Holiday Light Displays in Seattle: Zoolights to the Christmas Ship Festival

Seattle, Washington, goes all out for its holiday lights. So it might seem a little overwhelming when trying to plan your Holiday light viewing route. Here, I will point out the displays you just can't miss.

Let's start off with some of the tree lighting events around town.

Nov. 23-Dec., 1 Tree-lighting ceremony. With lighted trees up for auction to benefit Seattle Children's Hospital, 6:30 p.m., Fairmont Olympic Hotel, Seattle (206-287-4049).

Space Needle tree lighting 5 p.m., Space Needle, 305 Harrison St., Seattle, FREE (206-905-2100 or www.spaceneedle.com).

Westlake Center tree lighting 5 p.m., Westlake Center, 400 Pine St., Seattle, FREE (206-467-3044).

Nov. 27 Edmonds tree lighting With Christmas carols, hot cider, walk to Old Milltown, 4:30-5:30 p.m., Centennial Plaza, 5th & Bell Streets, Edmonds, FREE (425-776-6711).

Now a must see is the Zoolights 2007, don't miss the Northwest's wildest holiday light display, now in its 20th year! The Zoo comes aglow with more than a half-million lights! Bundle up and stroll the Zoo, enjoying live entertainment, animal visits, holiday shopping and more. Warm up with hot chocolate or a visit to the steamy South Pacific Aquarium! This event features thousands of glittering lights, new animal figurines, live entertainment and access to new facilities at the zoo.

When: Zoolights is open 5 to 9 p.m.
Nov. 23, 2007 through Jan. 1, 2008
Open December 25 (Christmas)
Closed Nov. 26-28, Dec. 3-5, and Dec. 24

Cost: Advance tickets: $5.00
Night of show tickets, Monday-Thursday: $5.00
Night of show tickets, Friday-Sunday: $7.00
Children ages 2 and under are admitted free

Advance tickets may be purchased online beginning November 1. Tickets purchased in advance can be used any night of the week. Animal viewing: Be sure to visit the indoor animal exhibits at the aquariums. Please note that the upper level of the North Pacific Aquarium will be closed most Friday and Saturday evenings for private events. For more info please visit the Zoolights Websites.

Don't miss the GARDEN d'LIGHTS 2007 from November 24, 2007 - December 31, 2007, at the Bellevue Botanical Gardens. This unique holiday garden blooms every evening from 5:00-9:30 pm. The Bellevue Botanical Gardens has thousands of twinkling lights that turn the Gardens in to a Fantasy land at dark. For direction, Tickets and more please visit the Bellevue Botanical Gardens Website.

Another must see, is the Christmas Ship Festival Where: Various Puget Sound locations When: December 1-23 Who: All ages How much: Free at a beach near you or see ship prices Where to call: 206-623-1445.

Outfitted with thousands of white lights and holiday decorations, the Christmas Ship leads other decked-out parade boats and private vessels to form a beautiful holiday flotilla. Each night the boats cruise to various waterfront locations. Choirs aboard the ship sing holiday songs.