It that time of year, where going downtown means seeing all of the holiday lights and decorations

^{The Christmas Tree and Macy’s Star in downtown Seattle’s Westlake Center.}

A couple of weeks back, the hubs and I went downtown to do ALL the Christmas things. It was a HUGE day that included a visit HERE. However, there was even more to see!

We started with an explore around downtown’s central shopping area. We mostly window shopped, but did buy a couple of little gifts for the family. At Nordstrom’s Santa greated many star struck kiddos.

^{Downtown shops decorated for the holidays.}

^Santa!

^{Chocolates MIGHT have been consumed....}

Next we caught a monorail from downtown to Seattle Center. The center is a area of town with pavilions left over from the 1962 World’s Fair. Today it is home to a sports arena, several theatres, museums and the world famous Space Needle.

^{Riding the monorail towards the Space Needle.}

The Space Needle recently underwent a $100 million renovation. The remodel included installing clear glass walls on the view deck as well as a GLASS FLOOR!!! Of course we had to see this with our own eyes.

^{$40 per person!!! 😳}

When the Space Needle opened in 1962, it was the tallest building west of the Mississippi River. The structure is 605 feet tall with an observation deck at 520 feet. The elevator ride from the base to the observation deck takes 41 seconds.

^{A little history before the elevator ride.}

^{Obligatory green screen tourist pic.}

The new observation deck is intense! All of the walls and benches have been replaced with clear plexiglas. Both angle away from the structure allowing you to hang out over the ground below.

^{Getting the perfect shot.}

Then it was time to look down.

👀

💩

^{Soaking in the Puget Sound views.}

Next it was off to The Armory.

^{Giant wreaths adorned the walls.}

The Armory is al food court near the base of the Space Needle. The venue also hosts musical and cultural performances. During our visit a choir was singing carols and a huge model train set was on display.

^{Tree, choir, trains!}

Next stop, Pike Place Market.

^{The market a glow.}

Pike Place Market is Seattle’s number one tourist destination, a historic landmark and one of the country’s longest continuously running public farmers’ markets. The market opened in 1907. Today it is home to a farmer’s market, craft market, specialty stores and restaurants.

^{Fresh everything.}

I really like the market, especially at Christmas. There is something magical about all of the added lights and decorations. Plus, there are so many unique gifts to be found.

^{Christmas pigs!}

^{Santa-con participants flood the streets in front of Pike Place Market.}

^{A couple enjoys the view.}

Full Circle

The downtown Christmas adventuring ended where it began - at Westlake Center. With the sun down each holiday light became more apparent with the Macy’s star headlining the show.

^{Christmas lights in Westlake Park.}

^{The holiday carousel and Macy’s star light up the night.}

Happy Holidays!

All photos taken by @dfinney

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