• Wild Lanterns at the zoo

Every year our family goes to the Woodland Park Zoo to see the Christmas lights. My toddler loves them and still remembers them from last year!

• Garden D’lights- Bellevue & Snowflake lane Bellevue

If you live on the East side closer to Bellevue there are two great activities to take the family to celebrate. I went to the Garden D’lights many years ago and it was fantastic then. The Bellevue Botanical gardens is always beautiful. Snowflake lane is one of our family favorites. Starting every night around 7pm, our family arrives early to have dinner first. Then we grab some hot chocolate at the Starbucks and find our seat on the curb at least 30 mins early!

• Santa train Snoqualmie

My close friend and fellow photographer took our toddlers to this magical train ride last year! There are two places to hop on the train, we picked Snoqualmie. It takes you to a train museum and the kids get to meet Santa, enjoy hot chocolate and participate in holiday crafts for the entire family.

• Lights at Tulalip Casino

If you live up north of Seattle this light display is beautiful at Casino

• Local tree lighting

Check your closest town for a tree lighting event or parade. Most of these happen earlier in December but great to remember for next year!

• Facebook events

Maybe it’s just me but recently I’ve started checking Facebook events for local recommendations near Snohomish county for the family! I’ve been pleasantly surprised at the variety of events both free and more elaborate I’ve found there.