Seattle illuminates with spectacular Christmas light displays throughout the Emerald City. From the iconic Space Needle holiday lights to Westlake Center's carousel and Pike Place Market's festive decorations, the city offers Pacific Northwest holiday charm. Explore neighborhood displays, Zoo Lights at Woodland Park Zoo, and twinkling attractions across Seattle and the Puget Sound region.
Last Updated: December 2, 2025
Holiday Magic
Location: Puyallup
Dates: Select Days December 5-23, 2025
Cost: $$
Holiday Magic at the Washington State Fair Events Center features thousands of lights and includes free rides for all attendees. Visitors can explore immersive light tunnels, enjoy the Holiday Market, and participate in activities such as a Gnome Scavenger Hunt and photo opportunities at the Holiday Selfie Studio.
Highlights:
- Experience the South Sound's most magical holiday festival with thousands of lights.
- Enjoy free, family-friendly rides included with admission.
- Browse the Holiday Market for unique gifts and handmade treasures.
Tacoma Light Trail
Location: Tacoma
Dates: Next winter
Cost: FREE
The Tacoma Light Trail transforms downtown Tacoma into a vibrant display of light art, featuring both walkable and driveable routes. Visitors can engage with the 'Sound Trail' to enjoy music and poetry paired with light installations, and witness fire spinning performances during the event.
Address: Tacoma, WA
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Wander or drive through a free winter festival of light art transforming downtown Tacoma.
- Engage with the 'Sound Trail' feature, connecting light art with music and poetry via QR codes.
- Marvel at the spectacle of dragon parades, a vibrant and memorable part of the event.
Sheraton Grand Seattle Gingerbread Village
Location: Seattle
Dates: November 20, 2025 – January 1, 2026
Cost: $$
The Sheraton Grand Seattle hosts the 30th annual Gingerbread Village, showcasing spectacular 6-foot-tall gingerbread creations designed by local architects and chefs. This event supports Breakthrough T1D's mission and features intricate and culturally inspired designs crafted with meticulous attention to detail.
Highlights:
- Witness the 30th annual Gingerbread Village, a beloved holiday tradition that transforms the Sheraton Grand Seattle into a festive wonderland.
- Experience a breathtaking display of creativity and teamwork as elaborate gingerbread structures are unveiled for the season.
- Support Breakthrough T1D's mission to create a world without type 1 diabetes through this inspiring and visually stunning event.
Bellevue Botanical Garden d’Lights
Location: Bellevue
Dates: November 29 - December 31, 2025
Cost: $$
Step into a magical holiday wonderland at the Bellevue Botanical Garden's annual Garden d’Lights. This cherished tradition transforms the garden into a dazzling spectacle with over half a million lights. Explore whimsical displays of plants, animals, and cascading waterfalls, all illuminated to create an enchanting experience for all ages.
Highlights:
- A beloved holiday tradition transforming the Bellevue Botanical Garden into a magical wonderland.
- Over half a million sparkling lights creating enchanting displays.
- Wander through illuminated garden paths featuring whimsical light sculptures.
Redmond Lights 2025
Location: Redmond
Dates: Dec. 6, 2025 - Jan. 5, 2026
Cost: FREE
Redmond Lights is a month-long festival celebrating art and light, featuring illuminated displays throughout Downtown Park and Esterra Park. Visitors can enjoy free admission and participate in community activities, including a Kick-Off Event with opportunities for local artists to showcase their work.
Highlights:
- A month-long celebration of art and light transforming the city into a winter wonderland.
- Free admission for all visitors to enjoy the festive atmosphere and displays.
- Participate in free community activities during the Kick-Off Event.
Zoolights
Location: Tacoma
Dates: November 28, 2025 - January 4, 2026, 4:30 PM - 10:00 PM. Closed December 24 & 25.
Cost: $$
Zoolights at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium celebrates the holiday season with over one million lights illuminating the zoo's grounds. Visitors can enjoy festive treats, explore light displays, and participate in unique experiences like the 'Groovy Goats' animal encounter.
Highlights:
- Experience a classic holiday tradition spanning 38 years, transforming the zoo into a dazzling display of over one million lights.
- Enjoy festive treats and seasonal delights at the cafe, including fried apple fries and hot cocoa floats.
- Capture perfect photo opportunities with unique light installations and festive backdrops.
WildLanterns at Woodland Park Zoo
Location: Seattle
Dates: November 14, 2025 – January 18, 2026
Cost: $$
WildLanterns at Woodland Park Zoo features larger-than-life lantern displays that illuminate the zoo. Exclusive adult-only evenings and themed zones offer unique experiences, while visitors can also see future zoo inhabitants in the Forest Trailhead exhibit.
Highlights:
- Witness an expansive collection of all-new, larger-than-ever lantern displays that illuminate the zoo.
- Enjoy exclusive adult-only evenings (21+) at 'Night Owls' for a sophisticated holiday experience with cocktails and themed lounges.
- Participate in 'Holiday Senior Stroll' for a discounted evening designed for seniors to enjoy the festive displays.
Bellevue Festival of the Nativity
Location: Bellevue
Dates: December 6 - 14, 1:00 PM - 9:00 PM Daily
Cost: FREE
The Bellevue Festival of the Nativity features over 500 crèches from around the world, along with daily live musical performances and family-friendly activities. The event emphasizes community engagement with a nativity photo booth and a Messiah Sing-Along.
Address: 15205 SE 28th Street, Bellevue, WA 98007
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Experience a joyous, FREE Christmas celebration with a global collection of over 500 crèches.
- Enjoy daily live musical performances and a special Messiah Sing-Along event.
- Participate in family-friendly activities, including a nativity photo booth.
Media:
Luminary Walk
Location: Kenmore
Dates: Not specified
Cost: FREE
The Luminary Walk in the City of Kenmore features a beautifully lit walking path for community enjoyment. This event invites visitors to stroll through festive illuminated pathways, creating a visually appealing experience.
Highlights:
- A community event featuring a beautifully lit walking path.
- Enjoy a festive walk through illuminated pathways.
- Experience a magical display of lights along the walking route.
Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship Festival
Location: Seattle
Dates: Annual event, typically November-December.
Cost: $$
The Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship Festival features festive holiday cruises on Puget Sound, complete with live choir performances. The event has been a beloved tradition for over 75 years, offering multiple departure locations for convenience.
Address: 1101 Alaskan Way, Pier 55, Suite 201, Seattle, WA 98101
Phone: 2066231445
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Participate in a beloved Pacific Northwest holiday tradition that has delighted audiences for over 75 years.
- Choose from multiple departure locations across Seattle and surrounding areas for convenient access.
- Enjoy onboard amenities including a full-service bar with specialty cocktails, local wine, and beer.
Snowflake Lane
Location: Bellevue
Dates: November 28 – December 24, 2025
Cost: FREE
Snowflake Lane at The Bellevue Collection features a complimentary nightly parade that includes holiday floats, dancers, and toy drummers. Visitors can enjoy falling snow and dazzling lights along the parade route, creating an engaging spectacle complemented by festive music.
Highlights:
- A nightly parade with holiday floats, dancers, and toy drummers.
- Falling snow and dazzling lights create a magical holiday atmosphere.
- Festive music fills the air along the parade route.
Google Lights
Location: Kirkland
Dates: Every December
Cost: FREE
The Google Lights event at the Google Campus showcases a spectacular light festival that features music-choreographed displays. Guests can marvel at the vibrant colors and synchronized shows that create a delightful holiday experience.
Highlights:
- Enjoy a dazzling light festival with music and holiday cheer.
- Participate in a beloved community tradition featuring synchronized light displays.
- Marvel at a stunning display of colorful lights choreographed to music.
Everett Wintertide
Location: Everett
Dates: November - December 2025
Cost: $
Everett Wintertide in Downtown Everett kicks off the holiday season with a tree lighting event and festive holiday lights illuminating the area. Families can enjoy shop-local initiatives and see Santa Claus making special appearances throughout the city.
Highlights:
- The Wintertide Tree Lighting Kickoff event marks the start of the holiday season.
- Shop-local initiatives encourage community support for local businesses.
- Family-friendly activities and Santa's appearances create a festive atmosphere.
Media:
Enchant Christmas Seattle
Location: Seattle
Dates: November - December 2025
Cost: $$
Enchant Christmas returns to Seattle with massive light maze, ice skating trail, holiday market, and themed activities. This immersive event features elaborate displays and family entertainment.
Address: Seattle, WA
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Massive light maze
- Ice skating trail
- Holiday market included
Media:
Pike Place Market Holiday Lights
Location: Seattle
Dates: November 29 - December 2025
Cost: FREE
Pike Place Market features holiday lights and decorated tree starting with Magic in the Market lighting ceremony on November 29. The iconic market glows with festive illumination through the season.
Highlights:
- Lighting ceremony November 29
- Iconic market decorated
- Free to visit
Media:
Seattle Great Wheel Holiday Lights
Location: Seattle
Dates: Throughout December 2025
Cost: $
Seattle Great Wheel features special holiday lighting creating spectacular waterfront views. This iconic Ferris wheel on Pier 57 provides illuminated rides with Elliott Bay panoramas.
Highlights:
- Illuminated Ferris wheel
- Elliott Bay views
- Waterfront location
Media:
Bellevue Snowflake Lane
Location: Bellevue
Dates: Throughout December 2025
Cost: FREE
Bellevue Snowflake Lane features nightly snow shows with music and lights on Bellevue Way. This free family tradition includes falling snow and festive entertainment near Seattle.
Address: Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA
Highlights:
- Nightly snow shows
- Music and lights
- Free family tradition
Space Needle Holiday Lights
Location: Seattle
Dates: Throughout December 2025
Cost: $$
Space Needle features special holiday lighting visible throughout Seattle. This iconic landmark provides festive atmosphere with seasonal colors illuminating the observation deck.
Highlights:
- Iconic landmark illuminated
- Observation deck visits
- Seattle skyline views
Media:
University Village Holiday Lights
Location: Seattle
Dates: Throughout December 2025
Cost: FREE
University Village shopping center features elegant holiday lights and decorations. This outdoor mall combines upscale retail with festive atmosphere in north Seattle.
Address: 2623 NE University Village Street, Seattle, WA 98105
Phone: 206-523-0622
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Outdoor mall decorations
- Upscale shopping
- North Seattle location
Media:
Westlake Park Holiday Tree
Location: Seattle
Dates: Throughout December 2025
Cost: FREE
Westlake Park features downtown Seattle's holiday tree with lighting ceremony and festive decorations. This central location provides free holiday atmosphere in the heart of the city.
Address: Pine Street & 4th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101
Highlights:
- Downtown holiday tree
- Central Seattle location
- Free public gathering
Tulalip Lights & Ice
Location: Tulalip
Dates: November 22, 2025 through January 11, 2026
Cost: FREE
Tulalip Lights & Ice is a free-to-enter holiday event presented by Quil Ceda Village, running from November 22, 2025 through January 11, 2026. Located at the Tulalip Amphitheatre, this event features over 8 million lights (with some sources citing 9.7 million lights), an ice-skating rink with real ice, a holiday marketplace with gifts and treats from local vendors, and family activities including visits with Mr. & Mrs. Claus, The Grinch, and Buddy the Elf.
Address: Tulalip, WA (accessible via I-5 at westbound exits 200 or 202)
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Over 8 million lights (some sources cite 9.7 million)
- Ice-skating rink with real ice
- Holiday marketplace with gifts and treats from local vendors
Seattle Center Holiday Lights
Location: Seattle
Dates: Throughout December 2025
Cost: FREE
Seattle Center features festive holiday lights and decorations throughout the campus, creating a magical atmosphere for visitors. The center offers various holiday attractions and events during the season.
Highlights:
- Festive holiday lights and decorations throughout the campus
- Various holiday attractions and events
- Magical atmosphere for visitors
Media:
Resources
Helpful information and links for planning your holiday season in Seattle.