SEATTLE, WA — For the fifth year in a row, Seattle Ballooning will light up the Green Lake Pathway of Lights with a fleet of giant glowing hot air balloons. The free community event will take place on Saturday, December 13, 2025, with balloons inflating around 4:30 p.m. and glowing until 5:30 p.m., weather permitting.
Green Lake Balloon Glow Sat Dec 13 2026
Each December, thousands of Seattleites circle Green Lake’s shoreline lined with candlelit luminarias. This year, five of Seattle Ballooning’s full-size hot air balloons—each standing nearly eight stories tall—will join the display, turning the park into a scene of warmth, color, and holiday wonder.
“A balloon glow is pure magic,” said Eliav Cohen, owner and chief pilot of Seattle Ballooning. “You can feel the heat from the burners, see the colors pulse through the fabric, and watch kids’ faces light up like the balloons themselves.”
Hot air balloon glow Seattle
This marks the fifth consecutive year that Seattle Ballooning has partnered with the Pathway of Lights celebration. Some years, calm winds and clear skies have created breathtaking glows reflected across the lake; in others, Seattle’s winter weather has kept balloons grounded. As Cohen puts it, “It’s all part of the adventure—when the weather cooperates, it’s unforgettable.”
Seattle Ballooning’s most recent balloon glow at the Seattle Center drew more than 15,000 people on a school night at 9 p.m., with photos and videos flooding social media the next morning. The Green Lake event offers a similar experience, but earlier in the evening—perfect for families, kids, and anyone who loves seeing hot air balloons up close.
What to Expect
Spectators can walk around the glowing balloons, meet pilots, and learn how these massive aircraft fly. Each envelope is illuminated from within by powerful propane burners, creating rhythmic pulses of light that dance across the water.
Event: Seattle Ballooning at the Green Lake Pathway of Lights
Date:Saturday, December 13, 2025
Time:4:30–5:30 p.m. (weather permitting)
Location: Green Lake Park, Seattle, WA
Admission:Free
Parking around Green Lake will be extremely limited, and attendees are encouraged to walk, bike, or use rideshare options.
For updates on weather or to learn more about Seattle Ballooning’s year-round hot air balloon flights in front of Mt. Rainier, visit www.seattleballooning.comor follow Seattle Ballooning on Facebook and Instagram
About the Author
Chief pilot of Seattle Ballooning. I get the opportunity to provide luxury hot air balloon rides just South of Seattle in front of Mt. Rainier. When you do what you love, it’s not considered work.
