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Christmas Lights Tour in Seattle and Bellevue, With a Private Driver

The best holiday lights around Seattle, and an easy way to see several in one cozy evening.

The holidays are the best time to see Seattle and the Eastside at night. The hard part is parking: the most popular light shows draw big crowds every evening in December. With a private chauffeur, your family or group rides together, stays warm between stops and never looks for a parking space.

Snowflake Lane, Bellevue

Bellevue's famous holiday parade runs every night at 7 p.m. from the day after Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve, along Bellevue Way between NE 4th and NE 8th Streets. Expect drummers, dancers, floats, bright lights and falling "snow". It is free, and the sidewalks get crowded, so we drop you right at the route a little before 7.

Garden d'Lights, Bellevue Botanical Garden

A walk through gardens lit by thousands of small lights shaped like flowers, plants and animals. It pairs well with Snowflake Lane on the same night.

Candy Cane Lane, Seattle

A small loop of homes in Seattle's Ravenna neighborhood that decorates every year, with candy cane poles and lights. It is a short, free stop, and the narrow street is much easier without your own car.

Zoolights, Point Defiance Zoo, Tacoma

A big holiday light show at the zoo in Tacoma, with lit animals, trees and paths. It is a good choice for South Sound families.

Christmas ships and Leavenworth

In December, lighted boats with choirs sail to shoreline parks around Seattle and Lake Washington. For a full day trip, the Bavarian-style village of Leavenworth holds its Christmas lighting weekends. See our Seattle to Leavenworth car service.

A sample 3-hour lights tour

  1. 6:00 Pickup at your home or hotel.
  2. 6:45 Find a spot on Bellevue Way for Snowflake Lane at 7:00.
  3. 7:30 Hot chocolate and a walk through Garden d'Lights.
  4. 8:45 Ride home warm and relaxed.

Tips

  • Dates and hours change each year. Check each event before you go, and book tickets where needed.
  • Weekends close to Christmas are the busiest. Weeknights are calmer.
  • Book your holiday evening early. December nights fill up fast.

Book a holiday lights tour Call (206) 319-9196

Reviews

What our riders say

4.9★★★★★185 Google reviews
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Brandon W.Google review · November 2026
★★★★★

This company is top-notch! Dawit was at the location ahead of time for both preplanned trips. He was extremely professional, polite and accommodating. I highly recommend Dawit for any of your traveling needs in Seattle!

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Lynda F.Google review · October 2026
★★★★★

The service was exceptional and well worth the cost. We were so grateful that Carina was able to accommodate our pick up needs with less than 24 hours notice. It made the transfer to the airport after the cruise seamless, stress-free, and enjoyable.

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Olegario G.Google review · October 2026
★★★★★

Dawit was great. He called us upon arrival and told us exactly where to meet him. He gave us some great tips and ideas for our stay in Seattle.

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Holly L.Google review · October 2026
★★★★★

We had the perfect experience! Our drivers were friendly and professional. We had to change our return trip time at the last minute and the staff helped us update our reservation instantly with no issues. If ever in Seattle this is the company I would recommend!

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Jessica R.Google review · October 2026
★★★★★

Very professional and reliable. Our flight was delayed 3 hours and they kept in touch and was on time when we arrived. 10/10 recommendation

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Janet R.Google review · October 2026
★★★★★

It was so easy booking our reservation for 8 people with Carina Ride! The passenger van was very comfortable and clean. Our driver was very friendly and a safe driver. He even arrived at our hotel early!

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Karissa A.Google review · October 2026
★★★★★

Absolutely wonderful service! Great customer service from start to finish. This is our first time in Seattle and our driver Obi graciously pointed out landmarks for us. I highly recommend this company!

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Daniel N.Google review · November 2026
★★★★★

Dawit was great and the ride was awesome. Look forward to using the car service in the future.

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Thomas B.Google review · September 2026
★★★★★

Drivers were Professionals and provided great communication, The company reacted swiftly when my schedule and pickup location and time changed. I highly recommend them, I will use them for my future travels to Seattle

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Raymond B.Google review · October 2026
★★★★★

We went to the wrong door to be picked up and the driver actually came and found us. Thanks for great service!

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Estelle M.Google review · October 2026
★★★★★

Such a great ride. I’m so sorry I don’t remember the drivers make. He was amazing. Told us things about Seattle. We have 2 others rides scheduled with Carina Ride. I would definitely recommend using them.

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Debra O.Google review · November 2026
★★★★★

Professional & superior service, highly recommend!

Reviews from our Google Business Profile

Questions

Frequently asked questions

When is Snowflake Lane?

Every night at 7 p.m. from the day after Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve, on Bellevue Way between NE 4th and NE 8th Streets. Check the dates for this year before you go.

How long should a lights tour be?

Three to four hours is enough for Snowflake Lane and one or two more stops.

Can you take a big family or group?

Yes. Our Sprinter van carries up to 14 people, and everyone stays warm between stops.

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