Holiday lights · Washington

Seattle Holiday Lights day trip

Seattle Holiday Lights

A December afternoon-to-evening plan for Seattle's holiday lights: Pike Place Market at dusk, the Westlake tree and carousel, Seattle Center Winterfest by Monorail, a timed entry to WildLanterns at Woodland Park Zoo, and the free Candy Cane Lane display in Ravenna. Bellevue's Garden d'Lights and the Argosy Christmas Ship are covered as swaps.

Time
Late afternoon and evening, about 7 hours
Driving
About 45 minutes of city driving, plus a Monorail ride
Best time
December; best December 5–23
Updated
$4 USD

One-time purchase. You own your guide forever and can return for the latest update any time.

Westlake Park on a wet December night, with lit trees, a lit Christmas tree, a holiday carousel booth and a large light-up star on a building
Seattle Municipal Archives · CC BY 2.0. December 2015 photograph; the setup changes from year to year. Resized and displayed with crop.
Suggested times, not bookings

Your day at a glance

  • 2:30 pmPike Place Market at dusk
  • 4:30 pmWestlake tree, star and carousel
  • 5:15 pmSeattle Center Winterfest
  • 7:00 pmWildLanterns at Woodland Park Zoo
  • 9:15 pmCandy Cane Lane in Ravenna
  • 9:45 pmReturn to your accommodation
Highlights

Worth the trip

  • Pike Place Market's neon and garlands as the 4:20 pm December dusk falls
  • Monorail from Westlake to Seattle Center's Winterfest train village and tree lights
  • A timed WildLanterns entry at the zoo, then the free Candy Cane Lane loop

What’s in the guide

Detailed stop guidance, rules, practical pitfalls, a route map, Google Maps, Waze and Apple Maps links and weather alternatives. Read it online any time, or keep it offline in the Greg’s Guides app for iPhone and iPad. See an example guide →

Plan for the conditions

Expected seasonal weather

December in Seattle is usually cool and damp, with highs in the mid-40s °F and evenings in the upper 30s, frequent light rain or drizzle, and occasional wind. Snow and ice are uncommon but can close events and make hilly streets dangerous. Sunset comes about 4:15–4:20 pm in mid-December, so most of this plan is in the dark, on wet pavement. Dress for two hours standing and walking outside at the zoo. These are seasonal expectations, not a forecast for your travel date; check the NWS forecast before you go.

Admission and parking are separate. Check current conditions before departure.

A good day, in the bag.

Your guides

One-time purchase · USD · Digital delivery after payment
By continuing, you agree to our terms and refund policy.