Each year, the Downtown Seattle Association brings events to Occidental Square and Westlake Park.

A tradition for my family is the holiday carousel presented by IKEA at Westlake Park. Fun for all ages, the carousel offers family friendly fun in the center of downtown. Proceeds benefit Treehouse which provides foster children school supplies, birthday presents and other resources. The carousel runs through January 2nd so you have a few more days to visit.

After brunch in Pioneer Square one day, I wandered over to Occidental Square to see the art installation History, Contained which is a shipping container detailing 1920s-era Seattle. The exterior is a forest landscape and the inside is a lit display providing a trolley’s-eye view of First Avenue. The installation runs through January 3rd and is open from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM.

Both  Westlake Park and Occidental Square offer a variety of activities during the holiday season. This year, Westlake hosted a Urban Craft Uprising Holiday Market and food trucks Fisher Scones and Hot Revolution Donuts. Occidental Park hosted artists such as an ice sculptor, oil painter, pop-up letter writer, calligraphy artists, and carolers.

The holidays come upon us quickly. Be sure to mark your calendars to check out some of the events offered seasonally in Seattle!