This annual tradition returns to Green Lake on Saturday, December 13, 2025
We’re getting into the spirit of the season as we prepare for the annual Pathway of Lights, a FREE winter event for the whole family! On Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 4:30-7:30 p.m., come stroll the glimmering Green Lake circuit, paths, and docks which will be lit with thousands of twinkling candles. And while you wander through the magic of the sparkling lights, enjoy complimentary refreshments and live music performed by local schools and community groups. Also, look out for the return of the popular hot air balloons (weather permitting) at Pathway of Lights!
This Seattle tradition is presented by Seattle Parks and Recreation in partnership with the Green Lake Advisory Council and with help from community partners, Lake & Company Real Estate, Green Lake Masonic Lodge, , PCC Community Markets, BECU, and Hearthstone.
Volunteer Opportunities
Pathway of Lights is a huge event to pull off and the help of volunteers makes it so much smoother!
Shifts are available from 11:30am to 9 p.m. and include set-up, placing and monitoring luminaries, recycling, as well as litter patrol and cleanup. To sign up to volunteer, please complete this FORM. For more information on volunteering, please contact Penny Atwood, Seattle Parks and Recreation, penny.atwood@seattle.gov.
Food Drive
In the spirit of the season, please bring non-perishable food donations for our local food bank, FamilyWorks! Drop of food by the three music stages located by Green Lake Community Center, the Green Lake Aqua Theater and the Green Lake Bathhouse.
Getting There
Pathway of Lights attracts thousands of community members each year and parking is extremely limited. Please see transportation options and suggestions below.
- Parking is limited; plan ahead! Parking around Green Lake Park and the surrounding neighborhood is extremely limited. We expect parking to fill up early and for there to be heavy traffic in the area. Don’t waste the evening circling around to find a parking spot! Instead, we encourage everyone to consider arriving by bike, bus or foot.
- Bus: Use King County Metro Transit’s Trip Planning feature to plan your trip.
- Walk: Take transit or carpool to a surrounding neighborhood and enjoy walking to Green Lake.
- Bike or Carpool: We also encourage you to consider biking or carpooling to the event via a rideshare service so that no one in your party has to worry about parking!
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