The annual Pathway of Lights at Green Lake Park is almost here! Join us on Saturday, December 12, 2026, from 4:30-7:30 PM. This FREE event captures the spirit of the season with the glimmering Green Lake circuit, paths, and docks lit with thousands of twinkling candles. Come wander through the magic, enjoy complimentary refreshments, live music performed by local schools and community groups, and take in the colorful glow of illuminated hot air balloons (weather permitting)!
Seattle Parks and Recreation presents this annual Seattle tradition in partnership with the Green Lake Advisory Council and with support from community partners Lake & Company Real Estate, Green Lake Masonic Lodge, Alaska Airlines, PCC Community Markets, 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 will be available from 11:30 AM to 9 PM and include set-up, placing and monitoring luminaries, recycling, litter patrol, and cleanup. To sign up to volunteer, contact Kim LeMay at the Green Lake Community Center: 206-684-0780 or by email at Kim.LeMay@seattle.gov.
FamilyWorks Food Drive
In the spirit of the season, please bring non-perishable food donations for our local food bank, FamilyWorks! Drop off your donations near the music stages at the Community Center, the Aqua Theater (Amphitheater), and the Bathhouse Theater.
Getting There
Pathway of Lights attracts over 20,000 people to the lake 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. 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 encourage you to consider biking, carpooling, or using a rideshare service.
