The holiday season.

Beyond the gift-giving and the spending time with family, it is a time for finding love. Whether it be the sweater weather, the pretty lights, the chill in the air, or the general feeling of joy, the holidays are the perfect setting for a romantic night out with that special someone.

But with the cost of presents and traveling home, it can be hard to find the extra cash to spring for a great date. Luckily, Seattle offers a wide variety of free and inexpensive holiday activities that are perfect basking in the glow of the holidays.

So grab your best sweater, a peppermint hot chocolate, and that person you've had your eye on, and check out all that this great city has to offer!

1. Sheraton Hotel Gingerbread Village

From now through January 1, stop by the Sheraton Hotel's annual Gingerbread Village display. Featuring structures from Seattle's best architecture firms, master builders, and culinary designers, the Gingerbread Village is a wildly popular holiday attraction. Celebrating 25 years, this year's theme is an ode to the city itself: 25 Years of Cheer: A Celebration of Seattle.

For information about viewing hours, check out their website here .

2. Wildlights at Woodland Park Zoo

Every year, Woodland Park Zoo puts on a colorful display of nearly 375,000 LED lights that recreate animals and wild places along the zoo's greenery and pathways. Also featured are two visiting guest reindeer, the historic carousel, and festive food and beverages available for purchase. The Snowmazium will even feature falling snow and snowball fights!

For information on hours, ticketing, and parking, visit the zoo's website here.

3. Westlake Park Holiday Market

Looking for a unique gift for that one person that has everything? Head on over to the Holiday Market at Westlake Park. The Downtown Seattle Association has partnered with Urban Craft Uprising to put on a German-style market in the heart of downtown Seattle. New vendors are featured each week and the market will be open every Friday through Sunday until Christmas Eve.

For more information, check out the Facebook event here.

4. Seattle Center Winterfest

From ice skating and a model train to carolers and lighted pathways, the Seattle Center Winterfest features some of the best holiday activities the city has to offer. The month of December features some unique events, including an improv comedy troupe, a puppet show, and ice sculpture contest.

Looking for New Year's Eve plans? Head on down for fireworks and live music.

More information about Winterfest activities can be found here.

5. SantaCon

On December 16th, grab your favorite reindeer antlers, elf shoes, or Santa hat and join thousands of Santas in a massive holiday pub crawl through downtown Seattle. Every year this event benefits a chosen Seattle charity and SantaCon 2017 will donate a portion of all the proceeds to Mary's Place, a shelter for homeless women, children, and families.

Due to the size of the event, registration is required. For more information about tickets, location, event route, or other questions, check out the Eventbrite page here.

6. Snowflake Lane

Heading over to the east side? Check out Snowflake Lane at the Bellevue Collection!

Snowflake Lane is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year and features a nightly parade with all of your favorite holiday characters, dazzling lights, and holiday music. Head on over to Bellevue Square for Santa photos and holiday entertainment featuring school choirs, vocal ensembles, and musical performances.

For information about parking, the parade route, hours, and Santa photo pricing, check out the website here.

7. Winter Feast & Holiday Bazaar

Holiday cheer is coming to the Fremont Sunday Market on December 17th.

Over 100 local food trucks, street food, and handmade booths lined with patio heaters will be featured alongside the Fremont Sunday Market's usual vendors. Looking for a unique gift or stocking stuffer? Shop local this holiday season.

For information about hours, directions, and parking, check out the Facebook event page here.

8. Leavenworth Tree Lighting Festival

Feel like getting out of the city? Head on over to Leavenworth for the annual Tree Lighting Festival.

Every December, the Bavarian Town turns into a Village of Lights showcasing some of the best holiday fare! From the arrival of St. Nikolous to a holiday parade featuring Santa and holiday characters, the town also puts on performances of classical Christmas music and a lighting ceremony. Nestled in the Wenatchee National Forest, there is also plenty of skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, sledding, and other winter sports available.

There is even a shuttle to take you from the city to escape to a Winter Wonderland! Shuttle information can be found here.

For more information, checkout the Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce's webpage here.

9. Snow Shows at Pacific Place

Feeling like you need a little bit of a white Christmas? Head on over to Pacific Place for their annual nightly snow shows!

With visits from Santa Claus, photo opportunities, and nightly snowfall, Pacific Place offers a unique way to do your Christmas shopping while enjoying a little holiday cheer. Entrance is free, but Pacific Place also offers a variety of holiday activities to enjoy under the snowfall.

For information about hours, directions, and other activities offered, check out the website