Christmas light displays around the Puget Sound region (greaterseattleonthecheap.com)

Here’s our list of Christmas light displays burning brightly with 100,000 to 1,000,000 lights. Most are FREE. Many are at private homes in neighborhoods throughout the Puget Sound region that can be enjoyed from the warmth of your vehicle as you idle past. Others are drive-thru or walk-thru commercial displays with an admission charge.

Many Christmas light displays go up Thanksgiving Weekend. Most are lit by the first weekend of December and a few begin in mid-December. Most Christmas light displays stay up through New Year’s Eve. You can enjoy the season for several weeks and visit a new neighborhood or light attraction every week to light up your winter.

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2022 Christmas Light Displays

(Listed alphabetically by city or location in Washington State.)

Bellevue. Snowflake Lane – The Bellevue Collection happens nightly from the Friday after Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve every night at 7 pm. Experience the wonder of falling snow, dazzling lights, festive music, toy drummers, and dancers in this complimentary nightly parade of holiday floats. Enjoy the spectacle from the sidewalks between Bellevue Square and Lincoln Square from NE 4th to NE 8th Streets. Park in any of the free parking garages and walk to your favorite spot on the sidewalk to see the show.

Bellevue. Bellevue Botanical Garden d’Lights. From Saturday after Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve. November 26 – December 31, 2022 from 4:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. CLOSED only on Christmas Day). Bellevue Botanical Garden 12001 Main Street, Bellevue, 98005. Timed Entry Tickets available online only; no tickets are sold at the event. Tickets: $8.00 (age 11+). Children 10 and under are free.

Bothell. Evergreen Lights. December 2-24, 2022. 6-9:00pm. Immerse yourself in Christmas as the Evergreen Church building comes alive with lights and music. Shining hope and light into the Pacific Northwest winter darkness, this Christmas event has become a much-loved Bothell tradition.

Bothell. Kenner Christmas Lights. Usually lit Friday after Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve. Over 500,000 lights in the display. Also acts as a charity drive (usually food), so bring a few cans or a bit of cash. You’ll see a donation drop when you drive through the arch on the circular driveway. Kenner Christmas Lights, 16504 112 place NE Bothell, WA 98011.

Issaquah. Nutcracker Lane neighborhood located east of Seattle along I-90 at 190th Avenue Southeast off Southeast 44th Way, is a winter wonderland. Each house on the cul de sac has a painted nutcracker statue and lights. Residents along Southeast 35th Place also get into the holiday spirit. Usually lit every night in December.

Kenmore. Winter Porch Light Parade. December 1-31, 2022 from 5-8pm nightly. Get a map of all the local displays and plan a fun evening touring the colorful light displays around Kenmore, Bothell, Lake Forest Park, and Shoreline: Winter Porch Light Parade – Map (google.com)

Leavenworth. Village of Lights: Christmastown in Leavenworth, Washington. Daily December 3-24, 2022. Every December in the Bavarian village of Leavenworth, WA (2-hours East of Seattle via US-97 or I-90) celebrates with over half a million lights, music & entertainment, holiday characters for your photo ops, carolers, kids’ activities, roasting chestnuts, Santa photos and so much more. Enjoy holiday activities on weekends and weekdays, including Fun Festhalle (Gingerbread Houses, Photos with Santa, Crafts for Kids, Story Corner, Santa’s from Around the World, Selfie Stations, Letters to Santa, and a Gift-Wrapping Station), Contests & Promotions, Gazebo Entertainment, and More! If you want to leave the driving to someone else, check out these discount transportation tickets: Leavenworth Village of Lights Festival Groupon discount – roundtrip transportation from Downtown Seattle to the Bavarian village in the Cascade Mountains

Lynden. Lights of Lynden, 1775 Front St, Lynden, WA 98264. Thursday-Sunday, December 1, 2022 – January 1, 2023 (closed Christmas Eve). The pixel (dancing lights) are failing quicker than the family can replace them. After a lot of thought and prayer, they have decided that instead of closing for the season they will operate the show as scheduled through the end of 2022. Donations appreciated: PWYC.

Maple Valley. Maple Valley Lights light up the nights: Weekdays: 4:30 – 10:00. Weekends: 4:30 – 11:00. Christmas Eve, Christmas, and New Years Eve: 4:30 – Midnight. Donations requested online for several local charities. Listen to the soundtrack at 101.9 FM while you’re near the display at 22629 SE 263rd Place (Google Map).

Maple Valley. DAZZLE cancelled 2022.

Marysville. Merrysville for the Holidays Residents, organizations, and businesses are transforming Marysville into a magical community of lights. A map will be available for download beginning December 4. Anyone can register to include their display on the Marysville map of lights AND to be entered into this year’s Holidays Lights contest. Holiday lights self-guided tour: December 3-31, 2022 from 5:00-9:00 p.m.

Mercer Island will feature various light displays nightly at Town Center from December 2, 2022 – January 1, 2023. More info: Illuminate MI – 2022 | Mercer Island, Washington

Puyallup. Holiday Magic at The Fairgrounds in Puyallup, WA. December 1-4, 8-11, 15-18 & 20-23, 2022. Hours: 4:30pm – 9:30pm. Parking is FREE in the Green Lot. Take a wonder-filled stroll through magical lights, festive displays and holiday joy. Celebrate this special time of year, with special holiday activities – both indoors and outdoors. Regular ticket prices: GA (ages 13+) $25. Child (ages 6-12) $18. Preschool (ages 3-5) $13.00. Kids (ages 2 & younger) FREE. Ice Skating: $10 per person, includes skate rental. Discount tickets: purchase online and save. Early Bird Pricing: save even more by purchasing online November 1-28, 2022.

Poulsbo. Christmas in Big Valley | Poulsbo WA | Facebook, 26730 Big Valley Rd NE, Poulsbo, WA. November 25, 2022 – January 1, 2023 from 4:30 to 9:30pm. 75,000-light walk-thru Christmas display at a single-family home. Admission: $12, kids 6 and under are free. Stop by the Young Life Christmas tree lot across the street and purchase a tree while you are here. With every tree purchase you get one free admission to Christmas in Big Valley.

Redmond. Redmond Lights. December 1, 2022 – January 4, 2023. A month-long installation of light and art in Redmond’s Downtown Park. Enjoy art and light installations every night from 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. Mark your calendar for Friday Night Celebrations on December 2, 9, and 16 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Redmond Lights Kids Coloring Contest. Download a 2022 coloring sheet, complete your masterpiece, and drop off at the Redmond Town Center Management office (7345 164th Ave NE, Suite I-115) through January 4 (Mon-Fri 10A-7P, Sat 11A-7P, Sun 12-6P) to receive a $10 gift card. A parent or guardian must be present to receive the gift card. More info: Kids Coloring Contest | Redmond, WA

Redmond. His Lights, NO EVENT for 2021-2022. View the video of His Lights 2020 on YouTube. 13424 179th Ave NE, Redmond, WA 98052 has to be seen to be believed. The creators of this holiday extravaganza are working to help raise donations for Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in honor of their family friend, Tess who started her fight to beat cancer in summer 2020. Her friends and supporters quickly came together and are asking community members to come out and view the lights and help make donations to support this incredible cause. Their light show is timed to several Christmas songs and help make this display a grand sight for spectators. Listen from your car on 91.1 FM.

Renton. City of Renton hosts lights at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park (1201 Lake Washington Blvd. N. 98056) from 5 to 9 p.m., starting December 2, 2022 and running through January 1, 2023. The visual display includes trees and shrubs professionally decorated with thousands of lights throughout the park, centered at Ivar’s, Kidd Valley, and along the paved, flat walkable loop, about one mile total distance. Bonus: Argosy Christmas Ship Parade December 3rd. Holiday lights will also decorate Piazza Park. New for 2021, lights will also adorn light street poles in the downtown business core along South Third Street. Free event with free parking. More info: 2022 Holiday Events and Activities – City of Renton (rentonwa.gov)

Seattle. Metro Employees Historic Vehicle Association SANTA’S LIGHTS TOUR aboard a historic bus. Cancelled 2021-2022.

Seattle. Enchant Christmas – Enchant. No event for 2022.

Seattle. Argosy Cruises Christmas Ships visit Seattle and Eastside waterfront communities Friday after Thanksgiving until Christmas Eve. Choirs onboard sing 20-minute performances, broadcast on a state-of-the-art sound system. From the flotilla of ships following along to the crowds of people who gather onshore, this celebration is one of the gems of the Seattle winter holiday season. There are several ways to join the fun, free and paid:

Take in the holiday magic aboard the Christmas Ship™ and Follow Boats. Tickets: $54-$72/adult: Christmas Ship™ Festival – Argosy Cruises
Watch the parade of boats from a community event on shore. Free events. More info: Christmas Ship™ Festival Schedule – Argosy Cruises
Join the 7th Annual Parade of Boats (December 9, 2022) on your own decorated vessel (registration required) or gather at the official onshore viewing party for panoramic views of the flotilla (free events). More info: Christmas Ship™ Parade of Boats – Argosy Cruises

Seattle/Candy Cane Lane near the University of Washington usually lights up the first Saturday in December through January 1. The neighborhood is north of the University of Washington, off of Ravenna Boulevard on Northeast Park road, just past 20th in Seattle, WA 98105. (Google map).

Seattle Center. Winterfest – Live and Virtual operates daily from Friday after Thanksgiving thru New Year’s Eve. Enjoy sparkling lights, amusements, and spirited entertainment virtually on their website and in-person on the Seattle Center Campus. Throughout the five weeks of Winterfest, those in search of uplifting seasonal spirit and delightful diversions can enjoy the Winter Train & Village, ice sculpting, and the festive campus lighting display. Seattle Center, 305 Harrison Street, Seattle, WA 98109.

Seattle/Olympic Manor neighborhood on north Seattle’s Crown Hill typically has many decorated homes by mid-December through New Year’s. Some say it’s not as spectacular as it used to be in either number or detail. Many say it’s still a beautiful way to enjoy a December evening. The entrance is on NW 85th St. and 22nd/21st Ave NW or at NW 90th and 24th Ave. NW. (Google map)

Seattle/West Seattle. Gai Family house in the 3200 block of 36th SW, Seattle, WA 98126 (Google map). The display includes Christmas lights and a beloved Madonna. After an absence from 1996-2018, the the longtime Christmas-season landmark in West Seattle has returned.

Seattle/West Seattle. Menashe Family display in West Seattle is usually lit Sunday after Thanksgiving and runs every night through January 1 from 5pm-11pm in the 5600 block of Beach Drive in West Seattle (Google map). The Menashe’s have close to 340,000 lights that consist of both LED and incandescent. There are nearly 100,000 lights on the giant oak tree that is the centerpiece in the front yard. More info: Famous Menashe Christmas display going up; Dec 1 they go live | Westside Seattle

Find these and other West Seattle Christmas light displays on the West Seattle Blog | Christmas lights

Seattle/Woodland Park Zoo. WildLanterns holiday light festival at Woodland Park Zoo (November-January). Illuminate your holidays with an immersive, interactive, larger-than-life experience unlike any in the Northwest! WildLanterns presented by BECU returns this winter with brand-new lanterns and themed zones, along with some returning fan favorites, that will “wow” anyone, no matter their age! Things to know about WildLanterns:

When: November 11, 2022 – January 22, 2023. 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Closed most Mondays (open December 19 & 26), November 24, December 3, December 24, December 25. Closed Monday-Wednesday in January.
Tickets available online only, timed entry. Last timeslot is 2 hours prior to the close of the event each evening. Arrive promptly for your scheduled time; arrivals greater than 30 minutes past the scheduled time may experience delays or rebooking.
Ticket prices: $29.95-34.95 Adult (13+), $25.95-29.95 Child (3-12). Zoo members can receive a 20% discount.
Paid Parking: On-site parking available at $6 beginning at 3:30 PM. West Entrance (5500 Phinney Ave. N). South Entrance (750 N. 50th Street).
Strollers are allowed along the open pathways for WildLanterns.
WildLanterns is not the same event as WildLights. WildLanterns is a new experience for 2022 at Woodand Park Zoo.

Sammamish. Timberline neighborhood in the cul de sac at N.E. 42nd St. and 204th Ave. N.E. Located just east of Seattle in Sammamish, homes, trees and decks are adorned with festive light displays throughout this neighborhood.

Spanaway. Fantasy Lights is the largest holiday drive-through display in the Northwest, featuring nearly 300 elaborate displays and thousands of sparkling lights. The beautiful two-mile drive along Spanaway Lake has become a memorable tradition for the entire family. Located just south of Tacoma, it’s lit November 25, 2022 – January 1, 2023, 5;00-9:00 p.m. Remember to turn off your lights so people in front of your car can see clearly into the night. Tickets: $15-$20/car. Discount nights November 29-December 2, December 27-Janurary 2nd. Spanaway Park, Military Road and 152nd Street, Spanaway, Washington 98387.

Stanwood. Lights of Christmas at Warm Beach – one hour north of Seattle. Due to staffing shortages The Lights of Christmas will continue to be a drive-thru experience. 2022 DATES: November 25-27, December 1-4, 8-11, 14-23, 26-31. Celebrating 25 years of Christmas magic! The Warm Beach Lights of Christmas is a holiday tradition for many families in the Pacific Northwest. Grab your car keys, pack up the kids, and get out of the house for an event with Christmas spirit in Snohomish County. Spectacular lights, dazzling displays, and costume characters create a fantastic Christmas experience for people of all ages. Listen to Christmas music from the comfort of your car on The Lights of Christmas radio station 101.9 FM. Admission per car: Sunday-Thursday $27. Friday-Saturday $32. Christmas Week (Dec 20-23) $32. Rates higher for bus/limo. Warm Beach Camp, 20800 Marine Drive, Stanwood, WA 98292.

Tacoma. Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium (pdza.org). November 25, 2022 – January 2, 2023, from 4:30-10PM. Magical lights and a classic holiday tradition dazzling our community for 35 years. Timed Entry Tickets (online only): $16. Tickets go on sale October 19, 2022. Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, 5400 N. Pearl St, Tacoma, WA. 98407. More info: Zoolights: Holiday lights at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium (pdza.org)

Tacoma. Tacoma Light Trail: Dragon Parades & Satellight events. December 3, 7, 11, 2022. Parade from 6:45-7:15pm, then light, music, and play until 8pm. Follow a flaming dragon in a light parade through neighborhood streets! Hear live music, dance with light projections by the Permaculture Lifestyle Institute, play with shadow puppets by Mauricio Robalino, sip hot drinks and celebrate light with the Puget Sound Revels and Tacoma Light Trail. All free! Bring/wear lights and look for the tents outside.

December 3 from 6:45-8pm at Peace Community Center, 2106 S Cushman Ave (Music: Ken Jacobsen, electric cello)
December 7 from 6:45-8pm at Boze Elementary, 1140 E 65th St (Music: Miho & Diego world percussion)
December 11 from 6:45-8pm at Whitman Elementary, 1120 S 39th St (Music: Anjali Silva, Brazilian jazz)

Tacoma. Tacoma Light Trail: NYE Light Parade. New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2022 at 5:30pm. Wear your sparkliest outfit to kickoff New Year’s Eve. Join the Light Parade from UW Tacoma to Tollefson Plaza for music, circus, projections, shadow puppet play, food trucks and more.

Tacoma. Tacoma Light Trail. Dec. 31, 2022 – Jan. 19, 2023 from 5-9pm. Wander the Trail every night to find light art & sound. Bask in the glow of the indoor Lumens Concerts, from candlelit ballet to illuminated ballrooms. Donations help pay artists fairly and bring free light art to Tacoma.

Tacoma. Anderberg Christmas House | Facebook South Ferry Street and South 10th Street where they intersect, the display is on the corner. You can’t miss it! About 70 lighted blow-up figures. plus several light projectors surround the house. Usually lit by Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve.

Tacoma and Puyallup neighborhoods. If you just want to wander in Tacoma, here are a few safe bets: North Tacoma, especially around the Proctor District, is usually a worthy holiday drive. West Tacoma, University Place, and Puyallup neighborhoods like Silver Creek are also generally fine places to go.

Tulalip. Quil Ceda Village is a hub of shopping, entertainment, and food in northern Snohomish County includes the Tulalip Resort Casino, Cabela’s, and Seattle Premium Outlets. At the Tulalip Amphitheater (10400 34th Ave NE), enjoy “Lights & Ice” November 22, 2022 – January 8, 2023 (open daily except Thanksgiving Day), featuring a FREE display of trees with over 700,000 lights, an outdoor market, an ice-skating rink (one-hour skate $15, includes skate rental). On weekends, Santa and Mrs. Claus await to greet you. More info: Quil Ceda Village | Home

Woodinville. Winterfest – Celebrate Woodinville December 3-31, 2022. Holiday fair and tree lighting on December 3, 2022 from 3-6pm. List of participating business locations and a downloadable map on their website.

Depositphotos_33231867_l-2015 Golden Christmas tree lights vector by -Baks-

Golden Christmas tree lights vector by -Baks- via Depositphotos.com

2022 Christmas Light Displays open Thanksgiving Weekend

(Listed alphabetically by city or location in Washington State.)

Bellevue. Snowflake Lane – The Bellevue Collection November 25-27, 2022 (continues nightly at 7 pm to Christmas Eve). Experience the wonder of falling snow, dazzling lights, festive music, toy drummers, and dancers in this complimentary nightly parade of holiday floats. Enjoy the spectacle from the sidewalks between Bellevue Square and Lincoln Square from NE 4th to NE 8th Streets. Park in any of the free parking garages and walk to your favorite spot on the sidewalk to see the show.

Bellevue. Bellevue Botanical Garden d’Lights. November 26-27, 2022 (continues nightly to New Year’s Eve; CLOSED only on Christmas Day). Bellevue Botanical Garden 12001 Main Street, Bellevue, 98005. Timed Entry Tickets available online only; no tickets are sold at the event. Tickets: $8.00 (age 11+). Children 10 and under are free.

Poulsbo. Christmas in Big Valley | Poulsbo WA | Facebook, 26730 Big Valley Rd NE, Poulsbo, WA. November 25-27, 2022 from 4:30 to 9:30pm (continues nightly until January 1). 75,000-light walk-thru Christmas display at a single-family home. Admission: $12, kids 6 and under are free. Stop by the Young Life Christmas tree lot across the street and purchase a tree while you are here. With every tree purchase you get one free admission to Christmas in Big Valley.

Seattle. WildLanterns holiday light festival at Woodland Park Zoo. November 25-27, 2022 (open until January 23, 2023, more info below). Illuminate your holidays with an immersive, interactive, larger-than-life experience unlike any in the Northwest! WildLanterns is brand-new lanterns and themed zones with some returning fan favorites, that will “wow” anyone, no matter their age! Tickets available online only, timed entry. Ticket prices: $29.95-34.95 Adult (13+), $25.95-29.95 Child (3-12). Zoo members can receive a 20% discount.

Seattle. Seattle Center Winterfest. November 25-27, 2022 (operates daily thru New Year’s Eve). Enjoy sparkling lights, amusements, and spirited entertainment virtually on their website and in-person on the Seattle Center Campus. Throughout the five weeks of Winterfest, those in search of uplifting seasonal spirit and delightful diversions can enjoy the Winter Train & Village, ice sculpting, and the festive campus lighting display. Seattle Center, 305 Harrison Street, Seattle, WA 98109. FREE event.

Seattle. Seattle Argosy Cruises Christmas Ships. November 25-27, 2022 (operates thru December 23, 2022). Choirs onboard sing 20-minute performances, broadcast on a state-of-the-art sound system. From the flotilla of ships following along to the crowds of people who gather onshore, this celebration is one of the gems of the Seattle winter holiday season.

Take in the holiday magic aboard the Christmas Ship™ and Follow Boats. Tickets: $54-$72/adult: Christmas Ship™ Festival – Argosy Cruises
Watch the parade of boats from a community event on shore. Free events. More info: Christmas Ship™ Festival Schedule – Argosy Cruises

Stanwood. Lights of Christmas at Warm Beach – one hour north of Seattle. November 25-27, 2022 (continues on select dates thru December 31). Due to staffing shortages The Lights of Christmas will continue to be a drive-thru experience. Celebrating 25 years of Christmas magic! The Warm Beach Lights of Christmas is a holiday tradition for many families in the Pacific Northwest. Grab your car keys, pack up the kids, and get out of the house for an event with Christmas spirit in Snohomish County. Spectacular lights, dazzling displays, and costume characters create a fantastic Christmas experience for people of all ages. Listen to Christmas music from the comfort of your car on The Lights of Christmas radio station 101.9 FM. Admission per car: Sunday-Thursday $27. Friday-Saturday $32. Christmas Week (Dec 20-23) $32. Rates higher for bus/limo. Warm Beach Camp, 20800 Marine Drive, Stanwood, WA 98292.

Tacoma. Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium (pdza.org). November 25-27, 2022 (continues until January 2, 2023). Magical lights and a classic holiday tradition dazzling our community for 35 years. Timed Entry Tickets (online only): $16. Tickets go on sale October 19, 2022. Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, 5400 N. Pearl St, Tacoma, WA. 98407. More info: Zoolights: Holiday lights at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium (pdza.org)

But wait, there’s more!