Light Up Bellevue!

Each December, Bona Fide Bellevue presents Light Up Bellevue, our borough’s annual holiday celebration that fills the streets with cheer. Neighbors and visitors can enjoy an outdoor holiday market, live music, children’s activities, and the magical tree lighting that brings the whole town together. Families are invited to meet Santa and capture a holiday photo, while sipping hot chocolate and soaking in the festive atmosphere. Best of all, this beloved tradition is completely free to attend and is fully funded through Bona Fide Bellevue’s other fundraising efforts — our gift back to the community we love.

This year’s event will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025 along Lincoln Avenue.

We’re looking for businesses, restaurants, and community group partners to get involved by extending hours, offering specials, hosting children’s activities, sponsoring event festivities, and more. As always, we will build on the success of past years with some new surprises, and we hope that you will be part of the fun!

If you’d like to participate as a business or organization, check out the opportunities for sponsorship.
If you are looking for vendor space in the Holiday Night Market, please reach out to Bryan@BellevueMarket.org.
If you are looking to volunteer as an individual, please complete our volunteer signup form and select Light Up Bellevue.

 Below are some initial details that we are able to provide at this time. Check back closer to the event for more information as additional details are finalized!

When and where is the event?
Light Up Bellevue! will take place on Saturday, December 6th from 5-9pm on Lincoln Avenue. Roads will be closed between Balph Avenue and Jackson Avenue, with additional events likely taking place at Bellevue Elementary School and at businesses on the corner of Lincoln and Freemont. Streets will be closed from 4-10pm, so be sure to let your patrons know in advance. Set up will be from 4:00-4:45pm, and tear down from 9:00-10:00pm.

What if it rains?
The event will be held rain or shine, so consider how inclement weather may impact your participation and have a plan!

Will there be a program?
We’ll once again have fold-out maps along Lincoln Avenue so you know where to find the free activities, entertainment, food, drink, market vendors, etc. The event schedule will tell you when and where to be for the fun!

Where will my brand be featured if I participate?
All participating businesses and organizations that share their intent to participate with the Bona Fide Bellevue ‘Light Up Bellevue’ Committee will be featured on the Bona Fide Bellevue website and map relevant to your level of participation. We also encourage you to feature prominent branding on your tent or storefront. Financial event sponsors will be recognized in the ‘Light Up Bellevue!’ event map. There will also be additional social media support leading up to the event where your business will receive additional visibility. See ‘Ways to Participate’ for more details.

What will I need to participate?
If you sign up to host an activity or food/drink station (and you do not have your own storefront), you must ensure that you have a tent, BRIGHT LED lighting (we’ve found that basic holiday lights do not suffice – we recommend these and/or this), extension cords with a reliable power source, branding of your businesses or group on the tent (or with signs), and any tables/chairs that might be necessary. Bona Fide Bellevue will assist with power for LED lights, but cannot support electrical needs beyond that. We will assume that everyone is self-sufficient unless you reach out directly to ask for support. 

How many people are expected to attend?
We’ve averaged around 2,500 to 4,000 attendees at past events depending on the weather.

How many children should I plan for if I am sponsoring an activity?
We recommend having sufficient supplies for 300-350 children to participate in any activities. Businesses are encouraged to partner and share the costs of hosting an activity.

Where can I find information and ideas about what I could do to participate?
Visit our event sponsorship page for a list of options to consider – or, if you have a specific idea, share it with us for consideration by emailing info@bonafidebellevue.com.

If I am serving food and/or drinks, should I be conscious of allergies
Yes! Please include a sign advising patrons about common allergies included in your offerings if relevant (peanuts, mushrooms, shellfish, etc)

Will the Cheer Garden return this year?
TYes! This area is designed with adults in mind, but children are welcome. Alcoholic drinks and food will be available. It will be located in the parking lot across from Scoops at the corner of Lincoln and Jackson as well as a second location at 202 Hometown Tacos.

Can I bring my pet?
Of course! Well-behaved pets are welcome and will add to the festivities – especially if they have on their holiday garb! However, pets are only allowed in storefronts at the discretion of the business owners. Be sure to pick up after your pet and dispose of waste properly.

Who should I contact if I have additional questions?
Please feel free to reach out to info@bonafidebellevue.com.