Thanksgiving in Seattle can be a wonderful experience, with the city offering a wide range of activities and attractions to enjoy on this special day. However, it’s essential to know what’s open and what’s not, to plan your day accordingly. In this article, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive guide on what’s open in Seattle on Thanksgiving, including restaurants, shops, museums, and other popular attractions.
Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving in Seattle
If you’re not planning to cook a traditional Thanksgiving meal at home, don’t worry! Many restaurants in Seattle are open on Thanksgiving, offering a variety of delicious options to suit every taste and budget. Here are some popular restaurants that are open on Thanksgiving:
Traditional Thanksgiving Menus
If you’re looking for a classic Thanksgiving meal, here are some restaurants that offer traditional menus:
- The Walrus and the Carpenter: This cozy restaurant in Ballard offers a three-course Thanksgiving menu featuring roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie.
- Ray’s Cafe: Located in Ballard, Ray’s Cafe offers a four-course Thanksgiving menu with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.
- The Herbfarm: This farm-to-table restaurant in Woodinville offers a five-course Thanksgiving menu featuring seasonal ingredients and creative twists on traditional dishes.
Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Menus
If you’re looking for something a little different, here are some restaurants that offer non-traditional Thanksgiving menus:
- Wild Ginger: This Pan-Asian restaurant in downtown Seattle offers a special Thanksgiving menu featuring dishes like Korean-style fried turkey and pumpkin curry.
- Barrio: This Mexican restaurant in Capitol Hill offers a Thanksgiving menu featuring dishes like turkey tacos and pumpkin empanadas.
- Etta’s: This Southern-inspired restaurant in Pike Place Market offers a Thanksgiving menu featuring dishes like fried chicken and waffles and sweet potato casserole.
Shops Open on Thanksgiving in Seattle
If you need to pick up some last-minute items for your Thanksgiving celebration, or if you’re looking for a unique gift, here are some shops that are open on Thanksgiving:
Department Stores
Some department stores in Seattle are open on Thanksgiving, offering extended hours for holiday shopping. Here are a few options:
- Macy’s: The Macy’s store in downtown Seattle is open from 5pm to 2am on Thanksgiving, offering a wide range of products and discounts.
- Nordstrom: The Nordstrom store in downtown Seattle is open from 8am to 10pm on Thanksgiving, offering a variety of products and services.
Specialty Stores
If you’re looking for something specific, here are some specialty stores that are open on Thanksgiving:
- Pike Place Market: Many of the shops and stalls at Pike Place Market are open on Thanksgiving, offering a wide range of products like fresh produce, flowers, and handmade crafts.
- The Original Starbucks: The original Starbucks store at Pike Place Market is open on Thanksgiving, offering a variety of coffee drinks and merchandise.
Museums and Attractions Open on Thanksgiving in Seattle
If you’re looking for something to do on Thanksgiving, here are some museums and attractions that are open:
Museums
Some museums in Seattle are open on Thanksgiving, offering a variety of exhibits and activities. Here are a few options:
- Seattle Art Museum: The Seattle Art Museum is open on Thanksgiving from 10am to 5pm, offering a variety of exhibits and activities.
- Museum of Pop Culture: The Museum of Pop Culture is open on Thanksgiving from 10am to 7pm, offering exhibits on music, science fiction, and pop culture.
Attractions
If you’re looking for something more adventurous, here are some attractions that are open on Thanksgiving:
- Space Needle: The Space Needle is open on Thanksgiving from 9am to 5pm, offering stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains.
: The Seattle Aquarium is open on Thanksgiving from 9:30am to 5pm, offering a variety of marine life and interactive exhibits.
Parks and Outdoor Spaces Open on Thanksgiving in Seattle
If you’re looking to get outside and enjoy the fresh air, here are some parks and outdoor spaces that are open on Thanksgiving:
Parks
Many of Seattle’s parks are open on Thanksgiving, offering a variety of activities and amenities. Here are a few options:
- Discovery Park: This 740-acre park in Magnolia offers hiking trails, meadows, and stunning views of the Olympic Mountains.
- Gas Works Park: This park on Lake Union offers stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains, as well as a playground and picnic areas.
Beaches
If you’re looking to enjoy the water, here are some beaches that are open on Thanksgiving:
- Alki Beach: This popular beach in West Seattle offers stunning views of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound.
- Golden Gardens Park: This park in Ballard offers a beach, hiking trails, and stunning views of the Olympic Mountains.
Public Transportation on Thanksgiving in Seattle
If you’re planning to get around Seattle on Thanksgiving, here’s what you need to know about public transportation:
Bus and Light Rail
King County Metro and Sound Transit offer reduced service on Thanksgiving, with some buses and light rail lines operating on a Sunday schedule. You can plan your trip using the King County Metro Trip Planner or the Sound Transit Trip Planner.
Streetcar and Ferry
The Seattle Streetcar and Washington State Ferries operate on a reduced schedule on Thanksgiving. You can plan your trip using the Seattle Streetcar website or the Washington State Ferries website.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving in Seattle can be a wonderful experience, with a wide range of activities and attractions to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a traditional Thanksgiving meal, some holiday shopping, or a fun outdoor activity, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city. By knowing what’s open and what’s not, you can plan your day accordingly and make the most of your Thanksgiving celebration.
What are the typical business hours for popular attractions in Seattle on Thanksgiving Day?
While many popular attractions in Seattle are open on Thanksgiving Day, their business hours may vary. Some attractions, such as the Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass, typically operate on a reduced schedule, often from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM or 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. However, it’s essential to check the attraction’s website or call ahead to confirm their hours before heading out.
Other popular attractions, like the Seattle Aquarium and the Museum of Pop Culture, may have extended hours on Thanksgiving Day, often from 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM or 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Some attractions might also offer special events or activities on Thanksgiving Day, so it’s worth checking their websites for any updates or promotions.
Are restaurants in Seattle open on Thanksgiving Day, and do they offer special menus?
Yes, many restaurants in Seattle are open on Thanksgiving Day, offering a range of dining options for those who prefer not to cook at home. Some restaurants may offer special Thanksgiving menus, which can include traditional dishes like roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie. These menus might be available for dine-in or take-out, depending on the restaurant.
It’s recommended to make reservations in advance, as many restaurants can be quite busy on Thanksgiving Day. Some popular restaurants in Seattle that are known to be open on Thanksgiving Day include The Walrus and the Carpenter, Matt’s in the Market, and Ray’s Cafe. Be sure to check the restaurant’s website or call ahead to confirm their hours and menu offerings.
Can I shop at malls or retail stores in Seattle on Thanksgiving Day?
Some malls and retail stores in Seattle may be open on Thanksgiving Day, although their hours may vary. Many large retailers, such as Macy’s, Nordstrom, and Target, often open their doors on Thanksgiving Day, usually in the late afternoon or early evening. However, not all stores within a mall may be open, so it’s a good idea to check the mall’s website or call ahead to confirm.
Some malls, like the Westlake Center and the Bellevue Square, may offer extended hours on Thanksgiving Day, often from 6:00 PM to midnight or 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Additionally, some retailers might offer special deals or promotions on Thanksgiving Day, so it’s worth checking their websites for any updates or discounts.
Are public libraries and community centers in Seattle open on Thanksgiving Day?
Most public libraries and community centers in Seattle are closed on Thanksgiving Day. The Seattle Public Library system, for example, typically closes all its branches on Thanksgiving Day, although some libraries might offer limited hours on the day before or after Thanksgiving.
Community centers, such as the Seattle Parks and Recreation centers, are also usually closed on Thanksgiving Day. However, some community centers might offer special events or activities on the day before or after Thanksgiving, so it’s worth checking their websites for any updates or schedules.
Can I use public transportation in Seattle on Thanksgiving Day?
Yes, public transportation in Seattle is available on Thanksgiving Day, although the schedules and frequencies might be reduced. King County Metro, for example, typically operates on a Sunday schedule on Thanksgiving Day, which means that buses might run less frequently than on weekdays.
Sound Transit, which operates light rail and commuter trains, also offers reduced service on Thanksgiving Day. The Link light rail, for instance, might run on a Sunday schedule, while the Sounder commuter trains might not operate at all. It’s a good idea to check the transit agency’s website or use a trip-planning tool to plan your route in advance.
Are there any special events or activities in Seattle on Thanksgiving Day?
Yes, there are several special events and activities in Seattle on Thanksgiving Day. The Seattle Turkey Trot, for example, is a popular 5K run/walk that takes place on Thanksgiving morning. The event benefits the Seattle Food Bank and offers a fun way to get some exercise before the big feast.
Other events, such as the Macy’s Holiday Parade and the Seattle Center’s Winter Fest, might take place on the day after Thanksgiving. Additionally, some museums and attractions, like the Seattle Art Museum and the Woodland Park Zoo, might offer special events or activities on Thanksgiving Day, so it’s worth checking their websites for any updates or schedules.
Can I volunteer in Seattle on Thanksgiving Day?
Yes, there are many opportunities to volunteer in Seattle on Thanksgiving Day. Many organizations, such as the Seattle Food Bank and the Salvation Army, offer volunteer opportunities on Thanksgiving Day, which can include serving meals, sorting donations, or helping with other tasks.
Other organizations, such as the Union Gospel Mission and the Pike Place Market Foundation, might also offer volunteer opportunities on Thanksgiving Day. Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community and make a difference in the lives of those in need. Be sure to check the organization’s website or call ahead to confirm their volunteer opportunities and schedules.