Where to See the Best Holiday Lights in Washington
Just a short drive from Seattle, the Bellevue Botanical Garden transforms into a winter wonderland each holiday season. Located about 15 minutes east of downtown Seattle, this 53-acre garden features the enchanting Garden d’Lights display, where thousands of twinkling lights illuminate native plants and sparkling sculptures. Stroll along the easy, accessible paths to witness glowing trees, intricate light tunnels, and glowing animal figures, all set against the peaceful backdrop of natural landscaping. The blend of horticulture and artistry makes this display stand out, inviting visitors to experience both the beauty of the holiday season and the Pacific Northwest’s native flora. Early evening, just after dusk, is the prime time to see the lights come alive against the darkening sky.
Venturing south to Tacoma, you’ll find the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium about 20 minutes from downtown. Their annual Winterfest lights up the 29-acre park with dazzling light installations that wind around the zoo’s pathways and gardens. The zoo’s unique setting allows you to watch illuminated animal sculptures alongside real wildlife habitats, blending education with festive fun. The gentle stroll is perfect for families, and the cooler December evenings enhance the crisp glow of the lights while offering occasional glimpses of wildlife settling down for the night. The mix of sparkling lights and the zoo’s natural beauty creates a magical holiday experience that lingers after dark.
Heading east from Seattle, the city of Leavenworth, nestled in the Cascade Mountains about two hours away, is renowned for its Bavarian-themed Christmas Lighting Festival. This small town’s alpine charm is amplified by thousands of white lights draped on half-timbered buildings, snow-covered rooftops, and towering evergreen trees. Walking through Leavenworth’s quaint streets during the festival feels like stepping into a European winter postcard. The town’s public squares and parks host live music and holiday markets, offering visitors a full sensory experience of traditional German holiday cheer. Snowfall typically adds a shimmering layer to the scene, making evenings especially picturesque and perfect for lingering with a warm drink in hand.
On the Olympic Peninsula, the town of Port Townsend, about a two-and-a-half-hour drive northwest of Seattle, offers a different kind of holiday lights experience. Its historic Victorian downtown glows with elegant, understated holiday lights that highlight the architectural details of well-preserved 19th-century buildings. The town’s festive spirit culminates in a holiday parade and lantern-lit boat festival along the waterfront. Wandering the streets under strings of warm white lights, visitors can appreciate the blend of maritime history and holiday tradition. Winter’s early nightfall allows for longer evening explorations, and the crisp coastal air adds a refreshing contrast to the cozy ambiance.
In Spokane, about three hours east of Seattle, Manito Park becomes a centerpiece for holiday light displays during the season. The park’s Sunken Garden and Rose Hill areas are especially captivating when draped in thousands of shimmering lights that reflect off the water and frost-covered foliage. This urban oasis offers wide, accessible paths ideal for a leisurely evening walk. The park’s historic glasshouses and carefully curated gardens serve as a stunning backdrop, setting this experience apart from typical light displays. Clear, cold winter nights make the light reflections sharper and the starry sky overhead more visible, enhancing the quiet magic of the setting.
Driving north from Seattle to the San Juan Islands, the small community of Friday Harbor on San Juan Island takes a more intimate approach to holiday lights. About a three-and-a-half-hour journey including a ferry from Seattle, this charming harbor town dresses its shops, docks, and marinas with festive lights that sparkle off the water. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful waterfront stroll, soaking in the glow of twinkling lights against the backdrop of moored sailboats and quiet harbors. The combination of maritime atmosphere and holiday illumination creates a uniquely tranquil experience, especially on crisp winter evenings when the calm waters mirror the lights overhead.
For a more traditional holiday village experience, the Columbia Gorge region near the town of White Salmon, about three hours southeast of Seattle, hosts the annual Winter Lights at the Wind River Winery. Here, vineyards and open fields are transformed into a luminous landscape, with the majestic Cascade Mountains providing a dramatic backdrop. Visitors can tour the illuminated grounds, enjoying seasonal music and local wine tastings beside fire pits and glowing sculptures. The mix of rustic charm, open-air expanses, and twinkling lights offers a memorable alternative to urban displays. The best time to visit is during clear, cold nights when the star-filled sky complements the festive glow on the ground.
Finally, in the heart of Washington’s wine country near Walla Walla, about four hours southeast of Seattle, the downtown district shines during the holiday season with a blend of historic architecture and modern light art installations. Strolling through the walkable streets lined with boutique shops, galleries, and tasting rooms, visitors encounter creative lighting displays that celebrate both the region’s agricultural roots and its vibrant arts scene. Seasonal events often include illuminated parades and festive fairs, inviting travelers to immerse themselves in small-town holiday warmth. Evening visits on crisp winter nights reveal the unique interplay of light and shadow against the brick facades, making it a perfect place for cozy exploration.
Each of these places offers a distinct slice of Washington’s seasonal spirit, from urban gardens to mountain towns, coastal villages to sprawling parks. The state’s diverse landscapes and communities ensure that holiday lights are never just decorations; they become part of a larger story told through natural beauty, history, and local culture. Whether you seek bustling festive crowds or quiet reflective moments under the glow of twinkling bulbs, Washington’s holiday light destinations promise to brighten any winter journey.