Redmond Lights Adapts To The Coronavirus Era

REDMOND, WA — Like most holiday celebrations in 2020, the city's annual Redmond Lights festivities will look a lot different this year due to coronavirus precautions. This week, officials announced a reimagined, month-long celebration of art and light installations downtown, along with an online contest for the best residential displays.

"As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact our opportunities to gather, spreading light, hope, and joy in the community is even more important," Mayor Angela Birney wrote in a statement. "This year will showcase are and light installation that will help connect our community, even when we are physically distanced."

While usual gatherings, like tree lightings, photo booths and performances, won't be possible this year, the city will install lights around Downtown Park, and lining Cleveland Street and 164th Avenue Northeast leading to Redmond Town Center. Officials said this year's light installations were made possible by Microsoft, BECU and Evergreen Healthcare.

Beginning Dec. 4, the "PocketSights" smartphone app will take visitors on a self-guided tour through the lights. Residents can also participate in the #LetItGlowRedmond contest, which will accept entries of home decorations through Dec. 18.

Business owners are invited to adorn their windows with lights and help spread cheer downtown. Voting for that contest will begin Dec. 18. Photos can be uploaded on Facebook and the winner will be announced Jan. 2. Downtown businesses can also apply to be an official "blinker stop."

Learn more about this year's Redmond Lights, running from Dec. 4 - Jan. 3, on the city of Redmond website.