Top Activities for the 2021 Holiday Season in Downtown Bellevue

Snowflake Lane in Bellevue
Snowflake Lane, Photo Credit: The Bellevue Collection

The Season of Cheer is officially here and the yearly anticipated Bellevue activities are running through January 9th. Read below to find out each event that guests can participate in.

The Nutcracker presented by International Ballet Theatre

The Nutcracker will be premiering at Meydenbauer Theatre in Bellevue from December 10th through December 23rd. Total runtime is 1 hour and 50 minutes with one intermission between Two Acts. Showtimes vary. Tickets are available online. General admission is $55, and children up to age 12 costs $27.

The Snow Queen presented by Karin Kirkland School of Dance

Taking place at Meydenbauer Center Theatre on December 5th at 4pm, the Karin Kirkland School of Dance is putting on A fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen about friendship. Tickets cost $25.

The Nutcracker presented by Issaquah Dance Theatre 

Taking place from November 26th through November 28th at Meydenbauer Center Theatre, Issaquah Dance Theatre is putting on their own version of The Nutcracker. Times vary.

Christmas Ship Festival

Bellevue Parks is putting on a Christmas Ship Festival that includes a parade of boats with local chorus groups singing on board. A beach fire is provided. The location is Meydenbauer Bay Park. This will take place on December 18th from 8pm to 9:30pm. For further information, they can be reached by email.

Gin & Gingerbread

KidsQuest Children’s Museum in Bellevue is hosting an adult-only event that includes building and decorating your own gingerbread house while drinking cocktails. Candy and houses will be ready upon arrival. The event will be taking place on December 10th from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. The cost is $25 for adult members and $30 for non-members.

Garden D’Lights

The Bellevue Botanical Gardens features over half a million sparkling lights formed in whimsical shapes of plants, birds, animals, and cascading waterfalls. Tickets can only be purchased online and are date and time specific. Tickets are required for everyone, including children. General admission costs $5 for ages 11+. Ages 10 and under are free.

BAM Holiday Arts Market

Happening now through December 23rd, every Thursday through Sunday from 11am to 6:30pm, the BAM store has a new selection of unique items from over 30 BAM Arts Fair artists. Items include jewelry, woodblock prints, and ceramic vases.

Snowflake Lane

Happening now through December 24th, The Bellevue Collection puts on a nightly parade at 7pm with lights, snowfall, music, characters, and floats. Parking is available at any nearby garage. Join the crowd on the sidewalks between Bellevue Square and Lincoln Square from Northeast 4th Street to Northeast 8th Street.

Bellevue Downtown Ice Rink

The Ice Rink is now open at Bellevue Downtown Park through January 9th. New safety protocols and online tickets are in place. Walk-up tickets are limited. For hours and tickets, visit their website.

Shop Local Saturday

Everyone is encouraged to shop local and buy gifts from independent businesses every Saturday now through December 18th in Downtown Bellevue. All local shops are listed at the link provided.

Source: Downtown Bellevue Network