Christmas Lights in Seattle 2024-2025

Beautiful illumination is what makes the Christmas season in Seattle so special. Sipping hot chocolate around twinkling lights is probably a favorite activity for locals during the season. There are several large light displays in the area, at Bellevue Garden d'Lights, Candy Cane Lane, as well as WildLanterns at Woodland Park Zoo. The dates differ every year—some of the light displays are lit as soon as late November, while others illuminate the area from mid-December through New Year's.

Candy Cane Lane (December 7, 2024–January 1, 2025)

Many Seattle neighborhoods do their best to adorn the streets and houses with Christmas decorations. But none of them is as good as Candy Cane Lane in north Seattle. This street, known officially as Park Rd, features lights, moving objects, and music to fill your holiday stroll with joy. Decorations usually follow a theme, but you will probably also see traditional reindeer, sleighs, and candy canes. If you think parking could be an issue, no worries: Candy Cane Lane is a drive-by attraction, with cars moving slowly as viewers snap holiday pictures. In case you want to have a more immersive walking experience, park on a side street or in Ravenna Park just half a block away.

Starting in early December and continuing until New Year's Day, visitors can enjoy a delightful experience at Candy Cane Lane, where they can choose to drive or walk through the festive display each night. The hours typically run from 4 pm to 9:30 pm Sunday through Thursday, while Friday and Saturday extend the hours until 11 pm.

Pedestrians are always welcome, allowing for a more intimate experience with the dazzling lights and decorations. Note that there are designated nights when Candy Cane Lane will be open to pedestrians only, creating a unique opportunity to stroll through without vehicle traffic. In 2024, pedestrian-exclusive nights are scheduled for December 7, 10, 15, and 19.

Garden d'Lights (November 30–December 31, 2024)

For those who love Christmas, Garden d'Lights at Bellevue Botanical Garden is a must-see. This event features over half a million twinkling lights, beautifully shaped into plants, flowers, birds, animals, and cascading waterfalls, all set against the natural backdrop of the gardens. Several nights throughout the event, local instrumental and vocal groups provide live music performances at The Aaron Education Center. There is no additional fee for the music; it's included with your event ticket.

Tickets must be purchased online as they are not available at the gate. General admission nights are on select dates from November 30 to December 31 (closed on December 25), with entry starting at 4:30 pm and the last at 9 pm. Tickets are $8 for those 11 years and older, while children ten and under enter free. Special $5 nights run Monday through Thursday from December 2-12, with the last entry at 8 pm.

WildLanterns at Woodland Park Zoo (November 15, 2024–January 19, 2025)

Woodland Park Zoo puts on holiday lights in mid-November. Immerse yourself in the enchanting spirit of the holiday season as you explore the Mystical Forest, where brilliant creatures sparkle in the glow of festive lights. Here, you can marvel at the magical forest train, encounter whimsical tree fairies, and meet fantastical unicorns. Your adventure continues along a Bright Desert Highway, showcasing the unique flora and fauna of the desert, before leading you to the Marvelous Mammals exhibit, which vividly depicts spectacular Northwest animals in stunning lantern form. Throughout the WildLanterns spaces, beloved interactive lanterns invite families to engage and enjoy the festivities together.

WildLanterns will be closed on Mondays, except for December 23, 30, and January 1, 2025, and will not operate on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. Ticket prices are set at $49.95 for adults (ages 13 and up) and $44.95 for children (ages 3-12), with toddlers (ages 0-2) entering for free, although a ticket is still required. Parking in any Woodland Park Zoo lot costs $7 for the day (plus taxes and fees) and is available after 3:30 pm.

Winterfest at Seattle Center (November 29–December 31, 2024)

Winterfest at Seattle Center is another wonderland of sparkling lights. There are also fun-filled activities and live performances lasting through the whole holiday season. The annual tradition of Campus Luminata brings the Seattle Center alive with dazzling lights in the trees and other installations across the campus. Pop by Seattle Center after dark and delight in the wonderland of light.

In addition to the lights, visitors can explore the Seattle Christmas Market. From November 21 to December 23, the Fisher Pavilion and South Fountain Lawn at Seattle Center will transform into a charming European-style outdoor Christmas village and community marketplace. Single-entry admission starts at $15.99, while unlimited access and priority entry all season long for just $31.99. Inside the Armory Food & Event Hall, don't miss the late 19th-century model train and village display, a beloved tradition on display for over 40 years. The train operates daily from 10 am to 6 pm between November 24 and December 31, except on December 24, when it closes at 4 pm, and it will be closed entirely on December 25. Admission is free.