The 10 Best Christmas Lights in Seattle & Beyond
Christmas lights are one thing the pandemic can’t shut down! Here are the best places in and around Seattle to see our favorite light displays.
In Seattle
Freeway Park Illuminations
Downtown Seattle
Where
Freeway Park
Between 6th and 9th Ave
Downtown Seattle
When
Dec–Jan 1
5–7 p.m. daily
About
This is a new event we’re excited to see. Seven local artists/artist teams created site-specific art based on the theme of “Wayfinding” or finding one’s way. The artists were invited to create work that punctuates the walk through Freeway Park with welcoming, illuminated installations that bring light and color to both well trodden plazas and unexplored corners, providing inspiration while enhancing safety. Enjoy a self-guided tour through the art pieces along the park’s twinkling pathways and lit-up groves.
Cost
Free
Website
freewayparkassociation.org/illuminations
WildLanterns
Phinney Ridge
Where
Woodland Park Zoo
5500 Phinney Ave. N.
Seattle, WA 98103
When
Nov 12–Jan 30
4:00–8:30 p.m.
Closed Mondays (except for Dec 20 & 27) and Nov 25 and Dec 24 & 25.
About
WildLanterns is an immersive experience with lanterns of large-scale animals and naturescapes. You can explore the zoo like never before with this brand-new lantern festival. WildLights are back, too—hundreds of thousands of colorful lights will illuminate trees and landscapes throughout the zoo’s Discovery Loop. Advance tickets and proof of vaccination required.
Cost
$30.95 Adults (ages 13+)
$25.95 Children (ages 3-12)
Free for Toddlers (ages 2 and under)
$5 parking in any Zoo lot
Website
zoo.org/wildlanterns
Olympic Manor
Crown Hill
Where
North Seattle
Enter at NW 85th St and 22nd/21st Ave NW, or at NW 90th and 24th Ave NW.
When
Every evening in Dec
4:30–10 p.m.
About
The Olympic Manor was founded 1956 and is one of the first and largest mid-century modern housing developments in the United States. It’s a beautiful neighborhood in its own right, located on the former Olympic View golf course, and when everyone decorates for Christmas, it transforms into something magical. You can walk or drive through the neighborhood.
Cost
Free
Website
facebook.com/OlympicManorCommunityClub
Menashe Family Display
West Seattle
Where
5600 block of Beach Drive
West Seattle
When
Every night through Jan 1
5–11 p.m.
About
This West Seattle icon downsized their display last year so as not to draw the usual huge crowds—but this year, they’re back at full strength. In fact, they’ve even added a animatronic singing Santa. This display is always worth visiting—it’s been on national TV, after all. Several times!
Cost
Free, but accepts food donations for the West Seattle Food Bank
Candy Cane Lane
Ravenna
Where
Starts at the intersection of N.E. Park Rd. and 21st Ave. NE
Seattle, WA 98105
When
Dec 10–Jan 1, Mondays–Saturdays
Mon–Thurs: dusk–10:00 p.m.
Fri–Sun: dusk–11 p.m.
About
Nothing compares to 23 festive 1920s Tudors that make up Candy Cane Lane. This Christmas experience includes lights, music, and moving displays and has been a local tradition since 1949. You can walk or drive past the famous displays.
Cost
Free—but there’s a canned food drive donation station, typically set up at the end of the street. Alternatively, you can leave donations at Seven Market & Cafe (2007 N.E. Ravenna Blvd).
Website
http://redtri.com/seattle/explore-seattle-candy-cane-lane/
Electric Flora
Downtown Seattle
Where
Pier 62
Seattle Waterfront Park
When
All hours and days
Ends Jan 31
About
These stunning displays feature a new way to imagine and explore the flora of the PNW. The 2021 exhibit is curated by Lusio, and video content features artists Phill Pasqual, Retina Ghost, Chris Rojas, and Mokedo. The curators at Lusio aim to create a minimal yet lush design that appeals both from a distance and looks well close up against the Seattle skyline backdrop and the Salish Sea. Friends of Waterfront Seattle encourages you to visit Pier 62 twice to see this inspiring exhibit in both its states, both in the day and when illuminated at night.
Cost
Free
Website
waterfrontparkseattle.org/event/electric-flora-art-lighting-week
Beyond Seattle
Garden d’Lights
Bellevue
Where
Bellevue Botanical Garden
12001 Main St
Bellevue, WA 98005
When
Nov 27–Dec 31
4:30–9 p.m. nightly
Cost
$5, children 10 and under are free. Tickets must be purchased online and are date and time specific. Tickets will not be sold at the gate.
About
Garden d’Lights sparkles with over half a million lights shaped like whimsical shapes plants, flowers, birds, animals, and waterfalls. All of this is set amid the natural beauty of the Bellevue Botanical Garden. The displays are entirely outdoors, so proof of COVID vaccination is not required.
Website
bellevuebotanical.org/garden-dlights
Snowflake Lane
Bellevue
Where
Bellevue Collection Eastside
575 Bellevue Way NE
Bellevue, WA 98004
When
Nov 26–Dec 24
7 p.m.
Cost
Free
About
This festive parade march up and down on the sidewalks between Bellevue Square and Lincoln Square from NE 4th to NE 8th Streets every night. See lights, snow, toy drummers, Holiday music, dancers, and your favorite Christmas characters. The parade starts promptly at 7 p.m. Guests are asked to wear masks and socially distance.
Website
snowflakelane.com
Evergreen Lights
Bothell
Where
Evergreen Church
3429 240th St SE
Bothell, WA 98021
When
Dec 4–24
6–9 pm
Cost
Free
About
2021 marks Evergreen Light’s 10th anniversary. Explore 500,000 Christmas lights set to music—and also trains, a light tunnel, giant megapixel Christmas Trees, and a Christmas photo station. The show runs 30 minutes, but you can stay longer to enjoy Cultures Coffee House, snow machines, train displays, and free gourmet cookies.
Website
christmasatevergreen.com
Village of Lights: Christmastown
Leavenworth
Where
Leavenworth Festhalle
1001 Front St
Leavenworth, WA
When
Nov 30, Dec 1–2, Dec 7–9 & Dec 14–16
Cost
Free
About
This December—midweek and on weekends—Leavenworth will celebrate the season with their traditional eye-popping display of over half a million lights, music, entertainment, holiday characters for photo ops, carolers, kids’ activities, roasting chestnuts, and Santa photos. No more “flipping of the switch” on Saturdays and Sundays this year. Instead, the town lights will shine bright every day of the week.
Website
leavenworth.org/christmastown