 We are joined by Dave Tomson of SRM Development who illuminates us on Google Lights which opens December 5 at Feriton Spur Park. Check it out.
 The next meeting of the Kirkland City Council is on Tuesday, December 9, 2025.
Please note that the Council won’t be having a Study Session at 5:30 p.m. as per usual. Instead, the Council will have a Special Meeting starting at 5 p.m. This is because the Council has many items to vote on next week, and Council can’t take formal action during Study Sessions.
During the 5 p.m. Special Meeting, Council will:
- Receive an update on the draft legal agreements with the Seattle Kraken regarding a new iceplex in Kirkland.
- Consider adopting a new Homelessness Continuum of Care Action Plan.
- Consider approving a mid-biennial adjustment to the City’s budget.
- Receive an update to the 2025-2030 Capital Improvement Program.
- Consider updates to the Lake Washington High School Master Plan related to ballfield lighting.
- Consider approving an update to the Critical Area Ordinance.
Following the Special Meeting, Council will hold its Regular Meeting starting at 7:30 p.m. During the Regular Meeting, the Council will:
- Hear from members of the public during its standard Items from the Audience period.
- Consider adopting the Houghton Village Development Plan.
- Consider adopting changes to the Goodwill and Michael’s sites in Juanita.
- Consider adopting annual Comprehensive Plan amendments.
Meeting details:
The agenda for the December 9 meeting will be available on the City website prior to the meeting on the Kirkland City Council agendas webpage. You can also receive meeting agendas in your inbox by subscribing to “City Council Agendas” on the Kirkland email lists subscription page.
How to watch: Kirkland City Council meetings are streamed live and can be watched after the fact on the City's:
Meetings are also televised on Comcast Cable Channel 21 and Ziply Cable Channel 31.
How to participate: Members of the public wishing to address the Council may do so in-person or via Zoom during the “Items from the Audience” part of the agenda. That part of the agenda occurs at the beginning of the Council’s business meeting, which starts at 7:30 p.m. Information on the comment sign up process to provide comment to the City Council, and on attending the meeting virtually, is available on the City Council webpage.
Written comments can also be submitted to CityCouncil@kirklandwa.gov. For additional questions, please call the City Clerk’s Office at (425) 587-3190.
Stay in the know: you can also get a preview of what’s coming up at Council in the coming weeks and months by checking out the City Council Agenda Calendar. Please note: this calendar is subject to frequent change and does not constitute legal notice.
 Come on down to the Kirkland Urban Starbucks on 12/16 from 9 - 11am for Coffee with a Cop! Grab a coffee, meet some of our officers, and share your thoughts in a casual, one-on-one setting. Our officers would love to connect with you!
 For nearly three decades, Prins has grown her career and built lasting relationships in the City of Kirkland’s Planning & Building Department. What began as a job became a place where she could Serve with purpose, Belong to an inclusive and supportive team, and Thrive through leadership opportunities, mentorship, and meaningful community impact.
Throughout her career, she has supported Development Services, partnered with teams across the City, and connected with residents. When you ask her what has kept her here for 27 years, her answer is simple: the people.
“You come for the job, but you stay for the people,” she says, and that sense of connection has been the foundation of her career. The City’s commitment to inclusion, diverse perspectives, and employee development has created an environment where Prins, and so many others, feel supported, valued, and empowered to do their best work.
At the City of Kirkland, employees don’t just build careers: they build community, relationships, and a shared sense of purpose.
If you are looking to thrive in your career and serve your community like Prins, check out our job openings by visiting our jobs page at www.kirklandwa.gov/jobs.
 Celebrate the opening of the Lake Street Pedestrian Scramble! This free family event takes place on Saturday, December 6 from 2 to 3 p.m. at 101 Kirkland Ave in Downtown Kirkland. Ribbons will be provided to event participants to celebrate safe crossings by swirling and twirling ribbons across the intersection. If rain threatens to dampen the ribbon fun, bring your brightly colored umbrella!
- Free eggnog served by the Kirkland City Council
- Send a free postcard to Santa
- Join the Ribbon Scramble at 2:15, 2:30, or 2:45 p.m.
- Shop Downtown Kirkland with free Kirkland Ca$h*
*Shop Local: The first 100 attendees will receive a $10 Kirkland Ca$h certificate. Must be 18+. All details of the Kirkland Ca$h program for both consumers and businesses can be found at www.KirklandCash.com.
 Experience the magic of winter in downtown Kirkland with festive outdoor ice skating on Lee Johnson Field surrounded by twinkling lights, music, and seasonal cheer for all ages. Presented by the Kirkland Downtown Association, the ice rink will be open through January 2, 2026.
Ice skates are included in the admission fee. Skating sessions are for an hour duration. Tickets must be purchased online in advance. This is REAL ice, so bundle up! Find more information, including hours of operation, here.
 Celebrate the season with sparkle and joy! The annual Google Holiday Lights display comes to life with a lighting ceremony at 5:30 p.m. Friday, December 5 at Feriton Spur Park. It’s a night full of festive magic the whole community will love. Watch the park come alive as thousands of twinkling lights illuminate the night in a dazzling display as sounds of classic tunes fill the air. Kids can enjoy sweet treats, meet furry friends at the petting zoo, and strike a pose at the holiday photo booth—perfect for capturing seasonal memories.
Refresh your holiday decor while embracing the spirit of sustainability by joining the ornament swap!
How It Works:
-
Stop by the Waste Management (WM) Booth: Our friendly team will be there to welcome you and guide you through the swap process.
-
Bring a Gently Used Ornament: Share the joy by bringing a holiday ornament that you're ready to pass on.
-
Take a "New to You" Ornament: Find a unique treasure to add to your collection and give it a new home.
-
Get Your Recycling and Compost Questions Answered: Our sustainability experts will be on hand to help with any recycling or composting queries you may have.
Google Holiday Lights will shine nightly from 4 to 9 p.m. through January 9, so you can soak in the holiday glow all season long.
 Kirkland's Recreation Scholarship Fund opens doors for those in need to enjoy swim lessons, summer camp, sports, and more. These programs bring confidence, joy, and connection. Every gift makes a difference—donate today at kirklandparks.net under "Scholarship Fund" or call 425-587-3336.
Thank you for supporting a thriving, inclusive community! Together, we can make Kirkland brighter for all.
 The Kirkland Fire Department is partnering with Toys for Tots to help bring joy to local children this holiday season. Drop off new, unwrapped toys to any Kirkland fire station between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. until December 16.
Out doing some holiday shopping this weekend? You can also drop off toys at the 13th Annual Toys for Tots Drive. Join us near Kirkland Costco (on and along 8525 120th Ave NE) from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 6 and Sunday, December 7 as Kirkland fire crews and Marines collect toys and donations from passing traffic.
Toys for Tots distributes new, unwrapped toys through local certified charities, helping parents choose a gift their child will love. Kirkland’s community support has been tremendous - we’ve consistently hosted the second-largest Toys for Tots event in King County.
Thank you for being part of the generosity that makes this season special!
 The holiday season is a wonderful time to spread kindness through food donations. Whether you're new to donating or a seasoned contributor, these guidelines can help your generosity shine.
- Give Food You Love - Donate foods that bring you comfort and joy. Non-perishable items like canned soups, pasta, or festive treats can make someone's day special.
- Check Expiration Dates - Ensure all donated items are within their expiration dates for safety and quality.
- Avoid Dented or Damaged Items - Donate only labeled items in good condition to ensure safety and express your thoughtfulness.
- Consider Monetary Donations - Financial contributions can have a big impact. Food banks like Hopelink can stretch each dollar further, providing more meals to those in need.
Let's make this holiday season memorable for all. Visit Hopelink.org and find out ways you can spread generosity and bring warmth and joy to many families. Thank you for sharing your holiday spirit! Happy holidays!
 For the person who receives a blood donation, it could be the best present they get all year. Take a little time off from the holiday hustle to make this season brighter for someone who needs it – a patient in our community. During the holidays we see an increase in demand at our local hospitals, so the more people who donate, the bigger the impact we can make across the Pacific Northwest. Join us for the North Kirkland Community Center blood drive on Monday, December 22 or Tuesday, December 23. Appointments are available between 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day. Sign up for your appointment by clicking here.
1. 124th Avenue Northeast
Work continues on 124th Avenue Northeast, between Northeast 116th Street and Northeast 124th Street. Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/124thavenue for project updates on Thursdays.
 12Ks of Christmas
Date: Sunday, December 14, 2025
Time: 8 am to 12 p.m.
Location: Marina Park, 25 Lakeshore Plaza
Lace up your sneakers, don your Santa hats and reindeer antlers, and get ready to dash into the holiday spirit at the annual 12Ks of Christmas! This beloved community tradition brings together runners, walkers, and merry-makers of all ages.
Race Day Schedule:
- 8:30 a.m. – Kids Dash
- 9:00 a.m. – 12K Run/Walk
- 9:30 a.m. – 5K Run/Walk
 Grand Menorah Lighting
Date: Sunday, December 14
Time: 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Marina Park, 25 Lakeshore Plaza
Join Chabad of Kirkland to celebrate Chanukah, the eight-day "Festival of Lights," starting Sunday evening, December 14, 2025. This community-wide holiday celebration will feature a menorah lighting, singing, games, and other surprises. All are welcome to join the festivities. This event is a great opportunity to learn about and experience the traditions of Chanukah. Bring your family and friends for a night of community and celebration.
 Community Bonfires at the Park
Dates and Locations: Please see below.
Kirkland Parks and Community Services warmly welcome the community to enjoy bonfires hosted by City staff that accompany Argosy Cruises' Christmas Ship Festival stops at waterfront parks.
Saturday, December 20 at 5:35 p.m. - Juanita Beach Park (9703 NE Juanita Dr) Monday, December 22 at 2:10 p.m. - Marina Park (25 Lakeshore Plaza)
Note: Inclement weather, a burn ban, or other factors may result in cancellation of a bonfire event. Please call the Bonfire Hotline for day of event updates at 425-587-3345.
Want a monthly Events Guide delivered to your inbox? Sign up for our Events Newsletter.
With the return of heavy rains, relive the wonder of how Rainworks art at 132nd Square Park delights in the damp months.
|
