By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News
Winter has arrived in Tulalip, and with it comes the brilliant glow of a holiday tradition that has grown into one of the Pacific Northwest’s most beloved seasonal attractions. Now in its fourth year, Lights & Ice returns bigger, brighter, and more breathtaking than ever by featuring an astonishing 9.7 million lights.
This year’s display surpasses last season’s 7,885,000 lights by nearly two million, securing Tulalip’s position as the largest holiday lights display in Washington State and placing it on par with the biggest winter light displays anywhere in the nation.
“With more than 9.7 million lights, we are proud to present our largest display ever. Since launching this event, the holiday lights display has grown each year, and the Tulalip display is now one of the largest in the country,” said Teresa Meece, Quil Ceda Village Operations Director. “Beyond the spectacular lighting display, there are more holiday-themed activities to see and do this year and it really warms our hearts to see so many people come out to visit and celebrate the beauty of the season with us.”
What began in 2022 as a bold effort to create a free, family-friendly winter experience has blossomed into a Northwest holiday institution. One that draws tens of thousands of visitors each year and spreads cheer across the region.
Driving through Quil Ceda Village at night, the season of spectacle is impossible to miss. From both Interstate-5 exits, the village glows in layers. Towering trees wrapped in dense clusters of LEDs, building exteriors coated in shimmering patterns, and walkways lit by animated displays that dance with color captivate the imagination.
“Tulalip Lights & Ice are super cool. It’s such an accessible event that anyone can go and enjoy any day of the week,” shared Karen Gobin while strolling the winter wonderland with her 18-month-old grandson, River. “I have fun bringing my grandkids and watching them experience all the lights, especially the new animal sculptures that were added this year.”
In front of Tulalip Resort Casino, light tunnels stretch across walkways, giving families a place to pause, pose, and capture their holiday photos. Further into the village, giant illuminated ornaments, snowflakes, and draped canopy lights create a festive pathway leading visitors toward the heart of the experience: the Tulalip Amphitheatre and its real ice skating rink.
The skating rink, a returning favorite, lays centered among countless sparkling displays. On any given night, visitors can watch kids kick off their skates after a session, cheeks rosy from the cold, as new families lace up to take the ice for the first time.
Five-year-old ice-skating savant Samara Montez glided effortlessly around the rink’s perimeter while her mom, Jennifer, captured video from outside the rails. “We’ve been coming every year. My daughter actually learned to ice skate here,” explained Jennifer. “We love that the walk through is free and it’s fun for the whole family. Every year there’s something new, and this is super close to home for us. We don’t have to drive super far to enjoy holiday festivities. Plus, if you can’t tell, my daughter just loves ice skating.”
Inside the Amphitheatre plaza, guests can also find a lively holiday marketplace buzzing with activity and local creativity. Seasonal vendors offer artisan gifts, hot cocoa, sweet treats, balloon creations, and holiday crafts.
Tulalip’s winter wonderland is intentionally designed to be free and open to everyone, in keeping with the original vision set in 2022. Only ice-skating sessions require a purchased ticket.
The 2025-26 Lights & Ice season is in full swing now through Sunday, January 11, 2026. All lighting displays across the village are free to visit daily. The Tulalip Amphitheatre hosts a holiday marketplace and skating rink, which run throughout the season with scheduled operating hours posted online. For skating sessions, vendor lists, special character nights, and full event details, visitors can explore the official event page on QuilCedaVillage.com.
