Seattle's Child

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Green Lake Path of Lights

Green Lake Pathway of Lights

Look for the return of the popular hot air balloons (weather permitting) at Pathway of Lights!

The annual Green Lake Pathway of Lights, a free winter event for the whole family, is happening Saturday, December 9, 2023, from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Stroll the glimmering Green Lake circuit, paths, and docks which will be lit with thousands of twinkling candles. And while you wander through the magic of the sparkling lights, enjoy complimentary refreshments and live music performed by local schools and community groups. Also, look out for the return of the popular hot air balloons (weather permitting) at Pathway of Lights!

Volunteer Opportunities

Pathway of Lights is a huge event to pull off and the help of volunteers makes it so much smoother! Shifts are available from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. and include set-up, placing luminaries, recycling, as well as litter patrol and cleanup. For more information on volunteering, please contact Mary Pat Byington, Seattle Parks and Recreation, marypat.byington@seattle.gov or 206-684-0780.

Food Drive

In the spirit of the season, please bring non-perishable food donations for our local food bank, FamilyWorks!  Drop of food by the three music stages located by Green Lake Community Center, the Green Lake Aqua Theater and the Green Lake Bathhouse.

Getting There

Pathway of Lights attracts thousands of community members each year and parking is extremely limited. Please see transportation options and suggestions below. Parking is limited; plan ahead! Parking around Green Lake Park and the surrounding neighborhood is extremely limited. We expect parking to fill up early and for there to be heavy traffic in the area. Don’t waste the evening circling around to find a parking spot! Instead, we encourage everyone to consider arriving by bike, bus or foot.
Bus: Use King County Metro Transit’s Trip Planning feature to plan your trip.
Walk: Take transit or carpool to a surrounding neighborhood and enjoy walking to Green Lake.
Bike or Carpool: We also encourage you to consider biking or carpooling to the event via a rideshare service so that no one in your party has to worry about parking!

Read about more holiday events for families in the Seattle’s Child 2023 Guide to Holiday Fun.

About the Author

Cheryl Murfin

Cheryl Murfin is managing editor at Seattle's Child. She is also a certified doula, lactation educator for NestingInstinctsSeattle.com and a certified AWA writing workshop facilitator at Compasswriters.com.