Westlake Center tree lighting goes virtual on KIRO 7

Like many other events this year, the annual holiday tree lighting at Seattle’s Westlake Center has gone virtual.

Because of COVID-19 restrictions on gatherings, The Downtown Seattle Association said the tree lighting will not be a public event.

But you can still enjoy the holiday tradition from home or wherever you are, as long as you have your smartphone.

On Nov. 27, the lighting of the Westlake Center tree and Westlake Park light sculptures will be broadcast live on KIRO 7.

You can watch the festivities on KIRO 7 News or the KIRO 7 app starting at 5 p.m.

The new Bon Marché Star - formerly the Macy’s star – will also make its debut, and we’re told Santa might be in the area as well.

Though you can’t watch the tree lighting in person, you can still visit downtown to get into the holiday vibe.

From Nov. 27 to Jan. 9, arches, trees and holiday-themed displays will be decorated with more than 80,000 lights.

If you bring your phone, with a simple QR code scan, you can find a hidden winter wonderland in a new augmented reality adventure. Look for the hotspots in and around Westlake Park. You can participate every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Food trucks will also be at Westlake Park daily.

Westlake isn’t the only place where you can enjoy the season downtown. Occidental Square will have its own 17-foot tree, and Occidental Mall and Pioneer Square will be decorated with thousands of lights.

For more information, visit https://downtownseattle.org/events/holidays/.

Cox Media Group