Hi all,

Sending another Good News Downtown, a communication to showcase uplifting, interesting, positive stories about activities and people Downtown.

If you have news or events to share, or if you want to talk about the work being done to revitalize Downtown, send me an email.

Weekly digest

📝🎉 Applications are now open for businesses interested in launching a pop-up through Seattle Restored in 2026. This program partners with property owners to transform vacant commercial spaces into pop-up shops, prioritizing Downtown locations like Belltown, the Chinatown-International District, the Downtown retail core, and Pioneer Square. Applications are due Thursday, January 8, 2026: Apply – Seattle Restored.

🌊🍸 The Edgewater Hotel launched the Little Festive pop-up bar, bringing extra cheer to Seattle’s iconic Waterfront. The cozy, decked-out space features festive décor, playful holiday cocktails, and a warm atmosphere – an easy stop for celebrations or a scenic night out. With sweeping views of Elliott Bay, Little Festive offers another merry reason to visit Downtown this season: ‘Little Festive’ holiday pop-up brings cheer to Seattle’s Edgewater – King5.

Credit: Kevin Clark / The Seattle Times

Seattle has emerged as a national leader in women’s professional sports, fueled by passionate fans, strong ownership, and a citywide commitment to rallying behind female athletes. Teams like the Seattle Storm 🏀, Seattle Reign FC ⚽, and the Seattle Torrent 🏒 have helped set the standard, drawing record crowds, and national attention. Seattle is building a vibrant, inclusive sports culture right in the heart of Downtown: How Seattle became a mecca for professional women’s sports – The Seattle Times.

🏢🏙️ Seattle-based consulting firm Slalom is doubling down on Downtown, renewing and extending its lease at Hawk Tower in Pioneer Square through 2034. The long-term commitment keeps Slalom as the building’s anchor tenant and signals growing confidence in the neighborhood’s future: Slalom renews HQ lease in Seattle's Pioneer Square – Puget Sound Business Journal.

Looking ahead

🥪 Light up the night Thursday, December 18 with Deli Fest. The Chanukah celebration at McGraw Square will feature a giant outdoor Menorah lighting, hot latkes, gourmet sandwiches, music and more! The celebration starts at 5 p.m. and is free for all ages.

Credit: Downtown Seattle Association

🤳🍬 Stop by Pioneer Park this Saturday, December 20, for festive fun at Selfies and Sweets. Snap a selfie at a themed holiday photo op, then grab a snack at nearby Mirabelle by Orphée. Starting at noon, the first 20 visitors will receive a free crepe. Other visitors will receive 20% off their order at Mirabelle by Orpheé, while supplies last.

Credit: SantaCon

🧑‍🎄 The year’s last Seattle SantaCon is almost here! On Saturday, December 20, thousands of Santas, elves, reindeer and other festive characters will take over Downtown for a spirited parade from noon to nearly midnight. Holiday cheer will be spread across venues with live entertainment, free venue access, drink specials, costume contests and more.

🎭🎩 "A Klingon Christmas Carol” is playing at Seattle Center Armory’s TPS Center Theatre now through December 28, offering a wildly creative twist on Charles Dickens’ classic story. Performed in the original Klingon language with English supertitles, this unique production blends the familiar tale of Scrooge’s transformation with Star Trek-inspired Klingon culture, making it a fun, imaginative seasonal outing for fans of theater and science fiction alike: Klingon meets Charles Dickens in play at Seattle Center Armory.