Holiday shows are BACK for 2021 and ready to lift your spirits. Whether it’s meandering through a dazzling light show, watching the “snow” fall at Bellevue’s Snowflake Lane, or taking a holiday-themed cruise, there are so many ways to brighten up your Northwest holidays. Here’s the skinny on dates, times, food, parking, and safety requirements…
WildLanterns at Woodland Park Zoo
West Entrance: 5500 Phinney Ave. N, Seattle, WA 98103
South Entrance: 750 N 50th St, Seattle, WA 98103
www.zoo.org/wildlanterns
Click here to get tickets
- Dates/Times: Open nightly Nov. 12, 2021 – Jan. 30, 2022 | 4:00 – 8:30 pm.
- Cost: $25.95 – $30.95 per person (ages 2 and under are free).
- Promotions: Zoo members get 20% off tickets.
- Parking: $5 parking is available at all lots after 3:30 pm (admission at both gates).
- Food: Refreshments are available at food kiosks throughout, plus the Pizza Corner at 1899 Grove, and Gather & Graze (with covered seating provided). You are also welcome to bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Special Activities: Tianyu Art Performances by the carousel, WildLights Trail through the Habitat Discovery Loop, & up-close Ambassador Animals at the Broadleaf Theater.
- Closures: Mondays (except for Dec. 20 & 27); Nov. 25, Dec. 24 & 25.
- Health & Safety: Proof of vaccination or negative COVID test required for ages 12+. Masks required for ages 5+.

Image courtesy of zoo.org
Winterfest at Seattle Center
305 Harrison Street, Seattle, WA 98109
www.seattlecenter.com/winterfest
- Dates/Times: Nov. 26, 2021 – Dec. 31, 2021. Seattle Center Luminata with winter light & music display at International Fountain daily at 6pm; ice sculpting Nov. 27, Dec. 4, 11, & 18; Winter train & village open daily Nov. 26 – Dec. 31 | 10 am – 6 pm.
- Cost: Free for all ages.
- Parking: Paid parking available at the Mercer Garage, 5th Ave N Garage, and Theatre Commons ADA Lot. Click here for the campus map.
- Food: A multitude of dining options await you in the Armory.
- Special Events: Ice sculpting, live stage entertainment at the Armory, the Winter Train & Village, and more!
- Holiday Closure: Dec. 25
- Health & Safety: Masks required for ages 5+. For indoor spaces, proof of vaccination or negative COVID test required.

Image courtesy of seattlecenter.com
Garden d’Lights at Bellevue Botanical Garden
12001 Main Street, Bellevue WA 98005
http://gardendlights.org
click here to get tickets
- Dates/Times: Open nightly Nov. 27, 2021 – Dec. 31, 2021 | 4:30 – 9:00 pm
- Cost: $5 per person (ages 10 and under are free)
- 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 on site
- Holiday Closures: None
- Health & Safety: For indoor spaces, masks required for ages 5+

Image courtesy of bellevuebotanical.org
Snowflake Lane at the Bellevue Collection
Bellevue Way & NE 8th Street, Bellevue WA 98004
http://snowflakelane.com/
- Dates/Times: Nightly Nov. 26, 2021 – Dec. 24, 2021 | 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) are all within walking distance
- Special Events & Activities: Ice Skating, Santa Photos
- Health & Safety: Masks requested for ages 5+

Image courtesy of snowflakelane.com
Christmas Ship Festival
Launch locations include Seattle Waterfront – Pier 55, Shilshole Bay Marina, Hyatt Regency Lake Washington, Lake Union Park, and Kirkland City Dock.
www.argosycruises.com
click here to get tickets
- Dates/Times: Click here for the full schedule
- Cost: $37 – $68 per person (kids 3 and under are free)
- Parking: Varies by location – click here for details
- Food: While dining ahead of time is recommended, there are snacks and drinks available for purchase on the ship. You can also pre-order FareStart Catering boxed meals, snacks and Ivar’s clam chowder (with vegetarian and gluten-free options) at least 72 hours prior to your cruise. Outside food/drinks are not allowed.
- Special Events: Opening Night, Parade of Boats, Grand Finale
- Health & Safety: Proof of vaccination or negative COVID test required for ages 12+. Masks required for ages 5+.

Image courtesy of argosycruises.com
Westlake Center Tree Lighting & Holiday Activities
401 Pine St., Seattle, WA 98101 (Westlake Park)
https://downtownseattle.org/events/holidays
- Tree Lighting Celebration: Evening of Nov. 26 in Westlake Park, time TBD (also streamed live on DSA’s Facebook page).
- Light Sculptures: Nov. 22, 2021 – Jan. 9, 2022 in Westlake Park & Occidental Square.
- Augmented Reality Adventure: Nov. 26, 2021 – Jan 10, 2022 around Westlake Park & Occidental Square.
- Pop-Up Sweets & Treats: Nov. 27, Dec. 4, 11 & 18 | 2-6 pm in Westlake Park.
- Holiday Concerts: Nov. 28, Dec. 5, 12 & 19 | 12-2 pm in Westlake Park.
- Happy Holidays Booths: Dec. 5, 12 & 19 | 11 am – 2 pm in Occidental Square.
- Cost: Free for all ages
- Parking: Access the Republic Parking garage from Olive Way between 4th & 5th Ave, or check out this interactive map of city parking
- Health & Safety: Masks requested for ages 5+

Image courtesy of downtownseattle.org
Zoolights at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
5400 N Pearl St, Tacoma, WA 98407
www.pdza.org/event/zoolights
click here to get tickets
- Dates/Times: Open nightly Nov. 26, 2021 – Jan. 2, 2022 | 4:30 – 10 pm
- Cost: $12-$15 (free for kids 2 & under)
- Promotions: Discounted tickets for zoo members & BECU members
- Parking: Free parking in zoo lots (carpooling recommended)
- Food: Dinner, drinks & snacks to-go are available at the Plaza Cafe & outside stands
- Activities: Carousel, Kids’ Zone with meerkats & goat feeding
- Holiday Closures: Dec. 24 & 25
- Health & Safety: Masks required for ages 5+

Image courtesy of https://www.pdza.org
But wait, there’s more…
Holiday theatrical & musical shows
“A Christmas Carol” at ACT Theatre
“The Nutracker” by Pacific Northwest Ballet
The Polar Express train ride at Mt. Rainier Railroad
Gingerbread Village at the Sheraton Grand Seattle
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