In this after-hours event, Woodland Park Zoo brings guests up close and personal to animals (and other wonders) constructed entirely from lanterns and strings of lights. Mammoths and cheetahs abound, and the glittering mouth of a giant shark waits to swallow visitors. New this year, 21+ nights boast specialty cocktails and a nosh between live animal encounters and light displays. 

The Winter Brilliance exhibit is an immersive video experience, lights, and music inspired by fire, ice, and the drama of light. Displays feature around 700 hand-blown glass pieces in the forms of chandeliers, towers, reeds, and icicle clusters originally crafted for the Barneys New York flagship store, now calling Seattle home. 

The streets outside Bellevue Square and Lincoln Square transform into a dazzling stage for lights, music, dancers, and drummers every night at 7pm. Yes, there's an entire 25-minute parade every single night. Expect crowds in the thousands, especially on busy weekends.

The big Westlake Park tree lighting on November 29—complete with a fireworks show, by the way—kicks off a month of merriment at downtown parks. From art workshops to ice skating, and live concerts opposite a holiday shopping bazaar, the neighborhood calendar bursts with holiday spirit. 

Conceived in 1994, this light display is comprised of more than half a million bulbs fashioned into plants, birds, fauna, and waterfalls spilling through every inch of the Bellevue Botanical Garden. Classic displays like a Poinsettia Tree twinkle alongside a walking path, joined by butterflies, red poppies, and other scintillating displays. 

Sip on some hot cocoa while every corner of the Snoqualmie community lights up with festive holiday lights. Holiday treats as well as activities for the kids are included in the fun—and, of course, Santa will be in attendance. 

The monthlong installation takes over Redmond’s Downtown Park. Foam-based snow fills the air, and huge displays of temporary public art inhabit the park. The big kickoff festivities—featuring a kids fashion show, family parade, and live music—will be December 7 at 4pm. 

The city of Snoqualmie—from the Centennial Trail to the train depot to the historic downtown—turns on its colorful lights from Thanksgiving through the end of the year. On December 7, the centerpiece tree celebrates the official flipping of the switch with live music, kids crafts, and an appearance from Santa.

In early December, the Des Moines marina district fires up its Christmas tree, not literally, of course. Caroling, goodies like cookies and hot cocoa, and a cameo from Santa make it an event. 

Waterways Cruises carts passengers around Lake Union to join dozens of other decorated boats in a holiday parade of sorts. Enjoy hot cider, winter cocktails, and carolers before sitting down to a buffet-style meal full of holiday favorites. They also offer a cocktail cruise iteration with an on-board contest for best ugly holiday sweater.

Fishing vessels, pleasure boats, and kayaks don their finest sparkles to parade around Gig Harbor. The festivities begin at Arabella’s Landing and circles the harbor twice. The parade is visible at all points along the shore, but Jerisich Dock, Bogue Viewing Platform, Maritime Pier, and Ancich Waterfront Park have extra-special views. 

One of Seattle's most classic spots to check out of reality and into a timeless (or maybe midcentury) Christmas dream is this tiny street in the Ravenna neighborhood just north of the University of Washington. Plan for—or around—pedestrian-only days and visits from local student marching bands. 

The ultimate Christmas town, chock-full of holiday characters and carolers, returns to Leavenworth with half a million lights. Unlike previous years, there's no dramatic lighting ceremony: The town lights flip on at 6am every day, and shine bright until 11pm. 

Lake Chelan promotes its small-town holiday feel with a special holiday fireworks cruise aboard the iconic Lady of the Lake. Get a front-row seat to the explosive display above and the various lights along the shore on a two-hour cruise. January dates boast a floating hot cocoa bar complete with cocoa, toppings, and cookies. 

With the help of over 800,000 lights, Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium transforms into a winter wonderland. Distinctly Seattle displays, including a Seahawks tree, a giant Pacific octopus, and even a Sasquatch, can be found around every corner. The animals—save a herd of goats dressed in holiday sweaters—will be asleep, but their light-up counterparts clock in at 5pm.