From simple to spectacular, holiday light displays are one of the most festive and fun ways to celebrate the season. We're focusing more on the spectacular, with a roundup of lights that would give Clark Griswold a run for his money. Some are free, others require admission – you'll find the details below. Don't forget your camera!
SEATTLE AREA
Argosy Christmas Ship. Nearly every night through Dec. 23, the brightly lit Christmas Ship and its flotilla of lighted boats stops at a different waterfront community while a choir performs for everyone on board and on land to enjoy. You can find a listing of scheduled stops here, plus ticket information if you want to ride aboard the ship.
WildLights. See wild animals and places re-created in thousands of LED lights. Indoor and outdoor displays, some animals on view (including reindeer), and more. 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. nightly through Jan. 4 (closed Dec. 24-25). $. Free parking. Entry at west gate only. Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle (Phinney Ridge). www.zoo.org. Entry at West Gate only, 5500 Phinney Ave. N., Seattle. 206-548-2500. www.zoo.org.
Ivar's Clam Lights. Renton's holiday light display shines 5 to 9 p.m. nightly through Jan. 1. FREE. Gene Coulon Beach Park, Renton. www.rentonwa.gov.
Candy Cane Lane. Neighbors on this charming street have been decorating with lights for some 60 years, with lovely displays on just about every house. Consider parking nearby and walking through to cut down on emissions (and to get a better view). Nightly through Jan. 1. FREE, non-perishable food donations welcomed. Northeast Park Road, off of Northeast Ravenna Boulevard, Seattle (Ravenna).
Holiday Lights Tour. See holiday lights in North Seattle – including Candy Cane Lane – from the warmth and comfort of the Wallingford Community Senior Center van. Space is limited, pre-registration required. 4:30 to 7 p.m. Dec. 12. $. Wallingford Senior Center, Seattle. www.wallingfordseniors.org.
Pathway of Lights. The 2.8-mile path around Green Lake is lit with thousands of luminarias. Carry or wear your own lights to add to the ambiance. Local musicians perform at four sites. 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14, rain or shine. FREE, non-perishable food donations accepted. Green Lake Park, Seattle. www.facebook.com/GreenLakePathwayofLights.
Solstice Stroll. First annual event lets you take an evening stroll at the illuminated gardens, plus enjoy caroling, warm beverages and cookies. 4:30 to 9 p.m. Dec. 20-21. Donations welcomed. Kruckeberg Botanic Garden, Shoreline. www.kruckeberg.org.
EASTSIDE
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Garden D'Lights. Bellevue Botanical Garden creates a winter garden with thousands of mini-lights in three-dimensional plant and critter shapes. No pets. 5 to 10 p.m. through Jan. 4. $, free ages 10 and younger, tickets available online (pre-purchase recommended). Free parking nearby. FREE nights are Dec. 10-12 (first come, first served). Bellevue Botanical Garden, Bellevue. www.gardendlights.com.
Bellevue Magic Season: Snowflake and Celebration Lanes. It snows nightly on a parade of live toy soldiers and other characters, music and a light show. Snowflake Lane 7 p.m. daily through Dec. 24, Celebration Lane performances Dec. 26-31. FREE. Sidewalks of Bellevue Way and Northeast Eighth Street, Bellevue. www.magicseason.com.
NORTH SOUND
The Lights of Christmas. Jaw-dropping light displays, live music and drama, pony rides, nativity, Bruce the (talking) Spruce and more. 5 to 10 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays through Dec. 29. $ to $$. Warm Beach Camp, Stanwood. www.warmbeach.com/lights-of-christmas.
Snohomish Riverside Candlelight Walk. Celebrate the winter solstice with a walk on the Snohomish River Trail, illuminated by luminarias placed by volunteers. 4 to 7 p.m. Dec. 21. FREE. Riverside Trail, downtown Snohomish. www.historicdowntownsnohomish.org/home-for-the-holidays.asp.
Freestyle Christmas Lights Cruise. Classic cars, trucks and motorcycles all decked out in lights will cruise a loop around downtown Snohomish. 6 to 7 p.m. Dec. 21. FREE. First Street and Avenue D. www.historicdowntownsnohomish.org/home-for-the-holidays.asp.
SOUTH SOUND
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Zoolights. Nearly 600,000 holiday lights depict animals and local landmarks. Warm up in the steamy aquarium, see a scuba-diving Santa (Tuesday and Wednesday nights at 6 p.m. through Dec. 18), ride a camel ($) or the antique carousel ($). 5 to 9 p.m. through Jan. 5 (closed Dec. 24). $, free ages 2 and younger. Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Tacoma. www.pdza.org/zoolights.
Fantasy Lights. Drive through 2.5 miles of animated displays at Spanaway Park. 5:30 to 9 p.m. through Jan. 1. $$. Spanaway Park, Spanaway. www.piercecountywa.org/parks.
Wild Waves Holiday with Lights. Light displays, rides, Santa photos, entertainment and more. See online for schedule. Various hours and days now through Dec. 31 (closed Dec. 24-25). $ to $$, free ages 2 and younger. Wild Waves, Federal Way. http://wildwaves.com.
Photos courtesy Woodland Park Zoo, Bellevue Botanical Garden, Warm Beach Camp and Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium.
