Plans For "Winter Lights" Underway

redmond.gov

On December 7th and 8th, 2019, the City will host the 20th Redmond Lights.

This community celebration of our diverse winter traditions, cultures and faiths is explored through light and art. The event brings community together to experience unique art programming including artistic light displays, live performances, and activities that celebrate the magic of the winter season and Redmond’s cultural diversity.

The event will have a two-night format this year with Saturday being the livelier evening and Sunday being more peaceful, without as many activities. 

The following is a summary of the planned activities. Saturday, December 7, 4:00 to 8:00 PM: “A Joyful Celebration”

  Begin at City Hall to pick up your blinker, explore fun family activities inside City Hall and at outdoor booths, experience visual art installations and the hot air balloons, and watch cultural and festive performances on stage. Close to 5:00, crowds will anxiously await Santa Claus and Mayor Marchione’s last count down for the tree lighting. Afterwards, participants can listen to more music, continue exploring the hot air balloons and activities, or begin the luminary walk. 

 As participants walk down the Sammamish River Trail to the Redmond Central Connector, they will encounter new artistic light installations and five performing groups. At 161st Ave NE, participants will turn left and have an opportunity to warm up by burn barrels and with some warm treats from food trucks and in the beer and wine garden at Downtown Park. The Moving Art Center will be energized by music on 161st Ave NE, vendors will be situated along the west end of the park, an artwork by Jen Szabo will be on display in the lawn, and Buoyant will be activated by Artist in Residence Maja Petric.

 As walkers exit the park on Brown street, they will walk east on the Redmond Central Connector, passing festive light displays and encounter a fire dancer and steel drum band on the way to Redmond Town Center. There, participants will explore community and faith groups of our city, vendors, another performing arts stage, Santa’s house, a skating rink and ice sculpture photo booth. Sunday, December 8, 5:00 to 8:00 PM “A Peaceful Interlude” 

 Begin at City Hall experience beautifully illuminated trees and a visual art installation. 

 As participants walk down the Sammamish River Trail to the Redmond Central Connector, they will encounter the artistic light installations. 

 At 161st Ave NE, participants will turn left and have an opportunity to warm up at burn barrels and with some warm treats from food trucks and in the beer and wine garden at Downtown Park. 

 At Downtown Park, an artwork by Jen Szabo will be on display in the lawn and Buoyant will be activated by Artist in Residence Maja Petric. 

- Redmond City Council Committee Memo