2023 Arboretum lights
When the Evergreen Arboretum & Gardens announced “Deck the Boughs,” the question that immediately came to mind was: “What about the lights?”
Sadly, there will be no lights this year. If you’re still looking for a free light display, we suggest the Tulalip Lights.
Background on the Decision:
After five years of turning its grounds into a glowing winter wonderland, Evergreen Arboretum & Gardens will not host its popular Wintertide Lights event this holiday season.
Families enjoyed the free lights in the snowy gardens.
Wintertide Lights began in the winter of 2020 during COVID. Since Aboretum volunteers could not do their usual work, they installed the lights to bring some happiness to the Everett community. “It started small and, over the next five years, grew.”
“Visitor enthusiasm caused the display to expand dramatically each year, eventually drawing thousands of people to the arboretum’s pathways lined with hundreds of thousands of lights.”
The Hidden Cost Behind the Glow
According to the arboretum, last year’s event required more than 750 volunteer hours just to install the lights in November, followed by daily December shifts to turn displays on and off and keep the parking lot illuminated. Weekend greeters handed out scavenger hunts and candy canes, and after the elimination of city park rangers, volunteers added a second daily shift to secure the grounds at closing. January brought hundreds more hours to remove everything.
Financially, the 2024 event carried a $28,000 budget — approximately one-fifth of the organization’s total annual operating funds. Even with $20,000 in grant funding secured, unexpected increases in contractor fees for high-tree lighting and supply costs would have required the nonprofit to front the full expenses before reimbursement, creating significant cash-flow risk for a group with no paid staff.
Leadership had hoped the high-profile event would attract more volunteers and boost their bottom line to offset the growing workload on its predominantly older volunteer base. While visitor numbers soared, the anticipated influx of new helpers and members never reached sustainable levels.
“Deck the Boughs” Takes Center Stage
Deck the Boughs photo snapped by Arboretum volunteer Sylvia Blaauw.
Through December, the arboretum will instead decorate with crafts made of recycled and natural materials. Returning favorites include the garden gnomes and crocheted birds suspended in trees. Large colorful pom-poms and handmade ornaments will add splashes of cheer without electricity or extensive setup.
Special events include a Winter Solstice Morning Walk and all-ages craft workshops on Saturday, December 21. As always, the gardens remain free and open dawn to dusk throughout the season.
This is a daytime holiday experience, open to the public during Park Hours of 6 AM to dusk.
Highlights include:
- Wish Tree: While visiting in December, venture down to the Arboretum’s gazebo to write a personal holiday wish on a tag and tie it to our Wish Tree.
- Deck the Boughs Sunrise Solstice Walk: Welcome winter at exactly 7:53 AM on December 21st with a Sunrise Solstice Walk to celebrate the shortest day of the year
- Solstice Crafting & Treats: Also on December 21st, from 10 AM to Noon, enjoy crafting pine cone gnomes and crowns made from natural materials – complimentary luminary bags will be handed out to take home, celebrating the longest night of the year! Come create, celebrate, and connect with nature and neighbors.
No timeline or indication has been given for a potential return of Wintertide Lights. The site states:
“We think a walk in the Arboretum looking at birds (crocheted and real), gnomes, and colorful pom poms is a lovely, lower key, less resource-intensive way to enjoy some time outdoors. We hope you will agree.”
Evergreen Arboretum & Gardens is located within Everett’s American Legion Memorial Park at 145 Alverson Blvd. More information is available at evergreenarboretum.com.
December 4, 2025
Events in Everett, Artwork in Everett