Get a Peek Behind the Scenes of Bellevue’s Season of Cheer

As a spectator, it’s easy to be pulled into the fun and frolicking of a winter wonderland that has magically replaced the status quo. In the beautiful city of Bellevue, countless volunteers work nearly year-round to transform the holidays into a season of unforgettable events.

This year, we’re sharing a behind-the-scenes look into downtown Bellevue’s top three holiday attractions. Whether you live in the area or simply love to visit for this special season, these little-known details will leave you surprised and excited to check out each venue with a whole new outlook on the festivities.

The rink is located one block south of Bellevue Square, and rental skates are included in the admission price. Tickets are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis; purchase online to ensure your entry. Tentative skaters can get on the ice with confidence thanks to the complimentary skate guides, and $3 locker rentals keep your belongings safe. The concession stand is loaded with hot beverages, tasty snacks, and even ice cream. Tables and chairs are provided in the free viewing area for those who would rather watch than skate.

When You Go

• Dates: Nov. 15, 2024–Jan. 12, 2025 Times: Hours vary; check website for specific dates
• Admission: $15–$25, based on date of visit; season passes available
• Parking: Free three-hour parking in two adjacent lots

Snowflake Lane 20th Anniversary Season

Named the Most Festive Town in America by Huffington Post, Bellevue brings the holidays to a whole new level with this cherished event that, since its debut in 2005, has evolved into an experience unlike any other. Inspired by his visits to showstopping holiday spots across the country, Kemper Freeman — founder of The Bellevue Collection and Snowflake Lane — dreamed of creating a fantastical experience like he saw in New York City, where the 10-story Saks Fifth Avenue building is draped in 700,000 LED lights. Over time, Freeman has seen his vision grow and, in 2023, Bellevue’s iconic parade drew nearly 400,000 guests over 31 nights.

Beginning the day after Thanksgiving and running through Christmas Eve, falling snow from more than 55 snow machines sets the tone with 16 holiday floats, festive music, a dazzling light show, Sugar Plum Fairies, majors and majorettes, ballerinas and, of course — Santa and Mrs. Claus. The parade rolls down Bellevue Way NE between Bellevue Square and Lincoln Square, passing underneath a skybridge that connects the two.

It takes two months to costume and fit the entire cast and the following numbers from the 2023 production speak to the enormity of this anticipated event. More than 100 Jingle Belle umbrellas rang in the season along with at least 940 gallons of snow. Around 400 lights splashed buildings along the parade route in color, and approximately 1,300 custom blinking lights illuminated the costumes. Drumsticks surpassed 100, and a 80,000 pieces of candy were handed out last year. Expect more of the same this season!

Transforming four blocks into a winter wonderland straight out of the North Pole, the community production of nearly 180 paid cast members is made up of mostly students from throughout the region who must audition, rehearse, and perform during the entire season. Characters include Snow Princesses, Jinglettes, Ribbon Dancers, 16 Snow Flurry Color Guards, 18 Float Patrols, and stilt-walking toy soldiers. Many multigenerational families have been part of the production since it started 20 years ago.

Celebrating 30 Years of Garden d’Lights

In the beginning, there was light … and a committee. In 1994, the staff and volunteers of the Bellevue Botanical Garden came up with the idea for a monthlong festival that included workshops, musical performances, gingerbread-house building, and the cornerstone of the festival: a botanical light display. Since that first year, the number of visitors has grown from 1,000 in 1994 to 81,000 in 2023.

The transformation of the garden takes approximately nine months. Like devoted Santa’s helpers, the volunteer team starts work on building, repairing, and installing the infrastructure, meeting weekly from March through most of October. Roughly four weeks before Thanksgiving, installation begins, with volunteers working six days a week, four-to-five hours each day, for about 20 days. The light displays are taken down during the first week in January and then seven weeks later, the process begins again.

This incredible effort, including the overall design, repair, and maintenance is 100% volunteer based, with some team members having worked on the garden display for 15 years. These dedicated “elves” contribute more than 6,400 hours of their time each year!

Originally, incandescent lights created a more subtle look but they used a lot of power. Keeping in line with Bellevue’s passion for conservation and technology, the display currently uses mostly LED strings, which are repaired and tended to twice a week during the season by an infrastructure team. The strings can last up to 10 years before the structures need to be rebuilt.

Repeat visitors enjoy longtime favorite displays such as the Poinsettia tree, fawn lilies, and a four-hump Snap d’Dragon. Children of all ages look forward to finding each season’s new “critter.” This year, one of the staff gardeners requested a salamander: a big-eyed amphibious lizard that dwells in the damper parts of the garden, playing an important role in the overall ecosystem.