Bellevue – November 03, 2026 -- Snowflake Lane, a free parade with falling snow, runs every night at 7 p.m. from Friday, Nov. 27 through Thursday, Dec. 24 in downtown Bellevue.

Now in its 22nd year, the parade covers the stretch between Bellevue Square and Lincoln Square, from NE 4th to NE 8th Street. Dancers, costumed characters, parade floats, holiday music and lights fill the route. The Bellevue Collection and the Kemper Freeman family present the event.

The parade draws nearly 400,000 guests over 28 nights

Greg Thompson Productions produces the show locally. The cast is mostly students, who perform as toy drummers, jingle belle dancers and snow princesses.

Nearly 180 characters appear each night, including fairies, ribbon dancers, polar bears, teddy bears, snowmen and Santa. More than 55 snow machines make it snow along the route, using over 850 gallons of snow across the season. This year, organizers will hand out more than 80,000 pieces of candy.

Kemper Freeman Jr. built the parade after visiting Fifth Avenue and the Magnificent Mile

The idea began when Freeman visited New York City's Fifth Avenue and Chicago's Magnificent Mile in the early 2000s. He wanted a celebration where the local and regional community could gather in downtown Bellevue.

Santa, a 30-foot tree and school choirs round out the season

• Santa Photos: Nov. 27-Dec. 24 at the Snowflake Lane Factory, Bellevue Square Center Court, Second Level.
• Tree Lighting: Friday, Nov. 27 at the Bellevue Place Wintergarden. After the first parade, Santa counts down to the lighting of a 30-foot holiday tree. Guests also get photos with Santa and characters, music, cocoa and cookies.
• Holiday Entertainment: Dec. 1-4 and Dec. 7-11 in Bellevue Square Center Court, with local school choirs and orchestras performing.
• Season of Celebrations: Dec. 3-24 in Bellevue Square Center Court, featuring a 20-foot immersive screen about celebrations around the world.

Hotel guests receive a $100 gift card per night

Guests who book a weekend at the Hyatt Regency Bellevue, The Westin Bellevue or W Bellevue receive a $100 Bellevue Collection gift card for each night of their stay. The card can be used to shop and dine at The Bellevue Collection.