Your guide to the best holiday light displays around Seattle

While Seattle isn't quite back to its pre-pandemic self, many traditional holiday activities are taking place this holiday season.  

If you've already experienced the lights and sounds of Leavenworth, or if you just prefer a more low-key activity, we've rounded up some of the area's best light displays. Stay in your car or wander around, these displays can be enjoyed at your own pace. Just remember to grab a mask, and in some areas, your vaccine card.

Keep reading for the scoop on where to find Seattle's best holiday light displays. 

Downtown Seattle

Downtown Seattle is officially lit for the holidays. From now through Jan. 9, enjoy more than 135,000 twinkling lights in Westlake Park and Occidental Square. Walk through a world of larger-than-life presents, ornaments, arches and more. Displays in both parks are free and family-friendly.

West Seattle

The Menashe family typically displays a gargantuan festive lighting at their home in West Seattle. Thousands of twinkling lights, mechanical displays and more can be seen from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. through Jan. 1 at the 5600 block of Beach Drive. After downsizing in 2020 to avoid drawing large crowds, the full-fledged display is back this year and bigger than ever. New in 2021: a life-like, animatronic singing Santa.

Olympic Manor, Crown Hill

Drive through the Olympic Manor neighborhood on North Seattle’s Crown Hill to gaze at numerous festive homes around mid-December. Enter at N.W. 85th Street and 22nd/21st Avenue N.W. or at N.W. 90th and 24th Avenue N.W., and don't forget the hot chocolate.

Stanwood

Stanwood's Lights of Christmas spectacle is a drive-thru event for the second year in a row. From the comfort and warmth of your car, drive by spectacular lights and intricate displays and wave at Santa and Mrs. Claus. Grab the keys and crank up the Christmas tunes for this one.

Woodland Park Zoo WildLanterns

Now through Jan. 30, enjoy the Woodland Park Zoo WildLanters and holiday light displays. Woodland Park Zoo remains open for daytime visits and for evening explorations at its WildLanterns holiday event. Per King County mandates, vaccine verification or a negative COVID test are required for entry day and night.

Kent

This year's Very Merry Christmas House transports you to Sesame Street with handmade props and over 60,000 lights synchronized to music. Follow the signs from Covington/Sawyer Road to reach the land of Elmo and Big Bird. The show is free, so drive by in your car or, if walking by, the homeowners please ask that you wear a mask. Lights turn on at dusk and remain on until 11:30 p.m. Canned food donations are also being accepted for the Black Diamond Senior Center/Food Bank. 

Pioneer Square

Seattle's Pioneer Square is once again celebrating the holidays with its fully lit shopping center. From celebrating and supporting small businesses to coffee breaks and makers markets, indulge in this free event and enjoy free parking on Saturdays.

Snowflake Lane in Bellevue

The beloved Snowflake Lane parade has returned to Bellevue Way every night now through Dec. 24. Watch as elves, snow princesses, drummers, snow-love creatures and Santa himself pass by. Masks are recommended while standing in the large parade crowds, and are required anywhere indoors at the Bellevue Collection.

Bothell

Evergreen Church is celebrating the 10th year of its Evergreen Christmas Lights Show. The free event begins at 6 p.m. and is open until 9 p.m. The outdoor event is free to everyone, no reservation or ticket required. 

Spanaway Park

Spanaway's Fantasy Lights claims to be the largest holiday drive-thru experience in the Northwest. With over 300 detailed displays and thousands of lights, the two-mile drive is a Washington holiday tradition.

Redmond

Now through Jan. 5, enjoy the free Redmond Lights installation at Redmond's Downtown Park. New this year: the STQRY app will lead a self-guided tour that ends at Redmond Town Center for more holiday festivities.

Puyallup

Washington State Fair's Holiday Magic event is back this year and claims to be bigger, better and brighter. On select days throughout December, experience holiday magic with lights, interactive displays, food and drink options. Proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test are required for entry. Tickets are on sale now.

Tacoma

The classic Zoolights experience is back at Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium. With over 800,00 lights, see a giant Pacific octopus, a huge tiger face, a Seahawks tree and a replica of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. Tickets are on sale now.