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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.
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.
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.
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!
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.....
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.
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)
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.
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
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
9 months ago
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
9 months ago
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
10 months ago
2 years ago
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
9 months ago
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
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
4 years ago
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
5 years ago
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
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
2 years ago
2 years ago
4 years ago
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
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
6 years ago
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
4 years ago
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
4 years ago
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
7 years ago
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
12 years ago
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
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
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
7 years ago
9 years ago
I've been wanting to come here since moving to WA almost seven years ago but never wanted to make the drive from Lacey. Well, driving from Tacoma seemed a little more reasonable. We got a curbside spot at the end of the route and were pretty happy about that. Until the a-holes behind us kept pushing us and let their kids bump into us. I put my kid on my shoulders so she could see. The show itself is super cool. My daughter loved the pretty ladies and the super tall fellas on stilts. Having been a majorette and percussion player in my high school marching band/concert band I kinda geeked out over the performers. They do a great job. The snow, the snow, the snow! My daughter was so happy to see white stuff falling from the sky even if it wasn't the real deal. Despite how much we loved it, and will likely return there were a few things that I was not a fan of (not representative of the parade itself): -RUDE, pushing people. Get you phone out of my face while you take pictures and stop pushing me off the damn curb. You know that cop will yell at me. -The police presence was a bit over the top. I'm all about security and keeping the public safe, especially given recent events. However, assault rifles at a family friendly event seemed a bit much. -Again with the cops. You step off the curb you better be ready to get yelled at by the cops. Maybe if people weren't pushing and shoving... and then there are kids who step off the curb. Geez. Chill out. Will we come back? I don't know. While it was really fun and festive, I'm just not a fan of big crowds or cold weather. I'm sure if my kid asks to go we'll go though, because I'm that kinda Mom. Merry Christmas! read more
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