{"id":62336,"date":"2025-12-10T08:03:34","date_gmt":"2025-12-10T16:03:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.seattleschild.com\/?p=62336"},"modified":"2025-12-10T10:13:28","modified_gmt":"2025-12-10T18:13:28","slug":"bellevue-botanical-garden-presents-garden-dlights","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.seattleschild.com\/bellevue-botanical-garden-presents-garden-dlights\/","title":{"rendered":"Garden d\u2019Lights Returns: A Bellevue holiday classic for 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"

Over the years, many of our family\u2019s holiday traditions have ebbed and flowed as our children have grown. One tradition that we have maintained since the days of babes in strollers to a house full of teenagers, however, is visiting the annual light display at Bellevue Botanical Garden\u2019s Garden d\u2019Lights<\/a>. Now in its 31st season of operation, Garden d\u2019Lights has been enchanting Seattle-area families for generations.<\/p>\n

Featuring over half a million twinkling lights arranged in whimsical scenes throughout the botanical garden, Garden d\u2019Lights is a crowd pleaser for all ages. Creative light displays are designed and installed by volunteers each year, representing thousands of hours of behind-the-scenes and on-the-ground preparations for the big event. This year\u2019s event is expected to draw over 70,000 visitors, so plan ahead if you intend on visiting.<\/p>\n

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Photos can never 100% do holiday lights justice .. you’ll have to use a bit of your imagination (and trust us!) (Image: Allison Peterson \/ Seattle’s Child)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

What You’ll See This Year<\/h4>\n

During our walk through this year\u2019s light show, several displays stood out: a scintillating river, a life-size vegetable garden (complete with a sneaky rabbit pulling up carrots!), and even a fire-breathing dragon. Each light sculpture plant is created by hand, taking anywhere from 2 hours for a small flower to over 40 hours for a larger and more intricate plant. The largest light sculpture currently on display is the poinsettia tree that is composed of over 11,000 lights and took over 350 volunteer hours to create.<\/p>\n

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Peter Rabbit, is that you? (Image: Allison Peterson \/ Seattle’s Child)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

What’s New for 2025<\/h4>\n

Despite having visited Garden d\u2019Lights many times over the years, there is always something new to discover. The 2025 Garden d\u2019Lights has a varied walking path with a new order of light displays, and each display has been upgraded to incandescent lights for brighter, more vibrant colors. Keep your eye out for new additions to the displays, including the cutest baby owl perched next to its mother.<\/p>\n

Several special events this year help add to the magic of a stroll through Garden d\u2019Lights. Live musical performances will take place on several evenings in the Aaron Education Center. Musical performances are included with Garden d\u2019Lights admission. Download a free scavenger hunt for kids and see how many light-plants and light-critters they can find along the path (Make sure to search both high and low!). Enjoy Garden d\u2019Lights in a quieter setting on their sensory-friendly night on December 2 (tickets required). The sensory-friendly night will have limited capacity and no live music for a calmer experience.<\/p>\n

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Mama and baby owl, one of the cutest new additions! (Image: Allison Peterson \/ Seattle’s Child)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Make it a Bellevue Night Out<\/h4>\n

If you want to dive deep into the holiday spirit, consider adding on a second stop after your visit to Garden d\u2019Lights. Snowflake Lane<\/a>, a free nightly holiday parade, takes place just down the road between Bellevue Square and Lincoln Center. With the parade beginning at 7 p.m. each evening, this can make a spectacular finish to the evening after an early-entrance viewing of Garden d\u2019Lights.<\/p>\n

Whether visiting for the first time or for the 31st time, Garden d\u2019Lights lives up to its moniker: It is an absolute delight for all who enter this enchanting garden. Gather your loved ones and make your own memories at Garden d\u2019Lights this season!<\/p>\n

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A cherished family tradition. (Image: Allison Peterson \/ Seattle’s Child)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Know Before You Go: Tickets, Parking, Hours & Logistics<\/h4>\n

Dates & Hours<\/strong><\/p>\n