Macy's Holiday Parade

Kick off the holiday season at this day after Thanksgiving holiday parade that has been a tradition in downtown Seattle for decades. Bundle up that morning and head downtown to find a spot along Fourth Avenue to watch the parade. It begins at 9 a.m., but you'll want to arrive no later than 8 a.m. to get a good view.

Address: On Fourth and Fifth Avenues, between Pine and University Streets, Seattle, Washington

Date: Friday, Nov. 25, 2011

Website: www.macys.com

Westlake Center Tree Lighting

A downtown holiday event that is well worth keeping your kids up late for is the tree lighting in Westlake Center. Join hundreds of other Seattle-ites and visitors in the cool winter night to sing holiday songs and watch them flip the switch on the huge Christmas tree, Rockefeller Center-style. Put your little ones in strollers for this busy event and don't forget to bundle up!

Address: On Pine Street, between Fourth and Fifth Avenues, Seattle, Washington

Date: Friday, Nov. 25, 2011, beginning at 4:45 p.m.

Website: www.westlakecenter.com

Santa Claus at Nordstrom's Flagship Store

This downtown Seattle holiday event is tradition in many Seattle families. Visiting the Santa at Nordstrom is like a time-honored tradition, although only the bravest parents who are willing to stand in line for sometimes over two-hours to get to have some face-time with Seattle's best Santas hit up this holiday activity.

Address: 500 Pine Street, Seattle, Washington

Dates: Nov. 25 - Dec. 24, 2011 -- see website for detailed times

Website: www.nordstrom.com

Gingerbread Village at the Seattle Sheraton Hotel

Every holiday season, some of the most creative culinary minds in Seattle come together to create magnificent gingerbread houses, all the in the name of raising money for Juvenile Diabetes. This event is free and open to the public, although donations certainly are appreciated. The theme for 2011 is The North Pole, which every kid is sure to love!

Address: The Sheraton Hotel, 1400 Sixth Avenue, Seattle, Washington

Dates: Nov. 22, 2011 - Jan. 2, 2012

Website: www.gingerbreadvillage.myevent.com

Winter Wonderland at Pacific Place

Getting snow during the holidays is hit or miss in Seattle -- unless you make a visit to Pacific Place! Every night, "snow" flutters down softly in this pretty indoor shopping center, much to the amazement of kids and shoppers alike. Santa also is available for visits and photos.

Address: 600 Pine Street, Seattle, Washington

Dates: Nov. 25 - Dec. 31, 2011, at 6 p.m. nightly

Website: www.pacificplaceseattle.com

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Seattle's kid-friendly zoo
Spend the day in Bellingham
Zoolights at Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium