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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2021 Seattle Christmas Light Displays
(Seattle neighborhoods listed going north to south. Locations outside Seattle are listed below.)
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)
Candy Cane Lane neighborhood 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).
Woodland Park Zoo. “WildLanterns” is an immersive experience featuring large-scale animal and nature scape lanterns representing wild places from around the globe! November 12, 2021 – January 30, 2022, 4:00 – 8:30 p.m. Closed Mondays (except for December 20 & 27) as well as November 25 and December 24 & 25. Rain or shine event.
- In 2021, Explore Woodland Park Zoo like never before with a brand-new lantern festival. Hundreds of thousands of colorful LED (energy efficient) lights illuminate large-scale animal and nature-scape lanterns throughout the zoo. Advance purchase time-tickets required. Ticket Prices: $30.95 Adults (Ages 13+), $25.95 Children (Ages 3-12), Free for Toddlers (Ages 2 and under). Members receive a discount; other admission discounts will not apply since WildLanterns is a special fundraiser event. Parking is $5 in any Zoo lot (West Entrance: 5500 Phinney Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98103 or South Entrance: 750 N. 50th Street, Seattle, WA 98103. More info: WildLanterns FAQ and WildLanterns at Woodland Park Zoo Seattle WA
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’s Freeway Park Illuminations celebrates its first annual illuminated public art exhibition in 2021. Seven local artists/artist teams created site-specific art that responds not only to Freeway Park’s unique landscape, but to the theme of Wayfinding – finding one’s way through challenging times. Art will be up in the park December 2, 2021 through New Year’s. Enjoy a self-guided tour through the art pieces along the park’s twinkling pathways and lit-up groves.
Seattle Pioneer Square. Occidental Square it lit up for the holidays. November 22, 2021 – January 9, 2022. Enjoy the breathtaking light sculptures, an orb tree, and tens of thousands of glittering bulbs for the holiday season. Take in the view from under the glowing grove trees. More info: Light Sculptures and Seasonal Twinkle Lights (downtownseattle.org)
Seattle Waterfront Park features Electric Flora for the 2021 holiday season. Curated by Luiso. These stunning displays feature a new way to imagine and explore the flora of the PNW. Found on the recently updated Pier 62 and available for viewing day and night. On view through January 31, 2022.
Seattle Argosy Cruises Christmas Ships visit Seattle and Eastside waterfront communities Friday after Thanksgiving thru 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. Proof of vaccination required. To find out when they’ll be at a public park near you, visit the Christmas Ships schedule: https://www.argosycruises.com/christmas-ship-festival-schedule/
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. Find these and other West Seattle Christmas light displays on the West Seattle Blog | Christmas lights
2021 north of Seattle Christmas Light Displays
(Listed alphabetically by city)
Bothell. Evergreen Lights. December 4-24. 5:00pm – 9:00pm. Returning for in-person viewing for their 10th anniversary! A 30-minute light show with free parking and free snacks. 200,000 Christmas lights dancing to music creating a stunning light show for the entire family to enjoy. Take a stroll through the walking path lights or get a quick selfie at the Light Tunnel.
Everett. Wintertide Lights at Evergreen Arboretum, 145 Alverson Blvd, Everett, WA, 98201. December 1-31, 2021 from 4 PM to 8 PM. Free for families of all ages, a self-guided evening walk through the gardens is beautifully lit up for the season. Saturdays- 4th, 11th & 18th- feature family fun events from 4pm-6pm. Free Event, donations gratefully accepted.
Lynden. Lights of Lynden, 1775 Front St, Lynden, WA 98264. Tuesday-Sunday, Dec 7, 2021 – Jan 9, 2022 (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day). Get into the holiday spirit with the inaugural year for a new drive-thru immersive light experience up north in Whatcom County. Tune in to their unique radio station and turn up the music to enjoy 75,000 synchronized lights dancing to the music all around you. They are so excited for your family to enjoy the first year of this event–be sure to bring your patience should they encounter bumps in the road. (Stay on Santa’s NICE list!). Per car: $20/cash, $22/credit.
Marysville. Merrysville Home 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 4-31 from 5:00-9:00 p.m.
Mountlake Terrace. Mountlake Terrace Christmas Light Display. Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve located north of Seattle at 228 St. SW and 42nd Place, has been a holiday tradition for years. Around 25 homes create magical light displays for all to enjoy. Accepts donations for the local food bank.
Stanwood. Lights of Christmas at Warm Beach Camp is a Drive-Thru Christmas experience providing a holiday outing for all families to enjoy. 2021 DATES: Nov. 26-28, Dec. 1-5, 8-12, 15-23, 26-30, and Jan. 2-8, 2022. See spectacular lights, dazzling displays, and wave to Santa and Mrs. Claus, while listening to Christmas music from the comfort of your own car. Fun for people of all ages and affordable for everyone. Admission per car: Sunday-Thursday $25, Friday-Saturday AND Christmas Week (December 20-23) $30. Warm Beach Camp, 20800 Marine Drive, Stanwood, WA 98292.
Woodinville. Celebrate Woodinville Festival of Lights. December 1-31, 2020. Holiday fair and tree lighting on December 4th. Mask required when outside of your vehicle. Participating local businesses and event partners will have special winter-themed light displays on their properties for our community to enjoy. Download a map on their website. Hours vary by location. Follow @CelebrateWoodinville on FB, Instagram, and Twitter for announcements, updates, and PRIZES.
2021 Bellevue and Eastside Christmas Light Displays
(Listed alphabetically by city)
Bellevue Snowflake Lane happens nightly from the day after Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve every night at 7 pm. In 2021, experience the wonder of falling snow, dazzling lights, festive music, toy drummers, and dancers in this complimentary nightly parade of holiday floats. Join the fun 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 choose your favorite spot on the sidewalk to see the show.
Bellevue Botanical Garden d’Lights. Saturday, November 27 – Friday, December 31, 2021 from 4:30 – 9:00 p.m. every night (including Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve). Garden d’Lights features over half a million sparkling lights formed in the whimsical shapes of plants, birds, animals, and cascading waterfalls set amid the natural beauty of the Bellevue Botanical Garden. Look for many of your old favorites, and some new surprises too!Bellevue Botanical Garden, 12001 Main Street, Bellevue, 98005. Tickets: $5.00 per person.
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.
Kirkland. Google Lights. December 8, 2021 – January 1, 2022, from 5-10 PM. Bring the kids and the cocoa! Google’s musical holiday light display is back in a more laid-back way this year after a brief hiatus in 2020. The nightly free show at The Family Fitness and Play Area on the Cross Kirkland Corridor near the Google campus features 10,000 LED lights custom-programmed to holiday music by Google Kirkland engineers. Free parking in the Google surface parking lot (approximate address is Google Building B, 787 6th St South, Kirkland, WA 98033 (directions: https://goo.gl/maps/MiKvyKLi3AiU7gQ27) and on the first level of Google Building D, 451 7th Ave S, Kirkland, WA 98033 (directions: https://goo.gl/maps/H75iWHAVnH2pFrZMA).
Leavenworth. Villiage of Lights: Christmastown. New for 2021. The town will be hanging beautiful Christmas lights throughout downtown and turning them on EVERY NIGHT from Thanksgiving weekend through February! This means you can come anytime and see them when the time is right for you. Over half a million lights and with music & entertainment, holiday characters for your photo ops, carolers, kids’ activities, roasting chestnuts, Santa photos and so much more!
Redmond. Redmond Lights. December 1, 2021 – January 5, 2022. A month-long art and light installation at Downtown Park. Follow the lights down Cleveland and 164th by foot or by car to Redmond Town Center where the festivities continue with Santa, business window decorating contests, and blinker stops.
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.
2021 Tacoma & south sound Christmas Light Displays
(Listed alphabetically by city)
Federal Way. Christmas in Color at Wild Waves Park. November 19, 2021 – January 2, 2022 (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day). “Christmas in Color” is a drive-thru experience with millions of lights perfectly synchronized to holiday music you’ll hear through your car radio. See giant candy canes, snowmen, arched pathways, and more. Take your time enjoying this lighting extravaganza – we won’t judge you if you join the kids with your face pressed against the window! Tickets: $35-$45.
Maple Valley. Maple Valley Lights light up the nights- Sunday thru Thursday: 5:00 – 10:00 Friday & Saturday: 5:00 – 11:00 Christmas Eve, Christmas Day & New Years Eve: 5:00 – Midnight. Donations are 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 is a new Christmas lights tradition! DECEMBER 2nd, 2021 – December 23rd, 2021. Walk the pathway and enjoy the lights, activations, and photo-worthy memories. A stunning wonderland awaits as you stroll down the pathway discovering each illuminated treasure. Come thrill your senses in the holiday light magic that is Dazzle! Safety guidelines will be in effect. A portion of the proceeds will go to local community non-profit organizations. Tickets range from $10-$15 dependent on date & time. Timed entry, advanced ticket purchase recommended. Kids 5 and under are FREE. Parking is FREE.
Puyallup. Holiday Magic at Washington State Fair is a walk-thru holiday experience for 2021 featuring breathtaking lights and whimsical displays! Holiday Magic runs DEC. 10-12, 17-23 AND 26-31. HOURS: 5:00PM – 9:30PM. Tickets are limited, advanced purchase recommended- a discount is given for online orders. On-site price GA (ages 13+): $22.50. More info: https://tickets.thefair.com/ and https://www.thefair.com/holiday-magic.
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 Dec. 3 and running through Jan. 1, 2022. 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: https://rentonwa.gov/news/current_news/holiday_events
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 26, 2021 – January 2, 2022 5:30-9:00 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.
Tacoma. Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, 5400 N. Pearl St, Tacoma, WA. 98407. “Zoolights” nightly Friday after Thanksgiving through the 1st Sunday of the New Year, November 26, 2021-January 2, 2022 from 4:30 p.m. –10:00 p.m. (Closed Dec. 24 & 25). Zoolights transforms Point Defiance Zoo into a colorful winter wonderland with over 800,000 lights. What’s your favorite display? The giant Pacific octopus? Giant tiger face? Flame tree? Seahawks tree? What about the Narrows Bridges? And don’t forget to hunt for Sasquatch. Take a selfie with lit-up butterfly wings or walk through two Tunnels of Lights. Use the map to explore the paths and find your favorite figurines. Find the lit-up visitor map inside the zoo entrance or download itfrom their website. Admission Tickets: $12/$15 weekday/weekend. Parking is Free. More info: https://www.pdza.org/event/zoolights/
Tacoma. Anderberg Christmas House, 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. Tacoma Light Trail is a free trail of light art downtown. The trail is walkable or drivable. Every light art location has a music or poetry spot on the Sound Trail. Over 50 artists, bands, and spaces in over 25 locations, visible 5-9pm every night from Dec. 31-Jan. 16.
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.
Tukwila. Farklezoo sequenced light display, 14480 58th Ave S, Tukwila, WA 98168. This family provides Holiday cheer with their award-winning display of 30,000 sequenced lights that includes animated faces that sing to the songs. The hour of sequenced music plays on FM 107.9 from 4pm to 10pm Daily. Farklezoo has been a neighborhood delight for ~20 years. The display has received awards by City of Tukwila: “Most visible from space” and “Most technical display”.
Unconfirmed for 2021: Christmas Light Displays
(Listed alphabetically by city)
Auburn Holiday Lighting Displays GIS map is available for the public for a self-guided driving tour of holiday lights throughout the City to bring a little joy this season! (They don’t exactly say, but we think the map will be available December 8-31?) More info: https://www.auburnwa.gov/city_hall/parks_arts_recreation/special_events
Bothell. Kenner Christmas Lights. CLOSED FOR 2021. 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.
Marysville. Cedarcrest Golf Course Tour of Lights. CLOSED FOR 2021. An after-dark winter wonderland when the golf airways are transformed into a showcase for dazzling light displays. Board the Tour of Lights Train for an enchanting 20-minute ride through the rolling hills of the golf course. Along the way pass through polar bear forest, minion village, march of the penguins and other festive holiday displays. Enjoy music elements at the “Depot Train Station” and Santa’s Workshop and you may even get to visit with Santa. New for 2018: the Elf Excavator donated by Reece Construction, Flash the Dog and House donated by Real Estate Rockstars, enhanced lighting in several areas and more. Be sure to bring your camera and take a keepsake photo at the family photo backdrop. Then relax on the deck, sip hot cocoa and roast a marshmallow. Or make a night of it with dinner at Bleacher’s Grill, offering nightly specials throughout December. Tours run even in the rain and snow. Space is limited. Tickets are issued day of show only in the pro-shop on a first-come, first-serve basis. Free admission, donations accepted. Suggested $5 per adult, $3 per youth, or $20 per family.
Redmond. His Lights, NO EVENT for 2021. View the video of His Lights 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.
Seattle Pioneer Square. Occidental Mall will be home to its own 17-foot sparkly tree, thousands of lights in a Lusio Lights, including nine light art exhibits that you can enjoy in a self-guided COVID-safe public art tour in Pioneer Square. More info: LUSIO Lights Pioneer Square
Seattle. Metro Employees Historic Vehicle Association SANTA’S LIGHTS TOUR aboard a historic bus. Santa needs your help!
Late last year MEHVA was advised that operation of the King County Metro Transit Historic Fleet was not covered for liability under Metro’s self-insurance and the 2019 Santa’s Lights Tour excursions were cancelled. In 2020, efforts are still underway to get the King County Historic Fleet covered for liability. Unfortunately the combination of negotiating a labor agreement, the effects of COVID 19 on transit operations, the revenue effects of the pandemic on KCM’s budget, reduction in force layoffs, and the sudden resignation of the Transit General Manager have put MEHVA’s situation on the back burner. If you would like to help, voice your support for MEHVA’s continued operation of the Historic Fleet in one of the following ways:
- Direct mail: Terry White, Interim General Manager, King County Metro Transit, 201 S Jackson St, Mailstop KSC-TR-0415, Seattle, WA 98104.
- Email: terry.white@kingcounty.gov
- Phone Terry White: 206-477-6065
Seattle. Lumaze Lost in Lights in Seattle at Pier 91 Smith Cove. No event for 2021 A magical family-friendly indoor wonderland with interactive light gardens, illuminated structures, kids playground, train rides, and daily live entertainment. Shop the vendor market, showcasing the best local artisans and boutique businesses, alongside delicious food and drink options under the twinkle of a million lights. Tickets: weekdays $19.99, weekends & holidays $22.99, season pass $49.99. Discount: Receive 20% off tickets for select dates using code Seattle20 at checkout. Prices are approximately $2 more per person at the door, if tickets are available (most dates sell out in advance).
Seattle. Enchant Christmas Light Maze & Market at T-Mobile Park in Seattle. No event for 2021. See millions of dazzling lights in the world’s largest light maze and Christmas tree. Glide around the ice-skating trail. Stroll through the Enchant Christmas Market with over 85 vendors. There’s also Santa’s Workshop and storytime with Mrs. Claus, live entertainment at the music stage, and food and beverage vendors. Hours: Sunday-Thursday 4pm – 10pm, Friday & Saturday 4pm – 11pm. Tickets: Weekend admission: adult (18-64) $32.99, youth (14-17)/senior (65+) $25.99, child (4-13) $23.99, free admission for children ages 3 and under. Military/First responders $29.69. Family pass (2 adult/2 child) $89.99. Discounts: $19.99/adult: Dec 3 and 10. $29.99/adult: Dec 4, 5, 9, 11, 12, 16-19. 20% off family pack (2 adult, 2 youth/child).
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 returned briefly in 2019 but was unlit in 2020. 🙁
Tacoma. LeMay Lights is a new tradition in drive-thru holiday light shows. No event for 2021. Enjoy the magic of LeMay Lights, while safely socially distanced inside your own vehicle. A memorable spectacle for ALL to enjoy! Come thrill your senses as you drive the pathway and enjoy the lights, history of the cars, and photo-worthy memories. A stunning wonderland awaits as you cruise down the holiday road discovering the beauty of the Marymount. Tickets: $12/car, $25/oversize vehicle.
Tacoma. LIGHT PLANTASIA! at the W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory. No Light Plantasia event listed for 2021 as of 11/19/2021 on the Lusio Lights website. Enjoy the botanical gardens inside the W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory lit with the art of light for a stunning and unique holiday excursion. Light Plantasia features various light exhibits by local artists woven directly into the gardens and incredible lighting designed to create an entirely new world after dark. Enjoy a luminous journey through a rainbow of botanical landscapes as we paint the plants with lights! All Ages. Free for kids 3 and under! ADVANCE TICKETS: $12 each. Packages of 5 tickets for $50.
Closed Christmas Light displays
The following popular Christmas lights displays have permanently closed.
Kent. ChristmasInKent.com 2017 was the last year for this show.
West Seattle Helmstetler Family Christmas Spectacular is dormant as of 2019. 🙁
2021 Christmas Light Displays open Thanksgiving Weekend
The following Christmas Light displays will be lit Thanksgiving Weekend through New Year’s Eve or later as indicated.
- If you are looking for tree lighting events over Thanksgiving Weekend and into the first weekend in December, visit our list of Free Christmas tree lighting events around Puget Sound.
Bellevue Botanical Garden d’Lights. Saturday after Thanksgiving until New Year’s Eve from 4:30 – 9:00 p.m. every night (including Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve). Garden d’Lights features over half a million sparkling lights formed in the whimsical shapes of plants, birds, animals, and cascading waterfalls set amid the natural beauty of the Bellevue Botanical Garden. Look for many of your old favorites, and some new surprises too!Bellevue Botanical Garden, 12001 Main Street, Bellevue, 98005. Tickets: $5.00 per person.
Bellevue Snowflake Lane happens nightly from the day after Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve. In 2021, experience the wonder of falling snow, dazzling lights, festive music, toy drummers, and dancers in this complimentary nightly parade of holiday floats. Join the fun from the sidewalks between Bellevue Square and Lincoln Square from NE 4th to NE 8th Streets every night at 7 pm. Park in any of the free parking garages and choose your favorite spot on the sidewalk to see the show.
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.
Federal Way. Christmas in Color at Wild Waves Park. November 19, 2021 – January 2, 2022 (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day). “Christmas in Color” is a drive-thru experience with millions of lights perfectly synchronized to holiday music you’ll hear through your car radio. See giant candy canes, snowmen, arched pathways, and more. Take your time enjoying this lighting extravaganza – we won’t judge you if you join the kids with your face pressed against the window! Tickets: $35-$45.
Maple Valley Lights light up the night from Thanksgiving Night (7:00pm) until New Years Eve. 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).
Seattle. Downtown Seattle Association (DSA) hosts events at the heart of our city this holiday season. More info: https://downtownseattle.org/events/holidays/
- Friday, Nov. 26 at 5 p.m. Westlake Park. Usher in the holidays with the annual Downtown Seattle Association Tree-lighting Celebration! Come downtown to Westlake Park or watch online: the event will be streamed on DSA and WARM 106.9 Facebook pages Tune in to the live broadcast But wait, there’s more!
- Nov 27, 2021 – December 18th, 2021. Westlake Park. Family-friendly events, treats, carolers, and more in the park. See the whole schedule here https://downtownseattle.org/events/holidays/
- Nov 22, 2021 – January 9, 2022. Occidental Square. Occidental Square will be outfitted with breathtaking light sculptures, an orb tree and tens of thousands of glittering bulbs for the holiday season. Take in the view from under the glowing grove trees.
Seattle Center Winterfest – Live and Virtual operates daily from Friday after Thanksgiving thru New Year’s Eve. (Note: indoor venues closed Christmas Day.) Connect to a world of sparkling lights, amusements, and spirited entertainment during Seattle Center Winterfest from November 26 – December 31, 2021 happening 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 or delightful diversion will find performances, the Winter Train & Village, ice sculpting, and the festive campus lighting display. Seattle Center, 305 Harrison Street, Seattle, WA 98109.
Seattle – Menashe Family display 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 narly 100,000 lights on the giant oak tree that is the centerpiece in the front yard. Estimated Seattle City Light bill for 340,000 lights $18,904 vs. $442 for LED (Note to self: replace regular bulbs with LED!).
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 26, 2021 – January 2, 2022 5:30-9:00 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 Camp is a Drive-Thru Christmas experience providing a holiday outing for all families to enjoy. 2021 DATES: Nov. 26-28, Dec. 1-5, 8-12, 15-23, 26-30, and Jan. 2-8, 2022. See spectacular lights, dazzling displays, and wave to Santa and Mrs. Claus, while listening to Christmas music from the comfort of your own car. Fun for people of all ages and affordable for everyone. Grab your keys, pack up the kids, and get out of the house for an event with Christmas spirit in Snohomish County. Admission per car: Sunday-Thursday $25, Friday-Saturday AND Christmas Week (December 20-23) $30. Warm Beach Camp, 20800 Marine Drive, Stanwood, WA 98292.
Tacoma. Anderberg home, South Ferry Street and South 10th Street where they intersect, display is on the corner. You can’t miss it! About 70 lighted blow-up figures. plus several light projectors surround the house. Already lit for 2020 and Thanksgiving to New Years Eve.
Tacoma. Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, 5400 N. Pearl St, Tacoma, WA. 98407. “Zoolights” nightly Friday after Thanksgiving through the 1st Sunday of the New Year, November 26, 2021-January 2, 2022 from 4:30 p.m. –10:00 p.m. (Closed Dec. 24 & 25). Zoolights transforms Point Defiance Zoo into a colorful winter wonderland with over 800,000 lights. What’s your favorite display? The giant Pacific octopus? Giant tiger face? Flame tree? Seahawks tree? What about the Narrows Bridges? And don’t forget to hunt for Sasquatch. Take a selfie with lit-up butterfly wings or walk through two Tunnels of Lights. Use the map to explore the paths and find your favorite figurines. Find the lit-up visitor map inside the zoo entrance or download itfrom their website. Admission Tickets: $12/$15 weekday/weekend. Parking is Free. More info: https://www.pdza.org/event/zoolights/
But wait, there’s more!
- Christmas lights around the Puget Sound region
- Where to get pictures with Santa Claus
- U-cut, fresh cut Christmas trees around the Sound
- Best retailers for gifts, party supplies, holiday decor
- FREE Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and holiday events
- December events and entertainment
- Find more Christmas and holiday events
- Here’s a list of 101+ always free things to do for fun.
- More free and cheap things to do every day: Greater Seattle on the Cheap event calendar.
- Still more ideas for frugal fun: Greater Seattle on the Cheap home page.
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Upcoming Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa & Holiday Events
The following events on our calendar include holiday events of all kinds.
