Catch the Countdown... Your Downtown Holiday Passport

Catch the Countdown... Your Downtown Holiday Passport

Introducing your Downtown holiday passport - a curated itinerary of local destinations and activities for your ideal escape from the humdrum of our routines. Whether you need to finish gift hunting or need a break, follow these recommendations or give us a holler @bellevuedowntown to voice your own discoveries around town - either way, we're inspiring you to support local businesses in the Heart of Bellevue. 

Personally, we would argue that any successful shopping spree isn’t complete without a comforting beverage. Swing by Café Cesura, which just debuted its Bellevue Holiday Blend from Rwanda Hingkawa Women's Coffee Co-op. Notes of baking spice and almond butter are guaranteed to invite nostalgic feelings of seasons’ celebrations past! In the mood for a fruity concoction instead? Head over to YiFang Taiwan Fruit Tea for a Sweet Taro Sago Latte, mixed with real mashed taro, organic milk and cream, and topped with chewy sago for a refreshing, caffeine-free treat!

Next, peruse quaint and quintessential holiday gifts in Old Bellevue and conquer your shopping list, like iconic hand blown candle holders from the brick and mortar Glassybaby shop on Main Street, or posh and practical amenities from Veritables to outfit your parlor, and sustainable, luxury apparel at the Alicia Peru boutique. Consider adding these fashionable Turkish Fouta Cotton Towels to your basket, currently on sale for $36 and claim holiday shopping victory! Need more inspiration? Check out our full-on Downtown Gift Guide.

While most venues are closed, delightful entertainment can still be found around almost every corner - practically in your own backyard! As daylight fades and cheerful light displays glow brightly, soak up the scenery at Downtown Park with a stroll under the continuous strand of iridescent bulbs, featuring different holiday hues through early January.

A time-honored tradition, nothing beats The Bellevue Collection’s annual Snowflake Lane spectacle. While its featured performance has been retrofitted for our current pandemic reality, visitors can still grab a mask and enjoy the festivities from afar! Capture a top-notch profile picture or quality candids throughout the evening, complete with faux-snow flurries and classic Christmas carols.

Wrap up your evening with a satin Christmas ribbon-equivalent and venture over to Cépaé to pick up a sumptuous bottle of wine from an extensive inventory of +120 varieties. 

Last but certainly not least, a delicious dinner awaits at our latest favorite restaurants, like authentic Mexican cuisine and plenty of hearty combos from Cielo Cocina (nab 15% off your takeout total through Dec. 31 by ordering over the phone) or classic Italian pizza like the Prosciutto Di Parma layered with artisanal cheese and arugula at Mercato Stellina, served fresh from its signature brick ovens. Or browse the options at Bird Pepper Thai Kitchen, where all bottled wines are half off with your food purchase (might we suggest their famous Bangkok Chicken for your entree?) Not to mention, freshly poured cocktails and growlers are also available to grab before you split!

And the days close on Christmas and we head towards New Years, let this passport be your guide to a fantatsic Heart of Bellevue experience. Go forth and explore! 
 

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The Season of Cheer presented by Symetra is part of the Heart of Bellevue: our campaign to showcase local businesses while connecting you with stories of activity, creativity and recovery. Find out about our campaign and explore more of what’s happening around Downtown.