From free holiday meals to activities to help prevent extra holiday pounds, Bellevue offers several events for all ages, backgrounds and abilities. Here are some of the many free and low cost events available this holiday season:
KidsCare Coat Drive, Nov. 21-22, 4-7 p.m., Crossroads Community Center, 16000 NE 10th St. Bellevue families in need can shop for a free winter coat for each family member while supplies last. Photo identification is required. Sponsored by Bellevue Youth Link and Bellevue High School Fashion Club. 425-452-4874.
Thanksgiving Dinner, Nov. 22, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., Crossroads Community Center, 16000 NE 10th St. A free Thanksgiving dinner is provided for neighbors in need. Holiday arts and crafts at 5:30 p.m. Dinner will be served at 6 p.m. All ages are welcome and pre-registration is not required. 425-452-4874.
Turkey Day Indoor Cycling Rides, Nov. 24, 7 a.m., 8:15 a.m. or 9:30 a.m., South Bellevue Community Center, 14509 SE Newport Way. Free one-hour indoor cycling class to burn 600+ calories. Pre-registration is required and donation is encouraged to benefit Eastside Domestic Violence Program. A list of suggested donation items available at registration. Ages 13 & Up. To register, email jperugini@bellevuewa.gov or call 425-452-4240.
Fit for the Feast, Nov. 24, 9-11 a.m., Bellevue Aquatic Center, 601 143rd Ave. NE. A two-hour Master’s swim workout prior to your Thanksgiving dinner. All abilities welcome. Ages 19 and older. $10, which includes a designer T-shirt. For more information, email sarmstrong@bellevuewa.gov or call 425-452-4444.
Bellevue Youth Theatre Presents: A Christmas Carol, Nov. 25-27, Meydenbauer Theatre, 11100 NE Sixth St. An uplifting show with music and dance that promises to leave you ready for the holiday season. $10-12. For more information and to reserve tickets, call 425-452-7155 or email byt@bellevuewa.gov.
Bellevue Toy and Food Drive, now through Dec.2. Drop off toys for children and teens and non-perishable food items at any Bellevue fire station. Toys will be given to local children at the Crossroads Community Center annual holiday party. Call 425-452-4874 if you have questions.
Garden d’Lights, Nov. 26 to Dec. 31, 5-10 p.m. nightly (last entry 9:30 p.m.), Bellevue Botanical Garden, 12001 Main St. Over a half million lights transform the Garden into a blossoming winter wonderland. The gift shop will be open every evening from 5-9:30 p.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon to 3 p.m. for shopping and ticket purchases. $5 per person; ages 10 and under are free. Visit www.gardendlights.org to purchase tickets and get complete event and parking details.
Hilltop Holiday Craft Show, Nov. 29 to Dec. 3, Tue.–Fri., 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sat. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Northwest Arts Center, 9819 NE 24th St. Thousands of hand-crafted items from more than 80 Northwest crafters. All ages welcome; children must be accompanied by an adult. Free admission; crafts vary in price. For more information, email NWAC@bellevuewa.gov or call 425-452-4106.
Bellevue Magic Season Group Health Ice Arena, Nov. 25 to Jan. 8, at Bellevue Downtown Park, 10201 Main St. The region’s only open-air holiday ice skating experience. $10 (includes skate rental). For more information, visit www.magicseason.com or call 425- 453-1223.
