As the holiday season approaches, the spirit of the season affects everything we do and how we want to spend our time. Each of us celebrates in different ways, and has different customs, so why should all holiday events celebrate the same things in the same ways? Here at Global Management Services, we found three unique events to help celebrate a few of the many holidays this season.
The Christmas Ship Festival
A part of the Pacific Northwest experience since 1949, the Argosy Cruise Christmas ship festival is the one thing you can’t miss if you visit Seattle during the Holidays. Enjoy this almost sixty-year tradition in three ways: The Lead Boat Experience, the Follow Boat Experience, and the Shore Experience. Enjoy two to three hours of cruising the Puget Sound on a fully-decked boat. With the lead boat, enjoy a choir on the second deck and Santa Clause reading “’Twas the night before Christmas” and a photo op with him before boarding. Fun, holiday themed activities and well as a full-service bar and snack available for purchase. The Lead Boat stops twice at the shore of one the 65 communities of the Puget Sound before returning to the dock. The Follow Boat cruiser will still get the same excitement as the Lead Boat, hearing the broadcast of the choir from the Lead Boat. If cruises aren’t something you enjoy, you can always watch the Christmas ship festival from the shore. Complete with traditional accompaniments such as bonfires, tree lightings, or festive parties, enjoy the 20-minute show from the Lead Boat with state-of-the-art speakers. This event runs every day until December 23rd. A portion of the proceeds goes to The Seattle Times for the Needy.
Zoo Lights at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
Courtesy of Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
With close to half a million lights, the Zoo lights at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is sure to be a hit. Come by after the Zoo closes to see creative displays of animals, architecture, and holiday spirit in the form of multi-colored lights. Or enjoy your day at the Zoo, then stay after they close to watch the Zoo lights come up without the crowds that come in at 5 pm. Enjoy some of your favorite animals after dark while you snack on sweet treats from kiosk throughout the Zoo. Visit the Aquarium to spot sharks after feeding a goat. You can even ride a camel, or if you aren’t sure about riding a live animal, there is always the carousel. This event also works as a fun corporate event as Point Defiance offers a discount for such events with 100 people or more.
Bubbe’s Old Fashion Hanukkah Shindig
Courtesy of Columbia City Theater
For six years, Klezmer music has filled the halls for Columbia City Theater for the Hanukkah season. On the fourth day of the Festival of Lights, come join in for a great performance of Jewish folk music with a rich history of tradition and rediscovery. The music is sure to please all, and there is a Latke Cart. There is even community menorah lighting, as well as fire dancing, aerial performances, and a bit of Burlesque. This is sure to be a unique experience, and a great way to learn a little bit about the culture if you aren’t Jewish.
A Bonsai Solstice
Courtesy of The Pacific Bonsai Museum
The Winter Solstice is the shortest day and longest night of the year, but we suggest that you come a few days earlier to enjoy a Bonsai Solstice hosted by the Pacific Bonsai Museum. Be sure to bring your own flashlight as you explore the collection on bonsai trees decorating with holiday lights. There are over 150 bonsai trees at the museum, and they often rotate the trees that are on display. Not only that, the Pacific Bonsai Museum has the most diverse public collection of bonsai trees in North America. Trees from the Unites States, Canada, Japan, China, Korea, and Taiwan. A Bonsai Solstice is on December 17th at 5 pm.
The Goldfinch New Year’s Eve Party
New Year’s Eve is a time for new beginnings and remembrance. What better way than to celebrate the end of the year than a four-course meal topped with Champagne? One place that can be perfect for the occasion is Goldfinch Tavern at the Four Seasons Hotel. The Goldfinch Tavern is known for its fresh and local cuisine. Enjoy a four-course meal at the 6 PM seating, but if you go to the 9 pm seating, there not only five courses, but also a dj and Moët & Chandon champagne toast to ring in the New Year. From broiled Oysters to Champaign Mousse, you are sure to enjoy every bite. Don’t forget your party favors!
You are sure to have a fun time during the Holiday season in Seattle. These are just a few of the many things to do in the Emerald City. Whether you want to experience the American holidays in Seattle or somewhere else in the United States, Global Management Services can plan the perfect incentive trip. Contact us for your personal proposal.