15 Fun And Cheap Weekend Trips To Take This Winter Break
There is nothing like the relief of turning in your last final before winter break. That feeling of a 20-pound weight being lifted as you hand in that lengthy final exam, the 14-page paper that felt like it took an eternity, or, in some cases, click that ‘Submit’ button. Now that the huge burden we call “finals” is behind you once again, the time has finally come to celebrate and release any and all problems that come with student life. One of those problems may or may not include the label of a “broke college student.” Here are 15 weekend trip ideas around the Seattle area to take this winter break that is still very affordable.
1. Leavenworth: 2 hours and 14 minutes from Seattle
Well known for its annual Oktoberfest and magical Christmas lighting festival, this Bavarian-themed village is located in the Cascades in Central Washington. On top of the many holiday events being held, it’s the perfect spot for a wine tasting and hiking/skiing getaway with spots including Enchantment Park, and the Old Pipeline Bed Trailhead
2. Portland: 3 hours from Seattle
Anyone who has lived in the Pacific Northwest at least at one time in their lives knows that this next city stands out in a very unique way from the other major cities. It even has its own wall in big bold letters saying “Keep Portland Weird.” Aside from a variety of restaurants and a lively nightlife, holiday events include a 3-day craft market and an ongoing winetasting tour in Willamette Valley
3. Vancouver B.C. : 3 hours from Seattle
Get your passport ready! Trust me, this diverse Canadian city is definitely worth the visit, especially for this winter break. Though it is very similar to downtown Seattle and Portland, Vancouver is one with its own with a variety of bars and restaurants, and a handful of wineries, both in and outside of downtown.
4. Bellingham/Fairhaven: 1.5 hours from Seattle
Located 30 minutes from the Canadian border, this beautiful college town is seen by many as the “new Portland.” Take a visit to Historic Fairhaven (located minutes from Western Washington University) for holiday shopping and the many unique restaurants that show the uniqueness of the beloved part of town. Winter activities also include skiing lessons at Mount Baker, visiting the Whatcom Symphony for your favorite holiday classics, and even The Bite of Blaine to get a taste of the types of food this county has to offer.
5. Whidbey Island: 1 hour and 45 minutes from Seattle (through Deception Pass)
One of the fun things about traveling in Washington is taking the ferry from one island of the state to the next. Such locations like Whidbey Island are accessible by ferry, and you could even get a more scenic route going through Deception Pass. Even with the smaller towns, it’s just as warm and joyful to celebrate the festivities such as the New Year’s Eve Fireworks show in Oak Harbor, and the Greening of Coupeville Parade and Tree Lighting.
6. Port Townsend: 2 hours from Seattle
One of the other ferry stops from Whidbey Island, Port Townsend is a beloved spot by all who visit. And, if you’re all about all the Yuletide events for the holidays, then this is the winter break destination is for you. Such events include train rides, a Tree Lighting Celebration, and a First Night Celebration.
7. Spokane: 4 hours and 11 minutes from Seattle
Located 20 minutes from the Idaho State Line, this is a great winter break destination if you’re wanting to be one with the mountains. Aside from the symphony, skiing/winter sports, and a rather vibrant wine scene, Yuletide events include a live showing of It’s a Wonderful Life, the Bing Crosby Holiday Film Festival, and ice skating on the Ice Ribbon with family and friends.
8. Woodinville: 23 minutes from Seattle
Known by many as another popular wine city in Washington State, this winter break spot still lies in the Seattle metropolitan area. Holiday events include Woodinville Wine Country St. Nick’s Holiday Wine Tasting and Woodinville Winterfest.
9. Bainbridge Island: 1 hour from Seattle
Another ferry-accessible location, this winter break hotspot is another option if an island getaway is in your ideal agenda. Along with a variety of museums, holiday events include tree lighting, several wine & shopping events, and holiday classics sung by the Bainbridge Chorale.
10. Lake Chelan: 3.5 hours from Seattle
Located near Wenatchee, this hotspot is another beloved by all who visit, especially during the holidays. Once you get there, “the gray and gloom will feel like a distant memory. Our 300 days of sunshine brighten the bluster and chill of winter and expand your opportunities for outdoor recreation and discovering the unexpected.” Holiday events include Winery Tours at Lake Chelan Winery, weekly live music at Campbell’s Pub & Veranda, Cosmic Bowling and “Small Town Christmas Saturdays.”
11. Friday Harbor: 3 hours and 10 minutes from Seattle (by Ferry)
Located in the San Juan Islands, this ferry-accessible location is perfect for a mellow winter break getaway. it’s home to the Whale Museum as well as various movie sets for flicks such as Practical Magic and a feature film based on a true story Namu, the Killer Whale. Holiday events include a variety of farmer’s markets, a holiday luncheon, and a community potluck.
12. Ocean Shores: 2.5 hours from Seattle
If you want the full Ocean Shores experience, even for winter break, book your stay by the beach at Chalet Village or rent a beach house from At The Beach Rentals. Though it does get colder, it’s just as much fun to enjoy the beach while all bundled up with a cup of cocoa. Or, you can enjoy a show at Stage West Community Theatre, or satisfy your sweet tooth at the Peppermint Parlor. The town also provides plenty of festivities for the holiday season such as a winter market, a Christmas Buffet, and a synchronized Christmas light show.
A black and white landscape photograph of the beach along Protection Island at Ocean Shores, Washington.13. Cle Elum: 1.5 hours from Seattle
If snow sports play a big part in your ideal winter break, then this destination, in the Heart of the Cascades, is for you. Meaning “swift water” in the language of the Kittias Indians, this hotspot is most popular for camping and other outdoor activities, no matter what season it is. Along with a movie theatre, you can ride through Suncadia via sled or sleigh, as well as by snowmobile.
14. Long Beach: 3 hours from Seattle
Located at the very end of the state, this city maintains a vision to be “a vibrant resort community that shares its unique coastal environment with residents, businesses, and visitors.” Events include their annual holiday parade, a tree lighting called Crab Pot Christmas, a variety of music concerts, and a Bed & Breakfast Holiday Open House.
15. Kent: 2.5 hours from Seattle
Events include Christmas Rush Fun Run and Walk, a Holiday Bazaar, and a Chamber of Commerce Annual Holiday Party
