The Christmas Edition of Traditions!


Christmas is month long time that includes sparkles, food, drink, lights, Santa Clause, and much more! It is a month long full of traditions, family, friends, happiness and has no room for Grinches or grumps. We, the Phillips Family, have instilled our Christmas traditions starting from when Tony and I were dating 12 years ago till now being a small family of 3. So here is a list of events (information and tips) in our beautiful Seattle area that we look forward to every year!
Picture by Shelly Kay Photography


1.       Christmas Lighting at Gene Coulon Park

This was something new for us this year and we honestly, just happened upon it with a recommendation of one of my co-workers. Now it has quickly made it’s way into our list that will kick off our Christmas spirit! Usually scheduled the weekend after Thanksgiving, this even will sure to get you excited for the upcoming month of Christmas! Make sure you arrive there at least 1-1/2 hours early to find parking and stand in line for food (if you plan to eat at the Ivars or Kid Valley there on the water front).


Once you settle in, you will find Christmas Caroling, opportunities with Santa Clause and Mrs. Clause, countdown to the lighting of the Christmas lights that cover the park, and boats that travel in front of the park covered in lights. Make SURE you try this out next year!






Those are dancing Clams!


2.       Snowflake Lane (Bellevue)

I CANNOT STRESS TO YOU ENOUGH of how you MUST MUST fit this into your busy Holiday schedules! This is an event that has quickly made an amazing reputation that is not only fun for children but for adults too!!! Honestly, I’m pretty sure Tony and I enjoy this more than Donovan! They have made this so much bigger and better this year! It is a free event, however, you probably want to have dinner before hand in any of the amazing options that Bellevue square has to offer.

Be sure to get there EARLY!!!!

Donovan's Elf, Dump Truck came along. He put himself in a mason jar so that D could carry him since he can't touch him!












Snowflake Lane begins at 7:00 but I would get there at 4:00-4:30 to eat dinner and then be out on the sidewalk to claim a spot by 6:15 NO later than 6:30. You will have the option to sit on the curb or stand behind the curb. Once the show begins, you will be delighted and entertained by young/high school aged cast members as they sing and dance for a spectacular 15 minute show!

3.       Canlis

Every year, instead of buying Christmas gifts for each other, Tony and I opt to going on a Holiday date to our FAVORITE date restaurant located right off of 99, near Lake Union in North Seattle.
I love dates with this guy!

Canlis is an amazing eating experience that includes gorgeous food, friendly and excellent customer service, and a huge selection of wine and innovated spirits. You have NOT LIVED until you have tried this place! It involves a 4 course dinner with small bites in between.









My favorite part of this dining experience is that after you are finished with desert, they give a gift of in house made macaroons that are served out of a gorgeous cigar box.


The magic of this wonderful experience definitely comes from the staff and service that showcases the passion of people, food and just the love of fine things. Reservations go quickly and they open their books two months out, so if you are wanting to dine between 5:00-8:00, you will need to place your reservations at least 1-2 month in advance. Men are required to wear a suit jacket and it is the perfect excuse for women (ME) to buy a new dress.



This year, my sister and I went without the boys during a sister date in Seattle. We were surprised to see that it wasn’t located inside the hotel this year, but across the street in the shopping center. Just be sure to follow the gingerbread men/arrow stickers on the sidewalk outside and it will lead you to the magnificent structures made of candy and gingerbread!







ALL Swedish Fish!




5.       Santa Visit in Downtown Nordstrom (Seattle)

I could write a WHOLE blog post on this one….and I think I will! We have been going to the same locations for Santa the last 4/5 years, ever since Donovan was a newborn! Our tradition is getting to the Seattle Nordstrom on a weekday right when they open their doors, get the picture taken and go to brunch! More to come on our experience because we are going this Thursday!



6.       Seattle Center for Train display

Another tradition we do right after Donovan sees Santa. There is a WONDERFUL train display inside the eating area in Seattle Center. A MUST for any of your train loving kids!

7.       Train Ride at The Landing (Renton)

This is something new we are going to try this weekend. So stay tuned! This is located at The Landing in Renton. Perfect thing to do for free and then swing by Gene Coulon to see the amazing lights!



I’m sure we will add more and more new Christmas events in upcoming years! I LOVE LOVE this time of year and our motto is to make the most of it!

MERRY MERRY Christmas!!!

XOXO

Tiff

Comments

Popular Posts