A Flurry of Fun at the Snow Flake Lane Parade

When you think of iconic holiday locales, your mind probably goes to ski chalets in the mountains or maybe the urban atmosphere of New York City. One of the best-kept secrets for holiday travelers is that the Seattle-Bellevue metropolitan area is a magical place to spend the holiday season. One of its most festive events during this time of year is the annual Snowflake Lane celebration held every season at The Bellevue Collection. People of all ages will delight in the fantasy world created during this event. Read on for all that you need to know about this popular holiday tradition and how to make the most out of your time in the area.

Snowflake Lane Details

The streets of downtown Bellevue become awash in the holiday spirit as the Christmas season draws near. Starting November 29th and continuing through December 24th, visitors will enjoy a spectacle of fun as a nightly parade descends along the streets and sidewalks between the Bellevue Square and Lincoln Square shopping centers. The parade is an epic holiday tradition, featuring a cast of 300 performers including toy drummers, jingle belle dancers, stilt walkers, snow flurries color guard, and 16 lighted floats.

The fun kicks off every night at 7 PM and is free to all guests. You will immediately be put in the holiday mood as festive music begins to play and toy soldiers, drummers, dancers, and more take to the streets all around you. The culmination of the event is the beautiful snowfall that cascades onto the viewers at the end of each performance. Get there early for the best spot to catch all of the action.

Where to Stay

You can make the most out of your Snowflake Lane experience by choosing to stay at one of the hotels near The Bellevue Collection. The Hyatt Regency Bellevue on Seattle’s East Side is located in the heart of downtown Bellevue and will put you just a few steps away from the fun of Snowflake Lane. This premium hotel features modern guestrooms accented with Asian-inspired accents. Before you head out for a night of holiday festivities, be sure to take a dip in the 25-meter heated indoor pool or grab a workout in the state-of-the-art fitness center.

Another popular choice is the Hampton Inn & Suites Bellevue Downtown. This affordable hotel offers comfortable accommodations, free Wi-Fi, and a complimentary daily breakfast. It’s just 15 minutes from downtown Seattle and a few miles from many area attractions.

What to Eat

Make a special night out of it by enjoying dinner either before or after the Snowflake Lane presentation. For a hip experience that highlights the vibrant spirit of Bellevue, be sure to consider the trendy Joey Restaurant. Popular dishes include the lobster ravioli, the pesto shrimp pizza, and the individually baked apple pie. Joey’s is also known for its inventive cocktail menu, guaranteed to kick your night off on the right foot. 

Diners wanting an upscale experience should head to the iconic Daniel’s Broiler. This USDA Prime steakhouse delivers stunning views of Lake Washington and the Seattle skyline. Daniel’s is also a great place for happy hour, boasting a myriad of drink specials and exceptional deals on a smorgasbord of appetizers. 

What Else to Do

While in the area, be sure to check out the popular Garden d’Lights display at the nearby Bellevue Botanical Garden. Strolling along these gorgeous grounds that are all lit up for the season is the perfect complementing activity to Snowflake Lane. Shopping enthusiasts will delight in all of the retail options located in downtown Bellevue. In addition to the venerable Bellevue Square and Lincoln Square indoor malls, visitors can visit the upscale designer stores at The Shops at the Bravern or stroll along Main Street in Old Bellevue.