Looking for a holiday light show that will delight everyone from toddlers to grandparents? Bellevue Botanical Garden's Garden d'Lights transforms 53 acres into a sparkling wonderland where flowers bloom in LED lights and magical creatures peek out from illuminated bushes. This holiday tradition features over half a million lights crafted into whimsical displays that will have your little ones pointing and gasping with wonder at every turn.
Garden d’Lights is one of our family’s favorite holiday outings, and we’ve learned some hacks to improve the experience over the years. Read on for tips about timing your visit, parking, and how to save on tickets.
Essential Details for Your Visit
2024 Dates and Times:
- Opening Night: Saturday, November 30, 2024
- Closing Night: Tuesday, December 31, 2024
- Note: Closed Christmas Day (December 25)
- First Entry: 4:30 PM nightly
- Last Entry:
- Regular nights: 9:00 PM (lights out at 9:30 PM)
- Value nights: 8:00 PM (lights out at 8:30 PM)
Ticket Prices:
- Regular Admission Nights (Nov 30, Dec 1, Dec 6-8, Dec 13-31):
- Ages 11 and up: $8.00
- Ages 10 and under: FREE!
- Value Nights (Dec 2-5 and Dec 9-12):
- Ages 11 and up: $5.00
- Ages 10 and under: Still FREE!
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Parent Pro Tips
Timing is Everything:
- Weeknights are less crowded than weekends
- Value nights offer both smaller crowds and lower prices
- The 4:30-5:30 PM time slots are perfect for young kids who fade early
Stroller-Friendly Adventure:
- The garden paths are stroller-accessible
- The slow pace of the crowd makes it perfect for little ones
- Bring a rain cover for your stroller; this is the Pacific Northwest!
Weather Wisdom:
- Check the long-term forecast before booking
- Remember tickets aren't refundable
- Dress in layers and bring umbrellas (the lights look magical in light rain!)
Ticket Tips:
- Must be purchased online in advance
- Choose a 30-minute entry window
- Wait for your whole group before entering
- Save to your phone
Making the Most of Your Visit
Before You Go:
- Dress everyone in warm layers
- Pack snacks and water
- Bring glow sticks or light-up toys for extra fun
- Don't forget your camera!
Getting There:
- Location: 12001 Main Street, Bellevue, WA
- Free parking is available in the Bellevue School District admin building parking lot nearby
- Arrive within your 30-minute entry window
After the Lights:
- Make it a complete evening by heading to dinner
- Many family-friendly restaurants nearby
- Consider bringing hot chocolate in thermoses
Why Kids Love It
Garden d'Lights isn't your ordinary light display; it's an enchanted garden that comes to life! Children delight in:
- Sparkling butterflies that seem to float in mid-air
- Light-up rabbits hopping through illuminated flower beds
- Cascading waterfalls made of twinkling lights
- Magical creatures hiding among the displays
- The freedom to explore at their own pace
Planning Tips for Different Ages
Toddlers & Preschoolers:
- Early time slots work best
- Bring the stroller for tired legs
- Point out familiar animals and flowers
School-Age Kids:
- Bring a camera for them to take pictures
- Play "I Spy" with the light displays
- Let them help plan which path to take
Make It a Tradition
Garden d'Lights has become an annual tradition for many local families, and it's easy to see why. The combination of artistic lights, natural garden setting, and child-friendly atmosphere makes it a perfect holiday outing. Plus, with free admission for kids under 10 and value nights available, it's an affordable way to create lasting holiday memories. Buy tickets here.
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A Labor of Love: Our Community in Lights
What makes Garden d'Lights truly special is that it's powered by community spirit as much as electricity! Hundreds of dedicated volunteers work throughout the year to create, maintain, and install these magical displays. These community heroes spend countless hours carefully crafting each illuminated flower, positioning every twinkling animal, and ensuring each display tells its enchanting story.
This remarkable volunteer effort exemplifies what makes our community a wonderful place to live. From the Bellevue Botanical Garden Society's founding by Iris and Bob Jewett to today's team of volunteers, Garden d'Lights represents the best of neighborhood collaboration and creativity. When you visit, you're not just seeing a light show – you're experiencing the warmth and dedication of countless community members who come together to create holiday magic for families like yours.
Remember: Tickets must be purchased online in advance – no tickets are sold at the gate. This ensures a smooth entry and a hassle-free experience. Don't forget to schedule your visit around the weather forecast for the most magical experience!
All photos courtesy Bellevue Botanical Garden
