FAQ

When Does the 2026 Seattle Christmas Market Open?

We’re just as excited as you are! The Seattle Christmas Market will be open most days from November 20th till December 27th. View Hours.

Where is the market located?

The market is located at the South Fountain Lawn and Fisher Pavilion at Seattle Center, 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109. For more details visit Plan Your Trip

What is a Season Pass/Family Pass?

Enjoy the Market with unlimited visits with our popular Season Pass, available while supplies last. Single Season Passes are valid for adults, youth, and seniors. We also have Family Passes for 2 Adults and 2 Youth, offering the same benefits as the Season Pass.Please Note: All passes are non-transferable and require a government-issued ID. Kids 6 and under are free.

Do I Need to Book a Timeslot for My Child Under 6?

Little ones under 6 join the Market for free—no ticket needed.

What Items are Not Allowed at the Market?
No Alcohol or Drugs Allowed

 

No Pets Allowed

Animals, unless a service animal, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Exception for designated Yappy Hour Market Days.

No Outside Food or Drink

Homemade food and water bottles are permitted. Exceptions apply for medical or infant needs.

No Weapons of Any Kind

Includes firearms, knives, billy clubs, brass knuckles, nunchucks, pepper spray, martial arts gear, and similar items.

Personal Transportation

No skateboards, scooters (motorized or not), inline skates, shoes with wheels, bicycles, motorcycles, tricycles, unicycles, pogo sticks, Segways™, or other personal transport devices.

Why does Seattle Christmas Market Charge an Admission Fee?

We appreciate your curiosity! Unlike German Christmas markets that may receive public funding, our event operates independently. The admission fee is essential to cover various operational costs, ensuring a magical experience for all our guests. From venue rentals to labor, decorations, and supporting local vendors, your contribution helps us create a festive atmosphere that everyone can enjoy.

We’re committed to providing a joyful and memorable experience, and your support through the admission fee is a vital part of making it all happen! Additionally, keep an eye out for our discounts!

How do Time Slot Bookings Work?

We use time slot bookings to manage the Market’s capacity effectively. During the online ticket purchase process, you’ll be asked to pick a 30-minute time slot from the available dates and times. It’s important to arrive on the chosen date within your selected time slot to ensure a smooth entry to the Market. However, once inside, you’re free to stay as long as you like!

Please keep in mind that entrance to the Market depends on our event’s capacity. If you happen to miss your chosen time slot by a few minutes, don’t worry—you can join the line for the next available time slot.

*Time slots do not apply to Season Pass holders.

Can I Upgrade My Regular Ticket to a Season Pass?

You can upgrade your UNUSED tickets by returning your previous purchase for store credit and then buying a Season Pass. Follow the steps below or visit this article!

If you have a Showpass account:
1. Log in to your Showpass account.
2. Go to ‘My Orders.’
3. Click ‘Order Options’ under your Ticket.
4. Return your ticket.
5. Purchase a Season Pass.

If you checked out as a guest:
1. Open your order confirmation email.
2. Click the ‘Connect Purchase’ button.
3. Log in or create an account with the same email used for your purchase.
4. Go to ‘My Orders’.
5. Exchange for a new ticket type.

Please Note: You can exchange tickets up to 2 hours before your reserved time slot. Exchange credits expire after 1 hour and must be used promptly. You can only exchange for tickets of equal or greater value. Complimentary, transferred, or free tickets are not eligible for exchange, and there are no refunds.

Upgrade at the Market: You also have the option to upgrade during your visit. Just head to the Info Booth, and they can assist you with upgrading to a Season Pass.

Do I Need to Book a Time Slot as a Season Pass Holder?

Ah, the joy of a Season Pass! Season Pass holders can skip booking time slots and simply show up on the day they’d like to visit. Just head to the Season Pass priority entrance.

Can I Change the Name on a Season Pass?

Season Pass tickets must match the name and valid Government ID of the ticket holder. If you would like to change the name, get in contact here.

Please Note: We can only change the name on season passes that have not been used yet.

I Bought a General Admission Ticket for Someone, but the Ticket Is in My Name. Do I Have to Change the Ticket to Their Name?

The name on General Admission tickets does not need to match the name of the ticket holder. You don’t have to show your photo ID at the entrance. This means you can buy a ticket for your friend under your name and they will be able to enter the Market.

Can I Change My Time Slot After Booking My Tickets?

Your ticket can be exchanged for another available date/time. Please note there is a service fee for each exchange and prices may vary depending on ticket selection. Follow the steps below or visit this article!

If you have a Showpass account:
1. Log in to your Showpass account.
2. Go to ‘My Orders’.
3. Click ‘Order Options’ under your ticket. Then select ‘Exchange Tickets’.
4. Select ‘Start Exchange’ and ‘Browse Available Events’ to pick a new date/time.
5. After choosing your new timeslot, click the ‘Apply Exchange Credit’ button and the credits will then apply toward your new ticket.

If you checked out as a guest:
1. Open your order confirmation email.
2. Click the ‘Connect Purchase’ button.
3. Log in or create an account with the same email used for your purchase.
4. Once you’ve created your account, you will then need press ‘Confirm Connection’ 5. Go to ‘My Orders’.
6. Click ‘Order Options’ under your ticket, then select ‘Exchange Tickets’.
7. Select ‘Start Exchange’ and ‘Browse Available Events’ to pick a new date/time.
8. After choosing your new timeslot, click the ‘Apply Exchange Credit’ button and the credits will then apply toward your new ticket.

Please Note: You must select your entire order, you cannot select certain tickets in your order to exchange, and you cannot initiate two exchanges at the same time. You will have 1 hour to use the temporary exchange credits. If not used within the hour then the exchange credits expire, and the tickets are left untouched. You can only use exchange credits for orders of equal or greater value. If you have a complimentary, transferred, or free ticket you cannot initiate a ticket exchange. There are no refunds.

Can I Buy Tickets at the Gate?

Yes, you can absolutely purchase tickets at the gate! However, we highly recommend securing your tickets in advance for various advantages. By doing so, you can:

  1. Guarantee your desired timeslot.
  2. Benefit from discounted admission rates.
  3. Avoid waiting in the Box Office line.

Especially on weekends, certain timeslots may reach full capacity. Therefore, it’s advisable to check availability before your visit. Please be aware that if a timeslot is marked as ‘Sold Out’, it means tickets won’t be available at the gate either.

Will there be Entertainment?

Yes, you can enjoy daily entertainment on our Flying Stage in our Christmas Pyramid!

Are there Vegetarian or Vegan Options at the Market?

Absolutely! We recommend having a look at our Vendors Page to see which vendors offer vegetarian and vegan options at the Market this year.

I Bought Tickets Online but Didn’t Receive Them…

If you’ve purchased tickets online and haven’t received them, here are the steps to follow:

  1. Check your email’s spam folder for an email from ‘Showpass.’ Sometimes, the tickets might end up there.
  2. If you still can’t locate your tickets, please submit a request through
How Can I Pay at the Market?

The Seattle Christmas Market is a cashless event. All vendors and Market locations accept credit and debit cards.

Can I Bring Alcoholic Beverages into the Market?

Outside alcoholic beverages are not permitted into the Market. You can purchase alcoholic drinks, including Glühwein and traditional Bavarian beers, at multiple spots within the Market. It’s important to note that you’ll need to present a form of ID for alcohol purchases.

What are the Market’s Peak Hours?

Peak hours at the Market are weekday evenings from 5 pm onwards, and all day Friday to Sunday. Please note that the Market is at its busiest the final week before Christmas.

For a more quieter and line-free experience, we suggest visiting earlier in the Season and early time-slots.

Can I Leave and Re-Enter the Market?

No, you may not. Seattle Christmas Market day passes do not allow for re-entry, and season pass holders must always enter through the designated season pass entry line.

Does the Christmas Carousel have Any Restrictions?

To ride the Carousel, children must be:

  • Two years or older and with an adult: Taller than 36 inches;
  • 42 inches alone.

However, the Christmas Carousel is certainly not only for the young ones. Everyone is welcome to enjoy the ride.

Can I Bring My Pets into the Market?

Service animals are welcome within the premises. However, in compliance with food and liquor licensing regulations, dogs of any size and other pets are not permitted in the Market area aside from our dedicated Yappy Hour event.

Is There a Place to Sit or Rest?

There are multiple benches throughout the Market. Visitors are also welcome to find seating in the heated Alpen Haus area (Fisher Pavilion). The Alpen Haus is a heated area with chairs and tables to sit, socialize and enjoy the great food offered by our vendors.

Is the Market Wheelchair Accessible?

Yes! Seattle Center is considered a fully accessible venue — and the Seattle Christmas Market implements additional measures to make it even more accessible. There are wheelchair accessible toilets on site. View our Accessibility Guide for more information.

I Lost Something at the Market. Who Should I Talk to?

We’re sorry you’ve lost something! Contact us here or at the Info Hut on site at the Market.

Ways to Save

Here are a few easy ways to save on your visit:

  • Season Pass — less than the cost of visiting twice
  • Kids under 6 — always free, any day, any time
  • Come early — opening weeks (late Nov) run $6.99–$10.99 vs. $19.99–$21.99 in peak December — about a third of the price for the same market, just earlier in the season
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