Swanson's Nursery in Ballard is a must at least once during the holiday season. We love the holiday train (this year's is Toy Story-themed), the koi pond and all the pretty ornaments.

Olympic Manor, off 85th in Ballard, is where we go for walks to admire the lights.

This year's photo with Santa, back in person! Same Santa, but now the boys stand next to him because they'd crush him trying to sit in his lap.

And, we tried? Yes, those are store-bought cookies!