Looking for some new, fresh and fun activities to keep you and your family occupied this holiday season? The Overlake office is filled with go-getters and doers who’ve compiled a list of our favorite things to do.
Overlake’s Favorite Holiday Season Activities
Volunteer and give back to others
For many of us, the holiday season is a time to reflect on all that we’re grateful for. If you 
find yourself in a space of abundance, consider ways you can give back to others who aren’t so fortunate right here in the Bellevue areas. Volunteering with the family is rewarding, and it builds meaningful memories – not to mention good parenting/citizen modeling – for your children.
Visit VolunteerMatch.org to find a volunteer opportunity that calls to you. We also recommend visiting seattleschild.com to learn more specific ideas for how your family can give back this Thanksgiving.
Start practicing your Turkey Trot
Many of us ran our first “non-marathon marathons” via Turkey Trots or other, family-friendly, community-wide races. The Turkey Trot is always a favorite and participants are just as welcome to walk as they are to run. What a great way to start beating that holiday bulge!
Head into Seattle for an Easy Thanksgiving Dinner
Not interested in all the Thanksgiving Dinner prep, mess and fuss? Find yourselves alone this year since the kids are at the in-laws? Give yourself a break by heading into Seattle and enjoying a traditional Thanksgiving Dinner that someone else has to prepare and clean up.
Check out, Where to Eat on Thanksgiving, for a variety of highly-rated suggestions, some of which offer local, organic and/or sustainable options.
Snow Flake Lane
If you’re new to the area, Snow Flake Lane is an annual tradition and “resides” directly in front of Bellevue Square. In addition to all manner of holiday-themed décor and music, this central location features a parade every single night, starting at 7 pm., from November 24th through December 24th. This generous schedule makes it possible for busy families to find at least one night when everyone is available.
Slip and slide at Bellevue’s Outdoor Ice Skating Arena
Every year, Bellevue Downtown Park sets up an outdoor ice skating arena. For 2017, the rink will be open from November 24th through January 15th. In addition to open skate times, the park offers Learn-to-Skate options for adults and kids, so there’s no excuse to not give it a try. Ice skating is a great way to sneak in exercise with a big smile on your face.
Revel in the magic of Bellevue Botanical Garden d’Lights
This year marks the 23rd anniversary of the ever-popular Garden d’Lights event, which pairs our lush botanical garden with more than a half a million lights to achieve unbelievable beauty. Tickets are only $10/person (kids 10 & under are free) and you can visit the hyperlink to view a list of FREE days.
The Overlake team wishes you and your family an abundant holiday season. What are you grateful for?