Some years, persistent rain turns all those carefully placed luminarias to sodden masses of paper and sand, but it looks as if this year the weather will cooperate.
Rain's not in the forecast for Saturday evening, so do this:
1. Put together a thermos of hot cocoa;
2. Find the kids' winter gear (hats, gloves, parkas);
3. Buy a few strings of LED lights or glowsticks to wear;
4. Head to Green Lake for a candlelit walk around the lake with thousands (we mean thousands) of other Seattleites.
Green Lake's annual Pathway of Lights is a time-out, a chance to celebrate the coming solstice, and to enjoy the quietly gorgeous sight of the lake ringed by candles flickering inside paper bags. People sing as they walk; they bump into friends; they stop and stare at the lake's still, inky surface and reflect on our deep need to seek community, light and laughter during the darkest days of the year. This year the celebration turns 35.
When: Saturday, Dec. 10, 5-8 p.m.
Where: Green Lake, Seattle
Expect: Crowds, difficult parking (earlier is better if you go with small children)
Cost: Free, but concessions are for sale at points around the lake