Garden d'Lights illuminates holidays with half million lights

Published November 22 2024

Image shows a lighted arch after sunset with brightly lit floral art in front of, under and around the arch, as well as trees in the backgroun.

Celebrating its 30th year, Garden d’Lights continues to enchant visitors nightly at the Bellevue Botanical Garden Saturday, Nov. 30, through Tuesday, Dec. 31, excluding Christmas Day.

This beloved community event features over half a million sparkling lights formed into the whimsical shapes of plants, flowers, birds, animals and a meandering river, set amid the natural beauty of the garden.

Along with the lights, visitors can experience live music from local groups on select nights. The Copper Kettle Coffee Bar will sell hot drinks and tasty treats at the Shorts House. The Trillium Store gift shop offers gifts to purchase.

Tickets

On general admission nights, tickets are $8, and the show runs 4:30-9 p.m. Special discounted $5 nights occur on Dec 2-5 and Dec 9-12, 4:30-8 p.m. Children 10 and under are always free. Tickets are date- and time-specific, and must be purchased at BellevueBotanical.org/garden-dlights. They are not sold at the event.

Parking

Parking in the Botanical Garden lot is $5 per car (cash or credit/debit card), or free with a state-issued disability parking permit. Free parking is available at Wilburton Hill Park, a quarter-mile east of the garden. Attendees can also use BellHop, the electric, on-demand, free shuttle service, to travel to the Garden from downtown.

Volunteers make it happen

Approximately 130 volunteers contributed 6,400 hours over the previous 11 months to make this event happen. They create a wide variety of botanically correct plants, animals and natural features using incandescent and energy-saving LED lights. Volunteers also install the lights in the garden, work at the event and take down the lights when the event is over.

Partnerships make it possible

Amazon is this year’s presenting sponsor. The nonprofit Bellevue Botanical Garden Society, a partner with Bellevue Parks & Community Services in the year-round maintenance of the garden, produces Garden d’Lights. Proceeds from this event support improvements and educational programs at the Botanical Garden.