Seeing the holiday lights is one tried and true way to feel festive – oohing and aahing, enjoying tasty treats and spending time together outdoors. Here are some upcoming displays in and around Seattle. (Remember to book ahead online.)
At the Zoo
At Woodland Park Zoo’s WildLanterns in Seattle, watch out for light-up jellyfish, tigers and bears. (Oh, my!) The revamped display is in its third year. Runs Nov. 11 to Jan. 22. zoo.org Also:Pro tips from a family who went with two small kids. Also: Buy tickets early!
Zoolights illuminates Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma with 700,000 dazzling LED lights. Look out for light tunnels, the baby tapir, the flame tree and Sasquatch! Runs Nov. 25 to Jan. 2. pdza.org Read a parent review here. Also: Buy tickets early!
Large shows and at the fairgrounds
Fantasy Lights at Spanaway Park was ready for the pandemic as the state’s largest drive-thru light display. The illuminated trail runs alongside scenic Spanaway Lake. Runs from Nov. 25 to Jan. 1. co.pierce.wa.us/1253/Fantasy-Lights
The Lights of Christmas in Stanwood continues as a drive-thru event this year. Highlights: Hot mini doughnuts, kettle corn and costumed characters. Runs Nov. 25 to Nov 27, and weekends in December.Visit thelightsofchristmas.com for more info. Also: Find out how our 2020 reviewers liked it and read their tips
This year, Holiday Magic will be a walk-through event with whimsical light displays, holiday activities (and food stands) at the Fairgrounds in Puyallup. Runs Thursday through Sundays in December. thefair.com
At parks, gardens, etc.
Swansons Nursery: Families will enjoy a magical holiday outing seeing thousands of glowing lights around the gardens. Nov. 12-Dec. 23
Bellevue Botanical Gardens d’lights: Follow the pathways through the garden and discover a variety of brightly lit displyas. You’ll discover plant and animal shapes, rock formations, butterflies, bees ad birds at the Garden d’Lights at Belleevue Botanical Garden. Nov. 26- Dec. 31
Green Lake Path of Lights is back from a pandemic absence. Bundle up and walk the illuminated 2.8-mile path while listening to music; 4:30-7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022.
City lights
Rain or shine, head to your local tree-lighting ceremony. Watch a parade, sip hot chocolate and catch the magic of holiday displays. Arrive early to stake out a prime spot for viewing.Dates and locations vary. FREE. Here’s a short list of events:
Holiday lights in Renton: Walk through the display at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park from 5-9 p.m. nightly starting December 3 through Jan. 1. Holiday lights will also decorate Piazza Park, 233 Burnett Ave. S., and the light poles in the downtown business core along South Third Street.
Evergreen Christmas Lights: A Bothell tradition: Hundreds of thousands of lights will cover an entire church building and will be synchronized to music. Stop into the pavilion for warm cookies, treats, a winter village and train exhibit. December 4-24. [Here’s a review from a family who recently attended.]
Village of Lights Christmastown
Drive over to Leavenworth as the town celebrates with more than half a million lights, music and entertainment, holiday characters, kids’ activities, roasting chestnuts, Santa photos and more! December 1-31. FREE.
Head on over to Log Boom Park for an evening of celebration, food, music and fun! Rescheduled to Friday, December 9.
Neighborhood Lights
Candy Cane Lane: Visit this neighborhood light show in Seattle. Sunday to Thursday: 4:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday: 4:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Keener’s Christmas: Head to Bothell for this spectacular light show. Bring a canned food to donate and enjoy this drive-thru show. Through December 31.
More holiday fun
Gift-worthy cookies for the holidays
These Seattle art studios help kids make handmade gifts with heart
