Garden D'Lights at the Bellevue Botanical Gardens

Every year , during the month of December, the Bellevue Botanical Gardens hosts the Garden D'Lights show.  The Botanical Gardens are owned and maintained by the City of Bellevue, WA, and the park is cared for primarily by volunteers.  In May 2013, the gardens started construction on an expansion project to allow for increased visitor traffic.  They are constructing a new visitors center, expanding the current parking lot, and doing landscape improvements.  The construction project is not going to interfere with this years Garden D'Lights event. 

 

The Garden D'Lights reports that it uses over a half million lights to create mystical sea creatures, recreate the blossoming gardens that are present over the summer months, and local animal life.  The event runs from November 30, 2013 through January 4, 2014.  Tickets are normally only $5.00, and children under the age of 10 are free.  This show appeals to all ages.  You may want to bring some extra cash if you would like to take advantage of the barista bar at the visitor center. 

 

If you are concerned that the show may not be as great this year due to construction, there are always free nights.  This year, the free nights are December 2, 3, 4, 5, and December  9, 10, 11, 12.  Last year, we went on a free night and there were staff at the entrance asking for $5.00 donations.  After walking through the exhibit, I felt a little self-conscious for not having the cash to donate $5.00 to the effort.  The lights are put together by volunteers, and it the event is so well planned that it is worth the price of admission.    

 

The Garden D'Lights website reports that they are putting up new displays this year.  A Honey Bear is being added to the list of over 30 critters.  They are adding Charlotte's Web and Willie the Slug.  There is an Aquarium of Lights with a pulsing jellyfish, and octopus. 

Visitors should prepare for a cold winter night.  The Garden D'Lights is open from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. every evening, including holidays.  Even though we are in the temperate Northwest, dress yourself and your children in winter closing to make the visit more comfortable.   The parking lot is downhill from the park and you may want to limit the amount of items you are willing to carry to the park.  You may want to consider a stroller for the kids.  The park does provide an ADA parking lot at the entrance.  I recommend arriving early as the parking lot fills-up quickly.  Once you are in the park, the walk will transverse you down hill again, so it is a easy stroll through the park.  I plan on attending again this year and I hope to see you there!

 

Marie