Tweet |
2018 Holiday Happenings in the Seattle Area
Our Northwest holidays may be wet, but they’re still bright! Make the most of the season with Seattle favorites—such as dazzling light displays and the Parade of Boats—along with new additions like the “Enchant” event with light mazes and ice skating inside Safeco field. Scroll down for all the details…
WildLights at Woodland Park Zoo
5500 Phinney Ave. N, Seattle, WA 98103
www.zoo.org/zoolights
click here to get tickets
- Dates/Times: Open nightly 11/23/18 – 1/5/19 | 5:30 – 8:30 pm
- Cost: $9.95 – $14.95 per person (ages 2 and under are free)
- Promotion: Get a 10% group discount on WildLights tickets for groups of 20+ (12/14/18 – 1/5/19).
- Parking: Free parking is available at all lots after 4:30 pm (admission at both gates)
- Food: Refreshments are available at food kiosks, Pizza Corner, and at the Pacific Blue Chowder House (with covered seating provided). You are also welcome to bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Special activities: Carousel, fire pits, select indoor animal exhibits, ZooStore, & indoor snowball fights at the Snowmazium
- Closures: December 12, 24 & 25, 2018
Image courtesy of https://zoo.org/zoolights
Winterfest at Seattle Center
305 Harrison Street, Seattle, WA 98109
www.seattlecenter.com/winterfest
Map
- Dates/Times: Winter train & village open daily 11/23/18 – 12/31/18 | 10 am – 6 pm
Winterfest Ice Rink open 11/23/18 – 1/6/19, Sun-Thu from 11 am – 8 pm, Fri-Sat from 11 am – 10 pm - Cost: Free for all ages (ice skating is $2 – $8 including rental)
- Parking: Paid parking available at the Mercer Garage, 1st Ave N Garage, 5th Ave N Garage, and Theatre Commons Lot. Click here for the campus map
- Food: A multitude of dining options await you in the Armory
- Special events: Ice skating at the Winterfest Ice Rink, ice sculpting, caroling, the Winter Train & Village, and more!
- Holiday Closure: 12/25
Enchant at Safeco Field
1250 1st Ave S, Seattle, WA 98134
https://enchantchristmas.com/seattle/
click here to get tickets
- Dates/Times: 11/23/18 – 12/30/18 | Sun-Thu from 4 – 10 pm, Fri-Sat from 4 – 11 pm
- Cost: $19 – $32.99 per person (ages 3 and under are free) | VIP passes with dinner starting at $64.99
- Promotions: Discount days on 11/27, 12/4 & 12/11 | Discount on final 2 hours of any day | Group discounts for 15 or more
- Parking: $8 – $60 at Safeco Field Garages or check out the city’s Interactive Parking Map
- Food: Seasonal food and treat concessions throughout
- Activities: Ice skating trail, light maze, visits with Santa & Mrs. Claus, nightly live music & shows, gift market
- Closures: 11/26, 12/3 & 12/10
Garden d’Lights at Bellevue Botanical Garden
12001 Main Street, Bellevue WA 98005
https://bellevuebotanical.org/garden-dlights/
click here to get tickets
- Dates/Times: Open nightly 11/24/18 – 12/30/18 | 4:30 – 9:00 pm
- Cost: $5 per person (ages 10 and under are free)
- Promotion: Free admission nights on November 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 & 29
- Parking: Premium parking is $5 per car in the Garden’s lot (cash only) as space allows OR park for free at Wilburton Hill Park
- Food: Hot drinks and snacks are available at the Aaron Education Center
- Activities: Gingerbread village, live music
- Holiday Closures: None

Image courtesy of https://gardendlights.org/
Snowflake Lane at the Bellevue Collection
Bellevue Way & NE 8th Street, Bellevue WA 98004
http://snowflakelane.com/
- Dates/Times: Nightly 11/23/18 – 12/24/18 | 20 minute show starts at 7 pm
- Cost: Free for all ages
- Parking: Free parking at Bellevue Square, Bellevue Place and Lincoln Square
- Food: A variety of dining options (from happy hour, to kid fare, to gourmet meal) are all within walking distance
- Special Events & Activities: Ice Skating, Santa Parade & Tree Lighting, Santa Photos

Image courtesy of http://bellevue.com/snowflake-lane
Christmas Ship Festival
Launch locations include Lake Union Park, Kirkland City Dock, Hyatt Regency Lake Washington, Des Moines Marina, Port of Poulsbo, Seattle Waterfront – Pier 55, Tacoma (Dock Street Marina), Edmonds, and Shilshole Bay Marina
www.argosycruises.com
click here to get tickets
- Dates/Times: Click here for the full schedule
- Cost: $22 – $68 per person (kids 3 and under are free)
- Parking: Varies by location – click here for details
- Food: While dining ahead of time is recommended, there are snacks and drinks available for purchase on the ship. You can also pre-order Ingallina’s boxed meals (with vegetarian and gluten-free options) at least 72 hours prior to your cruise. Outside food/drinks are not allowed.
- Special Events: Parade of Boats Night, Kid Cruise, Grand Finale Night
Ivar’s Clam Lights at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park
1201 Lake Washington Blvd N, Renton, WA 98056
https://rentonwa.gov/clamlights
- Dates/Times: Open nightly 11/30/18 – 1/1/19 | 5 – 9 pm
- Cost: Free for all ages
- Parking: Park for free at the Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park parking lot
- Kickoff Event on November 30th, 2018, 5:30-8:30: Music, selfie-station with Santa & Mrs. Claus in their sleigh, official lighting ceremony, Parade of Boats viewing, and a visit from the Christmas Ship and Dickens Carolers
- Holiday Closures: None

Image courtesy of https://rentonwa.gov/clamlights
Westlake Center Tree Lighting & Holiday Activities
400 Pine St., Seattle, WA 98101 (Westlake Park)
http://redtri.com/seattle/westlake-center-tree-lighting/
- Dates/Times: Tree lighting ceremony on 11/23/18 at 4:30 pm. Holiday market Fri-Sun beginning 11/23 through 12/23. Carousel and other festive attractions through January 1st, 2019
- Cost: Free for all ages
- Parking: Access the Republic Parking garage from Olive Way between 4th & 5th Ave, or check out this interactive map of city parking
- Activities: Carousel, Holiday Market at Westlake Park

Image courtesy of http://redtri.com
Zoolights at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
5400 N Pearl St, Tacoma, WA 98407
www.pdza.org/event/zoolights
click here to get tickets
- Dates/Times: Open nightly 11/23/2018 – 1/6/2019 | 5 – 9 pm
- Cost: $10-$12 (free for kids 2 & under)
- Promotions: $6 for zoo members; Scout discount night 12/4; Military discount nights Nov. 26, 28 & Dec. 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, & 19
- Parking: Free parking in zoo lots (carpooling recommended)
- Food: Warm drinks & treats available at the cafe and kiosks
- Activities: Camel rides, carousel, aquarium, Kids’ Zone with animals
- Holiday Closure: 12/24

Image courtesy of https://www.pdza.org
ABOUT WINDERMERE MERCER ISLAND
We earn the trust and loyalty of our brokers and clients by doing real estate exceptionally well. The leader in our market, we deliver client-focused service in an authentic, collaborative and transparent manner and with the unmatched knowledge and expertise that comes from decades of experience.
© Copyright 2018, Windermere Real Estate/Mercer Island.
2018 Football Schedules, Recipes, Tips & More…
Are you ready for some football? Scroll down for printable schedules, game-day recipes and awesome tailgating hacks…
Hosting friends for game day? We’ve got you covered with everything from easy snacks to bonafide Seattle-born favorites…
1. Easy Chicken Taquitos
So quick and delectable, you can skip the freezer aisle and go fresh instead! Click here for the recipe.

Photo courtesy of allrecipes.com
2. Seahawks Popcorn
Just the right mix of sweet and salty, this perfect treat is also a breeze to make. Click here to learn how.

Photo courtesy of twosisterscrafting.com
3. Just Good Chili
Coffee and cocoa powder? This is chili done Seattle-style, baby! Here’s the skinny.

Photo courtesy of thewednesdaychef.com
4. Seattle Dogs
A carry-over from the 1990s grunge era, cream cheese and sauteed onions define these wholly Seattle creations. Here’s how to make your own at home.
5. Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
Need we say more? Click here and let the magic begin.

Image courtesy of allrecipes.com
6. Ivar’s Clam Chowder
A Seattle legend and oh so good for those rainy day games. Dive in!

Image courtesy of geniuskitchen.com
7. Hawk Shots
Fun, festive and easier then they look. This is how you do it.
8. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Root beer is the secret to this culinary gem. Yummy in a sandwich, or eat it right out of the crock pot all by itself…we won’t tell. Here is the scoop on how to make it.

Image courtesy of allrecipes.com
9. Avocado and Black Bean Dip
Surprisingly simple and delicious, this dip is also healthier than most. Grab some chips and check out the recipe.

Image courtesy of allrecipes.com
10. The Paseo Cuban Sandwich
For Seattleites who know the joy of Paseo sandwiches–or anyone who just loves good food–this recipe is well worth the extra effort.

Photo courtesy of The Seattle Times
11. Crab Rangoon
For those looking to go the extra mile, these tasty appetizers will be the talk of your party. Find the full rundown here.

Photo courtesy of allrecipes.com
12. The 12th Man Margarita
The quintessential Seahawks cocktail created by Elliott’s Oyster House. Now you can mix it at home and impress your friends.

Photo courtesy of lakeunionsearay.com
Bonus: Color Formulas for Team-Colored Frosting!
ABOUT WINDERMERE MERCER ISLAND
We earn the trust and loyalty of our brokers and clients by doing real estate exceptionally well. The leader in our market, we deliver client-focused service in an authentic, collaborative and transparent manner and with the unmatched knowledge and expertise that comes from decades of experience.
© Copyright 2018, Windermere Real Estate/Mercer Island.
Free Recycling & Shredding Event May 19th
Hosted in our Parking Lot:
2737 77TH AVE SE
MERCER ISLAND
Bring your recyclable items (working or not) to the event. All recycling services are free!
We’re also sponsoring a Confidential Data Disposal truck for free, secure shredding of sensitive documents.
Saturday, May 19th
9 am – 2 pm
What we can recycle:
|
|
We cannot accept the following:
|
Annual Windermere Mercer Island Recycle Event, Saturday June 11th
Finish up your spring cleaning before summer hits! My office is hosting our annual FREE recycling event Saturday June 11th, from 10am – 2 pm. Bring your recyclable items (working or not) to this event. All recycling services are free!
Items to Bring
- Bicycles and bicycle parts
- Any electronics (working or not), whole or parts — Computers & Parts, Printers, Fax Machines, Phones, Record Players, Speakers, Radios, Game Systems, VCRs, Christmas Tree Lights, All Appliances, Car Batteries, Computer Batteries, Medical Equipment, Ink Toner & Cartridges.
- Data and paperwork for confidential destruction
The event will be in the Windermere Real Estate/Mercer Island parking lot at 2737 77th Ave SE, Mercer Island. It’s a circular drive, so you’ll go through and at each station you can drop off your recyclables. Drop off your old appliances and electronics, unload outgrown bikes and bike parts, plus a shredding truck will be on site to securely shred your paper documents.
If you hav any questions about the event and what will be accepted to recycle, please email me at marianne@windermere.com
Services Provided by :
1 Green Planet, Bike Works & Windermere Mercer Island
We will also be accepting voluntary donations for Mercer Island Youth and Family Services, one of our Windermere Foundation grant partners.