Snowflake Lane in Bellevue is a magical holiday experience, especially for families with kids. The lights, music, dancers, drummers, and falling "snow" create a really festive atmosphere, and the fact that it's free makes it even better. Kids love the candy and characters, and it truly feels like a special holiday tradition. That said, it does get very crowded, especially on weekends, and you'll want to arrive early to get a good viewing spot. Traffic and parking can be a bit hectic around showtime, and it can get cold standing outside, so dress warmly. Overall, it's a fun and memorable holiday event that's worth seeing at least once -- and even better if you go on a weekday and plan ahead. read more

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Beautiful, fun and never gets old! We've been going for the past 10 years and look forward to it each year! Weekdays are less busy. Avoid opening night as it gets super busy. Go early so you can save a spot where you can see the parade. If you have children, try getting a spot in the front row so they can interact with the characters! Highly recommend this annual event! read more

Snowflake Lane - Festivals Near Me - Bellevue, Washington

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This is an annual holiday event in downtown Bellevue, WA. It's a combination of parade, sing along and circus! The event used to be more audience interactive before COVID, but it's still a nice holiday evening out! Yes, there are crowds and sparse parking. I suggest arrive early, eat dinner and even get a window seat on upper floors and you can watch from inside! The drummers used to be a big draw, but now they just march and do not play in the crowd. There are characters walking the sidewalks handing out candy and plenty of good music. Pack your patience and holiday spirit! read more

Snowflake Lane - Waiting for the show to start! - Festivals Near Me - Bellevue, Washington

A great simple treat for the holidays that's free for the family! Arrive early for curb seating and enjoy the lights, music, fake snow, and parade! read more

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Got there at 5pm so that we'd be right in front for the parade at 7pm. Ended up leaving at 6:45pm because it was crowded. Yes I was in front, but people spent the last half hour pressing p on us to try to jockey their way to the front. We gave up and gave our space to a family from San Diego because they had kids and we wanted to give them a gift. Was glad we could do that for strangers, but it's really a mess. Had there been a heart attack, that person would have died because it's dangerously packed on the sidewalk. I've done ushering before so I know the importance of having clear egress or else the show gets down. Cops run this event and it was impossible to get out because everyone was trying to get in. They could have an exit path and enforce it? It was dangerous and if they can't do it safely, the answer isn't to look the other way, but to maybe not do it. Otherwise, it looked like it was going to be awesome, but I can't recommend doing this knowing that people could get really hurt going to this event. read more

Snowflake Lane - On the wall of the Crate and Barrel, right next to the snow machine - Festivals Near Me - Bellevue, Washington

We attended the parade back when they first started doing the doingnit. FAO Schwartz and the Disney Store were there at that time. Flash forward. We wanted enjoy the parade with our family again and see our Grandson's reaction to it. The parade is cute and the contributors give a good, high schoolesque performance. The snow and decorations are wonderful. Sadly, a lot of the people that surrounded us were rude, pushy, and entitled. Perhaps the bridge would have been a better spot for viewing. We ended up so smashed together that we were unable to see his reaction to the parade. It may be better if the mall could step up their game extend the route rhe way they used to which would allow more people to view it without resorting to inconsideration. Overall, my family enjoyed our small town parade more because of the space for everyone along the route and courtesy of the people. read more

Hard to rate a parade. I am not a huge parade person but this was cute. After dining at a nearby restaurant the best view was from the bridge. Super crowded on the street below. Very cute costumes and good holiday vibes. The snow was pretty cool too. I imagine it's freezing down below sitting on the sidewalk waiting for the parade to start. It was a very short parade. Seemed to last only 20/30 minutes or so. Will I go again? Maybe. Maybe not. Super crowded. Worth at least one visit. SYOY. read more

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Do you like the sound of screaming children? Standing on a hard floor for extended time periods? Then this is the place for you. Book a time to get photos with Santa and stand in a line for 45 minutes, your line wait time starts at your booking time. Merry freakin Christmas!!!! read more

Awesome Christmas parade.... It's starts the day after Thanksgiving, every day at 7 pm. And wait for it.,., it's absolutely FREE! The parade has a bunch of floats with characters and performers. There's also nutcrackers and fairies dancing around the street. In between the parade, there's also a snow dusting from the sky. You should definitely go early to save a good stop on the street to watch. Although it's showing every night, it still draws a huge crowd. The only downside is getting in and out of the parking lot. read more

Snowflake Lane is a yearly celebration from the end of November to the end of December in downtown Bellevue. The Bellevue Way street is closed off and there is a parade that starts at 7pm. It lasts about 20 minutes and has small floats, bands, and festive music. Parking is free at any of the parking garages which is great other than the fact that there will be a lot of other people parking. It can get packed on certain days so come early for a better view. If you're lucky you can also get a seat in a restaurant facing the street and see it from the warmth inside. It's a family friendly event that's also free which can't be beat. read more

Snowflake Lane - Festivals Near Me - Bellevue, Washington

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Really fun to do with kids! We have been the last two years. Last year we went on opening night, this year we came on a random Thursday a couple weeks after opening night. We definitely preferred the weekday! We showed up 45 minutes early and were able to grab seats right on the curb for us to sit and watch the parade. It "snowed" before the parade which the kids loved and we got coffee and hot cocoas from the Starbucks nearby while we waited. Afterward we walked the mall and saw Santa. Really fun to do as a family with kids! read more

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My daughter and I go multiple times a year. We meet up with friends and/or family on different nights. It is definitely worth going. We always look forward to the magic of the season and the countdown to Christmas. I will say your enjoyment depends on your preparation. With a small amount of planning this is a solid five-star experience. However, if you show up 10 minutes before it starts and expect a great view, you will be disappointed. I recommend grabbing a bite to eat or do some window shopping before the parade so you don't get caught up in the traffic and can find good parking at the mall. The whole area is decorated beautifully and is fun to look at and get some pictures. They close off the street at 6:30 +/- 10 minutes. Be ready to grab a spot then. If you stand behind the fence you will have people in front of you on the street. I recommend getting a good spot on the curb as soon as they close the street (Bellevue Way). The day of the week and the weather play factors as well. Monday through Thursday early in the month are going to be a lot less crowded, and the parade is very similar every evening. On busy nights make sure to have most if not all of your party with you as it is hard to save spots. If there is any open space someone is going to wiggle in. The parade is a little over 20 minutes. Some of the performers hand out candy canes to the children and the young at heart. We will go again next year, and the next, and the next..... read more

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A charming yet quick parade, it is free to view. A rainy Thursday was perfect as the crowd wasn't terrible. I do no recommend attending if that is your only reason for going to Bellevue. The stars of the parade were full of energy and a delight. Many people put in a lot of effort to bring joy to patrons. I will say, it does feel very outdated with props, costumes? And floats. It could use many upgrades. The music and snow were probably the highlight. read more

Another Washington overhyped Big Fat Nothing! The parade was only 10 min long. Mostly just a few people waving flags. Not even great for kids. read more

Great Christmas time event happens every night for 1 month. The staff are always enthusiasm and professional. They will give lollipop to small children. For a better view, to take a spot early is recommended. read more

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It's loud. Characters came out one end ( 4th side) at 7pm and exited same way starting at 7:25pm. Seemed a bit longer than I remember this year. Parking is a pain if you don't get there early. ( in years past we would make reservations to eat at like 5 , then be down on the street around 6:40ish to nab a spot in front. We prefer the corner of 4th by the capital one cafe. You can sit on the curb and have front row unobstructed views. You still get snow and its not as claustrophobic as cramming in the middle. This year there were some people holding signs before the parade started and it went on for almost as long as the parade. Just disruptive as we were trying to get in a family photo. The parade participants were so friendly and did a great job interacting with all the kids from afar. ( rock, paper, scissors) read more

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This event is awesome. I'm amazed that they run every night for a month. It's been running for 18 years apparently. That's dedication. There seems to be nothing like this event anywhere else in Seattle. Essentially, it's a 25-minute musical show and parade. There's a marching band, many floats, characters dressed up and general mascots of winter. Faux snow and light-up balloons are on site. For parking, you may want to check out Lincoln Square parking as an option, but get there around 6 PM, so you will be ready for the show at 7 PM after walking around and maybe grabbing a coffee. I believe parking is free at this garage and potentially maybe others for this event. If you plan on having dinner before the 7 PM show, it will be tough without reservations. All the restaurants in the area will have a long wait or not take walk-ins. If you have a reservation, then no worries. You don't need to have kids to attend; adults can have fun too with the festive atmosphere. The parade route is available on the website, so take a look so you can figure out where you want to stand. I see people standing at their spots as early as 6:15 for the 7 PM show, so keep that in mind. We've tried watching from one of the bridges that crosses the parade route, which was an OK experience, but one side of the bridge was blocked off... likely to reduce people gathering on the bridge. read more

Snowflake Lane - Festivals Near Me - Bellevue, Washington

I have been attending Snowflake Lane since I was a child. It was always such a warm memory I have of the holidays! I haven't been since a few years before the pandemic, and it has changed since my childhood. Which honestly, is a good thing. I am glad they're keeping it fresh and exciting!! It truly is like a parade now. Floats and dancers are going around the street. The drummers do not stand on the pedestals anymore... which I miss. I love the bubble "snow" and the music was great. It definitely is busy but that is part of the hustle and bustle of the holidays that I enjoy! read more

Well! I've been here since they first started this about 6 years ago? First it was fun, then it became way too big, too busy! Too crowded. Pre-pandemic this was in my draft for 3 stars. But COVID! They canceled this last year and let me just say.. it just wasn't the same!!! At all. So sad, still decorated but without any music or holidays parade and all that snow flakes. Yes, I missed it so much! So I'm very glad they are re-opening this year! And even more glad that we will be watching it from our new place. Warm, cozy in our pjs! With both Baci & Latte. Now that'll be something!! Looking forward to welcoming back all that holidays joy!!! read more

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One of the many festivities that we have during the Christmas season. This is a little parade that starts at 7 each night. While it does provide a good amount of entertainment, it's very short (maybe 30 min?) and I wouldn't say that it's good enough for a special trip (though there's soooooo much to do in the area!). Due to C-19 the actors aren't interacting with the crowds directly this year, but it's going to be my last Snowflake Lane and I'm just happy that I got to see it! If you're in the area, stop on by! Maybe do a little shopping...for yourself...while you're here. read more

Brilliant concept, gather up a bunch of people for an event and trap them there. Since traffic is so bad, they have no choice but to stick around to eat, shop, and spend money in the surrounding area. Brilliant, I tell you. The show is quite remarkable though, there's fake snow flying around and a whole performance team singing and dancing to entertain you. The show starts at 7pm every single day starting from the day after Thanksgiving up until New Years, it last about 20 minutes and I would try to get there ahead to time to find parking. Tell me about your experience if you've been here or is going to after reading this review:) read more

Confession: I never really "got" Snowflake Lane. In fact, one might say I was critical of it at times. But the truth is, I wasn't fully experiencing the magic that this event is (or, rather, was pre-covid - and hopefully will be again in the future). Yes, Snowflake Lane causes an obscene amount of traffic. Yes, you will literally find it impossible to find a parking spot within a mile. Yes, you will wait for many MANY hours to eat at any restaurants within reasonable walking distance of Snowflake Lane. Yes, you have to get there early if you want to see the parade up close. Yes, Snowflake Lane does have its annoying factors. 100%. But until last year, I hadn't experienced Snowflake Lane for what it was meant to be. In fact, when I made arrangements to meet a friend for happy hour at a restaurant on Bellevue Way on a brisk December Friday evening, I hadn't even considered the fact we'd be there right smack dab in the middle of the festivities. When we exited the restaurant, though, something magical was happening. The streets were lined with happy families. Christmas carols rung through the air. A festive parade rolled by in front of us. And you know what else? It was freakin' SNOWING! Okay, not really, but it really felt like it - the light show was truly stunning and amazing. I get it now. I get you, Snowflake Lane. And I love you. I know you're going to be an abbreviated version of yourself this year - but I'm crossing my fingers that 2021 returns you to your previous (if only slightly annoyingly crowded) glory. read more

Snowflake Lane is an annual tradition in Downtown Bellevue that I have tended to avoid during the holiday season even though I am a city resident. I finally decided to see it for myself last year one evening. It is a festive holiday parade, albeit a short one as it lasts only 15-20 minutes. Even though it is brief, I am not sure if it warrants braving the crowds to see unless you can find a spot to see it that isn't congested. To get a good place to watch the parade, you need to wait a bit in the cold. This is one of those events that you have to be willing to endure a bit of a hassle to enjoy. But if you like Christmas and the holidays, this is an event that you will probably find worth the trouble. read more

Snowflake Lane is a fun and free event put on each year by The Bellevue Collection of retail stores. The parade with live performers is especially fun for younger kids. The only caveat that I have is that it gets really crowded on the sidewalk before and during performances. I would not recommend bringing a stroller. This year with COVID-19 precautions in place, there will be lights and music every night from 5-9pm, but with no live performance. read more

Snowflake lane is a holiday must! This nightly event will get you into the holiday spirit in no time. The show plays nightly at 7 and starts the day after Thanksgiving continuing all the way to Christmas. This is a family friendly event and some of the characters walk the streets before the show to greet and take photos with viewers. They also pass out candy cane tootsie pops! Get there early because the street fills up quickly. You can stand along the street or get a view from the sky bridge. The restaurants in the area, especially those with a view of the show, are busy so I would recommend a reservation. read more

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If you've never attended the Snowflake Lane show each year during the Christmas Season (down Bellevue Way between Bellevue and Lincoln Square), you're missing out. It's a great show and really festive. There's a musical put on right at street level and bubble snow falls from the sky. There's performers and candy being passed out. What's not to like? We usually go grab something hot to drink and hang out street-side or find a spot on the skybridge (between Bellevue Square and Lincoln Square) to watch the 30-minute show. We try to go every year. read more

We love snowflake lane! We go every year! The dancers have bags full of candy and hand them out to whoever asks for them. All the *actors* are very kind, they dance with you, and give you high fives. On top of all this, it's FREE!! The mall is near it so you can go to the bathroom and shop If you want. I suggest you go to the bathroom before it. You need to get there early to get a nice seat on the curb though. Be careful not to get your kids lost in the crowds- they are brutal. Especially when leaving. Many caring actors will give these kids loving hugs which is what makes it the time of there lives. read more

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Snowflake lane is beautiful and magical. Such an amazing experience for the kiddos especially and all the great staff that put the show on! My issue was with "Santa's snowflake lane factory." -- santa pictures We booked a reservation for after snowflake lane. Arrived to our reservation 10 minutes early as we do every year for our tradition photo shoot (past 5 years.) We did our family pictures and then a picture of just the kids... we had 2 ten year olds, 9 year old, 6 year old, 3 year old and a 1 year old (cousins) The lady trying to keep the littles to smile was dangling her Elmo trying to get the kids to smile however the youngers were scared of Santa clause and crying. I decided to stand next to the lady holding Elmo and I hear the photographer saying "Jesus F****** Christ" because the kids aren't all smiling and crying. NOT OK! I lost it. How dare the photographer talk around children like that. He should NOT be doing this job nor be with children. He ruined our family tradition and put a horrible taste in my mouth. His name was Jim supposedly. Anyways the manager sparkle was very kind and tried her best to make things right from what the photographer tried to ruin. However she took all of our personal information and the lack of care that came from this business to not even call or apologize for their staffs actions is appalling. (As she was taking our information photographer was still photographing other families and glaring at us as she was talking to us.) I will not be back nor encourage anyone else to go to this Santa photo shoot due to the lack of professional or follow up. I will continue to share this story in regards to what happened yearly in hopes everyone else can find an experience where staff actually enjoy capturing your child's Santa adventures. read more

Absolutely magical experience! It is a very short parade only about 20 mins but it was so wonderful. The people in the parade are so sweet with little kids and to see just how interactive and involved they are it's great. I absolutely LOVED the lights and the music! It was beautiful. Plus each of the floats were small but really really well done. The fact that this is a nightly parade is extremely impressive. There must be some dedicated individuals and I would love to volunteer for something like this. I may have to go again!!! Falling snow, happy children, beautiful lights, what more could you ask for? read more

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It is a local 'tradition' and how can you complain about a free event that kids would enjoy. It is kind of like being at a them park for 10 minutes without the entrance ticket cost, parking cost and awful food. You are free to roam, eat at all the restaurants around and shopping if it is your thing. Our kid and cousins had fun every year with the festive music, costumes and 'snow'. I highly recommends it as a family activity. Although crowd could be bad so if possible, go on weekdays. read more

This is a fabulous for kids and adults alike. With the pandemic, the full show with the drummers, dancers, and performers is not happening this year, Kemper Freeman has lit up downtown Bellevue. Lights in the Downtown Bellevue Park, lights all up and down Bellevue Way, music, blowing snow (soap suds). Parking is free at the Bellevue Collection - join in the fun! read more

If you have kids, you should go. If you don't have kids; you should still go. It's something fun to do during the holidays to take away from the darkness. Make sure to wear gloves & stay warm :) read more

This is a treat from Bellevue city! Come and enjoy the parade if you can, it's free! It's gets really crowded on the weekends so if you can go on a weekend you can easily find a good spot and enjoy. read more

This is a great tradition that I believe city of Bellevue puts up every year. Over the course of years I have brought many kids here and each one of them have appreciated and enjoyed it at their own pace and with their individual interest/wonder. The city includes teenagers in this show which I think is a great way of making them feel part of the community. Most participants/artists look genuinely happy and look like are having fun. I am not sure if glitter and other decorations that is being used is biodegradable or not. It would be nicer if they would incorporate pine cones, pine needles etc in their acts and decorations. ( I am giving 3 stars due to lack of environmental friendly items ) I would recommend arriving early, it gets pretty congested. Maybe bring a small snack and cup of hot cocoa. Great night to be out with the family. read more

This place is awesome. I believe this year is their 11th year. Its basically a short parade that they have on Black Friday. Came here for the first time and it was crowded. So many people. I managed to get a good seat on the floor with a good view. Love it!!! read more

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I wish I could give this event zero stars! We tried to see the show with my kids (11 and 8 year old) but I was afraid that one of them would die if we stay there even for 1 minute longer. There were SO MANY people on the sidewalk. I could hardly breath because people were pushing and there was zero (I mean ZERO) space between people. We got out of there as quickly as we could but I was afraid for all the other kids there! The Bellevue Collection must find a better way to manage this experience, e.g., does it need to be free for all at all times, maybe it should be by appointment or for a small fee to just manage the number of people getting there. If they cannot better manage it they need to shut it down altogether. This is a serious public safety concern. read more

If you happen to be in the area for your Christmas / post-Season shopping... it's a fun event to attend. Otherwise I wouldn't recommend driving all the way down just to see it, especially 2 hours before (parking is insane even on a weekday before Christmas). I guess I was a bit disappointed because I thought they would have a few floats, but instead it's people in costume interacting with the crowd Disney style and a line of high school dancers performing to Christmas musical numbers by Mariah Carey. ;) After New Year's they don't even have the line of high school dancers in the streets - just music, lights, and bubbles. Oh and some marching band drummers weaving through the crowd. Don't even try viewing the event from walkway if you weren't parked there 30-40 minutes prior. It gets super crowded because everyone else had the same idea. You could also be one of the smarter folks parked by the windows inside Room & Board or the Container Store, but you might not hear the music or experience their "snow" blower. It's still a good light show though with its projections and snow effects, as others may say... it makes Bellevue Way feel a bit magical. =) read more

Snowflake Lane - So pretty! Rainbow lights and projections with music and snowflakes. - Festivals Near Me - Bellevue, Washington

Get there early or find a spot high up so you can see everything. There are drummers and people in costume all over the street, but the main festivities are hard to see if you get there late. It gets really crowded! We spent almost an hour looking for parking in Bellevue Square, so come early and shop while you wait, or just take public transportation. The fake snow was fun for photos, and I loved the furry animals running around taking photos with people. The music was fun and festive, and so was the entertainment. Bring the whole family or out of towners! read more

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This is a wonderful parade. I love that the characters walk down the street before the parade and give out candy cane tootsie pops and stop for photos. During the parade it snows to the music let it snow. Definitely a Christmas tradition to put on your list for every year! read more

This was our second year experiencing Snowflake Lane fun. The music, drummers, dancing candy cane girls, snowflake princesses/princes, stuffed polar bears/mouse/snowman, nutcrackers, and snowflake machine brought out the Christmas spirit in us all. -- I loved how the dancers invited some of the kids to come dance with them! Although we were freezing cold, the 20 minute show kept us entertained. The kids thought last years show had more characters and seemed a bit longer, but it was also Christmas eve. We fought i-90 traffic, parked at Macy's at around 6 PM and had time to grab dinner at Red Robins before the show began at 7 PM. We had such a good time that I considered dancing with the candy cane girls next year. Too bad I'm way too old to blend in with the high school girls. read more

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