Every year, the Bellevue Botanical Garden is filled with half-a-million holiday lights, designed and crafted by volunteers to create garden-themed displays. Support this beloved community event and see behind-the-scenes by volunteering to help install this dazzling display of winter cheer!
Garden d'Lights event volunteers welcome visitors and assist with event operations. Learn more about each event volunteer role:
Volunteer Schedule & Training
- Shifts are two-three hours, seven days a week, Nov. 29-Dec. 31 (closed Dec. 25)
- All activities are outdoors
- Training is provided
General Information
- Must be 18 or older and able to pass a background check.
- Before applying, please review:
Application Deadline: Monday, Nov. 10, 2025.
On the online application, select "Garden d'Lights - Greeter" and/or "Garden d'Lights - Event Support" in the Assignment Preference section.
The Bellevue Botanical Garden displays the best plants and gardening practices for healthy, beautiful Northwest gardens. Visitors are encouraged to participate in Garden volunteerism, events, and programs that are engaging, educational, and inspiring. The Bellevue Botanical Garden Society supports this mission by cultivating the bond between plants and people. To learn more about the BBG, please visit our website at BellevueBotanical.org.
Volunteer at BBG
Join hundreds of volunteers who contribute over 15,000 hours each year supporting the Bellevue Botanical Garden and Garden partners.
The generous support of BBG volunteers plays a crucial role in the success of the Garden. There are many volunteer opportunities available, from participating in educational programs and helping with special events, to assisting with outreach and Garden maintenance.
Required of all ongoing volunteers:
- Be at least 18 years of age to participate in most assignments*
- Pass an annual background check, paid for by the City of Bellevue.
* ‘Living Lab’, the ‘Waterwise Garden’, ‘Youth Workshops and Events’, and ‘Youth & Children's Programs Office Projects’ are currently the only ongoing assignments that accept volunteers aged 16-17. See the Volunteer Roles page for more details.
Apply Online
If you cannot use or do not have access to a computer or mobile device, contact the Bellevue Botanical Garden Volunteer Coordinator directly.
Volunteers are encouraged to read the Parks & Community Services Volunteer Handbook and the BBG Volunteer Guide before applying.
Adult Volunteer Application
Youth Volunteer Application
Closed until February 20, 2026*
*We do not have any opportunities for teen volunteers right now, but we will need teen volunteers for Scout Day on April 19th, 2026! Scout Day volunteers help set up the event and run activity tables.
Applications will be accepted for Scout Day volunteers from February 20-March 20, 2026.
Opportunities to get your hands in the dirt in the gardens are available in the summer. The application for summer teen volunteers will be open starting May 29, 2026.