10 Things to Do in Seattle in January

For starters, it is a month with little movement of tourists, something that gives it a special attraction, since you can forget about long lines, crowded spaces or waiting in shifts.

Considering that January is one of the quietest months, it makes Seattle from a calm and pleasant perspective. So, if you are one of those people who love to watch the scenery, take pictures or just walk around, then it is advisable to visit places at times when there are the least amount of people. This will be much more rewarding for you. This is the main reason to choose this as your month to visit one of the most populated cities in the northeastern United States.

If you are looking for family activities in Seattle this January, a tour of Woodland Park and the WildLanterns is an excellent option.

This experience will immerse you in a landscape illuminated by giant lanterns that represent animals and wild places around the world.

The zoo is visited throughout the year, but in January you will be able to enjoy this spectacle, touring at your leisure and enjoying each stop thanks to the low number of visitors.

In this event, which lasts throughout the month, the park is dressed with about 300,000 Christmas lights. At this time of year, you can also ride a historic carousel and participate in snow activities in the Snowmazium.

By the way, here you can take advantage of the Seattle CityPass, one of the city's tourist cards that includes discounts at various attractions, including the Woodland Park Zoo.

Information of interest

• Location: West Entrance 5500 Phinney Ave N. South Entrance 750 N. 50th Street. Paid parking is available. South entrance can be reached via Metrobus Route 5.
• Hours: May - September 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. September to April 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Closed December 25 only.
• Additional charges not included: Some activities may incur an additional charge.
• Entrance fee: The entrance fee is around 30 euros.
• Duration of tour: A little more than three hours.

Every January 15 in the United States, the entire country unites to celebrate the birthday of Martin Luther King.

This important activist dedicated his life to achieving an egalitarian world, where the rights of all, especially those of African descent, would be respected. In Seattle, on the days around this date, it is usual to enjoy activities dedicated to his history.

Each year the calendar is different, but what is never missing is the great march in his honor. In this one there is no lack of allusions to his ideals of freedom and work, which accompanied his most famous phrase "I have a dream", said in the event of this type that he himself called.

At Garfield High School you can sign up for a festive rally where, in addition to music, you will enjoy live poetry and the participation of personalities of the moment who will speak about the life of Martin Luther.

It is also an excellent opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Martin Luther King in Seattle, when he visited the city in 1961.

The tour is interesting, as it touches on historical points of this town and you can do it on your own. On the other hand, the activities planned annually for this celebration are free, so you will have plenty to choose from.

In Seattle, the annual Polar Bear Immersion is held at Matthews Beach on January 1.

It's an icy event where you get to dive into the waters off the beach, plus enjoy a lively New Year's Eve party.

The event is free and people of any age can participate, although to take the plunge I recommend that you have a great endurance to the cold, as the water temperature is close to freezing, at 0 ° C.

But don't worry, you don't have to get wet. Younger children and those who do not wish to dive can enjoy the music, games and all the other entertainment of the event, which precedes the dive of the polar bears.

As an incentive, for the bravest who dare to dive at least up to their necks, there will be a commemorative medal for bravery, and they will be allowed a second dive, if they dare, of course.

It is a very lively and fun activity, even some participants are in costume and you can take unforgettable photos, and bring a commemorative t-shirt of the event.

Recommendations

• Do not drink before diving, it accelerates the process of hypothermia and it will not be fun anymore.
• The maximum time in the water is 15 minutes, enough to be a polar bear without losing body temperature.
• Keep warm clothes on until the moment of immersion. As soon as you get out of the water, change into dry clothes to regain warmth.
• If you have a medical condition or heart condition, it is recommended that you consult your doctor and just be a bear watcher at this event. You will have just as much fun!
• There are restrooms, changing rooms and hot showers at the event.
• There is also usually hot chocolate and other hot beverages.

The Century Ballroom is an elegant, old-fashioned-looking building where events related to dancing and good music are constantly held, accompanied by delicious food.

The theme of these programmed activities is very varied, and in January it is the turn of the costume parties.

The theme of the costumes is different every year, so you should check the calendar if you want to go according to the occasion. Although no one will prevent you from attending with the costume of your choice, since the most important thing is to have a great time. Of course, don't try to avoid your mask, since it is mandatory for the dynamics of the night.

The reason is simple:this masquerade ball is not for couples! The idea is to dance with everyone, known or not, and let the night carry the rhythm. Until it's time to take off the masks.

For the magic to be perfect, the organizers are careful to maintain a balance in the number of guests, with a limited number of attendees.

Information of interest

• Location:: 915 E Pine St..
• Hours: The dance starts around 9:00 p.m. but be there half an hour before.
• Ticket Price: Around 65 euros if you buy in advance and 75 euros if you buy on the day of the event. Masks are sold at the entrance, in case you forget it, for a price of around 5 euros.
• Duration of the event: The event lasts about 3 hours and a half.

Seattle is a city with a wide variety of interesting museums, which tend to be highly visited places in high season. Therefore, in January, the low crowds will give you the opportunity to tour and enjoy them with much more tranquility, being able to absorb every detail. In addition, they are a perfect refuge if it is very cold outside.

One of the most recommended is the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), a place where you will learn the details about the growth of this movement from its birth to date.

Another incredible museum is the Pacific Science Center, which offers a family-friendly space ideal for those traveling to Seattle with children. There is much to see in this museum, from an in-depth exploration of the Galaxy to curious insects and exotic animals.

Among the entertainment highlights are the IMAX theater, the Laser Room with its incredible shows and many interactive experiments.

MoPOP

• Location: 325 5th Avenue N in Seattle Center. Paid parking and a variety of public transportation routes, including the Seattle Center Monorail.
• Hours: Open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
• Admission fee: Around 30 euros.
• Duration of tour: The tour lasts about 2 to 3 hours.

Pacific Science Center

• Location: 200 2nd Ave N.
• Hours: The museum is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm.
• Additional charges not included: Tickets for the IMAX cinema.
• Cost of admission: The entrance fee is around 20 euros.
• Duration of the tour: The complete tour can take between 3 and 4 hours.

Visiting the Pike Place Market is always a good idea, but in January it is an ideal stop. In addition to the fact that there are fewer people and you will find the spaces clear to enjoy better, you can sit in one of its restaurants and taste its exquisite flavors without haste.

You can visit the handicrafts market and take home an unforgettable souvenir. In addition, the curious retail stores that are usually crowded, will be almost exclusive for you. Not to mention the farmers offering their fresh and delicious produce.

The atmosphere at Pike Place Market is lively and relaxing in January. There are buskers who liven up the stroll and, if you keep an eye on the calendar of events, you may be in for a pleasant surprise.

This is the place where Seattle's heart beats and a place that is never missing from the best food tours in Seattle.

Interesting information

• Location: 85 Pike St.
• Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., although some restaurants may open as early as 7:00 a.m. and offer breakfast, while others stay open until midnight. Closed only on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Seattle is a beautiful city that deserves to be immortalized in a photograph, and the month of January, with its clear streets, is the perfect opportunity. If you are looking for an ideal place to capture the best images, the 360° view from the Sky View Observatory has just what you are looking for.

Known as Columbia Center, it is 295 meters high, making it the tallest building in all of Washington.

This observatory is located on the 73rd floor, which was renovated in 2010 to offer this incredible view of the entire city.

Visiting the Sky View Observatory is an incredible experience, which you can also put on your list if you visit Seattle in October, when the landscapes have a special charm.

While enjoying the view, relax at the Sky View Café and sample local wines and beers, cocktails and some high altitude snacks, with a very Pacific Northwest flavor.

Of course, don't forget to stop at the gift store for a souvenir of this unforgettable visit.

Information of interest

• Location: 700 4th Ave.
• Hours: Thursday to Sunday from 12:00 noon to 10:00 p.m., Monday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.. Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
• Entrance fee: the entrance fee is around 25 euros.

Speaking of a beautiful view of the city from the heights, nothing can compare to what the Space Needle offers. Undoubtedly, one of the best panoramic views of Seattle.

In January, in addition, you will be able to go up without waiting for the usual queues that occur during the rest of the year.

Also known as the Space Needle, it was built in 1962, immediately becoming a symbol of the city.

It has an incredible elevator that will take you right to the observatory in no more than 43 seconds. Once at the top, you will discover one of the most impressive views.

Not only will you be able to see the Puget Sound islands, but the Olympic Mountains and even the Cascade Mountains and Mount Rainier.

Its decks are slightly sloping glass walls that you can lean on to "float" over all of Seattle. The best experience! To purchase tickets you can use the CityPass. It is one of the best ways to get to know the city, enjoying the scenery while capturing unforgettable photographs.

Information of interest

• Location: 400 Broad St.
• Hours: Every day from 9:00 am to 11:00 pm.
• Admission fee: The entrance fee is around 35 euros.

Seattle is almost entirely surrounded by mountains, so it is not surprising that it is a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. If you have traveled in January and you have time, because you are going to spend for example 5 days in Seattle, I recommend that you leave the city to spend a few hours having fun in the snow.

Although there are many places to go, perhaps the most interesting is Snoqualmie Pass, just 45 minutes from the city. Here you'll find a wide range of activities, from skiing to snowboarding, and two hours away is Stevens Pass, another classic destination for winter sports enthusiasts.

If you feel like getting out in nature, but you're not into these sports, my advice is to book a trip to Mount Rainier, one of the best national parks in Washington State.

Sometimes, the cold weather can discourage you from taking a tour of Seattle's streets. If, in spite of that, you don't want to miss the opportunity to get to know some of the history of the city, a great option is to hire a guided tour through its subway passages.

This tour, which lasts about an hour, goes through the passages that are under Pioneer Street to reach street level in 1890.

All these passages were built more than 120 years ago and are part of the first stage of the city. The guide will explain the reason for their construction and how a small Indian camp became a city like Seattle.

Are you much more into enjoying nighttime activities? January is no exception, especially in Seattle, where there are plenty of things to do at night.

The city's nightlife is active at this time of year, although less so than in the summer, but you'll always find great bars to hang out at.

One of them is the Pike Brewing Company, where you'll definitely opt for top-notch beers, as well as a wide variety of beers. The place has a vintage décor, with bicycles hanging from the ceiling, and different advertising posts lining the walls. On weekdays this pleasant bar is open from 11:00 to 21:00 hours.

On the other hand, if you prefer something more lively with live music, then you will love Dimitriou's Jazz Alley, where you can listen to live jazz while tasting exquisite gastronomy.

It is located on the corner of 6th Avenue and Lenora Street, in the heart of downtown Seattle. The cost of admission will depend on the bands playing each day, so check the calendar to find out.

Weather in Seattle in January

In this month, as if you travel in the rest of the winter to Seattle, you will find really cold temperatures, wet and with little sun.

Just mention that the average temperature during the day is about 7 º C, while at night the thermometer drops to 2 º C. To this must be added that it usually rains during almost half of the month.

Obviously, this implies that you can not forget to bring coats and raincoats. In addition, I advise you to look for comfortable shoes for walking even in the snow.