Your Guide to the Holidays in Downtown Bellevue
November 17, 2025 - by Brittnie Eakle
The holiday season from November through January is pure magic in Downtown Bellevue – and we’re not just saying that. With festive events, sparkling traditions, and winter fun around every corner, there’s something for everyone. Take a look at what’s happening:
Bellevue Downtown Ice Rink Presented by Symetra | November 21 – January 19
Now in its 28th year, the Bellevue Downtown Ice Rink offers more than 9,000 square feet of real ice in a fully covered, open-air setting framed by Downtown Bellevue’s skyline. This season, enjoy an even better view of the park with a full wall of clear windows.
With themed skate nights, free skating lessons, and on-site concessions, there’s fun for everyone. Tickets and season passes are available at bellevueice.com.
The Holiday Collective Photo Experience | November 1- December 14
The Holiday Collective is a locally created photo experience designed for families, couples, and even pets. Step inside Avenue Bellevue and enjoy three festive design sets — each one perfect for capturing your holiday memories.
Bellevue Farmers Market | November 22
Bellevue Farmers Market's annual holiday market features seasonal fruit and vegetables from farms across WA state. Stock up on artisan food and beverages from small business entrepreneurs and meet your foodie friends to munch on our weekly rotation of ready-to-eat foods.
Thanksgiving Feasts | November 27
Don’t feel like cooking this year? Several Downtown Bellevue restaurants are serving delicious Thanksgiving meals, including 13 Coins, Daniel’s Broiler, and Cypress. You can also enjoy Thanksgiving brunch at Ascend or Eques.
KidsQuest Children’s Museum Gingerbread Workshops | November 28 – 29
Gather family and friends this holiday season and head to the Hyatt Regency Bellevue, as KidsQuest Children’s Museum presents this sensational holiday event. With over 700 pounds of candy and more than 60 gallons of frosting, they provide the perfect environment to create your gingerbread house masterpiece, while not having to clean up afterwards!
Snowflake Lane 2025 | November 28- December 24
Experience the wonder of falling snow, dazzling lights, festive music, toy drummers, and dancers in this complimentary nightly parade of holiday floats. Join us between Bellevue Square and Lincoln Square from NE 4th to NE 8th Streets every night at 7 pm. Park in any of our free parking garages at The Bellevue Collection and choose your favorite spot along the parade route.
Garden d’Lights | November 29 –December 31
Garden d’Lights is a dazzling holiday tradition that transforms the Bellevue Botanical Garden into a magical wonderland of over half a million sparkling lights in whimsical shapes of plants, flowers, birds, animals, and cascading waterfalls, all set amid the Garden’s natural beauty. Now celebrating its 31st year, this beloved family event continues to enchant visitors with festive charm and imaginative displays.
Kelsey Creek Farms Holiday Barn Lighting | December 6
This event begins with holiday carols, sheep dressed up in lights, a visit from Santa, and a countdown to turning on the lights. The lighted barns and decorations will provide a festive background for the event’s activities, which include a special, once-per-year opportunity to go inside the barn to watch the animals eat dinner.
THE NUTCRACKER | December 5 - December 21
The International Ballet Theatre celebrates its 25th Anniversary Season at Bellevue’s Meydenbauer Theatre with performances of The Nutcracker every weekend in December! Fridays at 6pm, Saturdays at 1pm & 5pm, Sundays at 1pm.
Jingle Bellevue | December 6, 13 and 20
Looking for a free family event in December? Come join us for Jingle Bellevue. It includes taking a picture with Santa, writing a letter to Santa and decorating a Christmas Cookie. This event will be held from 12pm to 4pm on the Saturdays of December 6, December 13 and December 20.
