Seattle and the Eastside are Washington’s best winter paradise during the holidays. From the brightest light displays to the most joyous Christmas parades, Seattle makes it simple to embrace the holiday spirit. It’s the perfect time to stroll through the lovely streets adorned with shimmering lights and holiday decorations.
There is an abundance of ways to celebrate, create cheer, and soak up all the magic of the season throughout King County! The twinkling light displays of the Garden d’Lights, ice skating in Bellevue’s Downtown Park, shopping, and the notorious Snowflake Lane Parade are but a few of the Seattle area’s beautiful holiday festivities. Here are just a few of my favorite must-see holiday events or festivities you should check out in the Seattle the beautiful Eastside.
Garden of d’Lights
The beautiful Garden d’Lights at Bellevue Botanical is one of the most budget-friendly light shows in the Puget Sound region you can enjoy during your holiday! The Bellevue Botanical Garden is completely transformed into a winter wonderland each year by over 500,000 dazzling, glistening, and magical holiday lights.
The season illuminates the shapes of plants, animals, flowers, birds, and even a cascading waterfall that enchants the youngest guests. Be sure to purchase your tickets as far in advance as possible, as entrance into the gardens are timed.
Holiday Carousel
While you’re downtown, check out another of Seattle’s spectacular Holiday celebrations. Visit Westlake Park to ride the Holiday Carousel. This wooden carousel features beautiful creatures for your children to ride. It glows so beautifully and is a huge hit for kids! Each ride by donation, at a suggested rate of $4 per person and put right back into building Occidental Square and Westlake Park.
The Holiday Market is just a few steps away, where you check out and shop with local artisans to get unique and beautiful gifts while supporting our local community.
Snowflake Lane Parade in Bellevue
The Bellevue Collection’s annual holiday parade, Snowflake Lane, happens from November 25 to December 24, 2022, so you have all season to check it out! Every night at 7 p.m., between Bellevue Square and Lincoln Square, from NE 4th to NE 8th Streets, a lively performance with brilliant lights, floats, dancers, toy drummers, and a variety of seasonal characters, including Santa Claus. You’ll even get to see falling snow! It truly epitomizes the magic of Christmas and is worth the visit.
You can also head over to the Bellevue Collection to see the notorious 30’ tall Christmas tree and take pictures with Santa! Be sure to book a reservation in advance if you plan to see Santa.
Pike Place Market
Pike Place Market is a great place to visit during the holidays! They completely transform the market into a holiday retreat! This year marks the 27th Annual Magic in the Market, which runs through Christmas.
You can feel the spirit of generosity in the air as merchants rally to assist the Pike Place Market Foundation in rebuilding the market and the surrounding neighborhood. In addition, a Giving Tree delivers gifts for seniors and other people in the Market area. The market is also supported via online purchases.
You can join in the Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition and also take free photos with Santa! Enjoy live music, and holiday spirit and make a great day at Pike’s Place.
The Perfect Holiday Celebrations in Seattle and the Eastside
Whether you’re vising or call the area home, it’s a great place to spend time through the holidays. Whether you’re looking to take a drive and see lights with your car or venture outside to soak up some magic, there are tons of options for everyone alike.
If you’re looking to call this wonderful area home, let’s connect!