Whether or not Victorians really had to deal with lengthy Christmas shopping lists, the annual event held at the Washington State Fairgrounds includes lots of gift opportunities, including more than 500 temporary storefronts. Beyond gifts, expect roaming carolers, carousel rides, live music in the Jubilee Theater, and a wine garden. Plus, Santa makes an appearance. 

Classic cookie swaps get an upgrade in Burien, where local shops dole out sweet treats. Event tickets come with a map to a family-friendly stroll about town, plus a goodie bag to store all the treasures you collect. 

Whidbey's Oak Harbor hosts a classic small town holiday: decorated floats parade through downtown before a grand tree lighting ceremony. The requisite PNW flair? A lighted boat parade brings the spectacle to the Puget Sound as well. 

Bloedel Reserve, one of Bainbridge Island's greatest attractions, doesn't go dormant when the temperature—and sun—drops. A Guided lantern-lit path takes visitors on a 1.5-mile loop through the 140-acre grounds in several different iterations: a silent, meditative experience, a family-friendly edition, and a shorter, self-guided adaptive route for those avoiding stairs.

The cozy village of Fairhaven is a reliably cheery December destination, thanks to an abundance of carriage rides and holiday lights. The month brings a lighted boat parade in Bellingham Bay, a gingerbread competition, a dog parade for festively-dressed canines, and a fire-lit nature walk. 

Bonafide reindeer may hail from the far north, but they settle into stalls at Santa Claus's local residence during a monthlong fest at Cougar Mountain Zoo. The barn is outfitted with a workshop and a lighted landing strip (even reindeer are subject to the FAA) for magic that feels oh so real. Snap a photo with the big guy, his sleigh, and the animals while learning about Arctic ecosystems and conservation efforts.

Early sunsets have nothing on Leavenworth's half million Christmas lights adorning its Bavarian downtown. The gazebo acts as a hub, hosting a flurry of carolers and performances while children's story times and crafts, photo ops, and a gingerbread house exhibition beckon from adjacent buildings. While Santa heads home on Christmas Eve, the lights that transform the town into a veritable snow globe will stay lit through February.