Earlier this year given a couple of free tickets to go see a holiday light display in Stanwood, WA. The large display of over one million lights is called "The Lights of Christmas," and runs during select days in December.
I decided to invite my friend, Melissa. She lives in Marysville, which is on the way to Stanford, so she was the perfect choice. I also hadn't seen her in a long time, so it was nice to be able to see her again. We originally planned to go to the Bellevue Botanical Gardens, to see their holiday lights, but changed our plans, as my friend was unable to travel my direction.
My parents were in town for the holiday weekend, so they came as well. The weather was nice for the display, but it was very cold. I am really glad I brought gloves and a warm coat. There were places to sit and beverages and cookies available for purchase indoors, and various places outdoors. I got some steamed hot cocoa and a cute polar bear cookie (shown above), it was very tasty.
Fire pits were also available outdoors for people who want to remain outside.
Hey Diddle Diddle: Created by Weber Thompson. Chef David Mestl.
After seeing all the holiday lights, my family and I went to dinner. On the way home, we stopped by the Shereton in Seattle. I heard for years about a large display of gingerbread houses they do every year, and I really wanted to see it this year.
I Saw A Ship A-Sailing: Created by 4D Architects, Inc. Chef Jay Sardeson.
The gingerbread display was quite spectacular. There were six gingerbread entries total. All of them impressive. One display had a large tree, made with sugar, that looked like turquoise shards of glass. It had lights and spun in the center of it's village.
Detail of: London Bridge is Falling Down:
Created by MulvannyG2 Architecture. Chef Joleen Anderson.
Another, was inspired by the nursery rhyme, "Hickory, Dickory Dock." It had what appeared to be Swiss Cheese with mice peeping in and out the holes. A Krazy Kat figure was spinning at the top of that display.
Detail of Hickory Dickory Dock: Created by Master Builders Association of King and
Snohomish Counties & Gelotte Hommas Architecture. Chef Jay Sardeson.
I was in awe when I saw the gingerbread boat, rocking back and forth. It was very impressive, and may have been my favorite.
Detail of: I Saw A Ship A-Sailing: Created by 4D Architects, Inc. Chef Jay Sardeson.
There was a large, upside-down shoe, that various creatures lived in - that was really fun.
Detail of: There Was an Old Woman who Lived in a Shoe: Created by DLR Group. Chef Armstrong.
Another favorite of mine, had a cow jumping over the moon of the village. There was also a dish and spoon running off together, a cat playing fiddle, a dog laughing, and lots of other details. It was totally beautiful.
Detail of: Hey Diddle Diddle: Created by Weber Thompson. Chef David Mestl.
There was so much detail put into every display, they were obviously a ton of work to get together. I looked over and over at each display, trying to take it all in. I did not even notice, until I got home, that one of the displays had a Loch Ness Monster as part of it! So, that was an unexpected delight.
Detail of: Jack and the Beanstalk: Created by Callison. Chef Lee Baldyga
Overall, it was a very fun evening. I was happy to share it with my friend and my family.
Today is the last day for "The Lights of Christmas," but you can go see the gingerbread houses another displays at the Sheraton until January 5, 2014. Wishing you again happy holiday season!
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