Archives for December 2015

This annual holiday festival will soon be upon us, where the Bellevue Botanical Gardens become a brilliant winter wonderland transformed by thousands of colorful twinkling lights.
This year there are also some exciting new additions as well as longtime favorites.
It’s one of the best reasons we know of to get out of the house after dark, enjoy nature and get some exercise all at the same time.

A Good Time for All

Here’s what you need to know to enjoy a family evening at this popular event:

• It’s wise to arrive early in the season, week and evening to avoid long lines
• No admittance is permitted after 9 p.m. each night
• The festival takes place every evening through Saturday, January 2, from 4:30 to 9:30
• There is no cost for children ages 10 and under
• The entry fee is $5 per person, which helps to cover the costs for the following year
• The event is volunteer based
• Tickets that are date-specific can be purchased online at www.gardendlights.org.

Don’t miss one of the season’s most delightful and spectacular events!
 

Even though this popular event is based out of Seattle, many of us grew up in anticipation of this holiday race.
It’s truly an enjoyable event that’s not necessarily based on how fast you can run, but how much fun you can have while participating!
This year’s goal is to raise $755,800 for the Arthritis Foundation. The goal is to raise funds to find a cure for arthritis, the nation’s leading cause of disability.
It’s a wonderful way to kick off the holidays by helping others.

Most Incredible Themed Race

Yes, this event has been named as one of the “Most Incredible Themed Races” in the United States. Event activities begin bright and early on December 13 at Westlake Center in Seattle. Be sure to arrive by 7 a.m. to experience a special appearance by Santa to welcome all the participants.
Wear a holiday-themed costume (reindeer antlers, anyone?), and most importantly, tie jingle bells to your shoelaces for added holiday merrymaking. Prepare to run or walk a 5-kilometer route with your team members and celebrate the season by giving.

Race Categories Straight from the North Pole

You can register online, either as a participant or volunteer at www.jbr.org. This year’s races include
Dashers Dashers: non-competitive runners ($45.00)
Rudolph Runners: timed competitive runners ($50.00)
Santa Striders: walkers who wish to be chip timed ($45.00)
Seattle Children’s Hospital — Run with the Elves: a 1K fun run for kids ($10.00)
Snooze: sleep in, but still support the cause and earn an event shirt! ($25.00)
Ready, set, go!

Now in its 11th season, this beloved holiday tradition will once again be featured for the two weeks leading up to Christmas Eve. Snowflake Lane takes place along the sidewalks of Bellevue Way and NE 8th at the Bellevue Connection and gladdens the hearts of entire families as they come out to enjoy some Christmas cheer.
Each 20-minute spectacular begins at 7 p.m. while magical snow falls nightly on the excited spectators. The parade features

• An array of winter characters
• Beautiful snow princesses
• Live drummers
• Toy soldiers

The Most Festive Town in America

The Huffington Post crowned Bellevue with this title, and our Snowflake Lane tradition is just one of the reasons!
This one event alone attracts nightly crowds of almost 10,000 while volunteers hand out lollipops and help our city to celebrate the season with a dazzling light show, along with holiday music to warm the heart. Most of the shops in the area stay open late, and everyone is encouraged to stop by to finish their Christmas shopping and grab a bite to eat. Make it a family affair.