Where to see Christmas lights 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.

You might also like: Free Christmas tree lighting events around Puget Sound (greaterseattleonthecheap.com)

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2023 Christmas Light Displays open Christmas Day through New Year’s Eve

Bothell, Kenmore, Lake Forest Park and Shoreline come together for the fourth annual self-guided driving experience Winter Porch Light Parade Dec. 1 – 31, 2023. The light displays are best seen after 6:00 p.m. Use the virtual Winter Porch Light Parade Map. More info: Winter Porch Light Parade | Bothell WA

Everett. Wintertide Lights | Everett. December 1 – 31, 2023. Downtown Everett is all decked out for the holiday season with a tall tree and stunning light display suspended over the Colby and Hewitt intersection. The Evergreen Arboretum transforms into a lighted holiday wonderland the whole family can enjoy free and open daily from 4 – 8 p.m.

Kenmore and surrounding. Winter Porch Light Parade December 1-31, 2023 from 5-8pm nightly. Local displays in Kenmore, Bothell, Lake Forest Park, and Shoreline. Get a map on their website (available December 1).

Leavenworth. Village of Lights: Christmastown in Leavenworth, WA. Lights On Every Day From Thanksgiving Through February! 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

Poulsbo. Christmas in Big Valley | Poulsbo WA | Facebook, 26730 Big Valley Rd NE, Poulsbo, WA. November 25, 2023 – January 1, 2024 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.

Redmond. Redmond Lights. A free, month-long celebration in Downtown Park. Enjoy art and light installations every night in December through January 3, 2024 from 5 – 11 p.m. Kick-Off Night on December 2 from 4 – 8 p.m.

Renton. Winter Lights at Coulon Park nightly December 1, 2023 – January 1, 2024 from 4-9PM. Opening night December 1 features Santa’s arrival at 6PM followed by photos ops with the big guy, parade of boats at 7:30, and Argosy Christmas Ship at 8:10. Free event with free parking. More info: City of Renton and Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park (1201 Lake Washington Blvd. N. 98056).

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. Astra Lumina Seattle: An Immersive Nightwalk Experience is an outdoor, nighttime, one-mile-long enchanted walk through the Seattle Chinese Garden at South Seattle Community College. Astral energy is used to transform the garden into a celestial pathway, using projections, lighting, and music. Hours: December 8-31, 2023, open 7 days a week. January 1 – February 17, 2024, open Thursdays-Sundays 5-10pm and Monday holidays (Jan 1, 15). Adult ticket prices $33-$41. Beverages and snacks available for purchase. Family-friendly; not recommended for children under 5 years of age.

Seattle/West Seattle. Gai Family house in the 3200 block of 36th SW, Seattle, WA 98126 (Google map). Menashe Family display in West Seattle is usually lit by December 1 and runs every night through January 1 from 5pm-11pm in the 5600 block of Beach Drive in West Seattle (Google map).

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. Open Daily: November 24, 2023 – January 1, 2024 from 5:30-9:00 p.m. Tickets: $15-$20/car. Discount nights $10/vehicle: November 27-30, 2023 and December 26, 2023 – January 1, 2024. Location: Spanaway Park, Military Road and 152nd Street, Spanaway, Washington 98387.

Tacoma. Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium (pdza.org). November 24, 2023 – January 1, 2024 from 4:30-10PM. Magical lights is a classic holiday tradition dazzling our community for 36 years. Online timed tickets are required for Zoolights. Advance purchase tickets required. Admission (age 3+): $14/off-peak, $18/peak. Discount: Zoo & BECU Members. Location: Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, 5400 N. Pearl St, Tacoma, WA. 98407. More info: Zoolights | Holiday Lights | Tacoma Events | Point Defiance Zoo (pdza.org)

Tacoma. TACOMA LIGHT TRAIL – Light art downtown. December 31, 2023 Light Parade. December 31, 2023 – January 13, 2024 nightly light art from 5-9pm around downtown Tacoma. Walkable/drivable and perfect to light up the darkest winter nights.

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

Tulalip. Quil Ceda Village offers shopping, entertainment, restaurants, and a variety of outdoor activities, including Tulalip Resort Casino, Seattle Premium Outlets, and Cabela’s. November 22, 2023 – January 15, 2024 (open daily except Thanksgiving Day) over six million lights will be on display throughout Quil Ceda Village.

2023 Christmas Light Displays around the Puget Sound region

(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 FREE nightly parade of holiday floats. Join us on the sidewalks between Bellevue Square and Lincoln Square from NE 4th to NE 8th Streets every night at 7 pm. Park in any of our free parking garages and choose 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. General admission nights: Nov 25-26, Dec 1-3, Dec 8-31 (closed on Dec 25). $5.00 nights (NEW for 2023): First two weeks, Monday-Thursday, Nov 27-30 and Dec 4-7. Location: Bellevue Botanical Garden 12001 Main Street, Bellevue, 98005. Timed Entry Tickets available online only; no tickets are sold at the event. General admission: $8.00 (age 11+). Children 10 and under are free.

Bothell. Evergreen Lights. December 1-24, 2023. 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, 6504 112th Ave NE, Bothell, WA 98011. More info: Map (pacificnwchristmaslights.com)

Bothell, Kenmore, Lake Forest Park and Shoreline come together for the fourth annual Winter Porch Light Parade, a self-guided driving experience. The light displays are best seen after 6:00 p.m. Use the virtual Winter Porch Light Parade Map, available to spectators from Dec. 1 – 31, 2023. More info: Winter Porch Light Parade | Bothell WA

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.

Maple Valley. Maple Valley Lights. Nightly beginning Thanksgiving night from 4:30 – 11:00. Listen to the soundtrack at 101.9 FM while you’re near the display at 22629 SE 263rd Pl, Maple Valley, WA 98038. Accepts food donations for Maple Valley Food Bank and cash donations for both the Food Bank and Vine Maple Place.

Puyallup. Holiday Magic at The Fair. Dec: 1-3, 8-10, 15-17 & 20-23 from 4:30pm – 9:30pm. Immerse yourself in a world of festive delights, where twinkling lights, the aroma of delicious treats, and the sound of laughter fill the air. Celebrate this special time of year, with holiday activities – both indoors and outdoors. Their ticket pages are REALLY CONFUSING, but we figured out this much: General Admission $25. Discounts for advance online purchase. “Packages” (about $35-$40pp) supposedly save you 21% over individual purchase of activities and food–but how do you know what you might want to pay for until you get there? Sheesh. Add-ons: Ice Skating: $8 online / $10 on-site. 3D Glasses: $3 online or on-site.

Redmond. His Lights,13424 179th Ave NE, Redmond, WA 98052. Hours 5-9:30pm. No dates listed but appears to be running in 2023. 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.

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.

Seattle & Eastside Christmas Ships. Christmas Ship™ Festival – Argosy Cruises. The Christmas Ship visits 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-$74/adult: Christmas Ship™ Festival – Argosy Cruises
Watch the parade of boats from a public community-organized event on shore. Free events. More info: Christmas Ship™ Festival Schedule – Argosy Cruises
Join the Annual Parade of Boats (December 8, 2023) 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/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 10, 2023 – January 14, 2024 from 4:00 – 9:00 p.m. Closed Mondays in November and Early December. Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas day. Open New Year’s Day.
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.
Senior discount. Holiday Senior Stroll November 14 only when Seniors (65+) can enjoy WildLanterns at the discounted rate of $17.97.
Ticket prices: $29.95-36.95 Adult (13+), $25.95-31.95 Child (3-12). Zoo members can receive a discount by logging in to your account.
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.

Seattle/West Seattle neighborhoods.

West Seattle. Gai Family house in the 3200 block of 36th SW, Seattle, WA 98126 (Google map). It a narrow neighborhood street, so expect a backup. The display includes Christmas lights and a beloved Madonna. After an absence from 1996-2018, the longtime Christmas-season landmark in West Seattle has returned.
West Seattle. Menashe Family display in West Seattle is usually lit by December 1 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
West Seattle. Find info about these and other West Seattle Christmas light displays on the West Seattle Blog | Christmas lights

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. NEW opening weekend: November 17-19, 2023. Open Daily: November 24, 2023 – January 1, 2024 from 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 $10/vehicle: November 27-30, 2023 and December 26, 2023 – January 1, 2024. Location: Spanaway Park, Military Road and 152nd Street, Spanaway, Washington 98387.

Stanwood. Lights of Christmas at Warm Beach – one hour north of Seattle. November 24-26, 30, December 1-3, 7-10, 14-17, 20-23, 26-30, 2023. Advanced online purchase required. The Lights of Christmas is a Holiday experience like no other! The innovative and convenient experience for families in the Pacific Northwest features spectacular lights, dazzling displays, creative activities, and so much more make up this memorable Christmas experience for people of all ages. Listen to fun Christmas music while you comfortably drive through in your car. New this year, stop and have some fun at one of the two activity stops along the event route! Admission per car: $32. Rates higher for bus/limo. Location: Warm Beach Camp, 20800 Marine Drive, Stanwood, WA 98292.

Tacoma. TACOMA LIGHT TRAIL – Light art downtown.

December 31, 2023. Light Parade.
December 31, 2023 – January 13, 2024 nightly light art from 5-9pm. Light art around downtown Tacoma plus live music, circus, dance and light art in Tollefson Plaza. It’s all FREE, walkable/drivable and perfect to light up the darkest winter nights.

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.

2023 Christmas Light Displays open Thanksgiving Weekend

(Listed by date and then by city or location in Washington State.)

Leavenworth. Village of Lights: Christmastown in Leavenworth, WA. November 23-26, 2023 (continues nightly through February). 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. See more information below or on their website.

Bellevue. Snowflake Lane – The Bellevue Collection November 24-26, 2023 (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. Free parking. See more information below or on their website.

Seattle. WildLanterns holiday light festival at Woodland Park Zoo. November 24-26, 2023 (continues through January 14, 2024). 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! Tickets available online only, timed entry. See more information below or on their website.

Seattle. Seattle Argosy Cruises Christmas Ships. November 24-26, 2023 (continues 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. See more information below or on their website.

Spanaway. Fantasy Lights – just south of Tacoma. November 24-26, 2023 (continues nightly until January 1, 2024 from 5:30-9:00 p.m. 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. Advance purchase ticket strong recommended; limited availability on-site. See more information below or on their website.

Stanwood. Lights of Christmas at Warm Beach – one hour north of Seattle. November 24-26, 2023 (continues through December 30, 2023). The Lights of Christmas is a Holiday experience like no other! Enoy spectacular lights and dazzling displays while you comfortably drive through in your car. New this year, stop and have some fun at one of the two activity stops along the event route! Advanced online purchase required. See more information below or on their website.

Tacoma. Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium (pdza.org). November 24-26, 2023 (continues until New Year’s Day). Magical lights and a classic holiday tradition dazzling our community for 35 years. Advance purchase tickets required. See more information below or on their website.

Bellevue. Bellevue Botanical Garden d’Lights. November 25-26, 2023 (continues nightly to New Year’s Eve; CLOSED only on Christmas Day). Timed Entry Tickets available online only; no tickets are sold at the event. See more information below or on their website.

Christmas tree lights via Depositphotos_2121792

Past Christmas Light Displays

These events are not operating in 2023.

Lynden. Lights of Lynden. Closed in 2023. No info for 2023.

Seattle. Metro Employees Historic Vehicle Association SANTA’S LIGHTS TOUR aboard a historic bus. Cancelled 2021-2023. Expected to return in 2024.

Seattle. Enchant Christmas – Enchant. No Seattle event listed for 2023.