Whether it is the burst of cheerful colors or the glow that cuts through even the darkest of evenings, there is something about holiday lights that brings out the magic of the season in us all. Draped across houses or twisted around trees, the sparkling bulbs have the power to transform ordinary streets, parks and neighborhoods into glittering wonderlands.

While it might be tempting to cozy up with a warm blanket and hot cider by the fire, be sure not to miss out on the chance to marvel at the brilliant lights outside! Bundle up, take a ride, get out in the clear, crisp air and experience the impressive holiday displays lighting up Seattle this season.

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Helmstetler Family Christmas Spectacular in West Seattle

This Christmas "Spectacular" truly lives up to its name. Photo: West Seattle Lights
This Christmas “Spectacular” truly lives up to its name. Photo: West Seattle Lights

Kick start your tour in West Seattle by visiting the Helmstetler Family Christmas Spectacular, presented by West Seattle Lights. With four different sets that rotate on the half-hour, musical programming broadcast through 101.9 FM and more than 60,000 sparkling LED lights, this display requires multiple visits. The Family Christmas Spectacular takes food and cash donations, which are given to the West Seattle Food Bank and the Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation, so don’t forget to bring a canned good or two.

Garden d’Lights at the Bellevue Botanical Garden

The Garden d'Lights is one of the largest and most ornate displays in the city. Photo: Anupam_ts
The Garden d’Lights is one of the largest and most ornate displays in the city. Photo: Anupam_ts

Venture across the I-90 bridge to Bellevue for a truly impressive sight. Every year, over half a million spectacular lights transform the Bellevue Botanical Garden into the Garden d’Lights. Wander this paradise of creatively crafted displays to experience vibrant fields of flowers, groves of grapes, Charlotte from Charlotte’s Web, Willie the Slug as well as other beloved critters. Don’t forget to take advantage of the stops for photo ops along the way!

Woodinville Wonderland

The Zembruskis give the Griswolds a run for their money. Photo: Woodinville Wonderland
The Zembruskis give the Griswolds a run for their money. Photo: Woodinville Wonderland

Cap your tour off with an ode to a traditional Christmas story at the Woodinville Wonderland. The stunning display put on by the Zembruskis’ uses the couple’s one-acre lot to showcase their love of the season with a fully synchronized musical light show featuring a brilliant array of glowing Christmas trees, snowmen, bows, bells, presents and Santas. The Zembruskis will be accepting donations for the Special Olympics of Washington and the Northshore Wranglers for the 10th year in a row.

There’s nothing that embodies the spirit of the holidays quite like vibrant, magical lights. Seattle really goes all out to create festive displays that will leave your whole family mesmerized. Make the most of this brilliant time of year and head outdoors for an adventure that is sure to be a new holiday tradition!

HOW TO GET THERE:

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Clipper Recommends:

  •  Looking for more lights? Add a bit of holiday magic to your favorite animal exhibit with Wildlights at the Woodland Park Zoo and wander through a winter wonderland full of dazzling creatures.
  • Curb growling stomachs with Savor Seattle’s Gourmet Food Tour, and eat your way through Belltown, downtown Seattle, and Pike Place Market as you enjoy a progressive meal that at Seattle’s best restaurants and hot spots.

 

Feature Photo: Kate Zaidova