Tis the season for all that’s merry and bright as the 2023 holiday season fast approaches again. Already, Snohomish County is getting ready for this year’s festivities and transforming into a winter wonderland as cities throughout the region capture the magic of the season with dazzling displays of colorful decorations and twinkling lights. There’s no doubt they’ll be lighting the way towards the holidays and for Santa himself, too, as he gets ready to come to town once again for Christmas. To ensure these bright lights illuminate the season for everyone throughout Snohomish County, here is this guide to 2023 holiday light displays in the area.
Wintertide
Downtown Everett
Downtown Everett will host a ho-ho-whole bunch of holiday happenings this upcoming Christmas season for the whole family to enjoy during the city’s annual Wintertide celebration. Ice skating, holiday shopping, and, of course, Wintertide lights are just a few of the many experiences that’ll be spreading Christmas cheer throughout the downtown region.
On Friday, November 24, from 4 until 7 p.m., Wintertide will kick off with the lighting of the Colby tree. Those attending can expect to also enjoy live music, hot cocoa, and even a visit from Santa, along with other fun-filled and festive activities. Afterward, and for the rest of the winter season, locals and visitors alike are encouraged to bundle up, grab a coffee, and enjoy the lights downtown while holiday shopping. Many local businesses will decorate their storefronts to spread the joy of the holidays.
Wintertide Lights at the Evergreen Arboretum
145 Alverson Blvd., Everett
Wintertide lights will also transform the Evergreen Arboretum into a lighted holiday wonderland starting December 1 and running through the end of the year. The highly anticipated and free event promises an enchanting walk in the Arboretum where friends and families can experience the season’s magic through a gorgeous display of lights and engaging activities.
This year, the focus of the spotlight of the experience is on luminaries, adding an extra layer of enjoyment with a gazebo luminary installation crafted by artist Cindy Morris. As a special treat, a Solstice Luminary Walk will also take place on December 21 from 6 until 7 p.m., with complimentary luminary bags and story time in the gazebo.
Edmonds Tree Lighting Ceremony
Downtown Edmonds
A family-favorite and heartwarming way to kick off the holiday season in Edmonds is the annual Edmonds Tree Lighting Ceremony, presented by the Greater Edmonds Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Comstock Jewelers. This community gathering includes traditional caroling, tree lighting, a visit from Santa himself and even more family fun. Local vendors will also be selling treats and hot soup while live bands perform holiday favorites because, after all, tis the season.
Edmonds Holidays
Downtown Edmonds
Residents and visitors alike are welcome to eat, shop, and be merry in the Downtown Edmonds during the city’s annual Edmonds Holidays. The city’s merchants and community pull out all the stops from November through December to create a destination-worthy, small-town holiday experience. The charming seaside town transforms into a winter wonderland as holiday lights illuminate the city streets.
The spirit of the holiday can even be found on the docks where boats twinkle in the pale moonlight, decked out in colorful displays and decorations. Of course, the Christmas movies in the historic theater, caroling, holiday market, and free rides on the Holiday Trolley are all just added bonuses to the festivities.
Bothell’s Tree Lighting Festival
Main Street, Bothell
To get into the 2023 holiday spirit, Bothell will hold their annual Tree Lighting Festival on December 2. The event will begin at 2 p.m. and features a Holiday Market with handmade artisan crafts and more, concluding at 6:30 p.m. with the lighting of the city tree. Santa will join the community for the holiday festivities under the tree at 5 p.m. To keep the season bright through the rest of the month, Lucky the Tree, as he’s affectionately named, will be lit every night from December 2 through the new year.
The Lights of Christmas
20800 Marine Drive, Stanwood
The largest holiday event in the great Pacific Northwest is proud to return to Stanwood to decorate over 15 acres in Warm Beach with a dazzling display of Christmas lights. There’ll be over a million lights at The Lights of Christmas event that runs Thursdays through Sundays throughout December. It is an innovative and convenient holiday experience for families in the region as they enjoy a comfortable drive through the magical array of spectacular lights, dazzling displays, creative activities, Christmas music, and so much more. Stop by and enjoy the merriest and brightest Christmas event around!
Oh, what a bright time it will be as Snohomish County cities are again illuminated with the spirit of the holiday season with brilliant 2023 holiday light displays!
