Christmas lights around the Puget Sound region - Greater Seattle on the Cheap

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 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. So you can enjoy the season for several weeks and visit a new neighborhood every week.

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2020 Free Christmas Light Displays open Thanksgiving Weekend

(Listed alphabetically by city)

Bellevue Snowflake Lane runs nightly from the day after Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm. In 2020, there will be no parade or performers for safety but there will still be plenty of magic for the holiday season! Stroll Bellevue Way between Bellevue Square and Lincoln Square and see twinkling lights, hear holiday music, and you never know when it might magically snow! So, come celebrate with us as you walk through – or drive through this truly memorable experience. Bellevue Way between NE 8th Street and NE 4th Street, Bellevue WA.

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.

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).

Downtown Seattle Westlake Park and Pioneer Square light displays

Seattle. Downtown Seattle Association (DSA) is bringing new socially distanced festivities to the heart of our city this holiday season. More info: https://downtownseattle.org/events/holidays/

Friday, Nov. 27 at 5 p.m. (We suggest tuning in a little early, 4:45pm.) Usher in the holidays from the comfort of your home with the annual Downtown Seattle Association Tree-lighting Celebration! Tune in to the live broadcast on either KIRO 7-TV or Facebook Live by visiting DSA, KIRO or WARM 106.9. But wait, there’s more!
Nov 27, 2020 – January 9, 2021. After the tree lights up the day after Thanksgiving, “Holiday Lights and Delights” presented by Amazon kicks off, where a sleigh’s worth of new experiences awaits you in downtown. Dazzling holiday-themed light sculptures will come to life in Westlake Park, with more than 80,000 lights shining from larger-than-life installations of presents, arches, trees and more.
Nov 27, 2020 – January 9, 2021. New this year, DSA is bringing an augmented reality adventure to designated spots throughout parks, sidewalks and plazas in the downtown Seattle retail core. Bring your smartphone to discover this digital winter wonderland hidden in plain sight, created by DSA member Novaby.
If exploring all the Holiday Lights makes you hungry, food trucks will be at Westlake Park daily, serving sweet and savory treats.
On the other end of downtown, Occidental Square will be home to its own 17-foot sparkly tree, as Pioneer Square and Occidental Mall get spruced up with thousands of lights for the holiday season.

Seattle Center Winterfest – Live and Virtual operates daily from Friday after Thanksgiving thru New Year’s Eve. Closed Christmas Day. Connect to a world of sparkling lights, amusements, and spirited entertainment at Seattle Center Winterfest, November 27 – December 31, 2020 happening virtually and on the Seattle Center Campus. Throughout the five weeks of Winterfest, those in search of uplifting seasonal spirit or delightful diversion will find virtual performances, videos highlighting holiday traditions, some kid-centric activities, and the annual “Campus Luminata” Christmas light 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 nearly 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 a drive-through Christmas light display located just south of Tacoma. It’s lit November 21, 2020 – January 3, 2021 5:30-9:00 p.m. at Spanaway Park and 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 lakeside tradition for the entire family. Tip: Weeknights there is less traffic and you can usually cruise through. Also, remember to turn off your lights so people in front of your car can see clearly into the night. Spanaway Park, Military Road and 152nd Street, Spanaway, Washington 98387.

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.

2020 Christmas Light Displays in Seattle

(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 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 light festival “WildLanterns” ($29)

Woodland Park Zoo has a brand-new lantern festival “WildLanterns” presented by Sound Credit Union, which will replace their traditional WildLights event for 2020. WildLanterns is a brand-new experience at Woodand Park Zoo where the zoo will be illuminated by large-scale animal and nature scape lanterns. November 13, 2020 – January 17, 2021 from 4:00 – 8:30 p.m. Closed Mondays and November 26 and December 24 & 25. Stroll through the Living Northwest exhibit with lanterns of animals many of us are familiar with, including grizzly bears, eagles and mountain goats. Next, march through the magical Jungle Lights exhibit, where you’ll find lanterns of some of the most elusive creatures, such as snow leopards, tigers and gorillas. Your journey then takes a dive into the depths of the SeaMazium exhibit, filled with underwater and aquatic creatures, including sea turtles, jellyfish and seals. Finally, safari the African Savanna exhibit and discover herds of giraffe, zebra and much more! Use the Zoos’ West Entrance: 5500 Phinney Ave. N., Seattle WA 98103 (Phinney Ave N between N 55th St & N 56th St). Advance purchase time-tickets required. Face coverings required. Ticket Prices: $28.95 Adults (Ages 13+), $23.95 Children (Ages 3-12), Toddlers (Ages 2 and under). Members receive a 20% discount. Since WildLanterns is a special fundraiser event, other admission discounts will not apply. More info: https://www.zoo.org/wildlanterns/faq and https://www.zoo.org/wildlanterns

Seattle Center Winterfest – Live and Virtual operates daily from Friday after Thanksgiving thru New Year’s Eve. Closed Christmas Day. Connect to a world of sparkling lights, amusements, and spirited entertainment at Seattle Center Winterfest, November 27 – December 31, 2020 happening virtually and on the Seattle Center Campus. Throughout the five weeks of Winterfest, those in search of uplifting seasonal spirit or delightful diversion will find virtual performances, videos highlighting holiday traditions, some kid-centric activities, and the annual campus lighting display. Seattle Center, 305 Harrison Street, Seattle, WA 98109.

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

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 nearly 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!).

Gai Family house in the 3200 block of 36th SW, Seattle, WA 98126 (Google map). After an absence from 1996-2018, the the longtime Christmas-season landmark in West Seattle returned in 2019. The display includes Christmas lights and a beloved Madonna.

Unconfirmed Christmas Light Displays in Seattle

Lumaze Lost in Lights in Seattle at Pier 91 Smith Cove. No Seattle event listed for 2020 as of 11/15/2020, but virtual opportunities appear to be forthcoming. (Closed Christmas Day.) 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).

Cancelled Christmas Light Displays in Seattle

Seattle. Enchant Christmas Light Maze & Market at T-Mobile Park in Seattle. Returning in 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 Argosy Cruises Christmas Ships. visit Seattle and Eastside waterfront communities. CANCELLED IN 2020. Choirs onboard sing 20-minute performances, broadcast on a state-of-the-art sound system. From the flotilla of ships to the crowds of people who gather onshore, this celebration is one of the gems of the Seattle winter holiday season. 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/

West Seattle Helmstetler Family Christmas Spectacular is dormant as of 2019. 🙁

2020 Christmas Light Displays north of Seattle

(Listed alphabetically by city)

Bothell. Evergreen Lights. December 1-24. 5:00pm – 10:00pm. 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, 2020 from dusk to 8 PM. For families of all ages, a self-guided evening walk through the gardens beautifully lit up for the season. Masks are required. Please respect six-foot social distancing rules. Free Event, donations gratefully accepted.

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 10. 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 10-24 from 5:00-9:00 p.m.

Register to be on the map & contest by Tuesday, December 1 at 5:00 PM.
Enjoy virtual ceremonial lighting of the tree Saturday, December 5 with Mayor Jon Nehring.

Stanwood. Lights of Christmas at Warm Beach Camp, 20800 Marine Drive, Stanwood, WA 98292. DATES: Nov. 27-29, Dec. 2-6, 9-13, 16-23, 26-30; 5pm-10pm. A Drive-Thru Christmas experience in 2020 provides a holiday outing for all families to enjoy that follows current safety guidelines. See over a million spectacular lights, dazzling displays, wave to Santa and Mrs. Claus, while listening to Christmas music from the comfort of your own car. The Drive-Thru experience takes about 15-20 minutes. Bring Snacks & Beverage or purchase what you want drive-thru style! Drop off a letter to Santa (drive-thru mailbox), and wave to the costume characters from your 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. Sorry, no motorhomes or high occupancy vehicles over 12 passengers. Face masks are required whenever you use the restroom or if you roll down your window to talk with event staff. Admission must be purchased online before arriving at the event. Admission per car: Sunday-Thursday $20, Friday-Saturday $25, Christmas Week (December 20-23) $25. More info: https://www.thelightsofchristmas.com/a-drive-thru-christmas-faq/

Woodinville. Celebrate Woodinville Festival of Lights. December 1-31, 2020. 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.

Unconfirmed Light Displays north of Seattle

We have not yet confirmed these displays for 2020, but will check again before Thanksgiving Weekend, when most displays are lit for the first time.

Mountlake Terrace. Mountlake Terrace Christmas Light Display. No MLT event listed for 2020 as of 11/15/2020. 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 local food bank.

Cancelled Christmas Light Displays north of Seattle

Cedarcrest Golf Course Tour of Lights. CANCELLED for 2020–but see “Marysville Shines”, above. 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.

Bellevue Botanical Garden Christmas Garden D’Lights photo by Sean O’Neill (CC2)

2020 Christmas Light Displays in Bellevue and Eastside communities

(Listed alphabetically by city)

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.

Leavenworth. Christmas Lighting Festival in Leavenworth, WA. Re-imagined for 2020. The town will be hanging beautiful Christmas lights throughout downtown and turning them on EVERY NIGHT from Thanksgiving weekend through Valentines weekend! This means you can come anytime and see them when the time is right for you! If you prefer to stay at home, they will also be providing a virtual experience!

Redmond. Redmond Lights. December 4, 2020 – January 3, 2021. 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.

Cancelled Christmas Light Displays in Bellevue and Eastside communities

Bellevue Botanical Garden d’Lights. CANCELLED IN 2020. Garden d’Lights features over half a million sparkling lights formed into the whimsical shapes of plants, flowers, birds, animals, and cascading waterfalls set amid the natural beauty of the Bellevue Botanical Garden. Tickets: $5 per person. Children 10 and under are free and do not need a ticket. Buy in advance online to avoid long lines at the door. Tickets are good for any night.

Christmas Light Displays in Tacoma and other cities south of Seattle

(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

Maple Valley. 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).

Maple Valley. DAZZLE is a new Christmas lights tradition! DECEMBER 10th, 2020 – JANUARY 3rd, 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 proceeds will go to local community non-profit organizations. Timed entry tickets: $10/person (age 6+): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dazzle-december-10-tickets-128458917079

Puyallup. Holiday Magic at Washington State Fair is a brand new drive-thru holiday experience for 2020 featuring breathtaking lights and whimsical displays! Holiday Magic runs select nights December 4, 2020 – January 3, 2021 from 5–10 p.m. Tickets must be purchased in advance for designated entry times: $25-$40/carload (check different days to see lower/higher prices). Save! $5 off select tickets purchased by Nov. 29, 2020. More info: https://tickets.thefair.com/ and https://www.thefair.com/holiday-magic.

Renton. City of Renton hosts “Clam Lights” November 28, 2020 – January 1, 2021 every night from 4pm-8pm, presented by Ivar’s Restaurant, a spectacular holiday lights display at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park. 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 passes nightly next to the water walk. Free event with free parking. More info: https://rentonwa.gov/city_hall/community_services/recreation_and_neighborhoods/events

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 27, 2020-January 3, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. (Closed Dec. 24 & 25). Over 700,000 sparkling, energy-efficient LEDs transform Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium into a winter wonderland where animals spring to life in lights. Come celebrate the 32nd annual edition of Zoolights! Reimagined for 2020, Zoolights brings the same magic while keeping everyone safe. Timed online tickets, face coverings, social distancing, one-way paths & outdoor areas only. Parking is Free. Admission Tickets: $11-$14. More info: https://www.pdza.org/event/zoolights/

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 Christmas Light Displays in Tacoma and other cities south of Seattle

We have not yet confirmed these displays for 2020, but will check again before Thanksgiving Weekend, when most displays are lit for the first time.

Tacoma. LIGHT PLANTASIA! at the W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory. No Light Plantasia event listed for 2020 as of 11/15/2020 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.