Downtown Dazzles with Augmented Reality, Lights and Delights During Holidays

Under the theme Holiday Lights and Delights, the Downtown Seattle Association is bringing new activities to downtown this holiday season, along with some tried and true traditions.

The annual tree-lighting celebration, emceed by WARM 106.9’s Shellie Hart, will be livestreamed on Facebook and broadcast on KIRO-TV on Friday, Nov. 27 during the 5 p.m. news hour. Westlake Park will shine with holiday-themed light sculptures constructed with 80,000 miniature lights — perfect for a socially distanced stroll or selfie.

New this year, DSA is bringing augmented reality to the heart of the city. Beginning Friday, Dec. 4 through Jan. 1, smartphone users can discover vibrant, three-dimensional holiday scenes digitally superimposed on sidewalks, parks and plazas throughout downtown Seattle’s retail core.

The experience is just one exciting element of DSA’s reimagined and socially distanced slate of holiday activities in the heart of the city.

“While we have unique challenges this year, DSA is creating ways for everyone to celebrate safely in downtown,” said Jenn Casillas, DSA Vice President of Public Space Operations & Events. Whether you live here, are on a shopping trip or just need a merry getaway, downtown Seattle has something for you.”

Holiday Lights and Delights in Downtown

• Holiday Lights and Delights in Westlake Park, Presented by Amazon — Nov. 27–Jan. 9, 2021
  DSA has flipped the switch on larger-than-life sculptures of presents, arches, trees and more, built from more than 80,000 lights. DSA is also raising holiday lights in locations across downtown, including along Bell Street and First Avenue, Occidental Square, Pioneer Square and more.

• Holiday Tree Lighting at Westlake Center & Bon Marché Star — Friday, Nov. 27, 5 p.m.
  DSA’s annual tree-lighting celebration will be broadcast live, with special thanks to our media partner KIRO 7, and streamed on DSA’s and WARM 106.9’s Facebook pages. In addition, the new Bon Marché Star will make its spectacular debut during the show.
• Augmented Reality — 10 a.m.–5 p.m. daily, Dec. 4, 2020–Jan. 1, 2021
  Created by Novaby, augmented reality hotspots in and around Westlake Park lead to a hidden world of 3D virtual installations for a holiday experience like no other. All it takes is a smartphone and QR code scan.
• Free Giveaways — Saturdays, Nov. 28–Dec. 19
  Every Saturday, DSA will give free, locally sourced gifts to the first 100 visitors who show a park ambassador they’ve followed DSA’s Instagram page and liked the specific gift-reveal social post from that week.
• Holiday Tree and Lights in Occidental Square 
  Occidental Square will again host a 17-foot-tall orb tree covered in LED lights. The tree will be lit throughout the month of December and will bring a glowing warmth to the park.
• Food Trucks — Monday–Friday: 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
  Treat yourself to sweet and savory snacks in Westlake Park daily.

Due to public health concerns posed by COVID-19, the Holiday Carousel will not return this year.