 Winter is approaching. The days are getting shorter and the skies are often dark. But don't let the grey skies make you feel blue!! Here are a few ways to get out and enjoy some bright lights and cheerful festivities during the holiday season:  Macy's Holiday Parade: This is Seattle's biggest parade! It's the morning after Thanksgiving, Friday, November 29 from 9:00- 10:00 a.m. in downtown Seattle, free admission. Floats, marching bands, dancers, and more will march down the streets of Seattle. Later that evening at 5:00 p.m. there will be a tree-lighting ceremony and fireworks.  Redmond Lights: A wonderful winter walk full of fun and surprises. TWO DAYS ONLY! Saturday, Dec 7 and Sunday, Dec 8, free admission. Start at Redmond City Hall at with live music, kids' activities, a holiday tree-lighting ceremony, and fireworks on Saturday. Then on Sunday evening, enjoy a peaceful walk along a beautifully lit Sammamish River Trail and enjoy music, carolers, lights, decorations, hot chocolate, and festivities along the way. www.redmondlights.com  Christmas Ships Festival: Each night decorated ships and boats sail to different areas around Puget Sound and Lake Washington. On board the Argosy ships, choirs sing. On shore, people gather around bonfires to watch the ships and listen to the choir. You can choose to sail on the Argosy boat (tickets and reservations required) or watch from the shore (FREE, no charge). November 29-December 23. Check the website for the schedule and locations: www.argosycruises.com/dining-cruises/christmas-ship-festival/  Garden D'Lights: Stroll through a beautiful light display at the Bellevue Botanical Gardens. Every evening from 4:30-9:00 p.m., November 30- December 31. $5 per person, children 10 and under are free. www.gardendlights.org  Santa Train 2019: All aboard! Catch the train in North Bend and take a 20 minute ride to the historic Snoqualmie train depot where kids will get to meet Santa! Each child will receive a small gift from Santa and hot chocolate & cookies will be served. Cost is $26 per person, children under 2 are free. Limited dates: Nov. 30 & Dec. 1, Dec. 7 & 8, Dec. 14 & 15, Dec. 20 & 21. Visit the website to reserve tickets in advance. www.trainmuseum.org/index.php/programs-events/santa-train  The Issaquah Reindeer Festival: Visit Cougar Mountain Zoo when it’s decorated like the North Pole to welcome Santa with his reindeer and sleigh during the Reindeer Festival! Meet the reindeer, have a photo taken with Santa, and enjoy some other special treats. December 1 - 23. Visit the website for prices and more information. http://cougarmountainzoo.org/Reindeer%20Festival/activitiesreindeerfestival.aspx  Snowflake Lane: Every night live "Toy Soldiers" drum on Bellevue Way as "snow" falls from above. These free shows are at 7:00 p.m. every evening along the sidewalks of Bellevue Way and NE 8th Street. November 29-December 24 www.snowflakelane.com  The Nutcracker Ballet: Pacific Northwest Ballet's unique production of this Balanchine ballet has sets designed by the famed children's author/illustrator, Ian Falconer. Performances run November 29- December 28. https://www.pnb.org/nutcracker/  Meydenbauer Theater: The downtown Bellevue theater also boasts a beautiful and traditional Nutcracker ballet and hosts many other holiday musical performances will be shown throughout the month of December. Check the website for performance schedules. Nutcracker Ballet: www.ibtbellevue.org/performances/nutcracker Other theatrical performances: www.bellevuedowntown.com/events/magic-season/meydenbauer-center-theatre  Zoolights in Tacoma and Wildlights in Seattle: See sparkling light displays of animals and other landmarks as you stroll through these zoos. November 29- January 5, in the evening. Zoolights is at the Point Defiance Zoo in Tacoma. Wildlights is at the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle. Zoolights: https://www.pdza.org/event/zoolights/ Wildlights: http://www.zoo.org/wildlights  Ice Skating in Bellevue Downtown Park: Enjoy ice skating outdoors, in the park! $14, includes skate rental. Discount for Bellevue College students and children 8 & under, $10. November 29-January 20, check the website for hours. www.bellevuedowntown.com/events/ice-arena/schedule  Gingerbread Village in Seattle: Local architecture firms design and bake incredible gingerbread creations that are on display at the Sheraton Seattle Hotel from November 23-January 1. Check website for viewing hours, free admission. https://gingerbreadvillage.org/page.php?groupingID=events And even MORE winter festivities can be found at this link:
http://www.events12.com/seattle/december/ Happy Holidays from ELLA. Stay safe and warm and enjoy the season! |
AuthorSuzanne Sievert Archives
February 2020
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