop the Market after hours and enjoy handmade gifts, crafts, stocking stuffers, live music by Lace Cadence of KEXP, seasonal treats, a beer garden hosted by Old Stove Brewing, and free Santa photos. A festive night at one of Seattle’s most iconic holiday destinations.
Anita Spritzer’s Gay Apparel
Thursday, December 11 – Saturday, December 13 | various times
Seattle Opera | $59 standard tickets or $45 with promo code ANITA45
Join Anita Spritzer, the drag persona of tenor John Marzano, for holiday classics, glitz, and plenty of queer sparkle. Expect festive vocals, theatrical flair, and a celebration of winter showmanship from one of Seattle’s favorite queens.
Chophouse Row: Shop the Chop – Holiday Shopping Event
Thursday, December 11 | 4 – 8 pm
Chophouse Row, Capitol Hill | free
A one-night holiday shopping party with exclusive discounts at local shops, warm beverages, DIY holiday decoration-making, pop-ups, and seasonal cheer. Mention “Shop-the-Chop” at checkout for special perks. Features retail, dining, and service businesses throughout Chophouse Row.
Free Pictures with Santa + Toy Drive
Thursday, December 11 | 4:00 PM – 6:59 PM
Columbia Bank, South Lake Union | free
Celebrate the season with free Santa photos, holiday games, cookie decorating, drinks, snacks, and a community toy drive supporting Launch. Bring a new, unwrapped toy and enjoy a festive evening for all ages.
Saturday, December 13 | 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Cone & Steiner, Pioneer Square | free
A festive neighborhood market featuring local makers including Rainier Honey, The Pathfinder, Tieton Cider, Seattle Candle Co, Eanam Callers, Salt Blade, Timber City Ginger Beer, Beto’s Better Butter, and Anna Learns Things. Swing by for seasonal shopping and community cheer.
Beguiled Books: Ballard Makers Market & Bar Hop Popup
Saturday, December 13 | 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Urban Family Brewing | free
Shop local makers, grab a beer, and explore artisan gifts.
WeRise Wine Bar: Holiday Wine & Bites Tasting + Festive Sweater Party
Saturday, December 13 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
WeRise Wine Bar | $35 per person
Taste three holiday wines paired with small bites while previewing WeRise’s Holiday Bundle Wine Gifts. Dress in your best holiday sweater and enjoy a cozy evening of wine and community.
Queer Holiday Potluck: Sugar Plum Faerie
Saturday, December 13 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location shared upon RSVP | free
Pride Across the Bridge hosts their fifth annual queer holiday potluck for Eastside 2SLGBTQIA+ community members. Expect shared dishes, sensory and game rooms, performances, and sacred community space during a season that can be difficult for many. RSVP required for location.
41st Jingle Bell Run Seattle
Sunday, December 14 | various start times
Gas Works Park | registration required
A four-decade Seattle tradition is back to bring the holiday cheer. The country’s original and largest Jingle Bell Run includes a 12K, 5K, one-mile walk, and Kids’ Fun Run with the Elves. Costumes are encouraged, dogs are welcome on leash, and every participant receives a long-sleeved shirt and medal. Special medals will be awarded to top finishers in the timed runs.
Seattle LGBTQ+ Center: Queer Winter Market
Sunday, December 14 | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Seattle LGBTQ+ Center | free, masks required
A cozy queer holiday market featuring local vendors, community vibes, and winter treats. A warm and welcoming space to shop small and support LGBTQ+ makers.
Gather and Glow Holiday Craft Market Under the Neon Lights
Sunday, December 14 | 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Historic SODO | free
A vibrant pop-up arts and crafts market featuring local makers, unique handmade gifts, festive snacks, door prizes, ornament making, and a warm, queer-friendly community atmosphere under SODO’s iconic neon lights.
Charlie’s Queer Books: Homo for the Holidays Craft Fair
Sunday, December 14 | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Charlie’s Queer Books | free
A holiday craft fair featuring local queer artists specializing in jewelry, pottery, flash tattoos, stained glass, zines, live poetry, and original artwork. A vibrant, creative holiday pop-up supporting queer makers.
Felt Mushroom Ornament Workshop
Sunday, December 14 | 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Charlie’s Queer Books | $13 (via Venmo)
Learn to needle-felt your own mushroom ornament in this beginner-friendly craft workshop. Accessibility accommodations available upon request.
Biceps & Blooms: Kiss-mass Floral Arrangement Workshop
Wednesday, December 17 | 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Charlie’s Queer Books | cost varies (bring your own container)
Create winter tabletop floral arrangements inspired by your favorite holiday or winter book using fir, cedar, and seasonal greenery. Expect festive tunes, creative vibes, and plenty of floral magic.
Visit Seattle’s Holiday Brunch & Market
Tuesday, December 17 | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Hyatt Regency Seattle | registration required, reach out for pricing
A festive brunch and market hosted by Visit Seattle,
reach out to your Membership Development Manager or email Membership@visitseattle.org for tickets.
The Most Wonderful Crime… Of The Year: Murder Mystery Dinner
Thursday, December 18 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Hotel Sorrento | $99 per person
A holiday murder mystery in the Fireside Room of the Sorrento. Enjoy a three-course dinner, interactive entertainment, seasonal cocktails, over-the-top characters, and a cozy but mysterious evening by the fire. Seating options include Solo Sleuths and Mistletoe & Motives loveseats.
WeRise Wine Bar: Holiday Wine Tasting Event
Friday, December 19 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
WeRise Wine Bar | $25 per person (free for Wine Club Members)
Enjoy up to six curated holiday wine tastings, light bites, drink specials, live music, and a mission-driven environment featuring underrepresented wineries. Guests are encouraged to sparkle in their festive outfits.
Fremont Winter Bridge Market Trailer Event
Saturday, December 21 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
20 N Northlake Way | free
Find Beguiled Books tabling at the kick off the holiday season with Fremont’s returning winter market.
Vino & Vibes: Pop, Pour & Party NYE
Wednesday, December 31 | 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
WeRise Wine Bar | free
A New Year’s Eve celebration and WeRise’s first anniversary party featuring an R&B DJ, wine, bites, and laid-back good vibes. First come, first served — arrive early to grab a table.
Stayin’ Up at the Sorrento: Roaring 20’s New Year’s Eve Edition
Tuesday, December 31 | 9:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Hotel Sorrento, 7th Floor | $100 per ticket (overnight packages available)
A glitter-soaked New Year’s Eve celebration high above First Hill. The seventh floor transforms into a champagne-forward, Roaring 20s party featuring live music from Tiffany Wilson & band, dazzling performances by Ruby Mimosa and Shawn Schlogel, signature cocktails, a midnight toast, and enough sparkle to usher in 2026 with intention and energy. Expect a packed dance floor, a password entry, and a full takeover vibe designed for
Speakeasy New Year’s Eve
Wednesday, December 31 | 9:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Imperia Lake Union | $121 general admission, $566 VIP booth for four
Step into a Gatsby-inspired night of live music, casino tables, classic cocktails, a midnight toast, a 1920s ambiance, photo booth, scavenger hunt, and Seattle’s largest private dance floor. All beverages prepaid for a carefree night.
Holiday Deals, Gifts, and Shopping
Pour Choices
Warm up your season with savings. Coffee and tea subscribers can take up to 20% off, and new customers can save 10% by joining the email list. A perfect moment to restock your favorites, explore seasonal blends, and knock out your gifting list with something cozy.
NMC Design Studio
Holiday cards, vinyl stickers, stationery, clothing, keychains, and more from an artist whose work is shaped by time spent in the Cascades, tabletop gaming, and their queer and Asian identity. Based in Seattle and full of handmade charm, NMC’s holiday card sets are ready for the season.
Holiday Party Venues & Seasonal Bookings
Aluel Cellars: Frosted & Fizzy – Winter Sparkling Wine Pop-Up
Seasonal pop-up | hours vary
1528 NW Market St | cost varies
A cozy, après-ski–inspired sparkling wine lounge featuring global bubbles, mulled wine, rotating menus, rare releases, and special events through the season. Reservations recommended for groups of five or more. Club members enjoy exclusive discounts.
Hotel Sorrento Holiday Tea in the Fireside Room
Seasonal dates vary
Hotel Sorrento | pricing varies
A Sorrento favorite returns with classic scones, pastries, and seasonal treats served in the beloved Fireside Room. A warm, charming setting for friends, family, or anyone looking to pause and savor the season.
Host Your Holiday Event at Hotel Sorrento
Celebrate inside one of Seattle’s most storied spaces. With handcrafted menus and vintage charm, the Sorrento offers a timeless backdrop for any gathering. Book by December 15 to receive a complimentary sparkling wine toast to begin your celebration in true Sorrento fashion.
