Ready to lift your spirits? Shimmering light shows are a brilliant way to celebrate the winter holiday season. Grab a warm coat and go exploring in gardens, zoos and even on the water.  Here are five local venues that are worth braving the cold to see…

1. WildLights at Woodland Park Zoo

5500 Phinney Ave. N, Seattle WA 98103
www.zoo.org/wildlights | click here to get tickets

• Dates/Times: Open nightly 11/25/16 – 1/1/17  |  5:30-8:30 pm
• Cost: $7.95-$9.95 per person (ages 2 and under are free)
• Promotion: Zoo members who purchase tickets by 12/9 get a $2 discount off each adult ticket
• Parking: Free parking at the north (Bear Lot), inner north (Otter Lot) and and northwest lot (Penguin Lot)
• Food: Refreshments are available at food kiosks, Pizza Corner, the Rain Forest Pavilion and at the Pacific Chowder House (with covered seating). Outside food and non-alcoholic drinks are permitted.
• Special Events and Activities
• Holiday Closures: 12/24 & 12/25

2. Garden d’Lights at Bellevue Botanical Garden
12001 Main Street, Bellevue WA 98005
www.gardendlights.org | click here to get tickets

• Dates/Times: Open nightly 11/26/16 – 12/31/16  |  4:30-9:00 pm
• Cost: $5 per person (ages 10 and under are free)
• Promotion: Free admission on 11/28, 11/29, 11/30, 12/1, 12/5, 12/6, 12/7 and 12/8
• Parking: $5 per car in the Garden’s lot (cash only) as space allows OR park for free at Wilburton Hill Park
• Food: Hot drinks and snacks are available at the Aaron Education Center
• Holiday Closures: None

3. Snowflake & Celebration Lane at the Bellevue Collection
Bellevue Way & NE 8th Street, Bellevue WA 98004
http://bellevue.com/snowflake-lane

• Dates/Times: Nightly 11/25/16 – 12/31/16  |  20 minute show starts at 7 pm
• Cost: Free
• Parking: Free parking at Bellevue Square, Bellevue Place and Lincoln Square.
• Food: A variety of dining options (from happy hour, to kid fare, to gourmet meal) are all within walking distance
• Special Events & Activities: Ice Skating, Santa Parade & Tree Lighting
• Holiday Closure: 12/25

4. Christmas Ship Festival
Launch locations include Lake Union Park, Kirkland City Dock, Leschi Marina, Des Moines Marina, Poulsbo Marina, Seattle Waterfront – Pier 55, Tacoma (Dock Street Marina), Port of Edmonds Marina, Fishermen’s Terminal, AGC Marina, and Shilsole Bay Marina
www.argosycruises.com | click here to get tickets

• Dates/Times: Click here for the full schedule
• Cost: $15-$62 per person (ages 3 and under are free)
• Promotion: Value nights on 12/1, 12/7, 12/8, 12/13, 12/14, and 12/15
• Parking: Varies by location
• Food: Pre-order Ingallina’s boxed meals (with vegetarian and gluten-free options) at least 48 hours prior to your cruise
• Special Events: Parade of Boats Night, Grand Finale Night

5. Zoolights at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
5400 N. Pearl Street, Tacoma WA 98407
www.pdza.org/zoolights
click here to get non-member tickets OR click here to get member tickets

• Dates/Times: Open nightly 11/25/16 – 1/1/17  |  5-9 pm
• Cost: $8.50-$10.00 per person (ages 2 and under are free)
• Promotions:
  -$5 tickets for zoo members
  -Combo Pass that includes daytime zoo admission ($12-$16)
  -Military Nights ($8 for US Veterans): 11/28, 11/30, 12/5, 12/7, 12/12 & 12/14
  -Scout Night ($8 for registered Girl Scouts or Boy Scouts): 12/6
• Parking: Free parking in zoo lots (entrance on Pearl Street)
• Food: Hot drinks and treats are available at the café and kiosks throughout the zoo
• Activities
• Holiday Closure: 12/24

©Windermere Real Estate/Mercer Island

This blog post originally appeared on the MercerIslandPulse.com blog.