Forget about the rain. Whether it’s skating at the Winterfest Ice Rink, watching the “snow” fall at Snowflake Lane, or meandering through a dazzling light show, there are so many ways to make the most of our Northwest holidays…
WildLights at Woodland Park Zoo
5500 Phinney Ave. N, Seattle, WA 98103
www.zoo.org/zoolights | click here to get tickets
- Dates/Times: Open nightly 11/24/17 – 1/1/18 | 5:30-8:30 pm
- Cost: $7.95-$11.95 per person (ages 2 and under are free)
- Promotion: Get 50% off daily zoo admission if you present your WildLights ticket at the gate between Dec. 1st and Dec. 14th. You can also get discounts on WildLights tickets for groups of 20+.
- Parking: Free parking at the north (Bear Lot), inner north (Otter Lot) and and northwest lot (Penguin Lot). Zoo entry is at the West Entrance only (5500 Phinney Ave N).
- Food: Refreshments are available at food kiosks, Pizza Corner, and at the Pacific Chowder House (with covered seating). You are also welcome to bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Special Events and Activities
- Holiday Closures: 12/24 & 12/25
Image courtesy of https://zoo.org/zoolights
Winterfest at Seattle Center
305 Harrison Street, Seattle, WA 98109
www.seattlecenter.com/winterfest
Map
- Dates/Times: Open daily 11/24/17 – 1/1/18 | 10am-6 pm
- Cost: Free for all ages (ice skating is $6-$8 including rental)
- Parking: Paid parking available at the Mercer Garage, 1st Ave N Garage, 5th Ave N Garage, and Theatre Commons Lot.
- Food: A multitude of dining options await you in the Armory.
- Special events: Ice skating at the Winterfest Ice Rink, ice sculpting, caroling, the Winter Train & Village, and more!
- Holiday Closure: 12/25
Garden d’Lights at Bellevue Botanical Garden
12001 Main Street, Bellevue WA 98005
www.gardendlights.org | click here to get tickets
- Dates/Times: Open nightly 11/25/17 – 12/31/17 | 4:30-9:00 pm
- Cost: $5 per person (ages 10 and under are free)
- Promotion: Free admission nights on November 27, 28, 29, 30, and December 4, 5, 6, 7
- Parking: Premium parking is $5 per car in the Garden’s lot (cash only) as space allows OR park for free at Wilburton Hill Park
- Food: Hot drinks and snacks are available at the Aaron Education Center
- Holiday Closures: None

Image courtesy of https://gardendlights.org/
Snowflake & Celebration Lane at the Bellevue Collection
Bellevue Way & NE 8th Street, Bellevue WA 98004
http://bellevue.com/snowflake-lane
- Dates/Times: Nightly 11/24/17 – 12/31/17 | 20 minute show starts at 7 pm
- Cost: Free for all ages
- Parking: Free parking at Bellevue Square, Bellevue Place and Lincoln Square.
- Food: A variety of dining options (from happy hour, to kid fare, to gourmet meal) are all within walking distance
- Special Events & Activities: Ice Skating, Santa Parade & Tree Lighting
- Holiday Closure: 12/25

Image courtesy of http://bellevue.com/snowflake-lane
Christmas Ship Festival
Launch locations include Lake Union Park, Kirkland City Dock, Hyatt Regency, Leschi Marina, Des Moines Marina, Poulsbo Marina, Seattle Waterfront – Pier 55, Tacoma (Dock Street Marina), Port of Edmonds Marina, and Shilsole Bay Marina
www.argosycruises.com | click here to get tickets
- Dates/Times: Click here for the full schedule
- Cost: $20-$62 per person (ages 3 and under are free)
- Parking: Varies by location
- Food: While dining ahead of time is recommended, there are snacks and drinks available for purchase on the ship. You can also pre-order Ingallina’s boxed meals (with vegetarian and gluten-free options) at least 48 hours prior to your cruise. Outside food/drinks are not allowed.
- Special Events: Parade of Boats Night, Grand Finale Night
Ivar’s Clam Lights at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park
1201 Lake Washington Blvd N, Renton, WA 98056
http://rentonwa.gov/clamlights
- Dates/Times: Open nightly 12/1/17 – 1/1/18 | 5-9 pm
- Cost: Free for all ages
- Parking: Park for free at the Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park parking lot
- Kickoff Event on December 1st, 5:30-7:30: Official lighting ceremony, music, photo stations, Parade of Boats viewing, and a visit from the Christmas Ship and Dickens Carolers
- Holiday Closures: None

Image courtesy of http://rentonwa.gov/clamlights/
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