Vast

I am considering spending a week in Seattle over Xmas into New Years. Is this a really bad time to go? I've been there before, but never in the winter. Do the ferries run? Thanks for your help,

Vast

jimshep

The ferries run all year. I used to visit Seattle in December when I lived in NYC and was always surprised how mild the weather is here in comparison to NYC. Visiting here in the winter convinced me that I wanted to retire here....and I'm glad I did.

SHL

Depending on what you want to do....but I personally don't think it's the best place to spend your holiday week. The weather is mild, but I really don't mind having some snow over Christmas. There isn't much to do unless you are with your family and are having some family events. But again, if you really want to come, do it, I don't like it as much probably just because I live here and I definitely like summer here over the rainy winter.

stormygirl

Vast, why are you considering Seattle for your winter holiday? Where are you coming from?

If you ski there are very close ski resorts that are great, we generally ski on Christmas day at Crystal Mt which is really fun! And you can also go snow shoeing right in Snoqualmie pass which is very close and beautiful.

Vast

Stormygirl: I'm not a skier, i'm trying to find a nice way to spend my holiday week off. I'm in St. Louis and flights out of here are expensive and minimal. I've been to most of the US (including Seattle) and trying to find something new is a challenge. Especially in the winter! I am traveling w/a friend who hasnt seen much of the US, any ideas? We were thinking N. Orleans, though I've been there four or five times already. Thanks!

Gardyloo

In addition to a tendency to wet, Seattle is also the most northerly big US city (except Anchorage) thus the gray skies also turn black earlier than elsewhere in December. That said, there are plenty of things to see and do of an indoor nature, and it's not at all uncommon for us to get some splendid sunny days in winter, too, when everything sparkles (really - all those water droplets sitting around.)

However (and I tend to bring this up to friends who, like us, tend to get the travel bug around the end of the year) give a thought to LA.

The end of December is often gorgeous in the LA area - clear skies revealing mountains, sometimes with snow, encircling the basin, temperatures often in the 60s and 70s - chilly for Angelenos but just fine to snowbelters, and often the biggest waves of the year, with offshore breezes - kowabonga. (Showing my age here.)

On the indoor front, LA is dynamite at that time. Many late-release and indy movies in the theatres in order to get qualified for Oscar consideration before the end of the year, so (and we've done this several times) a great idea is to go on a movie-watching holiday. (Side note, the Academy has curtailed its distribution of video/dvd copies of condidate films to Academy members because of bootlegging - - so who knows, maybe your chances of star-spotting at the actual movie houses might be somewhat improved.)

Then, of course, there's Pasadena and the Rose Parade. Kitsch to the max, natch, but actually great fun, especially for visitors to the US or those unfamiliar with marching bands and with the connection between roses and football. Camp out on the street with a million or so of your best friends, and watch the floats rumble by, the air full of the aroma of flowers and horse poop. God Bless America.

Vast

Gardyloo:
Thanks, was considering LA too, flights are inexpensive from there to here. I've usually stayed by the beach, however, any suggestions for a good in-town hotel?

thanks!

Gardyloo

We are firmly converted to Priceline for LA hotels - typically we get places in Beverly Hills or the Orange County beaches for 30-50 cents on the dollar or less compared to the listed rates. Use biddingfortravel.com for pointers and results. You should have little difficulty scoring great bargains around that time. I would look at Beverly Hills, Pasadena, or even downtown LA at the 4 star level, not Hollywood or Santa Monica. Consult the hotel lists and reviews at BFT.

stormygirl

Have you ever been to Las Vegas? End of Dec is the best time to visit, we've done that many times.

Seattle doesn't have a big new years eve thing and without taking advantage of the snow in the mountains and all it may not be the best time to show off the city.

Also maybe Phoenix for a little winter warmth? Great city and beautiful hiking and driving areas.

relaford

May I say as a resident of Seattle that it is good that you want to visit the city in December. This is the time of year I am desperate to get out of the Jet City to a place where the sun shines and there is some kind of warmth. But nevermind me. To you Seattles rainy December weather may be a novelty. And if you live in Green Bay, Wisconsin it is definately mild weather in comparison. Yes you can ride ferries to your hearts content in December. You are limited to short hours of daylight in December like 7:45am to 4:00pm so if you want to do a lot of stuff outside of those hours you will need a good flashlight. There is not a lot to do out of doors. You can walk on the beach with the rain and the wind in your hair and look at a seagul. Or you can ski...avoid wet snow places like Snoqalmie Pass..instead to stand a decent chance of skiing powder go to Crystal Mountain or if you can handle border crossing waits and a long drive do Whistler in B.C.. You can have a good time in Seattle in December but you must be adaptable. Think indoors. Watch the salmon flinging at Pike Place Market, get a latte at Starbucks, dine at fine restaurants, go to museums,
the symphony, theater, ballet, or a motion picture. Probably you can do all but the salmon throwing thing in your hometown but if you do visit Seattle have fun and be sure to bring an umbrella.