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Experience the magic of Canyon Lights. Photo: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Gather your friends and family (or your date!) as you wander immersive light displays, get lost in mesmerizing sparkles, or even take your adventure to new heights that are worth the drive to Canada. These extended winter light displays brighten up the nights of our dark and gray winter. Two of these are free to visit — a major bonus during an expensive season. Dress for the weather and expect to delight in the sights, sounds and experiences that await you in the Seattle area and beyond.
Astra Lumina, Seattle
Astra Lumina invites us to experience what it might be like for the stars to come down to us. Stroll through the botanical garden on a magical mile-long night walk, complete with special projections, lighting and music. This traveling exhibit has enchanted over 1.5 million visitors and a new edition is coming to Seattle.
While we haven’t compared last year’s edition to this year’s yet, our group with five children ages 3 to 8 thoroughly enjoyed the experience. In fact, the adults had to ask the kids to slow down as they ran with anticipation to discover each of the nine thematic areas. We found the walk to be a fun escape into nature with mesmerizing celestial elements.
Our kids loved dancing in the forest of Stardust Rays, walking beside the Rise of the Stars as they shot back up to space, and climbing the switchbacks of the Celestial Trail covered in twinkling, colorful stars illuminating the hill. While our visit was quick — only an hour — it was an enjoyable experience for all of us.
Parent tip: While strollers are allowed, using a carrier for young children will be easier as the terrain in the garden can be uneven and narrow. Paths can be muddy after rain. We visited on a rainy night and wore rain boots, which worked well.
Dates: Nov. 6, 2025–March 1, 2026
Location: Seattle Chinese Garden, 16th Ave. S.W., Seattle
Cost: Tickets cost $22–$39 per person. Children younger than 4 are free.
Canyon Lights and Love Lights at Capilano Bridge Suspension Park, Vancouver, BC
Pack up the car and take a short road trip (just under three hours) to walk across the breathtaking 450-foot Capilano Suspension Bridge, and explore one of nature’s most fun “playgrounds” at the Treetops Adventure once you cross the bridge. My kids love running across the seven suspension bridges interconnected to treetop platforms, 110 feet off the ground. Thrill-seekers will also enjoy the Cliffwalk, providing another gorgeous vantage point 30 stories above the Capilano River Canyon. The two seasonal light displays, from November through February, make this destination even more magical. Plan to spend at least two to three hours here.
Parent tip: Strollers, wheelchairs and shoulder carriers are not allowed on the Capilano Suspension Bridge, Treetops Adventure and Cliffwalk. Plan to use a front carrier for babies across the bridge (no shoulder carriers permitted).
Dates: Canyon Lights, Nov. 21, 2025–Jan. 18, 2026; Love Lights, Jan. 30–Feb. 22, 2026.
Location: 3735 Capilano Rd., North Vancouver, BC, Canada
Cost: Tickets cost $18–$53 per person; free for kids 5 and younger.
WildLanterns at Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle
This November, WildLanterns returns to Woodland Park Zoo with an all-new (and larger than ever!) set of illuminated creatures. Stroll through four different themed sections with de-light-ful scenes from the woodland Pacific Northwest on the “Wonderland Trail,” a world of reptiles and fish in the “Meandering Mangrove,” blooming flowers in “Beneath the Blossoms,” and a lantern version sneak peek of the Forest Trailhead, a new exhibit opening in 2026.
Interactive zones sprinkled throughout act as creative diversions for children and kids at heart to burn some energy and have some fun! A king cobra with a vibrant coiled tail, a pair of glowing musk oxen and cheerful red pandas are just a few of the enchanting creatures that will brighten up your night.
Parent tip: We like to visit in January or bundle up on a cold or rainy night when it’s less crowded but still just as fun!
Dates: Nov. 14, 2025–Jan. 18, 2026
Location: Woodland Park Zoo, 5500 Phinney Ave. N., Seattle
Cost: Tickets cost $28–$41. Kids ages 0–2 are free.
Tulalip Lights and Ice by Quil Ceda Village, Tulalip
If you’ve ever driven through Tulalip on I-5 between November and January, you’ve likely spotted Washington’s largest holiday lights display. While the vibrant display is impressive to see as you drive by, there are enough things to see and do to warrant a visit. Bundle up and walk around as you take in each tree wrapped in solid bright colors, totaling over 7.8 million lights. A real ice rink, fire pits, local food and gift vendors, and scheduled dates to visit Mr. and Mrs. Claus also await. Each year, Tulalip Lights and Ice builds upon its display and switches up the lighting designs to give visitors something new to enjoy.
Parent tip: While the weekdays won’t have as many activities and limited vendors choose to stay open, it’ll be less crowded (with less traffic) if you visit during the week. Hot chocolate and the ice-skating rink are available daily.
Dates: Nov. 22, 2025–Jan. 11, 2026
Location: Tulalip Amphitheatre, 10400 34th Ave. N.E., Tulalip
Cost: Free to enter. Ice-skating, food and drinks are available at a cost.
Village Lights, Leavenworth
From Thanksgiving through February, the quaint Bavarian village of Leavenworth is transformed into a glowing winter scene. Front Street Bavarian storefronts and restaurants are dusted in snow and blanketed in over half a million lights. After Thanksgiving and through Christmas Eve, the downtown gazebo of “Christmastown” hosts free live music, strolling carolers, and you might just bump into Christmas characters like Santa and Mrs. Claus.
In January, celebrate Leavenworth’s Winter Karneval with live ice carving (Jan. 17 and 18), fireworks over downtown (Jan. 18 at 6 p.m.), and fire dancers (Jan. 10 and 11). In February, the lights still shine bright but will have a Valentine’s Day flair.
Bundle up and pack your sled for the small sledding hill next to the gazebo!
Parent tip: January and February are less busy times to visit but still have all the magic of the lights and snow. We enjoy eating at the authentic German restaurant, Andreas Keller Restaurant. While popular and busy, it sometimes offers an online waitlist.
Dates: Nov. 27, 2025–Feb. 28, 2026
Location: Front Street Park, 820 Front St., Leavenworth
Cost: Free
More winter fun for Puget Sound families: |
