A nightly white Christmas is the ultimate holiday tradition here in Bellevue, where Snowflake Lane brings joyful holiday tunes, glittering floats, festive characters, and falling snow every day at 7:00 p.m., starting the day after Thanksgiving to the day before Christmas. The fantastical parade is free and open to the public on Bellevue Way, as toy solders, snow princesses, and dancing elves twirl their way through the streets.

Pro Tip: Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot along Bellevue Way.

Lace up your skates and glide across the region's largest seasonal ice rink at Bellevue Downtown Ice Rink located at Bellevue Downtown Park. Open daily from now through January 15, 2025, this outdoor rink is ideal for all skill levels. With 9,000 square feet of ice, a spacious viewing area, concessions, free parking, and skate aids for beginners, the Ice Rink is a popular wintertime attraction. From free skate lessons to special events, this holiday tradition is perfect for friendly get-togethers, celebratory outings, or family gatherings. Plan your visit and purchase online tickets starting in early November. Walk-up tickets are limited, so visitors are strongly encouraged to purchase in advance online.

Pro Tip: Get your tickets online and get special pricing on weekdays

The Bellevue Botanical Garden's Garden d'Lights is a spectacular, anatomically accurate, holiday lighting display of plants, flowers, cascading waterfalls, and whimsical garden critters. Handcrafted by volunteers throughout the year, over half a million sparkling lights are set amid the natural beauty of the garden. From November 30 through December 31, with the exception of Christmas Day, first entry begins at 4:30 p.m. and lights go out at 9:30 p.m. every night. Kids  under 10 are free. 

Pro Tip: Tickets must be purchased online, so purchase them online because they are not sold at the gate.

Make your own Gingerbread Houses with KidsQuest's annual Gingerbread Workshops. There will be over 700 pounds of candy, over 60 gallons of frosting, and an entire holiday crafting extravaganza at the Hyatt Regency Bellevue from Friday, November 29 - November 30. This you can choose from the classic workshops, the Ballerina workshops with a fancy performance, or the Gingerbread After Dark event for a 21+ event with a private candy buffet and a cash bar.

Pro Tip: Spots fill up fast—book early to secure your place.

Catch the holiday spectacular, The Nutcracker from the International Ballet Theatre, this holiday season. With performances every weekend in December, Ballet Master Veral Altunina choreographs the holiday favorite with its original European flavor, exquisite hand-made costumes, and festive theatrical pageantry. The performances will feature Guest Principal Anna Sophia Scheller from Buenos Aires Argentina, and National Ballet of Ukraine The Kiev as principal dance. 

Pro Tip: Purchase tickets early for popular shows as they tend to sell out quickly.

MIRRA is an immersive VR party game and dining venue - the first of its kind. They also have one of the best views in the city for the nightly Snowflake Lane experience, on their patio space. At Reality Break Escapes, they're putting on a special Holiday Heist escape room, where your band makes a devious deal with the holiday-hating Gronch. 

For a classic bowling experience, Lucky Strike in Lincoln Square features bowling lanes, an arcade, and a full-service bar and restaurant, making it ideal for family outings. Board game enthusiasts will enjoy Mox Boarding House, which offers an extensive library of games to play on-site, along with a restaurant and retail space. For a swinging good time, try Top Golf Swing Suite and Par 1 Mini Golf at Forum Social House, or Monster Mini Golf's glow in the dark course, laser maze, and more.

Inside Bellevue Square, you'll find the Snowflake Lane Factory, and Santa is posing for photos on November 29. Reservations are required. The 200+ stores in The Bellevue Collection are all celebrating with holiday decorations and artful window displays - just go check out the gigantic puffer jackets at Aritzia. There are also over 50 restaurants to choose from.

For high-end holiday shopping, The Shops at the Bravern pulls out the stops when decorating for the season. With twinkling lights all around, it's totally worth the photo op. By the beautiful architectural waves of the Intercontinental Bellevue at The Avenue, you'll find the Jo Malone and Fleur floral boutique shops for some more high end selections.

Old Bellevue on Main Street is also dripping with holiday lights, red bows, and festive attire. Hedge & Vine is a must for all sorts of knick knacks and holiday goods. Fran's Chocolates will melt all your worries away with a stunning selection of chocolates and giftables. Stop by the glassybaby for some candle votivs for a good cause and Story Coffee to see what's the most recent selection of art and decor for purchase. 

Finally, for nature-inspired gifts, the Trillium Store at the Bellevue Botanical Garden is a hidden gem for holiday gifts.

Pro Tip: Take time to enjoy the festive atmosphere—whether it’s snapping a family photo by a giant Christmas tree or marveling at the intricate details in a boutique’s window display. The holiday spirit is in every detail!