‘Tis the season for bright lights in the neighborhood and Christmas trees on top of cars to be decorated. Seattle has multiple places to look in awe of stunning creations made with incredible radiance. No matter what neighborhood someone lives in, there is a shining light attraction close to them.

Wildlights, located at the Woodland Park Zoo lights up the whole entire zoo! Wildlights take place from November 23 to January 5. General admission is $11.95 for children and $14.95 for adults. Fake snowball fights can be had at the Snowmazium as well as animal encounters and hot chocolate. Over 700,00 energy-efficient LED lights light up the whole entire zoo. It is an experience not to be missed!

The Christmas Ships have been around since 1949, the Christmas Ships (courtesy of Argosy Cruises) sail smoothly through the frigid waters of Seattle’s waterway. It takes part in a large Christmas boat light parade. It goes to over 45 neighborhoods/communities. The boat has meals as well as a choir singing. Everyone looks at all of the other water vessels that are lit up from bow to stern. It takes place from November 24 to December 23. There is viewing from a lead ship, a following boat, and from the shore. Derek Hissong ’21 a current rower, explains what he sees everyday on the water, “In and around the ship canal a lot of boats are lit up…the lights reflect off of the water, it’s pretty cool.”

Around Bellevue Square, people can head to Snowflake Lane to watch the Christmas characters parade down the streets. Snow falls from above as everyone watches Santa and his elves cruise down the street. There is a light show as well as many Christmas lights. It takes place from November 23 to December 24, and it is nightly at 7. Maya Shields ’21 “absolutely loves it!”

Or people can always walk down the streets of their neighborhood with a cup of hot chocolate and look at all of the displays that their fellow neighbors set up. Sophie McDowell ’21 said, “I love Christmas lights because I know as soon as I see them up I know it’s Christmas time! They remind me of the happy feeling of the Christmas season.”              

Last, but most definitely not least, Candy Cane Lane. Located in Ravenna, people can drive through in the comfort of their own car with the windows rolled down to look at the spectacular displays, plus, it’s free! Visiting times are from four to eleven in the evening. The lights are available for viewing from mid-December to the first of January. Kelly Sommerville ’20 said, “I love going to Candy Cane Lane each year as I get to spend time with my friends and family, it gets me into the holiday spirit and each year’s displays are always different.” It is a great event to go to with friends and family to look at all of the amazing light displays.

So Prep, it’s time to light up the world!