Discover Seattle’s best holiday light displays

It’s the most wonderful time of the year to visit Seattle. Experience the magic of the holiday season as the city transforms into a glittering spectacle of festive displays and nostalgic decorations. Immerse yourself in a winter wonderland of twinkling lights and holiday cheer at these enchanting locations:

Garden d’Lights: Wander through Bellevue Botanical Garden, which will be transformed with more than half a million lights forming stunning nature-inspired displays. This festive favorite features scenes of plants, birds, animals, and cascading waterfalls, all crafted from lights.

WildLanterns: Enjoy a spectacular display that makes Woodland Park Zoo a site to behold with larger-than-life lanterns depicting a variety of themes, including Bugs and Blooms, Giant Panda Parkway, and Fantastical Folklore Realm. This immersive experience blends art, culture, and nature with dazzling light displays and interactive installations.

Candy Cane Lane: Drive or walk through Seattle’s charming Ravenna neighborhood, where homes are adorned with celebratory holiday lights. This beloved tradition dates back to 1949 and is perfect for families looking to embrace the holiday spirit.

Christmas Ship Festival: Join this unique maritime celebration on Lake Union featuring beautifully decorated boats parading across Seattle’s waterways. Enjoy onboard carolers, live music performances, and onshore bonfires, making it a memorable holiday experience for all ages.

Zoolights: Visit Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium to see its stunning light displays with more than 800,000 lights creating magical scenes made up of sea creatures, animals, and holiday themes. The zoo also offers a variety of festive activities, including meet and greets with groovy goats with holiday coats, s’mores, and picture-perfect tunnels of lights.  

Seattle Center: Explore Winterfest at Seattle Center, where you’ll find a vibrant winter village complete with an ice rink, light sculptures, a Christmas market, a winter train, live events, and more.

Pike Place Market: Experience the historic market decked out in holiday lights and decorations. Stroll through the market and enjoy holiday-themed events, seasonal foods, artisan crafts, and festive music.

It’s the perfect time of year to bundle up, grab a cup of hot cocoa, and enjoy a magical journey through the city’s enchanting holiday lights.