In Bellevue, Thanksgiving brings together a mix of traditional festivities and contemporary experiences, all set against a backdrop of vibrant autumn scenery. As we gather around shared tables and explore the city’s seasonal offerings, we’re encouraged to celebrate thoughtfully, with an awareness of the land’s Indigenous heritage and the complex history surrounding the holiday. It’s more than a day of turkey and football; it’s an opportunity to celebrate and reflect on the stories that make up our diverse community.
WHERE TO EAT ON THANKSGIVING DAY
It's a feast you're looking for, Bellevue's got you covered.
On the 31st floor of Lincoln Square at The Bellevue Collection, Thanksgiving day brunch returns with Ascend Prime's coveted Carts and Carousels display of appetizers and desserts. Make a window seat reservation - you won't be disappointed.
At Daniel's Broiler, you'll enjoy a special Thanksgiving dinner treat from noon to 8:00 p.m., featuring options like roast turkey, prime rib, and more. Reservations available on their website.
The Lakehouse is hosting a family-style Thanksgiving meal with all the classics, prepared by Chef Kevin Benner & The Lakehouse Culinary Team. Reservations available on Tock.
At the Water Grill, you'll find a three-course Thanksgiving menu that will be available all day, in addition to their full menu of delicious seafood. Reservations available on their website.
A celebration in Bellevue often calls for hot pot, and you can enjoy a variety of styles. From The Dolar Shop's elevated hot pot with individual ceramic pots, to the Sichuan flavors at Lao Ma Tou Hot Pot, there's a lot to munch on over the course of your Thanksgiving dinner.
Skip the turkey and treat your fam -ily to a Peking Duck feast at Baron's Sino Kitchen in The Bellevue Collection, or at Peony down on Old Main Street. The tea smoked chicken there comes highly recommended.
WHAT TO DO/WHERE TO GO FOR THANKSGIVING
Celebrate Thanksgiving in Bellevue with festive activities that kick off the holiday season in style. From ice skating at the beautiful Bellevue Downtown Park to enjoying the nightly Snowflake Lane parade, Bellevue offers family-friendly events that create magical holiday memories.
ICE SKATING AT BELLEVUE DOWNTOWN ICE RINK
Kick off the holiday season by ice skating at the Ice Rink in Downtown Bellevue Park. It's a family-friendly activity and tickets include skate rentals. Rink hours vary depending on day and holiday, and it's open from 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day through Saturday.
See Snowflake Lane
One of Bellevue’s most beloved holiday traditions, Snowflake Lane begins the day after Thanksgiving. This nightly parade along Bellevue Way features dazzling lights, festive music, and a light snowfall to set the perfect holiday mood.
Black Friday/Holiday Shopping
The day after Thanksgiving is reserved for in person shopping, and Bellevue's got plenty of it. Explore the Advent Calendars and Black Friday deals at any one of our shopping centers. In downtown, check out the massive The Bellevue Collection with over 200 shops, high end luxury at The Shops at The Bravern, the shops on Old Main Street, The Avenue, Crossroads Bellevue, and The Marketplace at Factoria.
Garden D'Lights
Garden D'Lights transforms the Bellevue Botanical Garden into a winter wonderland, showcasing vibrant light displays inspired by plants and creatures from the Pacific Northwest. Thousands of twinkling lights illuminate intricate flower sculptures, wildlife figures, and whimsical scenes along the garden paths. They're all handcrafted into accurate representations of wildlife and nature by volunteers. Purchasing tickets online ahead of time can also save you from potential wait times at the entrance.
WHERE TO RELAX: UNWIND AND RECHARGE THIS THANKSGIVING IN BELLEVUE
Thanksgiving in Bellevue isn’t just about feasting and festivities—it’s also a time to relax and recharge.
Escape the holiday bustle with a soothing experience at Yuan Spa, where you can indulge in a hydrotherapy circuit, rejuvenating massages, and traditional wellness treatments. This urban oasis is perfect for relaxing body and mind. Recoop Spa offers a range of luxurious treatments, from facials to deep tissue massages, all in a serene setting. Truce Spa located in the Westin Bellevue offers a fantastic array of services.f It’s a perfect retreat if you're looking to unwind before or after a Thanksgiving feast. If you want something on the wilder side, consider the social hot sauna experience at Von Sauna, where you are encouraged to take a cold plunge in Lake Washington.
THANKSGIVING PIE IN BELLEVUE
Belle Pastry is offering pumpkin and fall-themed deserts in all forms. From pumpkin tarts and pumpkin chocolate mousse to the pecan tart, this little bakery on charming Main Street is a perfect spot to stop for some coffee and a serving of the smoked salmon quiche.
For those that prefer something non-traditional, consider getting a fluffy Japanese cheesecake from LeTao, located at The Shops at The Bravern. The boutique features a display of sweet, but not too sweet, cheesy delights, and the Tromage cheesecake is made with three types of Hokkaido cheese. There's also a Venezia Rendez-vou Cheese tart made with Marscarpone cheese from northern Italy. There's also Lady M and Lady Yum in The Bellevue Collection. There's also Mochinut in the Crossroads shopping area, for a dozen chew mochi donuts.
Farine is offering some special Thanksgiving treats, with a Basque Cheesecake, Pumpkin Tarte, Apple Cranberry Tart and Thanksgiving Dinner Rolls on the menu.
