Visiting Seattle for the Holidays? Skip traffic, stay north of the city.

Here you’ll find hundreds of places to stay including world-class hotels in urban centers and charming mountain guest lodges near the ski slopes. You’ll also find accommodation catering to any budget.

SNOHOMISH

Whatever type of outing or holiday shopping is on your list, you will find it in charming downtown Snohomish, where you’ll discover local boutiques full of gifts as well as stunning countryside views and local cafes and dining options for any taste. Warm up with a fresh-baked slice of pie from the Snohomish Pie Company (915 1st St, 360-568-3589), or take a walk on the Centennial Trailand end with dinner at the Trails End Taphouse and Restaurant(511 Maple Ave, 360-568-7233).

EDMONDS

You will discover no shortage of boutiques and art galleries in downtown Edmonds, where you are sure to find a unique gift for the art enthusiast in your life. On a clear winter’s day, the water view from downtown Edmonds will take your breath away. Along the Edmonds waterfront you can shop, walk, eat, and stay the night. You might also want to catch a winter performance at the acclaimed Edmonds Center for the Arts (410 4th Ave N. (425) 275-9595).

NORTH

Get into the holiday spirit at the largest Christmas festival in the Pacific Northwest, The Lights of Christmas. With holiday theater and even overnight accommodation, the Lights of Christmas make for the perfect evening destination after a day shopping at the Seattle Premium Outlets, with a delightful overnight stay at the Tulalip Resort Casino (10200 Quil Ceda Blvd, 360-716-6000). Or, on a clear winter day, come up and take in the crisp mountain views from Warm Beach or from the hiking trails at Camano Island State Park.

EVERETT

Come to Downtown Everett and go ice skating at the Angel of the Winds Arena (2000 Hewitt Ave 425-322-2600). Support Everett’s Small Business Saturday — there are a ton of small businesses worth supporting here. Everett also has some of the best food in the area, with flavors for any taste (and budget). Catch a winter choral performance or the Nutcracker Ballet at the Everett Performing Arts Center (2710 Wetmore Ave, 425-257-8600). Or browse the displays at the Schack Art Center (2921 Hoyt Ave, 425-259-5050). On a clear December day, a walk or a kayak trip through Spencer Island Park near Everett will reveal stunning mountain views in expansive solitude.

FLY PAE

Direct flights from several US cities to the new Paine Field Airport terminal (PAE) in Everett are available now. Avoid the crowds at Sea-Tac International Airport on your next visit, and fly direct to Seattle NorthCountry instead.