The season of giving is marching along, bringing the promise of surprise and delight in every wrapped package and festive gathering. 

During this time, the City of Burien and its community partners invite you to discover the joy of supporting small businesses and makers while you “Gift Local” and take a little time to have some fun right here in South King County. 

The “It’s a Wonderful Burien” event series continues until Dec. 31, 2024, with a special focus on shopping, dining and “doing” local to avoid traffic and crowds, and even a chance to discover hidden gems close by. Crossing off your shopping list is easy, with no delivery to worry about. When you shop the small businesses in Burien, you can save some time to take in a show or other entertainment. 

With an outstanding location serving the South King County region, Burien presents a slice of small town American charm filled with a myriad of local businesses and restaurants from which you can choose to shop and dine intentionally, knowing that the dollars you spend in local businesses stay within our community helping our neighborhood economy thrive. 

Mostly independently-owned, Burien businesses offer interesting gift options, whether domestic, imported or even original pieces made locally. Special retail opportunities can also be found in Burien’s local cultural centers, such as Casa Italiana – Italian Cultural Center, offering uncommon items such as pannetone, imported pastas, and gourmet gifts. Hans Deli has brought German imported goods of all sorts to the area for an amazing 50 years, including delicious chocolate, sausages and German language magazines. Another option is the Highline Heritage Museum, featuring books, toys and stuffed animal sloths in a nod to the famous prehistoric ground sloth unearthed in 1961 during construction of Seattle -Tacoma International Airport.

A stand out category for Burien is the wealth of treat sellers and bakeries. Artisanal producers of cookies, gelato, pan dulce, French pastries and chocolates are right here in Burien. All are suitable for extraordinary gifting.

No matter who’s on your list, you can find a perfect gift right in Burien! Toys, books, jewelry and apparel, personal bath and body care items, self care experiences like massages or facials, gourmet gifts and artisanal treats, foods, spirits, tools and hardware items, premium yarn and knitting materials, gourmet pet products, houseplants, musical instruments and more can all be found within city limits. 

Here are a few ideas we can share to make the holidays special While you discover what’s nearby.

The Holiday Market at the Burien Farmers Market
Thursdays, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Town Square Park

This year-round market coordinated by Discover Burien is the perfect place to pick up some  grocery items or browse unique, artisanal holiday gifts brought to you by small businesses and independent artists. 

Winter Lights
Nov. 9Dec. 31, 4 p.m.
Town Square Park

Consider making your shopping a little more fun, by pairing retail activities with a stroll through the Burien Town Square winter lights display illuminating each night in December, before or after visiting shops or restaurants.

Known for several years now as “Foodie Paradise”, you will find dozens of dining options in Burien, representing every continent except Antarctica. From one end of the city to the other, there are foods and drinks of all sorts to discover and celebrate. 

Time left over to see a show!

Want to simplify your holidays tis year? Without the hassle of driving and parking far away, enjoying entertainment in or near Burien is a smart option. Here are a couple of shows to remember:

Christmas Sounds
Saturday, Dec. 14 – Sunday, Dec, 15, 2 p.m.
Highline Performing Arts Center, 401 S. 152nd Street

Burien’s favorite holiday music tradition! Northwest Associated Musical enjoyment for the whole family in this showcase of choirs bringing festive joy for the season. 

Tickets are $25 for general admission. Youth 17 and under with paying adult are FREE.

Tis the Season
Tuesday, Dec. 17 – Wednesday, Dec. 18, 6 p.m.
Foster Performing Arts Center, 4242 S. 144th Street, Tukwila

Join acro, contemporary, hip hop, Irish, jazz, and tap dancers from Momentum Dance Academy & Ensemble for a festive seasonal celebration. 

Tickets are $18 – $22.

The City of Burien, its businesses and residents, look forward to welcoming you to enjoy dining, save time and money and even enjoy entertainment all as “It’s a Wonderful Burien” brings you a season of joy!

Stay tuned as we share details of entertainment and more to make this holiday special.

What’s more – free parking and less crowds make Burien an easy choice to savor small town charm. Visit us soon!

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