As winter evenings grow longer and the first chill whispers through the air, the region around Des Moines, WA, begins to glow with festive lights. For many families, couples, and friends, the holiday season means more than just cozy gatherings — it’s a chance to explore colorful displays, drive through illuminated wonderlands, and enjoy some cheerful moments under sparkling skies. This article introduces where to go, what to expect, and how to make the most of holiday light displays within reach of Des Moines, Washington.
Whether looking for a quick night out or a whole festive excursion, the area offers a variety of experiences — from organized drive-through shows to strolling garden events — each offering its own kind of holiday charm.
Uplifting Community Spirit on Residential Streets
While many visitors seek out large-scale productions, some of the brightest displays come from neighbors doing their part to spread the holiday glow. In nearby cities such as Bellevue, Seattle, and beyond, holiday traditions on local streets provide a cozy, neighborly atmosphere for light viewing.
Among the most beloved is Bellevue’s Garden d’Lights, hosted at Bellevue Botanical Garden. Each year, starting late November through December 31, the garden is transformed into a luminous landscape featuring more than half a million lights shaped into flowers, animals, and flowing waterfalls. The exhibit is accessible on foot and invites visitors to meander through illuminated pathways under soft light.
This kind of community-oriented display, even if outside city limits, offers a peaceful alternative—a place to walk and reflect while the holiday lights wrap around you.
Large-Scale Spectacles to Drive Through or Walk Through
For those seeking a more theatrical light experience, a few significant events stand out within driving distance of Des Moines. These are ideal for a family outing or a festive night out with friends.
One of the most notable is The Lights of Christmas at Warm Beach Camp & Conference Center in Stanwood, WA. This event features over a million lights spread across themed tunnels, holiday scenes, and festive displays. On drive-thru nights, visitors stay in their cars and enjoy synchronized music as they pass through tunnels and lighted landscapes. On nights with activity stops, guests can park, stroll among illuminated sculptures, visit Santa’s Village, shop at artisan stalls, or enjoy snacks and treats.
For those closer to home in Des Moines, the local holiday tradition at the Des Moines Marina features a tree lighting, crafts, live entertainment, hot cocoa, and visits from Santa arriving by boat. It’s a festive community moment that draws neighbors together and signals the start of the holiday season.
These larger productions give locals a chance to experience a more theatrical version of holiday lights — something that tends to draw interest each year for its immersive, celebratory atmosphere.
The People Behind the Glow
It takes more than a string of bulbs to create these winter light displays. Many are organized, designed, and maintained by dedicated volunteers and community groups who donate their time long before the first visitor arrives.
At Bellevue’s Garden d’Lights, for instance, more than 130 volunteers contribute thousands of hours — from installing the lights to running the show and taking the displays down once the season ends. Their work creates a sense of shared community ownership, turning a public garden into a seasonal wonderland that hundreds enjoy each night.
Similarly, events such as The Lights of Christmas rely on volunteers, event planners, artists, and support staff to set up tunnels, orchestrate synchronized lighting and music, and ensure safety and enjoyment for all attendees.
These efforts — often behind the scenes — are essential to bringing seasonal cheer to so many. Recognizing the volunteers highlights the generosity and care that go into making the holidays brighter across the community.
Capturing the Glow: Tips for Holiday Lights Photography
Holiday lights offer excellent opportunities for photos — but capturing them well takes a little technique. First, stabilize your camera for night shots. A tripod (or stable surface) helps avoid blurry images in low light, especially for long exposures. If you’re using a phone, brace it against the car dashboard or a window for steadiness.
Second, use a lower ISO and a longer shutter speed to let in light without creating too much grain. If your camera allows manual settings, experiment: lower the ISO, set the shutter speed to around 1 to 2 seconds, and use a wide aperture; this can work wonders.
Third, consider including people — family or friends — in some shots, positioned amid lights to give a sense of scale and warmth. Silhouettes against glowing backgrounds often make striking, memorable photos.
Finally, pay attention to reflections. Car windows, wet pavement, or lighted surfaces can create beautiful reflections that add depth and mood. Angles are key: sometimes a slight tilt captures more light and drama than a straight shot.
Planning Your Holiday Light Outing
When preparing a holiday lights outing, timing makes a big difference. Many shows begin soon after Thanksgiving and run through the end of December or even into the new year. For example, Garden d’Lights in Bellevue begins the Saturday after Thanksgiving and runs until December 31. The Lights of Christmas in Stanwood generally run from late November through December.
Check for tickets or entry times in advance, especially for popular drive-through events where timed entries help manage crowds. For walk-through garden displays, aim for early evening — often around 4:30–5 p.m. — to catch the first glow and avoid later crowds.
Dress in layers, bring snacks or hot drinks if permitted, and have a backup plan — winter weather can be unpredictable. If you plan to photograph, allow extra time for setting up your shots.
Why Holiday Lights Matter
Holiday lights bring people together. They turn dark winter nights into opportunities for wonder, connection, and shared memories. For residents of Des Moines, WA, attending a local community event — or driving to nearby Bellevue or Stanwood — offers a chance to celebrate with friends, family, or neighbors.
At the heart of it, these displays reflect generosity. Volunteers giving their time, families sharing experiences, and communities creating public displays — all this contributes to a sense of togetherness during a season often focused on joy, hope, and generosity.
Whether someone is looking to take photos under glittering arches, enjoy hot cocoa by a lighted pathway, or share the festive glow with others, holiday light displays offer something meaningful. And that glow — literal and symbolic — illuminates winter in a way that resonates long after the season ends.
Here’s to bright nights and warm memories in Des Moines, Washington — and beyond.
Sources: bellevuewa.gov, seattlesouthside.com, thelightsofchristmas.com, bellevuebotanical.org, seattlesouthside.com
Header Image Source: thelightsofchristmas.com
