Cutting Down a Tree in the National Forest
Now until December 23, 2011 |
Mt. Baker National Forest,
Olympic National Forest
Want to get your Christmas tree the old-fashioned way? Who needs a Christmas tree farm when you can venture into a national forest and cut a tree in the wilderness? Check the rules and regulations and get a permit before you head out. Cost is $10 per tree in Mt. Baker.
Gift Shopping in Downtown Seattle
Now through the holiday season |
Stores generally open from
9 a.m. – 9 p.m. | downtown Seattle
Sure, Amazon makes things easier and parking is better at the mall. But there’s nothing quite like walking through a beautiful downtown shopping district during the holidays. Westlake is full of Victorian singers, a carousel and holiday lights. Even if you’ve already crossed everyone off your list, come down just for the ambiance!
A Year with Frog and Toad
November 17, 2011 – January 15, 2012 | Seattle Children’s Theatre |
Seattle Center, 201 Thomas St., Seattle
Great for all ages—a Broadway musical for the whole family! For more information, please visit: www.sct.org.
30th annual Ayame Kai Holiday Craft Fair
November 19, 2011 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church | 3001 24th Ave. S., Seattle
Come get your early holiday shopping with unique hand-made Japanese and Japanese-inspired gifts. Fifty crafters from Washington, California, Hawaii and Oregon will have their art work and goods displayed. Delicious home-baked traditional Asian goodies will be available! Proceeds will benefit Nikkei Concerns’ programs. For more information, please call (425) 827-4930.
19th annual Gingerbread Village
November 22, 2011 – January 1, 2012 |
Sheraton Seattle Hotel |
1400 Sixth Ave., Seattle
Local architecture firms team up with the Sheraton Seattle culinary team to design, bake and build amazing gingerbread creations. This year’s theme is “Home for the Holidays.” Come vote for your favorite! For more information, call (206) 621 – 9000.
Asian Counseling and Referral Service Thanksgiving Luncheon
November 24, 2011 |
ACRS Activity Center |
3639 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Seattle
Join ACRS for a Thanksgiving luncheon! Free and open to the public. For questions, e-mail Victor Loo at [email protected].
Fantasy Lights
November 24, 2011 – January 1, 2012 | 5:30 – 9 p.m. | Spanaway Park,
Military Road and 152nd St., Tacoma
Fantasy Lights is located in Spanaway, a suburb of Tacoma and is one of the best events in Tacoma. The light displays are set up by community groups all throughout Spanaway Lake Park. What is unique about this event is that it is all drive-through—so it’s hard to beat in the rainy Northwest winters! Cost is $15 per car.
For more information, please visit: www.co.pierce.wa.us.
Beasley’s Christmas Party
November 25 – December 30, 2011 |
Taproot Theatre Company |
204 N 85th St., Seattle
Author Booth Tarkington’s holiday classic reborn! Full of hope and heart, this holiday tale will charm your whole family with its surprising twists. For more information, please e-mail: [email protected].
Tree Lighting Celebration & Holiday Parade
November 25, 2011 | 8:45 a.m.| Westlake Center, downtown Seattle
This holiday tradition is held in downtown Seattle every year and features a full-day of holiday fun! The Downtown Holiday Parade will begin at 8:45 a.m., then the official lighting of the Westlake Center’s Holiday Tree and Macy’s Star at 5 p.m.—all in conjunction with a spectacular fireworks display.
A Christmas Carol
November 25, 2011 – December 24, 2011 | ACT Theatre | 700 Union St., Seattle
ACT Theatre, Seattle’s best dramatic theater company, presents the Dickens favorite for the 34th straight year. You’ve heard this story a million times, but this live rendition never fails to stir young and old alike. For more information, please e-mail: [email protected] or call (206) 292 – 7676.
Zoolights
November 25, 2011- January 1, 2012 | Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, Tacoma
Zoolights is Tacoma’s equivalent of Bellevue’s lights display. The grounds of the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium are lit with over a half million lights. Displays and decorated trees line the walking paths of the zoo. Sip hot chocolate or even ride a camel! For more information, please visit: www.pdza.org.
Toyland Village
November 25, 2011 – January 1, 2012 |
Waterfront Park | Piers 57-59, 1201 Alaskan Way, Seattle
A dazzling lighted display at Seattle’s Waterfront Park that will put the sparkle in your season! You’ll want to bring your camera as you stroll through this enchanting display of more than 50 larger-than-life illuminated sculptures of your favorite childhood toys. For more information, please visit: www.downtownholidays.com.
Winterfest 2011
November 25, 2011 – January 1, 2012 |
Seattle Center, downtown Seattle
Rodger’s & Hammerstein’s Cinderella
November 25, 2011 – December 31, 2011 | 5th Avenue Theatre | 1308 5th Ave., Seattle
When the shoe fits, the unlikeliest of girls becomes a princess, and dreams really do come true. The beloved fairy tale with exquisitely romantic music receives a lavish and enchanting staging. For more information, please visit: www.5thavenue.org.
Bellevue Garden d’Lights
November 26 – December 31, 2011 |
5 – 10 p.m. | 12001 Main St., Bellevue
There are several excellent Christmas light displays located throughout the Seattle-Tacoma area, but directly out of Seattle, Bellevue Botanical Garden’s Garden d’Lights is very possibly the best. Over a half million lights twinkle in displays often modeled after the botanical nature of this location. Cost is $5. For more information, please call (425) 452 – 2750 or visit www.bellevuebotanical.org.
A Christmas Story
November 26 – December 30, 2011 |
5th Avenue Theatre, downtown Seattle
A lavish production at the 5th Avenue Theatre that adapts the classic 1983 film that you know all so well from its non-stop airing on basic cable. While a musical adaptation might raise a few eyebrows, the 5th Avenue always puts on a quality show. Take a chance on this one. For more information, please visit www.5thavenue.org.
The Nutcracker at the Pacific Northwest Ballet
November 26, 2011 – December 27, 2011 | McCaw Hall | 301 Mercer Street, Seattle
Always a huge success, this year’s Nutcracker features set design by “Where the Wild Things Are” author, Maurice Sendak. Cost is $26-$113, depending on seating. For more information, please visit: www.pnb.org.
Magic in the Market at the Pike Place Market
November 26, 2011 | 1 – 5 p.m. |
Pike Place Market, Seattle
Santa Train 2011
at the Northwest
Railway Museum
November 26 – 27, 2011; December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 & 18, 2011 | The North Bend Depot | 205 McClellan St., North Bend
Santa Train is the Museum’s most popular seasonal program. A Northwest tradition since 1969, the event allows participants of all ages to travel by train for a visit with Santa Claus and to enjoy refreshments (included with tickets) served from the Museum’s railway kitchen car. Children visiting with Santa receive a small gift and there is time to visit local shops and attractions. While in the Upper Snoqualmie Valley, participants often visit one of the many local holiday tree farms or lots, and the many unique shopping destinations. For more information, please visit: www.trainmuseum.org.
Ice Skating at
Seattle Center
November 27, 2011-December 31, 2011 | Seattle Center
Lake Washington might not always freeze over, but Seattle Center’s rink never fails to. Come ice skate with your friends and family! For more information, please visit: www.seattlecenter.com.
Victorian Country Christmas
Nov. 30 – through Dec. 4, 2011 |
The Puyallup Fairgrounds | 110 9th Ave. SW, Puyallup
Victorian Country Christmas is a cozy and quaint event in Puyallup. Perfect for a family day out, this event is held on the Puyallup Fairgrounds and features music, food, and fun for all. For more information, please visit: www.avictoriancountrychristmas.com.
Candy Cane Lane
Displays go up in early to mid-December | Northeast Park Road off Ravenna Boulevard, Seattle
Located in the city of Seattle in the Ravenna neighborhood, Candy Cane Lane is nothing short of unique. Twenty-three homes along NE Park Road have a tradition of going all out every holiday season. Be prepared for some traffic in the area but also consider parking nearby and walking to take the scene in at your own pace.
The Lights of Christmas
December 1 – December 28, 2011 | Warm Beach Camp | Marine View Dr., Stanwood
The Lights of Christmas features over one million lights in creative display plus entertainment and activities for the entire family. Located in Stanwood at Warm Beach Camp, this is a holiday extravaganza that stretches across 15 acres, with uniquely themed areas with 1.2 million light displays, stunning larger-than-life nativity and 5 performance stages featuring theatre and music. For ticket information, please visit: www.warmbeachlights.com.
Snow Train to Leavenworth’s
Lighting Festival
December 3 – December 17, 2011 |
Alki Tours | 6417A Fauntleroy Way SW, Seattle
In December, Alki Tours offers a rail tour to Leavenworth, a quaint Bavarian village in the Cascade Mountains. Passengers can board the train at King Street Station, Edmonds Station or in Everett. Along the way, passengers enjoy a catered continental breakfast and onboard entertainment including strolling musicians, commentators, magicians and of course, Santa! Cost is $149 per person; children have a 10 percent discount. For more information, please call (800) 895 – 2554 or visit: www.alkitours.com.
Handel’s Messiah with Garfield High School Symphony Orchestra
December 3, 2011 | 7:30 p.m. |
Seattle First Baptist Church |
111 Harvard Ave., Seattle
Come sing selected choruses of Handel’s Messiah, to the accompaniment of the Garfield High School Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Marcus Tsutakawa. Tickets are sold at the door. You don’t need to be an accomplished choral singer—this sing-along concert is for everyone who loves singing and Handel’s immortal oratorio. Cost is $12 for adult, $6 for students. For more information, please visit: www.garfieldorchestra.org.
Lighted Farm
Implement Parade
December 3, 2011 | 6:30 p.m. | Warehouse Ave., Sunnyside
Going on its 22nd year, Sunnyside’s Annual Lighted Farm Implement Parade is a favorite among young and old. The parade is designed to capture the spirit of Christmas in Sunnyside’s rural environment. Sunnyside is proud of its location in the heartland of the Northwest’s most diversified agricultural region. For more information, please visit: www.sunnysidechamber.com.
Children’s Home Society of Washington’s Red Stocking Run & Walk
December 4, 2011 | Magnuson Park, Seattle
Come run for kids! Includes a 5k run/walk, 1k Kids Dash, fruitcake toss, hot chocolate garden, raffle and more! Festive attire encouraged. Cost is $30 (through December 2) or $35 the day of race. Benefits Children’s Home Society of Washington. For more information or to register, please visit: www.redstocking.org.
Christmas with
The Salvation Army
December 4, 2011 | 7 p.m. | Daniel’s Recital Hall | 811 Fifth Ave., Seattle
Come and celebrate with the sounds of the season! Music from The Salvation Army Brass Band and the wonderful 90 voices of ‘Breath of Aire’ choir, and the majestic organ of Daniels Recital Hall played by artist in residence Mark Andersen. Hear the Christmas story in spoken word and song. All proceeds will go to support The Salvation Army’s ‘Christmas Angel’ program. Cost is $15 at the door, $10 in advance. For more information, please call (206) 217 – 1206.
Deck The Hall Ball
December 7, 2011 |
KeyArena, Seattle Center
Sponsored by radio station 107.7 The End, the lineup includes Death Cab for Cutie, Mumford & Sons, GroupLove, Foster the People, Cage the Elephant, Two Door Cinema Club and Young The Giant. For more information, please visit: www.1077theend.com.
Snowflake Funfest
December 9, 2011 | 6 – 8 p.m. | Ravenna-Eckstein Community Center | 6535 Ravenna Ave. NE, Seattle
You are cordially invited to attend the 6th annual Snowflake Funfest! Join them for carnival-style games, songs, crafts and jolly good fun! For more information, please call (206) 684 -7534.
A Child’s Christmas
in Wales
December 9 – December 24, 2011 |
7:30 p.m. | The DownStage Theatre | 4029 Stone Way N., Seattle
Thomas’s A Child’s Christmas in Wales comes to life at Stone Soup Theatre, recreating the nostalgic magic of Thomas’ childhood Christmas. Come experience a slice of Dylan’s memories and find your own in the colorful characters, family dynamics and live Christmas music in Stone Soup’s new version of this holiday classic! For more information, please call (206) 633 – 1883.
Celtic Christmas at
Town Hall
December 10, 2011 | 7:30 p.m. |
Town Hall Theatre | 1119 Eighth Ave., Seattle
It’s a Wonderful Life
December 10 – December 30, 2011 |
The Grand Illusion at U-District, Seattle
This perennial Christmas classic is so popular at the Grand Illusion, the U-District’s intimate but classy art house theatre, that they are offering a three-week run this year as they are celebrating its 40th anniversary screening of the classic holiday movie. For more information, please visit: www.grandillusioncinema.org.
Seattle’s Traditional Santa Breakfasts
December 17, 2011 | 9:30 – 11 a.m. | Sheraton Seattle Hotel, 1400 6th Ave., Seattle
Includes holiday breakfast and traditional entertainment! The event benefit the Arthritis Foundation’s programs for children with Juvenile Arthritis.
106.1 Kiss FM’s
Jingle Bell Bash 2011
December 18, 2011 | 5 p.m. | WaMu Theater | 800 Occidental Ave. S., Seattle
A concert with Selena Gomez & The Scene, One Republic, Cobra Starship, Hot Chelle Rae, and Tinie Tempah Karmin. For more information, please visit: www. kissfmseattle.com.
Sacred Music by
Duke Ellington
December 26, 2011 | 7:30 p.m. |
Town Hall Seattle | 1119 Eighth Ave., Seattle
New Year’s Eve:
Concert, Countdown
& Celebration
December 31, 2011 | Benaroya Hall | 200 University St., Seattle
The evening begins with the Seattle Symphony performing Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. Then, bring in the New Year with a post-concert countdown celebration with a live band, dancing, and a toast. For more information, please call (206) 215 – 4747.
New Year’s Eve 2011
December 31, 2011 | Seattle Space Needle, downtown Seattle
The famous Space Needle will once again display the world’s tallest structure-launched firework show with more than 2,000 pyrotechnic effects this New Year’s Eve. The base of the Space Needle will host the West Coast’s version of New York’s Time Square as more than 50,000 people gather below to watch the fireworks shoot across the mid-night sky with an estimated 400,000 viewing the show from surrounding neighborhoods.
Resolution Run 5K & Polar Bear Dive
January 1, 2012 | 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Warren G. Magnuson Park, Seattle
5K run/walk with optional “Polar Bear Dive” into Lake Washington at the 3.0 mile mark of the 3.1 mile route. Includes free kids dash, post-race celebration and beer garden. Limited to 2,500 registrants. For more information, please call (206) 729 – 9972.
Jazz often conjures up associations of speakeasy dance tunes or esoteric modal sounds in the 1950s coffee shop. What we often forget was that jazz could be, and often was, a rich emotional, even spiritual experience for some. Perhaps its greatest practitioner was Duke Ellington and this December Earshot Jazz presents some of the Duke’s most uplifting. For more information, please visit: www.earshot.org.
Experience the joyous sounds of traditional choral music for the Christmas season. The evening includes a traditional candlelight processional and works performed in Welsh, Gaelic and English. For more information, please visit: www.seattlepromusica.org.
Join the holiday festivities at the Pike Place Market’s annual Magic in the Market event. Near Rachel the pig, take a photo with Santa and his 1936 International “sleigh” 1 – 5 p.m. Enjoy the holiday harmonies of the Dickens Carolers 3 – 5 p.m. Get gifts wrapped at the Desimone Bridge for a suggested $5 donation to the Market’s social services. At 5 p.m., thousands of colorful lights will be switched on to brighten the market for the season. For more information, please visit: www.pikeplacemarket.org.
Now in its 23rd year, Seattle Winterfest is a wonderful celebration of holiday season traditions offering classic holiday foods, family activities, free concerts, holiday themed exhibits and beautiful seasonal decor throughout a 5-week period. For more information, please visit: www.seattlecenter.com/winterfest.
