November 26, 2024 | Shopping

Inside Southcenter: Your Guide to Holiday Shopping Delights

With over 200 places to shop and dine, Southcenter is a treasure trove of retail delights. In this latest blog, we’re highlighting some of its most exciting holiday shopping destinations that will help you check off most everyone on your list. 

From trendy sneakers at Hearth to whimsical designer toys at Pop Mart, these stores offer unique finds you won’t want to miss. Discover chic urban fashion at Urbanity, dazzling crystals at Crystal Days, and K-pop merch at KPOP Station. Whether you’re looking for home decor, thoughtful gifts, or the latest pop culture must-haves, these standout shops are sure to make your holiday shopping a breeze. These are just a few of the hidden gems waiting to be explored at Southcenter!

Hearth 

Hearth is Southcenter’s newest must-visit destination for sneakerheads and streetwear enthusiasts. Featuring an expansive collection of sneakers, including limited-edition collaborations and trend-setting streetwear, Hearth offers the ultimate shopping experience for those who love bold, fashionable looks. As the brand’s third location and first in Washington, Hearth brings exclusive styles and fresh energy to Southcenter.

Urbanity

Urbanity is a Seattle-area gem at Southcenter, offering a curated selection of urban and contemporary clothing, footwear, and accessories for men and women. This boutique stands out with personalized styling services to help you refine your look and feel confident in every outfit. With only two locations in the area, Urbanity delivers a unique shopping experience that combines cutting-edge style with a local touch.

P.31 Label

Celebrate life’s special moments with P.31 Label, a boutique owned by local entrepreneur Lidia Whyte. Specializing in elegant dresses and outfits for proms, weddings, baby showers, and other meaningful occasions, P.31 Label is your go-to for statement-making styles. As one of several locally owned boutiques in Southcenter, it’s a standout for anyone seeking chic, memorable pieces.

H&M Home

Deck the halls—and every other room—with stylish finds from H&M Home, Southcenter’s destination for holiday decor and gifts. From festive accessories to eye-catching statement furniture, this store has everything to make your home merry and bright. Whether you’re sprucing up for the season or gifting a touch of style, H&M Home has you covered.

Crystal Days

Crystal Days is a treasure trove of ethically sourced crystals and unique decor pieces. This locally owned shop offers a dazzling collection of high-quality stones and gems from around the globe, perfect for elevating your home or adding a personal touch to your style. Discover the beauty and craftsmanship behind every piece at this Southcenter favorite.

Daiso Japan

Daiso Japan brings the charm of a Japanese “dollar store” to Southcenter, offering an incredible variety of products at unbeatable prices. Shop home decor, stationery, kitchenware, art supplies, and more—all infused with Japanese design and creativity. With over 100 U.S. locations, Daiso Japan is a go-to for affordable finds, unique gifts, and practical everyday items. It’s a great place to fill those stockings with affordable, unique finds for everyone on your list! 

KPOP Station

Dive into the vibrant world of K-pop at KPOP Station, where music and culture collide. From albums and official band merchandise to K-beauty products, this shop has everything for dedicated fans and curious newcomers alike. Opening in Southcenter in June of this year, KPOP Station bridges cultures through a shared love of K-pop, making it the perfect spot to shop for gifts and immerse yourself in the fandom.

BoxLunch

BoxLunch is a paradise for pop culture fans and collectors, offering an amazing array of merchandise from Disney, Marvel, anime, Harry Potter, and more. With something for every interest, it’s the ultimate stop for gifts and collectibles. Plus, for every $10 you spend, BoxLunch donates a meal to someone in need through Feeding America. Shop here to make an impact while celebrating your fandoms!

Pop Mart

Pop Mart brings a touch of whimsy and wonder to Southcenter with its collection of collectible designer toys and character-based merchandise. Known for its imaginative designs and creative appeal, this Chinese toy company offers a playful escape from the ordinary. Whether you’re a collector or just exploring, Pop Mart is a delightful destination for all ages.

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Southcenter is the perfect place to wrap up your holiday shopping with ease, thanks to its unbeatable variety of stores and dining options. We hope you’ll check out some of these shops as you work your way through your holiday list. 

Southcenter is open M-Sat 10am – 9pm and Sunday 11am – 7pm, and will offer expanded holiday shopping hours starting on December 15. Check out their directory for more information to help plan your visit.

November 15, 2024 |

12 Nights of Snow at Southcenter

Experience the magic of the holiday season with 12 nights of “snowfall” at the South Main Entry of Westfield Southcenter by Duke’s Seafood and JOEY Restaurant. Each night from December 13 – 24 at 6:00pm, guests will be treated to enchanting snowfall and special offers from local retailers and live performances.  

Stop by and allow this festive display to fuel your holiday shopping! 

November 15, 2024 |

Holiday Photos with Santa

Ho Ho Ho! Santa has officially landed at Westfield Southcenter! He’s here to make this holiday season extra magical with cheerful photos, wish list whispers, and all the festive fun. Whether you’re starting a new tradition or keeping up with a favorite, Southcenter’s the perfect spot for holiday photos with the big guy. 

I know what you’re thinking, yes your furry children can also participate with dedicated Santa Paws events for pets on November 25, December 2, 9, 16, and 23rd. 

There will also be a special sensory-friendly event on December 8 that support the sensory, physical, and developmental needs of Santa’s guests. 

Appointments are recommended but walk-ins are also welcome! Schedule your appointment here.

Swing by, bring your wish list, and let’s make some holiday memories with Santa!

Please note: Santa takes a break to feed his reindeer daily from 3PM – 4PM and the line will close prior to any breaks as well as before the set closes daily. 

July 23, 2024 |

National Night Out

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. This event culminates annually on the first Tuesday in August in communities across the country. 

Get to know your neighbors, officers, fire fighters, the City leaders and staff serving the City of Tukwila! Join us at Westfield Southcenter for National Night Out in partnership with the Tukwila Police Department. Enjoy games, giveaways, food and more! Located in the Sky Terrace on Level 3 West by AMC.  

For more on National Night Out, visit natw.org

November 17, 2023 |

Santa Pics at Southcenter

Cue the sleigh bells…Santa is coming to town!

Don’t miss this enchanting opportunity to meet Santa Claus and create cherished memories with your loved ones. Santa will be making a special visit to Westfield South Center beginning November 16, and there’s a lineup of festive experiences to ensure your photos with Santa are unforgettable.

Santa Special Events:

    • Baby’s First: Every Wednesday, November 22 – December 20 (all day)
      • Capture the joy and wonder of your baby’s first Christmas with enchanting Santa photos
    • Ugly Sweater Party: Every Thursday, November 30 – December 21 (all day)
      • Gather your friends and family and wear your silliest sweaters for your photos with Santa
    • Pajama Party: Every Tuesday, November 21 – December 19 (all day)
      • Spruce up your Santa photos and wear your favorite holiday PJs while you support St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital
We recommend making a reservation to reserve your spot! You can do so via this link.

March 10, 2023 | News

Super Mario’s Tukwila Roots

One of the most recognized video game characters of all time got his start in one of the most unlikely of places. Mario, the famous plumber turned princess-saving superhero, is a direct descendant of a local Tukwila tradesman turned tradesman and real estate developer.

Mario A. Segale was born in Seattle on April 30th, 1934. He grew up on the southside, where he attended Highline High School, and eventually started his own construction business after purchasing a single dump truck. A clever businessman, Mario made a name for himself by growing his initial investment into a construction and real estate empire. While building his fortune in the early 1980s, Mario made another key investment that would eventually shape his legacy in ways he never could have imagined.  

A small start-up video game company in Seattle trying to break into the growing market rented space from Mario. The story goes, employees of the company (called Nintendo of America) were struggling to come up with a name for a certain plumber-themed character featured in their now classic video game, Donkey Kong. After many failed attempts to capture his likeness, the creators finally noticed the physical resemblance between their little 8-bit superhero and the landlord collecting the month’s rent. “Mario” stuck and history was made. Although the real Mario never really leaned into his connection to the widely successful video game franchise, he did once jokingly mock the creators for not offering any royalties. 

Years later, Hollywood is adapting the story of this little plumber from Tukwila enlisting the help of another Seattle area local, Chris Pratt. Releasing on April 5th, The Super Mario Bros. Movie is a star-studded affair that’s already garnered massive hype. 

And what better way to celebrate this pivotal moment in Mario’s history than by watching the movie at Westfield Southcenter’s AMC in the very city where the story first began? Not only that, but Tukwila’s video game culture is still going strong.

After catching the film, continue the celebration at one of our many gaming centers, including:

Legacy Gaming

This local arcade gaming lounge hosts a variety of top-of-the-line gaming experiences. Play your favorites on traditional consoles like Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, and PC, or step into the next generation with virtual reality gaming. You can also turn back time and play some of your favorite classics like Mario, Pong, and thousands of other foundational games. 

 

Dimension XR

Gaming has changed immensely since Mario first popped onto the scene and the thrill of exploring virtual worlds has only gotten more intense. At Dimension XR, experience the next evolution of gaming and get a glimpse of what the future has in store through dynamic virtual reality gameplay.

 

Sykart Indoor Racing

And of course, celebrating Mario wouldn’t be complete without paying homage to one of the character’s most iconic spinoffs: Mario Kart. Although banana peels are not allowed, Tukwila’s own Sykart is the closest thing to bringing the high-powered action of Mario Kart to life. Gather your friends, dress as your favorite character, and step on it.

 

March 7, 2023 |

March Book Talks at Barnes and Noble

Barnes & Noble Southcenter welcomes investor and feminist Tori Dunlap to bring you financial knowledges and help you reach your first $100k, so mark your calendars for this special book signing event.

March 7, 2023 |

March Book Talks At Barnes and Noble

Barnes & Noble Southcenter welcomes two prolific authors to their store this month. Local writers Robin Jeffrey and Bryan Asher will land you in the hearts of some of their most exciting sci-fi mysteries. Mark your calendars for these special book signing events. 

November 22, 2022 | Activities

10 Things To Do in Tukwila in the Rain

AHHHH! WHAT IS THAT?! 

Oh right, rain. 

After what felt like an eternity with that giant mass of fire in the sky, the rain has once again returned to its rightful realm: the Pacific Northwest. And what makes this place so special is how unbothered everyone is by a little water. Simply put, it’s all a matter of perspective. If you fight the rain, you only fight yourself. Accept the rain and you free yourself to enjoy all the amazing things this region has to offer. 

Buuuuuuut, if you really just don’t want to deal with it all, then we have a few recommendations on where to spend a nice rainy PNW day right here in Tukwila. So go ahead, check out our Top 10 Rainy Day Activities in Tukwila!

 

Escape in a Game Room

Does the rain have you wanting to escape to a new reality? Maybe one where you’re not stuck inside seeing daylight rainy skies move into dark rainy skies at 4pm? Then stop by Tukwila’s premier gaming destinations—Dimension XR and Legacy Gaming—and get transported to a new dimension filled with adventure where anything and everything is possible.

 

Get a Thrill at iFly

Feeling couped up inside? We have the perfect place for you: iFly. The indoor skydiving craze has taken over the country, and now you can try it for yourself. Like Superman in training, don the fancy jumpsuit and helmet and then shoot off into the stratosphere* with guidance from one of the skydiving professionals. 

*more like 20 feet, but you can use your imagination.

 

Fill Your Belly at Spice Bridge

Rain + gray = give me cozy comfort food right now. Duck on into one of Tukwila’s most vibrant displays of world cuisines: Spice Bridge. This global food hall is home to immigrants and refugees who bring with them insane culinary talents. With a rotating selection of food businesses, there’s always a new exciting dish to try. It’s the perfect place to cozy up with a hot meal.

 


Hit the Lanes at Bowlero

Bowling is an absolute classic rainy-day activity. So, it should come as no surprise that Tukwila has one of the best bowling spots around, Bowlero. What more do you need to know? It’s bowling. You get it. Ball, lane, pins. Done. Now go do it and have a killer time inside not getting wet.

 

Race at SyKart

There’s a common joke in this area that people don’t know how to drive in the rain even though it’s raining all the time. What that says to me is that more people need to hit the go-kart track for some high-intensity practice. Sykart is the place for all your go-kart needs. Situated right here in Tukwila, it’ll provide the much-needed boost on a gloomy rainy day.

 

Jump Around at Defy

If you hate jumping in puddles, might we recommend jumping into giant pits filled with foam instead. That’s just the start of the fun at Defy, a trampoline park in Tukwila. Foam pits, trampolines, rock walls, basketball, this list goes on. This one-of-a-kind action park is filled with challenges that are fun for the whole family. So, what are you waiting for? Don’t feel the FOAMO. Visit Defy today!

 

Watch a Movie at AMC Southcenter

When it looks like Waterworld outside, it’s best to stay inside and watch a movie… like Waterworld. Research studies show that the best place to watch new movies is in a movie theater, and I definitely didn’t just make that up. Regardless, Tukwila is home to AMC Southcenter, featuring Dolby Cinema and IMAX theaters. Escape the rain and immerse yourself in a story far far away.

 

Stay Active at Mayweather Boxing

Just because it’s raining doesn’t mean you can’t still stay active. Train like the champion you are at Mayweather Boxing and Fitness. The studio offers four different styles of classes throughout the week formulated with the perfect combination of boxing, strength, and cardo conditioning. Get drenched in sweat, not rain.

 

Visit a Meadery

Breweries are everywhere in the Seattle area. But only a few special places have meaderies. And situated right here in Tukwila is one of the best around, Oppegaard Meadery. Warm your belly and your spirits in this Viking-clad tasting room.

 

Go on a Hike

Okay, you got us. This activity won’t protect you from the rain. In fact, it puts you directly in its path. BUT, hear us out. Taking a walk or run along the Green River Trail or at the Duwamish Hill Preserve in the rain is a really unique activity that many won’t experience. So, if you work up the courage, grab that rain jacket, lace up those boots, and just lean into it.

 

As you can see, Tukwila is filled with all kinds of activities that make a rainy day actually something you will look forward to. So next time the clouds roll in and the rain starts falling, just make your way over to Tukwila to help brighten up your day.

Until then, head on over to our Activities and Events pages to stay up to date on all the exciting things going on in our city.

 

November 10, 2022 |

Photos with Santa at Southcenter

It’s happening, whether you’re ready for it or not. The lights are going up and the music is taking over because the holidays are finally here! And what better way to celebrate than getting a photo with the big guy himself, Ol’ St. Nick. 

Gather the family and bring them to Westfield Southcenter for a very merry photo opp with Santa starting November 17th. But this isn’t just your average Santa photo. Guests are encouraged to get creative with a variety of special photo events to help support local causes, including:

Santa Paws Pet Nights (12/5, 12/12, 12/19, from 4pm – 7pm)
Bring your pet along for a photo with Santa and help us collect donations on behalf of The Humane Society.

Pajama Party (Every Tuesday, all day)
Wear your coziest holiday pjs for your photo with Santa and help us support St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital. 

Ugly Sweater Days (Every Thursday, all day)
Make it the most ugly time of year by wearing your ugliest holiday sweater for your photo with Santa. 

Walk-ups are allowed, but space is limited. So be sure to reserve your spot ahead of time here.

Where: Westfield Southcenter
When: November 17th – December 24th (except Nov. 24th)
Time: 11am – 7pm