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Cassie Joyner and Leanna Thomajan of the Kirkland Downtown Association tell us all about Winterfest wonders including ice skating, tree lighting, hockey cameos, carolers, alpacas, line dancing, and, of course, hot chocolate. Check it out.
The Kirkland City Council met on November 18, 2025. Here’s a brief overview of some of the items from the meeting:
Council approved the purchase of a property abutting Juanita Bay Park. The property is located at 10454 Forbes Creek Drive. Acquiring this property will allow not only expanded park and open space for community gardens and the preservation of historic trees, it will also support a north-south connection from the lower Juanita neighborhood to Crestwoods Park and the Cross Kirkland Corridor.
Council received an update on the potential partnership with the Seattle Kraken for a community center and iceplex at the former Houghton Park & Ride. The Council is anticipated to consider the complete legal agreements for the potential partnership at the Council's December 9, 2025 Council Meeting.
Council adopted its priorities for the 2026 state legislative session and what topics the City will advocate for during the upcoming session.
Council held a public hearing on the Houghton Village Development Plan. The Council is expected to consider adopting the Development Plan at its December 9, 2025 meeting. It is important to note that the Development Plan does not authorize any specific proposals or redevelopment of the site at this time, nor will the Development Plan be required to be used by a future redevelopment.
Council also held a public hearing on changes to the Design Review Board process to comply with new state law.
Council received an update on the final draft Homelessness Continuum of Care Action Plan and provided direction on some final changes. The Council is anticipated to consider adopting the plan on December 9.
Council received a new option for the water pressure issue in the Upper Highlands neighborhood and directed staff to move forward with the option.
Council adopted the preliminary 2026 regular levy for the City.
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. To watch the Council discussions on the specific agenda items outlined above, visit the City’s website. The full agenda packet with information on each item is located on the City’s website.
The next City Council meeting is on December 9, 2025.
With household costs for utilities projected to rapidly increase each year for the next decade, four Kirkland Councilmembers joined more than 150 elected officials, regulators, and public works managers from throughout King County for the first Regional Utility Summit on November 14, 2025. The summit was organized by King County Executive Shannon Braddock and Sound Cities Association to develop a path that both protects the natural environment and reduces the burden on homeowners.
A typical single-family household in King County currently pays an estimated $400 per month for utilities, including natural gas, electricity, solid waste, stormwater, sewer, and water. The combined monthly costs will likely continue to escalate over the next decade due to inflation in the construction industry, new environmental regulations, and the need to maintain and expand aging infrastructure to serve a growing population.
Councilmember Penny Sweet presented the Opening Remarks for the event. Councilmember Sweet has invested a significant amount of her time on the City Council over the years working regionally on utility issues. Councilmember Sweet called on her elected colleagues to learn more about the underlying issues driving costs up, pause new initiatives that lead to new costs, and change the typical approach to utility management to address the affordability challenge.
Read the full news release about the summit here.
In recognition of the Thanksgiving holiday, City administrative offices are closed on November 27 and 28. Fire, police, and other critical services will remain fully operational. City services normally accessible through email, the Our Kirkland service portal, and over the phone will resume at 8 a.m., Monday, December 1.
Each year, many Americans observe Native American Heritage Day as a civil holiday observed the day after Thanksgiving to honor the history, culture, and contributions of Native peoples in the United States. At the November 18 council meeting, Mayor Kelli Curtis, on behalf of the City Council, proclaimed November 28, 2025, as Native American Heritage Day in Kirkland, encouraging all community members to observe this day to honor and celebrate the thriving cultures and unique heritage of the First People of our region. Read the full proclamation here.
The Kirkland Fire Department is once again partnering with Toys for Tots, and we’re inviting our community to help brighten the season for local kids and families.
From now through December 16, you can drop off new, unwrapped toys at any Kirkland fire station, every day between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Whether it’s a stuffed animal, a board game, or a craft kit, your gift helps make sure every child experiences the joy and wonder of the season.
Thank you for your help in bringing joy to local families this holiday season.
Donate before Nov 24, 2025 to see your gift in action for 2026!
Ignite Kirkland is a community-powered, place-based giving campaign hosted by the Kirkland Community Foundation. Each fall, the Foundation curates a digital catalog of Kirkland nonprofit projects — from youth programs and arts initiatives to park improvements and mental-health services — and invites residents to explore, learn, and give. Learn more at kirklandcommunity.org/ignite-kirkland-giving.
Thank you for being part of Kirkland’s place-based, all-community giving movement.
You’re cruising along when you spot the flash of emergency or work lights on the shoulder ahead. At your current speed, you’re only seconds away. What to do?
Washington’s Move Over, Slow Down law states that drivers must move over a lane if it’s safe, or slow down at least 10 mph below the posted speed limit when approaching law enforcement, fire, EMS, tow trucks, utility crews, transportation workers, or any other response vehicle with its lights activated. That extra space gives roadside workers the room they need to do their jobs safely.
If you'd like to learn more about this law and other road rules, the Washington Driver Guide is available in 14 languages here.
Thank you for doing your part to keep first responders and other workers safe on Washington’s roads.
Candles add warmth and ambiance to a home, but it's important to remember that a candle is an open flame that can easily ignite anything that can burn.
Whenever possible, choose flameless candles. They look and smell like the real thing without the risk. If you do use traditional candles, keep these safety tips in mind:
- Blow out candles when you leave the room or go to bed. Avoid using candles in bedrooms or anywhere someone might fall asleep.
- Keep candles at least one foot away from anything that can burn.
- Use candle holders that are sturdy and won't tip over easily.
- Have flashlights and battery-powered lighting ready to use during a power outage. Never use candles.
- Never leave a child alone in a room with a burning candle. Keep matches and lighters up high and out of children's reach.
At the City of Kirkland, we know that great service starts with great people. This fall, City employees came together for our annual Employee Appreciation Picnic “Grillin’ and Chillin’ with Gratitude”. It was a day filled with sunshine, good food, laughter, and genuine connection, offering a moment to pause and celebrate the incredible individuals who keep our City running and our community thriving.
We are proud to work alongside people who choose to Serve with purpose and compassion every day – whether it’s maintaining our parks, supporting our residents, or keeping our neighborhoods safe. We are grateful for a workplace where everyone Belongs and teamwork turns challenges into opportunities where we continue to Thrive together through finding joy in the work we do and the impact we create.
At the City of Kirkland, appreciation isn’t just a once-a-year celebration – it's part of who we are.
Looking for a workplace that values gratitude, connection, and community? Join us and help shape a thriving Kirkland. Learn more and apply today at kirklandwa.gov/jobs
Did you know that sixty-eight cents of every dollar spent at a small business in the U.S. stays in the local community? By patronizing small businesses in Kirkland, you can help build a stronger, more sustainable community.
November 29, the Saturday following Thanksgiving, is recognized nationally as Small Business Saturday. It's a great opportunity to get a jump on holiday shopping AND support the businesses that contribute to Kirkland's economic vitality and community character. Check out shoplocalkirkland.com or explorekirkland.com for Kirkland business listings.
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Used cooking oil and other grease accumulated while cooking should not be poured or washed down the drain. These can clog and damage sewer pipes, causing nasty overflows, messy spills on streets, and expensive clean-up costs. Save your pipes and recycle your used cooking oil instead. Take used cooking oil to the North Kirkland Community Center parking lot at 12421 103rd Avenue NE.
All collected cooking oil will be recycled into biodiesel fuel by NW Biofuels.
We know the tank can look a little messy, but better the tank than your pipes at home! If you do not want to drop off your cooking oil, you can also throw it away in your garbage in a sealed container. Just never pour it down the drain or into a storm drain!
The tank at North Kirkland Community Center is for cooking oil only - NO motor oil (motor oil can be dropped off at the Factoria Hazardous Waste Drop-off).
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Heads up! There is no solid waste collection service on Thanksgiving, November 27. If your regular service day falls on Thursday, then your collection day is moved to Friday, November 28. Friday customers will receive solid waste service collection on Saturday, November 29.
Over the waterways and through the passes: the road to Grandma’s house is about to get a lot busier. That is why the Washington State Department of Transportation recommends planning ahead for heavy traffic, delays and potential winter weather this Thanksgiving – wherever pumpkin pies and stuffing may lead you.
Millions of people are expected to travel Washington’s highways, waterways, trains and shared use paths over the holiday weekend. Before heading out, consult WSDOT's holiday travel charts to help determine the best times to travel, including times to avoid if possible.
WSDOT offers a variety of resources to help plan Thanksgiving travel. Find more information 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.
2. Northeast 85th Street: 122th Avenue Northeast to 120nd Avenue Northeast
On Northeast 85th Street east of I-405, daytime work will close a westbound lane on the north side of Northeast 85th Street between 120th Avenue Northeast and 122nd Avenue Northeast. Daytime work will reduce eastbound traffic to one lane between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Visit https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/Departments/Public-Works-Department/Construction-Projects/NE-85th-Street-Eastbound-3rd-Lane for project updates on Thursdays.
3. Northeast 85th Street: I-405 to Sixth Street
Northeast 85th Street continues to usher a single lane of traffic in each direction, between Interstate 405 and Sixth Street while a Kirkland contractor builds a shared-use pathway that parallel’s Northeast 85th Street. Visit https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/Departments/Public-Works-Department/Construction-Projects/NE-85th-Street-Shared-Use-Pathway for project updates on Thursdays.
4. Kirkland Way Park & Ride Closed
Kirkland Way P&R is closed as a PSE gas line replacement project uses the space to store equipment.
Tree Planting & Care with Green Kirkland
Dates: November 22, 23, & 30
Times/locations Vary - see below
Volunteers needed this weekend: there’s still time to make a lasting impact in your local parks! The Green Kirkland Partnership is looking for volunteers this weekend to help plant and care for young trees at North Rose Hill Woodlands and other Kirkland parks.
Whether you're a seasoned volunteer or it's your first time, everyone is welcome—no experience necessary. Tools, gloves, and training are provided. Come enjoy the fall colors, fresh air, and the chance to grow something great for your community! Sign up today on the Green Kirkland Event Calendar to reserve your spot and help baby trees find their forever home.
End of November events:
Winterfest Tree Lighting & Celebration
Date: Saturday, November 29
Time: 7:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: Peter Kirk Park Plaza, 202 Third Street, Kirkland
Embrace the magic of the season at Kirkland’s beloved Winterfest celebration! Gather with friends and neighbors on the plaza at Peter Kirk Park for a festive evening that captures the spirit of the holidays. Join us at 7:30 p.m. as we illuminate the holiday tree in a dazzling display of lights and sing along with the charming Dickens Carolers, filling the air with timeless holiday melodies. Take a twirl on the Winterfest Ice Rink at Lee Johnson Field—a perfect way to make winter memories with the whole family.
For a full lineup of Winterfest events and activities, visit kirklanddowntown.org. There's something for everyone to enjoy this season!
For more events from the City, visit our Community Events page. For up to date happenings around Kirkland, visit ExploreKirkland.com/Events.
Want a monthly Events Guide delivered to your inbox? Sign up for our Events Newsletter.
Want to get in the Winterfest mood? Check out the sights and sounds of the 2024 winter tree lighting event.
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