Holidays mean family generations coming together–a joyous time, but one that sometimes requires some logistical planning. For those in the Seattle area, Bellevue is just a short drive over the bridge, and has nightly events that will delight children and grandparents alike.
First is the Bellevue Botanical Garden. I’ve never been during the day, so I can’t speak to its floral perfection, but I can say that the Garden d’Lights is spectacular. For $5 (and sometimes for free) you can take a stroll around the garden between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. It is a fairly quick loop, but the kids will get a list of critters to find along the way, and Grandma will be mesmerized by the flowers and plants. Just one of the trees has approximately 12,800 lights on it. The whole garden took 136 volunteers 6,417 hours to complete. The creativity of the show is off the charts; there is even a giant fish tank vignette that’s home to jellyfish and turtles.
Just a few blocks away, in the heart of downtown Bellevue and right next to the Bellevue Square Mall, is a nightly performance called Snowflake Lane. Though it may be more delightful to the young ones, grandparents will surely love seeing their descendants dance with drummer boys, toy soldiers and snow fairies. Make sure you arrive before its start time of 7 p.m., as the street is blocked off for the event. If you get lost, just follow the tremendously loud music and the rogue ‘snowflakes’ that float away from the street. The kids will walk away sucking on candy-canes, snowflakes on their noses and visions of sugarplums in their heads.
Love botanical gardens? Check out this great list of 55 botanical gardens you need to see before you die.
