New Girl's Guide to Seattle - discovering the sights and sounds of Seattle and surrounding areas from the prospective of someone new to the city.
The holiday season is my favorite time of the year! There is nothing better than hot chocolate, a beautiful fireplace and celebrating with friends and family. When I moved to Washington, I quickly learned that there are a ton of holiday events to get everyone in the holiday spirit.
On November 18, The Bravern kicked off the holiday season with their tree lighting and the arrival of Santa. The event featured carolers, pony rides and fireside beverages. I have attended the tree lighting the past two years and it has always been a lot of fun. I took the opportunity to begin my holiday shopping, while listening to the carolers and waiting for Santa. The tree is beautiful and it is lit every night during the holidays.
In true holiday tradition, the bulk of the holiday events begin the days after Thanksgiving. The biggest event on "Black Friday," besides the shopping, is the light of the tree and the Macy's star at Westlake Plaza. The Holiday parade commences on 7th Avenue at 8:45 a.m. with the tree and star lighting at 5 p.m. This is one event that I have not been to, but I have heard that it is amazing and is a great all day event with shopping in between the events.
On the Eastside, Bellevue also has fun events on the night after Thanksgiving. On November 25, the Bellevue Collection kicks off the evening with a holiday parade that brings Santa to Bellevue Square. My favorite event of the holiday season is Snowflake Lane at the Bellevue Collection. I was first introduced to Snowflake Lane five years ago when I first visited Washington. I have always thought that the drumline is the best part of the band, and if you are like me, you will love this. Snowflake Lane begins the day after Thanksgiving and goes through December 24. The event is held daily at 7 p.m., and it is a great way to end a day of holiday shopping. After Christmas, Snowflake Lane turns into Celebration Lane and runs December 26-31.
When I was growing up, one of our family traditions for the holidays was going to see The Nutcracker. The Nutcracker is one of the world's most recognized and celebrated production during the holidays. With magnificent sets, costumes and over 200 roles danced by professionals and students, The Nutcracker is a great way to put everyone in the holiday spirit. The Pacific Northwest Ballet, which runs for one month, begins on November 27. Ticket prices depend on which seat you choose, or if you attend a peak performance.
My all time favorite event of the holiday season is the town lighting in Leavenworth. Leavenworth is an amazing Bavarian village, which is even more amazing when it is covered in snow and all lit up. The town lighting is December 2-4, 9-11, 16-18 and the events begin between 4 and 4:30 p.m. each night. The lighting ceremony is only on Saturday and Sunday's, but the light will be on during the festivities on Friday. Festivities begin with the arrival of Santa, live music, great food and unique shopping. They have Christmas characters and Santa walking around the town for photo opportunities.
I know that I only listed a few events, but there are a ton of other events during the holiday season. For a full list of events in Bellevue check out the Magic Season website: http://www.magicseason.com/.
I hope that everyone has an amazing holiday season and a Happy New Year!
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