Bellevue's magic season begins November 28

There is something magical about the holiday season that captivates the imagination, from twinkling lights to a white layer of freshly fallen snow. Bellevue transforms into a land of whimsical play during Nov. 28 through Dec. 31, with the arrival of Bellevue Snowflake Lane and Celebration Lane.

The annual celebration of Snowflake Lane along the sidewalks of Bellevue Way and Northeast Eighth Street at The Bellevue Collection captures the heart of the holidays with nightly snowfalls, live toy soldiers, winter characters, a dazzling light show and holiday music. The magic begins at 7 p.m., nightly and premiers on Nov. 27 with the arrival of Santa to Bellevue Square.

Celebration Lane rings in the New Year beginning Dec. 26 and running through Dec. 31, with nightly festive and musical performances along the sidewalks of The Bellevue Collection. Free parking is available at Bellevue Square, Bellevue Place and Lincoln Square.

For more information, call 425-454-8096 or visit Bellevue Magic Season at www.magicseason.com.

Bellevue Ice Skating Arena

Revisit a long-standing holiday tradition or create a new one with the opening of the Bellevue Ice Skating Arena. The outdoor arena is open to all ages, beginning Nov. 27 through Jan. 10.

The ice skating rink is located at Bellevue Downtown Park at Northeast First Street and 102nd Avenue Northeast.

Tickets cost $10 and include skate rentals; $7 with personal skates. Free parking is available. The Bellevue Ice Skating Arena is open daily, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., with Free Skate Mondays compliments of Bank of America. Visit a participating Bank of America branch and pick up a free pass to skate on Mondays. Limit of two passes per person and limited based on branch availability.

For a full listing of free skate hours, visit www.magicseason.com. For more information including private parties & group rates, call 425-453-3111 or visit Bellevue Ice Skating Arena.

Garden d'Lights Festival

The Bellevue Botanical Garden turns up the magic and turns on the holiday lights for the annual Garden d'Lights Festival, running Nov. 28 through Jan. 2. The winter wonderland lights the pathways of the garden with 500,000 colorful lights daily from 5-10 p.m. Garden d'Lights offers free admission with $1 per person or $5 per family suggested donation for the Bellevue Botanical Garden.

The Bellevue Botanical Garden is located at 12001 Main Street. Parking is $5 in the Botanical Garden parking lot with additional free parking available to the east at Wilburton Hill Park. Parking fees will support future Garden d'Lights.

For more information visit www.bellevuebotanical.org or call 425-452-2750.

Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony

The official Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony will feature live musical performances by local schools and organizations. The tree lighting and festivities will take place at the Bellevue Galleria on Dec. 4, from 6-8 p.m. The Bellevue Galleria is located at 550 106th Ave. Northeast. Parking is free with validation in the Bellevue Galleria parking garage.

For more information, call 206-547-6450.

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