After ringing in 2026 with fresh perspectives, January is the perfect month for peaceful nature walks, comforting soups, and low-key experiences that feel restorative. Bellevue sees a light scattering of snow in January and February, during the city's slower and quieter months. It's nothing serious, but it sure is pretty! 

Whether you are visiting for a winter getaway or rediscovering the city close to home, January offers space to explore Bellevue at an unhurried pace.

Bellevue Downtown Ice Rink (Now through Jan. 19)

Lace up and skate under the lights at our Bellevue Downtown Ice Rink, a seasonal tradition that adds the extra cheer to your holiday adventure. Located right in Downtown Park, you have plenty of walkable dining locations nearby, including the cult favorite... Molly Moon's. Ice cream in the winter? Why, for Molly Moon's Homemade Ice Cream, I might. And maybe wine's the move, with wine rooms like Valentina's or Browne Family Vineyards on the festively decorated Main Street. If January is dry, then Matcha Magic offers some delicious specialty beverages and Third Coffee Culture's coffee selection is top tier. 

Live Music at Jocovine (Jan. 2, Fridays and Saturdays)

Friday and Saturday nights at Jocovine has some old school charm, blended with crisp modern flair. Enjoy craft cocktails while local musicians perform their live set in the intimate dining space. 

Cebiche & Pisco Workshop with La Mar Bellevue (Jan. 3)

This delicious Cebiche & Pisco Workshop series at La Mar Bellevue puts the spotlight on the flavor packed cebiche and Peruvian sauces, paired with an educational walkthrough of what goes into a Pisco Sour. If you're itching for more culinary classes, check out our recent article, "Learn Something New This Winter: The Best Classes to Take in Bellevue, WA."

Open Clay Studio at KidsQuest (Jan. 9)

Create with clay in the KidsQuest Children's Museum studio, designed for artists of all ages. Create one-of-a-kind masterpieces with low-fire clay. 

Hip Hop & Afrobeats at Mirra (Jan. 10)

Brought to us by Seattle Party Rockers, The Reset is a high energy nightlife experience taking over Mirra with DJ Daudi, DJ Quins, and DJ Phaus spinning hip-hop, Afrobeats, and party anthems. 

Up ENDing Parkinsons Climb Sessions (Jan. 15)

Head to Edgeworks Bellevue for a climbing session hosted with Up Ending Parkinson's (UEP) for people living with PD (and their families/support systems!) This event is FREE to PD participants thanks to the generous sponsorship of the NW Parkinson’s Foundation.

Bollywood Wonderland (Jan. 17)

DJ Prashant is bringing down the house with a Bollywood Wonderland themed night at MIRRA. With an immersive LED wall, high-energy Bollywood, and and all white dress code, this one is going to have the dance floor bumpin'. 

Adaptive Climb Night (Jan. 22)

Edgeworks Bellevue hosts an Adaptive Climb Night every four Thursday. These nights provide space and support for adaptive climbers to come together, build community, and explore climbing. There will be staff members, belayers, and adaptive equipment available. Open to adaptive athletes of all ages and abilities. 

ECHO By Cirque Du Soleil (Jan. 30 - Mar. 22)

At Marymoor Park, Cirque du Soleil returns with a new show to our neck of the woods. ECHO is where poetry, stagecraft, daring acrobatics, and cutting-edge technology come together to explore the delicate balance between people, animals, and the world we all share. The Sound Transit 2 Line Light Rail is up and running, and the Marymoor Village station is just 6 stops from the Downtown Bellevue Station.

Bonsai Show at Bellevue Botanical Garden (Jan. 31 - Feb. 1)

The Winter Silhouette Show presented by Puget Sound Bonsai Association is a free event where bonsai trees reveal their truest form in the crisp winter air. This exhibition invites you to discover the intricate framework of deciduous bonsai from 10 am to 4 pm at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.

Winter Walks in Green Spaces

Bellevue’s parks remain open and inviting year-round, and January is one of the most peaceful times to explore them. Take a couple laps exploring Bellevue Downtown Park, meander on to Meydenbauer Bay Park for calm waterfront views of Lake Washington. Bellevue Botanical Garden is open daily and free to visit. If you keep walking past the suspension bridge, you might find yourself at Kelsey Creek Farm. Say hi to the resident pigs and sheep! Weowna Park is a beautiful patch of greenery with a forest of old growth threes on the Lake Sammamish side of Bellevue, and it's a part of Bellevue's Lake-to-Lake Trail. 

Winter Sports & Wellness Weekends

January is one of the best months to enjoy winter sports at nearby ski resorts. Crystal Mountain, Steven's Pass, and the Summit at Snoqualmie keep our locals busy during these months, offering snow activities of every caliber within a 1 - 2 hour drive away. Once you return, relax in the healing hydrotherapy pools and eucalyptus steam room at Yuan Spa in downtown Bellevue or head up to Carillon Point for Von Sauna's floating sauna on Lake Washington, where you can opt for a cold plunge. If you want to stay in town, Upgrade Labs offers a zippy cryotherapy experience that will bring your energy levels up in a jiffy. They also have lymphatic drainage suits if you're feeling extra bulky from holiday feasting.

Plan a Short Winter Day Trip to Nearby Small Towns

One of Bellevue’s advantages in January is how easy it is to step outside the city without committing to a long drive or overnight stay. Several small towns and scenic areas are close enough for a winter day trip, offering snowy views, cozy main streets, and a change of pace. Or perhaps it's time to explore the nearby Northwest Trolls by artist Thomas Dambo. 

Planning Your Visit to The Pacific Northwest

Located just across Lake Washington from Seattle, Bellevue is easy to reach. Our free electric shuttle, BellHop operates year round in our downtown core, and there are plenty of transportation options. Explore seasonal events, restaurant guides, and more at VisitBellevueWA.com, order a free visitor guide or culinary guide, and follow @VisitBellevue on social for the latest itineraries and travel inspiration.