Candy Cane Lane in Ravenna

FAQs:

Q: What are the nights of operation?
A: The first night of lights is Saturday, December 6, and the last night is Thursday, January 1, 2026. The hours for viewing the lights are from 4:00 PM to 9:30 PM, with extended hours until 11:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.

Q: What should I expect?
A: You can look forward to a non-commercial holiday display featuring lights and decorations created by the residents of Candy Cane Lane. This neighborhood tradition has been celebrated every year for over 75 years. If you're driving, it will take you less than 5 minutes to drive through the street. If you choose to walk (which is recommended), you can stroll through the area at a leisurely pace in about 15 to 30 minutes.

Q: Where is Candy Cane Lane located?
A: You can find directions by searching "Seattle Candy Cane Lane" on Google. The location is just north of the University of Washington, at the intersection of NE Ravenna Blvd and Park Rd NE.

Q: Is there a cost to attend?
A: There is no fee to visit Candy Cane Lane. However, if you would like to contribute, there are bins at the end of the street for donating canned goods to the University Food Bank.

Q: What are "Pedestrian Exclusive Nights"?
A: Pedestrian Exclusive Nights are designated nights when the street is closed to vehicles. While the street is walkable every night, these special nights offer a better pedestrian experience, providing more space to stroll and enjoy the displays. The Pedestrian Nights in 2025 are December 6, December 7, December 10, and December 12.

Q: Can I walk through Candy Cane Lane on non-Pedestrian Nights?
A: Yes, you can walk through Candy Cane Lane on non-Pedestrian Nights. Please exercise caution, as the sidewalks can be narrow and may get crowded.

Q: What are "Sensory-sensitive nights"?
A: Sensory-sensitive nights (this year taking place on Wednesday, Dec 10) are special evenings dedicated to creating a welcoming and comfortable environment for individuals and families who may be sensitive to typical holiday lighting displays. During these nights, there will be no fast-blinking or excessively bright lights, and no music will be played. This peaceful setting is designed to make the magical Candy Cane Lane experience accessible to more people, particularly those who may have previously avoided attending due to sensory concerns.

Q: Is Candy Cane Lane dog-friendly?
A: Yes, Candy Cane Lane is dog-friendly! In fact, there are more resident dogs than children. The best nights to bring your dogs are during Pedestrian Nights, when there is more space for them to roam.

Q: Are there food and drink options?
A: Please visit Seven Market across the street from Candy Cane Lane for wonderful coffee and pastries. Seven Market closes at 7 pm.

Q: Is there parking nearby?
A: Parking can be challenging since we are located very close to the university. However, parking is available in the upper and lower lots of Ravenna Park, as well as in the surrounding neighborhoods.

I bet you didn't know...

1. This tradition started in the 1940's. The reason is not entirely clear anymore, but most likely it was with a Seattle Times neighborhood holiday cheer competition.

2. Park Road was nicknamed Candy Cane Lane in the mid-1950s and the name stuck.

3. We like partnering with local groups for even more festive entertainment. The UW Husky marching band and the Roosevelt High School jazz band are regular visitors.

4. Every year, there are "pedestrian nights” where the street shuts down to cars. There is something magical about strolling a car-free street and seeing and hearing Christmas lights and music.

5. The merry-go-round has 6 different themes. This year's is the first one ever built - Angel Chimes, made in 1961. Inspiration came from angel chime table decorations where candles’ heat makes sparkly angels spin around and ring bells as they go.

6. The merry-go-round was designed and built through the 1960s by an engineer and resident, Bill Rehder. He dreamed of it one night and brought it to life. It continues more or less unchanged.

7. During the year, pieces of the merry-go-round are stored between many houses up and down the street. As Christmas approaches, neighbors spend the better part of 2 days getting it up and running around the giant holly bush.

8. The roundabout has its own claim to fame as the smallest public park in Seattle.

9. At the pretend toy shop in the middle of the hill, you can find an elf holding the "good" list. It includes the names of all the kids who live on Candy Cane Lane.

10. Every house has a 6' metal candy cane made decades ago from pipes found in the houses.

11. Seven, the cafe up the street, is a great community partner with delicious hot chocolate and treats!

12. You can find a red and white sign that reads “peace” in a different language in each person’s yard. These were made after 9/11 and are written in the most commonly spoken languages in King County that year.

13. Thanks to visitors' generosity, several carloads of food have been donated to the University Food Bank for many years. Sometimes people donate cash and the full amount is also given to the Ravenna Pop-up Kitchen.