Magic in the Market at Pike Place Market

About this adventure

For 31 years, Magic in the Market has served as downtown Seattle's signature kickoff to the holiday season. Spanning the entire historic 9-acre district, this daylong celebration treats families to free holiday activities, live choir performances, and community cheer. Children can snap free photos with Santa underneath the famous neon Public Market Center clock and join in hands-on cookie decorating workshops in the Economy Atrium. Young visitors can also embark on the market-wide Elf Scavenger Hunt, searching vendor stalls for hidden elves to win commemorative holiday prizes. At 5:00 PM, the crowd gathers around the market entrance for the countdown as Santa leads the lighting of the iconic Pike Place Market holiday tree, rooftop lights, and oversized vegetable garland displays. The cobblestone streets are closed to vehicle traffic for pedestrian strolls, making stroller navigation easy and safe.