4 Unique Winter Events in Seattle

The Special Olympics Polar Plunge

If you love defying creature comforts for a good cause, the Special Olympics Polar Plunge is for you. It takes place during the cold-weather months around Washington, and the Seattle event happens February 3 and 4 at Golden Gardens Park.

To participate, you must raise at least $75 for the Special Olympics. That low threshold makes it easy to take part even if you don’t know many people who are in a financial position to donate. For individuals who are feeling extremely unafraid of frigid chills, the first date designates a Super Plunge event. The fundraising minimum is $1,500, and those plungers dive into cold water 24 times in 12 hours.

Winterfest

Starting at the end of November and going through the end of the year, the Seattle Center turns into a winter wonderland. This beloved event lets you enjoy all the season has to offer without dealing with chilly temperatures. Plans for this year’s events are still underway, but previous Winterfest events have included ice skating, a winter train and village, and carolers. Ice sculptors have also added to the atmosphere at past festivals, causing patrons to marvel at the obvious skill required to succeed in this delicate art form.

Cupid’s Undie Run

There are many things people do to show devotion during the month of February to celebrate Valentine’s Day, but going for a run in your underwear, and doing so publicly, may not come to mind. Normally, it wouldn’t be an appropriate activity, but that all changes if you’re doing Cupid’s Undie Run, an inventive foot race where people strip down to their skivvies to raise money for charity.

On February 11, you can raise money for a disorder called neurofibromatosis that not only affects the children diagnosed with it but their families as well. Also, although wearing underwear is encouraged, it’s not required. The race is only a mile long, and afterwards you can reward yourself by checking out the open bar. Both individuals and teams can register for Cupid’s Undie Run, so if you know some brave people willing to temporarily sacrifice their clothing to help others, consider making it a group affair.

Walrus & Carpenter Oyster Picnics

Whether you love to eat oysters or have never tried them, make sure to attend at least one of the Walrus & Carpenter nighttime oyster picnics. Taking place on January 9, February 7, and February 8th, these picnics involve taking a 90-minute bus ride to Totten Inlet to eat oysters at the beach during low tide. Although these events don’t officially originate in Seattle, they’re considered must-do events by Seattle’s knowledgeable residents and reviewers, making them worthy of this list. Tickets are $150 and benefit the Puget Sound Restoration Fund.

Clearly, there’s no reason to sit at home by the fireplace this winter. Get inspired by the list above and start making memories in Seattle.

Image via Pixabay | CC 0