It’s officially the holiday season! No matter your background or how you celebrate the holidays, the month of December can be a magical experience for everyone. The team at Station Cities Seattle wishes you the best as 2021 comes to an and we usher in 2022.
For me, December is all about the beautiful lights displays. Here are some local favorites for you to explore:
Bellevue Botanical Garden creates an amazing display of realistic flora and fauna with over half a million lights taking the shape of plants, birds, animals, and other natural elements. Open daily through December 31st from 4:30pm – 9:00pm. Advance sale tickets are required at a very reasonable price of just $5 per person. Kids 10 and under are free.
Hosted at the Puyallup Fairgrounds this year’s event has more lights, displays, and interactive exhibits. There are both indoor and outdoor activities including ice skating, a merry-go round, The Santa Express train, a firepit, and various food and drink selections. Parking is free and dates are limited in December. Advance ticket purchases are recommended.
Enjoy this nightly parade in Bellevue beginning at 7pm through December 24th. Costumes, lights, snow, and music fill the streets of downtown right in front of Bellevue Square. Arrive early and park in one of the free garages and claim your sidewalk space. Perhaps do a little shopping, grab dinner, and end the evening with this free event.
Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle is host to this amazing display. Available to enjoy until the end of January, you will be impressed by the larger-than-life animal lanterns and other light arrangements. This year some basic food options are also on offer and the Zoo has added some evening performances.
Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium transforms for the holidays with its special version of fully lit magic: 800,000 sparkling LED lights. This colorful winter wonderland lasts until January 2nd. Tickets are available now at very reasonable rates.
If you enjoy driving around and viewing neighborhood light displays, consider making a fun game of it. Create your own scavenger hunt rules or look to Google for free printable inspiration. Compete within the family or work as a team. Grab some hot chocolate and head out!
December Home Tip:
As the weather gets colder, you will see your energy bill rise. We tend to have longer periods with lights on due to the early darkness. Your heating source also runs longer to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. Even your water heater works overtime to deliver perfectly hot water. You can conserve energy by turning off lights in empty rooms and setting your furnace schedule to times you are home. Just remember not to keep the heat too low or re-heating your home will take longer and use more energy. And you do not want to run the risk of freezing pipes. For indoor and outdoor holiday lights, set a timer to shut them down around midnight when no one is likely to be enjoying them anymore. Maybe leave on just for Christmas Eve so St. Nick can find his way.
Wishing you our holiday best!
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