Take a peek at these tried-and-true Seattle winter pastimes.
Courtesy Kraken Community Iceplex
On New Year’s Day 2024, the hottest ticket in Seattle was on ice. That’s when thousands of hockey fans descended on T-Mobile Park (1250 First Ave S) to watch the city’s newest sports franchise, the Seattle Kraken, play an outdoor game against the defending Stanley Cup champion Vegas Golden Knights during the 2024 NHL Winter Classic.
Hockey devotees can watch the Kraken in action throughout the year. The team plays regular-season games October through April at Climate Pledge Arena (305 Harrison St) and also hosts free open practices at its training facility, Kraken Community Iceplex (10601 Fifth Ave NE). Near-daily public skates at the iceplex are another way to get in the spirit with a glide around the rink.
MORE COZY WEATHER IDEAS
Courtesy Hot Tub Boats
Soak It In
Hot Tub Boats transforms the quintessential Seattle activity of boating into a year-round must-do. In one of their floating spas, with water that stays at 104 degrees, you can cruise Lake Union and soak in the heat—and the views. Prefer a stationary experience? Capitol Hill’s Hothouse Spa & Sauna (1019 E Pike St) offers private, gender-inclusive spa experiences with a hot tub, cedar sauna, and herbal steam room.
Courtesy Caffe Ladro
Embrace Cafe Culture
In the city that birthed Starbucks, it’s a given that Seattle has charming cafes aplenty, perfect for curling up with a book or warming up after a busy morning. Caffe Vita and Caffe Ladro are two local chainlets with several locations and consistently excellent espresso drinks, while specialty coffee shops like hello em (1227 S Weller St) put a Vietnamese spin on things with egg clouds and pandan condensed milk.
Courtesy Pike Brewing
Sip the Season
For one weekend in December, Winter Beer Festival brings dozens of spiced ales, seasonal stouts, and winter warmers to hop heads in Magnuson Park. Beer fans can also sample local brews at any number of craft breweries around town. Indulge in the roasted chocolate notes of a Bonfire Ale at Fremont Brewing (1050 N 34th St) or partake in the rich, barrel-aged Long Dark stout from Pike Brewing Company (1415 First Ave).
Courtesy Flatstick Pub
Play On
What’s sweater weather without a little friendly competition? Challenge your companions to a round of indoor mini golf at Flatstick Pub (240 Second Ave S and 609 Westlake Ave N), where a robust tap list turns things into a real hangout. See who has the best aim at Capitol Hill axe-throwing bar Blade & Timber (H206 Broadway Ave E, Ste A), or settle in with a hot toddy and a tabletop game at Ballard’s Mox Boarding House (5105 Leary Ave NW).
A laser show at the Pacific Science Center Alan Alabastro
Go Old-School
Slide on your dancing shoes for a drop-in class of swing, salsa, tango, and more at the majestic Century Ballroom (915 E Pine St). Snuggle up in a plush banquette for dinner and a movie at Central Cinema (1411 21st Ave). Or go full-on retro during a late-night light show at Pacific Science Center’s (200 Second Ave N) laser dome.
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