Holiday Travel, Shop-Small Finds + Winter Getaways in Seattle Southside
The holiday season is almost here, bringing busy travel days, gift lists, visiting family, and plenty of reasons to plan a close-to-home escape. Just minutes from SEA International Airport, Seattle Southside offers easy ways to make the most of the season—from shopping small and discovering locally made gifts to turning an overnight stay near the airport or a long layover into a mini vacation. This month, we're sharing holiday-ready story ideas for travelers and locals alike, including where to shop small this season, easy Stay/Play/Fly itineraries for holiday travel, a global food tour perfect for colder days, and unexpected ways to celebrate the season.
Shop Small: A Seattle Southside Holiday Gift Guide
Small Business Saturday falls on November 28 this year, offering the perfect excuse to skip the usual holiday shopping routine and discover the independent businesses, makers, and specialty shops throughout Seattle Southside.
For a gift that gives back, consider adopting a seal! Des Moines-based nonprofit SeaLife Response, Rehab & Research (SR3) offers symbolic marine animal adoptions that support its work rescuing, rehabilitating, and protecting marine wildlife throughout the Pacific Northwest. Each adoption includes an adorable plush animal, an adoption certificate, and a species fact card, making it a meaningful gift for animal lovers of all ages. SR3 also offers ocean-themed holiday cards for those looking to spread a little extra cheer.
In Des Moines, browse plants, seasonal décor, jewelry, and distinctive gifts at Zenith Holland Nursery & Gift, or shop award-winning outdoor gear and accessories meticulously researched and tested for outdoor enthusiasts at Outdoor Research Outlet. For the creative types on your list, All Points Yarn offers knitting and crochet supplies, while Waterland Arcade has retro-inspired merchandise, locally designed goods, and collectibles.
Foodies will love the colorful, locally made truffle bars and gift sets at Maeve Chocolate in Tukwila, where visitors can also experience the chocolate-making process on a factory tour. For aviation enthusiasts, The Museum of Flight gift shop offers everything from collectible model airplanes and space-themed toys to books and unique keepsakes, with purchases supporting the museum's educational mission.
For something unexpected, Seattle Southside's diverse international markets offer gift inspiration from around the world. Assemble a curated gift basket with imported sweets, snacks, and specialty foods, or explore the independently owned restaurants, cafés, and markets throughout SeaTac's Global Dining District.
From chocolate and locally made treasures to gifts that support wildlife conservation, Seattle Southside offers plenty of ways to keep holiday spending local. Find more inspiration in Explore Seattle Southside's guide to Small Businesses in Seattle Southside and the Seattle Southside Gift Guide.
Stay, Play & Fly: Turn Holiday Travel Into a Mini Vacation
Flying for the holidays? Instead of treating the night before a flight—or a long layover—as lost travel time, turn it into part of the trip.
With dozens of hotels near SEA Airport and restaurants, shopping, and attractions minutes from the terminal, Seattle Southside makes an easy home base before or after a holiday flight. Travelers can check in the night before an early departure, enjoy dinner nearby, and take advantage of hotel amenities, which may include airport transportation, breakfast, and parking. Browse Seattle Southside hotels and places to stay.
Have more time? Build in a little fun. Finish holiday shopping at Westfield Southcenter, tour The Museum of Flight, taste locally made chocolate, explore global cuisine in SeaTac, or head to the Des Moines waterfront for a walk and dinner overlooking Puget Sound.
For travelers facing a long layover at SEA, five hours or more can be enough time to leave the airport and experience a slice of the destination rather than spending the entire day at the gate. Explore Seattle Southside's guide to making the most of a layover at SEA for ideas based on how much time you have.
And locals don't need a plane ticket to get in on the fun. A hotel night, dinner, and nearby experience can turn the same itinerary into an easy holiday staycation without the long drive.
What's New in Seattle Southside
There's always something new to discover in Seattle Southside! Tea lovers can check out newly opened Molly Tea, where they combine relaxed tea drinking with a creative scent experience. In Des Moines, family-owned Taste of Jollof is bringing the bold flavors of Senegambian cuisine to the neighborhood, serving authentic West African dishes for lunch, dinner, and takeout. Shoppers can explore the new fashion-forward retail venue, Q at Westfield Southcenter, while Saltwater Collective, a neighborhood marketplace, will open soon.
Also in Tukwila, the Interim Computer Museum has expanded its space and welcomed more visitors, making it easier than ever to explore the history of computing. Previously open by appointment only, the museum now welcomes visitors on Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guests can also experience its unique Shared Recollections exhibit, with special events planned for November and December.
Where to Feast This Thanksgiving in Seattle Southside
Celebrate Thanksgiving in Seattle Southside with a variety of dining options, whether you’re looking for an elevated holiday feast or a relaxed meal with family and friends. Copperleaf is offering a grand buffet set in a cozy, lodge-inspired setting, while Crow’s Nest is serving up all your traditional Thanksgiving favorites, perfect for the whole family. At 13 Coins in SeaTac, guests can enjoy a special Thanksgiving menu alongside the restaurant’s regular offerings, with traditional turkey dinners also available to take home. Northwest Landing at Doubletree Suites by Hilton Seattle Airport serves Pacific Northwest-inspired cuisine in a welcoming hotel setting, while Spencer’s for Steaks and Chops offers an upscale, three-course Thanksgiving dinner featuring holiday favorites as well as a full vegetarian option.
Seattle Southside Earns Industry Recognition
Seattle Southside is earning national and international recognition! Explore Seattle Southside received a Silver Stella Award for Best CVB/DMO – Far West, recognizing its destination marketing efforts, including the Best of Seattle Southside People's Choice Awards and Hospitality Heroes program.
Meanwhile, SeaTac's Global Dining District is a finalist in two categories at the 2026 City Nation Place Awards: Best Placemaking Initiative and Best Use of Design, celebrating the district's multicultural identity and innovative placemaking efforts. Winners will be announced on November 5 in London.
Learn more about the Stella A wards and City Nation Place Awards.
Holiday Happenings to Note
Holiday Wreathmaking Make & Take at Zenith Holland Nursery, November 21, 29; December 2, 3, 5, 12, and 13
Get into the holiday spirit with a festive wreath-making workshop at Zenith Holland Nursery in Des Moines. Led by instructor Barbara Hooker, this hands-on Make & Take experience invites participants to create their own beautiful holiday wreath while enjoying light refreshments in the cozy nursery setting. Perfect for a seasonal outing with friends or family, the $95 workshop includes all supplies, tax, and a $10 in-store gift certificate. Workshop times are 1 p.m. on November 21, 29, and December 5, 12, and 13, and 6 p.m. on December 2 and 3. Find more information here.
Burien Holiday Cookie Crawl, December 5
Satisfy your sweet tooth while supporting local businesses at Burien's annual Holiday Cookie Crawl, taking place from noon to 4 p.m. Participants pick up a map and reusable bag at Discover Burien before strolling through downtown shops to collect cookies and treats. The family-friendly event combines holiday shopping, festive decorations, and plenty of delicious surprises. Participation is limited to 100 people, so advance registration is encouraged. Find more information here.
Argosy Christmas Ship Festival – Des Moines Marina, December 16
Celebrate the season on Puget Sound as the beloved Argosy Christmas Ship Festival returns to Des Moines Marina for two special sailings at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Guests can board a festive cruise featuring live holiday caroling and seasonal beverages or enjoy the music from shore as the illuminated ship passes by. A memorable holiday tradition for families, couples, and visitors alike. Find more information here.
Rainier Symphony Holiday Concert, December 19–20
Get into the holiday spirit with the Rainier Symphony's annual holiday concert. The professional orchestra will perform beloved Christmas classics alongside special appearances by the Foster High School Concert Choir. This festive musical tradition is a wonderful way for families and music lovers to celebrate the season. Performances take place December 19 at 6:30 p.m. and December 20 at 3 p.m. at the Foster Performing Arts Center in Tukwila. Find more information here.
Stay tuned to this page for new events as the holidays draw near.