Got money this year? Neither do we. But never mind – a tight budget doesn't mean you have to consign yourself to a dull holiday season. We’ve compiled a list of events that won't tax your wallet (or your schedule -- drop by whenever the mood strikes you).

1. Christmas lights. You may have your own favorite community light display – some Seattleites swear by Candy Cane Lane in Ravenna or Olympic Manner in Ballard – but if you’re looking for something different or closer to home, visit the nifty Pool’s Parade of Lights website. You’ll find addresses and pictures of tricked-out houses located in every corner of Puget Sound. [EVERYWHERE]

2. Molbak’s Nursery. The nursery is decked out for the holidays with poinsettias of every size and color – from pale green to deep burgundy – plus greenery, lights, decorated trees and Victorian villages. If professional Santa pics are off the menu this year, bring a camera and stop by on weekends through Dec. 18 to take a picture with Santa -- a “real” Santa who sports his own facial hair. There’s also a spectacular section filled with stuffed jungle animals for sale (but goggling’s free) and free Danish kringle and coffee. 13625 N.E. 175th St., Woodinville. 425-483-5000. [WOODINVILLE]

3. Christmas ships. Bundle up, stash a flashlight in your pocket and head to a Puget Sound or Lake Washington beach for music broadcast by brightly lit boats. It’s a beautiful and almost eerie spectacle, and many locations go all out with bonfires and snacks. You can pay to ride the ships, but it’s free (and more fun, in this cheapskate’s opinion) to watch from shore. Christmas ships depart nightly through Dec. 24. [EVERYWHERE]

4. Live reindeer. I think they look “grumpy.” My daughter thinks they look “awesome!” A visit to Swanson’s Nursery in North Seattle to take a look at a pair of real, live reindeer is a low-key outing that you can take anytime. Fall into Swanson’s displays of gorgeous – and pricey – greenery, ornaments and bulbs at your own risk. The reindeer are on display daily through Dec. 24 during open hours. 9701 15th Ave. N.W., Seattle. 206-782-2543. [BROADVIEW]

5. Snow flurries. We all know it’s not going to snow in the city this winter (right?). That’s OK. Gather in Pacific Place's atrium every evening at 6 p.m. for a flurry of white stuff that's almost as good as the real thing. Sound gimmicky? It’s really not; watch the kids’ expressions as the first flakes begin to fall. Magic. Pacific Place is located at Sixth and Pine in downtown Seattle. 206-405-2655. [DOWNTOWN SEATTLE]

6. Gingerbread village. Keep an eye on the kids around these gingerbread “houses” (or, more aptly, “lavishly decorated architectural marvels created out of sugar, sugar and more sugar”) – they look and smell utterly enticing. Looking’s free, but throw a few dollars toward the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Sheraton Seattle lobby, 1400 Sixth Ave., Seattle. 206-621-9000. [DOWNTOWN SEATTLE]

7. Garden d’Lights. Bellevue Botanical Garden dresses up for the holidays in hundreds of thousands of colored lights twisted into fanciful flower and garden shapes. The garden can get crowded as Christmas approaches; if avoiding the crush is your priority, visit early in the evening or the season.12001 Main St., Bellevue. 425-452-2750. [BELLEVUE]

8. Clam Lights. You can’t get any more old-Seattle than this. Gene Coulon Memorial Park is decorated with holiday lights -- and yes, there are clams.  The display is lit nightly through Jan. 1. 1201 Lake Washington Blvd., Renton. [RENTON]

9. Fairmont Olympic Hotel. You don’t have to book a room to get in on the hotel’s holiday good cheer, and its grand public spaces make a trip here all the more festive.Check out an elaborate gingerbread display by executive pastry chef Artis Kalsons, and don’t miss the Teddy Bear Suite, a decorated suite stuffed with teddy bears of every type. 411 University St., Seattle. [DOWNTOWN SEATTLE]

10. Winterfest. Seattle Center’s winter celebration is a cash-strapped family's best friend. Wander down for tons of high-quality freebies, from the elaborate model train village on display in the Center House (daily, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.), a holiday carousel and ice rink, and performances for all ages. 305 Harrison St., Seattle. 206-684-7200.[SEATTLE CENTER]

11. Snowflake Lane. The lavish music and light show -- complete with live toy soldiers -- is back at the Bellevue Collection (on the sidewalks between Bellevue Square, Bellevue Place and Lincoln Square) for another run. The nightly shows happen at 7 p.m. through Dec. 24. On Dec. 26, the show becomes "Celebration Lane," with new costumes (through Dec. 31). [BELLEVUE]

12. Country Village Bothell. Funky animated light displays include a dragonfly, marching ducks, a sea serpent and more. Kids can also take a train ride for a nominal fee. Open daily through December 24. Country Village Bothell, 23718 Seventh Ave. S.E., Bothell. 425-483-2250. [BOTHELL]

This article was originally published in the November 2008 issue of ParentMap