Candy Cane Lane is a circular street of 23 houses that have all been covered in lights each holiday season since 1949. It’s an old local favorite, and, as shown by the lines of cars waiting to enter, every year, people travel to see it. The display starts at the corner of Park Lane and Ravenna Boulevard in Seattle’s Ravenna neighborhood. Cars drive one way and pedestrians are urged to also walk through Candy Cane Lane in one direction, entering from the same place as the cars.
Where Candy Cane Lane Is Located
Candy Cane Lane is located just north of the University of Washington, at NE Ravenna Blvd and Park Rd NE, making it one of the most accessible neighborhood light displays in Seattle. You can find directions by searching “Seattle Candy Cane Lane” on Google. The location is just north of the University of Washington, at the intersection of NE Ravenna Blvd and Park Rd NE.
2025 Dates & Hours
Many families search for updated Seattle Candy Cane Lane dates every year, so here’s what to expect for 2025.
- Opening Night: December 6, 2025
- Last Night: January 1, 2026
- Sundays to Thursdays: 4-9:30 p.m.
- Fridays & Saturdays: 4-11 p.m.
There may be music and entertainment on select dates, particularly during the Pedestrian Nights.
Pedestrian-Only Nights
While the street is walkable every night, these special nights offer a better experience for those on foot, with more space to stroll and take your time. The Pedestrian Nights in 2025 are December 6, December 7, December 10 (Sensory Sensitive Night), and December 12.
The start of something magical … (Image: Jillian O’Conner / Seattle’s Child)
FAQs for Visitors
- Is there a cost? There’s no fee to visit, but if you’d like to contribute, bring a canned food donation for the University District Food Bank. Bins are located at the exit.
- Is Candy Cane Lane dog-friendly? Yes, Candy Cane Lane is dog-friendly! In fact, there are more resident dogs than children. The best nights to bring your dogs are during Pedestrian Nights, when there is more space for them to roam.
- Where can we park? Parking can be challenging since we are located very close to the university. However, parking is available in the upper and lower lots of Ravenna Park, as well as in the surrounding neighborhoods.
- Are there food or drink options nearby? Seven Market is across the street and has coffee and pastries. They close at 7 p.m.
- What are the least busy times? Pedestrian Nights are the least busy days. If you’re going on another night, Mondays through Wednesdays are usually less busy.
Tips for Families Visiting Candy Cane Lane
Visiting Candy Cane Lane Seattle is a tradition for many families, and a little planning can make the experience even more magical. Here are some parent-tested tips to help you enjoy the display at its best:
Arrive Early (or Late) for Fewer Crowds
Weeknights — especially Monday through Wednesday — tend to be the calmest for drivers. If you’re walking, the first hour after opening is typically quieter and easier for younger kids who may get overwhelmed by crowds.
Consider Walking Instead of Driving
While the drive-through route takes less than five minutes, walking gives families more time to enjoy the lights, take photos, and explore the details of each house. A full walk-through takes about 15–30 minutes, depending on little legs and snack breaks.
Take Advantage of Pedestrian Nights
These designated evenings give families extra space to stroll without vehicle traffic. They are the best nights for strollers, toddlers, and dogs, and allow for a slower, more immersive experience.
Bundle Up — It Gets Cold in the Ravenna Neighborhood
Candy Cane Lane is a circular street with open exposure to the winter wind. Gloves, hats, and even a warm blanket for stroller riders can make a big difference.
Plan Parking Ahead of Time
Parking near NE Ravenna Blvd can be tight, especially on weekends. Ravenna Park’s upper and lower lots are your best bets, followed by surrounding neighborhood streets. Give yourself extra time if you’re visiting during peak hours. Bus routes 79 and 372 will also get you there without the parking hassle!
Bring a Food Donation
At the end of the lane, you’ll find a collection bin supporting the University District Food Bank. Many families make donating part of their annual visit — an easy way to model giving back during the season.
Make a Pit Stop for Treats
Seven Market & Café, just across the street, offers pastries and warm drinks perfect before or after your walk-through. (They close at 7 p.m., so plan accordingly.)
Know Your Kid’s Limits
Candy Cane Lane is bright, busy, and stimulating — in the best way. If your child is sensitive to noise or crowds, stick to Sensory Sensitive Night on December 10, weeknights or other Pedestrian Nights to for a more relaxed visit.
Each house is responsible for their own display, but the block always has a unifying theme. (Image: Jillian O’Conner / Seattle’s Child)
A Look Back at Tradition
Candy Cane Lane has been a centerpiece of Seattle Christmas lights and community pride since 1949. The circular street of 23 homes, nestled in the heart of Ravenna, was originally part of a coordinated neighborhood effort to bring joy and light to the community during the winter season. Over the decades, the tradition has grown, but the spirit remains the same — neighbors coming together to create something charming.
Each home has its own decorations, but the lane is tied together by nostalgic touches: hand-painted displays, a toy-shop window scene, wooden cut-outs, and the iconic peace signs sharing messages in languages from around the world. Longtime fans return year after year to see which elements have stayed the same and which ones have received an update.
As our writer Jill O’Connor described, it’s the kind of place where you might catch people in cars singing along to “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” adding a spontaneous joy that feels perfectly at home here. Even as new holiday events and light shows pop up across the region, Candy Cane Lane remains a uniquely Seattle tradition.
Candy Cane Lane is just one way to soak up the sparkle this season. For even more ideas, explore our full Holiday Events Guide and discover dazzling displays in our Holiday Lights Around Seattle roundup.
