Downtown Bellevue will be transformed into a whimsical holiday destination with the unveiling of this year’s Bellevue Magic Season, happening Nov. 26 through Jan. 9.
The Bellevue Magic Season celebrates its 14th year with community partnerships between the Bellevue Downtown Association, the city of Bellevue, The Bellevue Collection, The Theatre at Meydenbauer Center, Bellevue Botanical Garden and The Shops at The Bravern, along with many other supporting community organizations and downtown businesses.
Here’s the scoop on all the dazzling displays and enchanted events happening this holiday season.
Lace Up
Group Health Ice Arena: Nov. 26 – Jan. 9
NE 1st St. & 102nd Ave Northeast at Bellevue Downtown Park
425.453–1223, www.magicseason.com
Cost: $10 admission, includes $3 skate rental fee
Extras: Advance discount admission pass – Purchase 10 skating passes for $75
Details: Presented by Bank of America and produced by the Bellevue Downtown Association, the outdoor ice rink offers all-weather skating with a covered roof and Free Skate Mondays (Show your Bank of America debit or credit card to receive two free skate admissions on Mondays, or pick up Free Skate Monday passes at a Downtown Bellevue banking center. For participating branches and promotion details, visit magicseason.com).
Let It Snow
Snowflake Lane: Nov. 26 – Dec. 24
Bellevue Way and NE 8th Street
www.magicseason.com
Cost: Free
Details: Snow falls nightly down Bellevue Way every night beginning at 7 p.m. Produced by The Bellevue Collection, the Eastside holiday tradition includes a grand show of live toy soldiers, winter characters, music and a dazzling light show. Santa arrives at 9 a.m. to his Workshop in Bellevue Square for photos beginning Nov. 26.
Ring In The New Year
Celebration Lane: Dec. 26 – Dec. 31
Bellevue Way and NE 8th Street
425.454.8096, www.bellevuecollection.com
Cost: Free
Details: Leading up to the New Year, The Bellevue Collection hosts Celebration Lane with evening performances nightly at 7 p.m.
Light The Way
Garden d’Lights at the Bellevue Botanical Garden: Nov. 27 – Jan. 1
12001 Main Street at Bellevue Botanical Garden
425.452.6844, www.gardendlights.org
Cost: $5 per person; children 10 and under free
Extras: Advance tickets and reservations are required and can be purchased at www.gardendlights.org.
Details: This popular festival features over half a million lights which transform the Bellevue Botanical Garden into a blossoming winter wonderland. Over 150,000 people enjoy this dazzling display each year supported by 98.1 Classical KING FM. Garden d’Lights opens nightly from 5-10 p.m., with last entry at 9:30 p.m. Free parking is available at Wilburton Hill Park.
Take The Stage
The Theatre at Meydenbauer Center: Nov. 26 – Dec. 31
NE 6th Street and 112th Avenue NE
425.450.3810, www.theatreatmeydenbauer.com
The Theatre at Meydenbauer Center hosts a magical holiday series of musical and dramatic productions by regional and local performance groups and is presented by 98.1 Classical KING FM.
· November 26–28: Bellevue Youth Theatre presents Miracle on 34th Street
· December 3–4: Attic Theatre presents The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
· December 5: Bellevue Youth Symphony presents Magic of Mistletoe
· December 10–12, 17–19 & 22–23: International Ballet Theatre’s classical production of The Nutcracker
· December 20: Magical Strings presents A Celtic Yuletide
· December 31: Seattle Choral Company presents Carmina Burana
Tree Lighting
Enchanted Holidays at The Bravern: Nov. 19 – Dec. 31
NE 8th Street and 112th Avenue NE
www.thebravern.com/holiday
Enchanted Holidays kicks off Nov. 19 at 6 p.m., with a holiday tree lighting, special arrival of Santa and a spectacular light show and live entertainment.
· Photos with Santa – Nov. 26–Dec. 23.
· Nightly Light Show – Shows at 5:30, 6:30, and 7:30 p.m. in the NE 8th Arrival Court.
· Cool Winter Nights – Every Thursday in December from 5:30–7:30 p.m. Live music, drinks and bites near the covered and heated 110th fireplace. $5 entry benefits Childhaven. 21 and over.
· Breakfast with Mr. & Mrs. Claus at Mariposa in Neiman Marcus – Dec. 4 and 11 from 9–10:30 a.m. Call 425.452.3333 for reservations.
Kiddy Play
KidsQuest Children’s Museum’s Gingerbread Lane: Dec. 4
4091 Factoria Square Mall SE
425.637.8100
Kidsquest Museum will host a gingerbread house workshop for kids on Dec. 4. The fun event includes photos with Santa, an award presentation, and a holiday children’s choir performance.
Gingerbread Lane Houses will be on display at Hilton Hotel in Bellevue (300 112th Avenue SE) Dec. 3-9. Call 425.455.1300 for more information.
