City Reimagines Redmond Lights In Response to COVID

REDMOND, WA - This year's Redmond Lights will celebrate hope, joy, arts, and light while adhering to the State’s Safe Start Plan. With the inability to gather and hold events, the City of Redmond has reimagined Redmond Lights to be a month-long art and light installation at Downtown Park. Art and light installations are sponsored by Microsoft, BECU, and Evergreen Healthcare. 

With a generous sponsorship from Redmond Town Center, Cleveland Street and 164th Ave NE will be lit to lead visitors to Redmond Town Center, where the experience continues with visits with Santa and more. The installations will be in place from December 4, 2020, to January 3, 2021. 

Using a free smart phone app, visitors will take a self-guided tour through the experience. Traditional elements that included the tree lighting, performances, booths, and large gatherings will not occur this year. Instead, the City of Redmond invites visitors to #LetItGlowRedmond. 

Businesses surrounding Downtown Park and at Redmond Town Center are invited to decorate their windows, sponsored by Minuteman Press Redmond, and participate as “Blinker Stops,” where visitors can get their exclusive 2020 Redmond Lights blinker, sponsored by Experience Redmond. Residents will be invited to share their home light displays and vote on their favorite entries. 

“As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact our opportunities to gather, spreading light, hope, and joy in the community is even more important,” says Mayor Angela Birney. “This year will showcase art and light installations that will help connect our community, even when we are physically distanced.” 

While the community is invited to come enjoy this unique experience and visit our local businesses, we ask that everyone keep in mind the important safety measures that will help keep Redmond healthy and safe this winter. Please wear face coverings, maintain six feet between families, and stay home if you are sick. 

In addition to the business window and residential light displays, a coloring contest sponsored by Redmond Town Center will give an opportunity for kids of all ages to decorate their own storefront window on paper. Mailboxes at Redmond Town Center will receive their entries and winners for each age category will be announced on January 4, 2021. 

--redmond.gov, 10/26/2020