The holidays are quickly approaching, and it’s during this time of the year when we spend quality time with family and friends. During this fun but cold season, we look for ways to entertain ourselves and our guests while staying warm. This year, the Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue, Washington, will be hosting several fun, thought-provoking, and exciting events — and most importantly, attendees will be inside and toasty warm.
In December, holiday-themed performances predominate the schedule. There is the “KNKX Holiday Show” on the 2nd, the Evergreen City Ballet performing The Nutcracker, a dinner auction benefiting the charity Child’s Play, and a Celtic Yuletide strings performance.
If you’re making your way to Bellevue this holiday season, here is a helpful guide to help you plan a visit to the Meydenbauer Center.
Where To Stay
Whether you are from out of town or just want to spend a night or two close to your event, searching for hotels in Bellevue, Washington, during this specific time of the year can be challenging, since rooms tend to sell out fast.
If you want to stay within walking distance to the Meydenbauer Center, then the Hyatt Regency Bellevue on Seattle’s East Side is a good choice. The Hyatt is no more than a 15-minute walk to your event. They offer guests spacious rooms, free internet access, a 24-hour fitness gym, and a heated indoor lap pool. Other amenities include an onsite-restaurant and convenient access to shopping and other dining options through the connected skyway so you can stay cozy even when you venture beyond the hotel’s confines.
The W Bellevue is another nice option. It features bold, attractive styling that combines elevated design and great comfort. It also boasts a destination-worthy on-site restaurant in The Lakehouse.
Getting Around
Bellevue, Washington, is known to accumulate a good amount of snow during its winter season. So if you aren’t an expert (and really who is) driving on ice or snow, then you may be hesitant when it comes to renting a vehicle. Don’t worry, you can take a 50-minute ride using Sound Transit from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac or SEA). When you get to the Bellevue area, you can pretty much get anywhere on foot or by using King County Metro.
Where To Eat
If you happen to get hungry on your way to the event or after it, there is a variety of food options near the Meydenbauer Center. For one, the venue is just a few steps from a mall called The Shops At The Braven. The mall offers upscale dining options that include can-t-miss Chinese cuisine and custom aged-steaks. Outside the mall but still within walking distance to the event, there are several casual eateries in the area. El Gaucho Bellevue (steakhouse) and The Organic Coup (sandwiches, wraps, bowls, etc.) are two restaurants that are only about a 7-minute walk away. Both are well-worth the steps.
Other Attractions
Perhaps you’re feeling good after your event and are really in the holiday mood to go shopping. If you don’t go to the aforementioned The Shops At The Braven, then head over to Bellevue Square mall. This mall has over 200 retail stores for you to shop til’ you drop. It also has several food options in case you want to grab a bite to eat. For entertainment, they also have movie theatres, bowling, and other entertaining night-life. Outside of shopping, experience art and visit Bellevue Arts Museum on Bellevue Way.
With a wide range of events happening at the Meydenbauer Center, it’s best to plan your visit as soon as you can. So grab this guide and start planning for your event today.
