by Laura, (Pre-3’s parent)
Season’s Greetings! Here are a few holiday outings guaranteed to put a smile on both little and big faces…
“Candy Cane Lane”– With lights, music and moving objects, this curved row of more than 20 adorably decorated houses in Ravenna has been a holiday institution for more than six decades. You can either drive through or park nearby and take a stroll walk. Either way, Candy Cane Lane is the perfect size for toddlers who may be overwhelmed by bigger lights shows. There’s no fee, but please consider bringing canned goods to donate! Located at the intersection of N.E. Park Rd and 21st Ave. N.E. (just north of U Village).
“Reindeer Festival” at Swansons Nursery – In addition to Christmas trees and other holiday shopping, Swansons’ annual festival features a holiday train display and two VERY special guests. Dasher and Blitzen will be in residence until December 24th when they will head off to help Santa! Little ones can attend informal “meet and greet” sessions with the reindeer at 10am and 4pm each day. FREE. For more information:
Ezra Jack Keats’ “The Snowy Day” at Seattle Children’s Theatre (Jan 19-Feb 26) – “Oh, the magic of a snowy day! Follow Peter and his friends as they romp and play, starting snow ball fights and making snow angels in this imaginative ode to childhood joys and the challenges of growing up. Packed with humor and fun, this production uses wonderfully innovative shadow puppetry and live action to celebrate Keats’ treasured characters. An adaptation of Whistle for Willie, Goggles!, A Letter to Amy, and groundbreaking Caldecott Winner The Snowy Day, this uplifting story collection encourage us to play and live life to the fullest each day.” Recommended for Ages 4 and Up.
“Garden d’Lights” at the Bellevue Botanical Garden (daily 4:30-9pm thru Dec 31) – “Each holiday season, thousands of visitors enjoy this dazzling display which features over half a million lights that transform the Bellevue Botanical Garden into a blossoming winter wonderland. This year, the route has changed, grown, and become more magical than ever.” Closes on December 31st. To avoid standing in line, buy your tickets online. $5 per person (FREE for kids 10 and under).
“WildLights” at Woodland Park Zoo (daily 5:30-8pm thru Jan 1) – “Let it glow, let it glow, let it glow! More than 600,000 energy-efficient LED lights recreate wild animals and wild places in two and three dimensions along the zoo’s pathways and North Meadow.” In addition to the lights show, little ones can join in an indoor “snowball” fight in the Zoomazium and take a special nighttime ride on the Zoo’s carousel. (Ages 2 and Under: FREE; Children 3-12: $8; 13+: $10; Carousel tickets $2 additional).