Must-see Holiday Hits

Your guide to the best seasonal shows and events--both naughty and nice!

SEASONAL EVENTS:

SNOWFLAKE LANE
11/28–12/24 • A corner of downtown Bellevue is transformed into a veritable North Pole as live drummers, toy soldiers, carolers, music, holiday lights and snow fill the sidewalks with holiday cheer during a nightly performance. After Christmas, Snowflake Lane becomes Celebration Lane, and the festivities continue 12/26–12/31. Daily, 7 p.m. Free. The Bellevue Collection, Bellevue Way and NE Eighth Street; magicseason.com.

WINTERFEST
11/28–12/31 • Highlights of this year’s wide-ranging Winterfest (Seattle Center’s annual family-friendly holiday celebration) include kooky Circus Contraption with the high-flying Aerialistas, ice sculpting, a magical mystery show and a marvelous turn-of-the-century model train and holiday village for the wee ones. Daily (closed Christmas). Free. Seattle Center, 305 Harrison St.; 206.684.7200; seattlecenter.com.

CHRISTMAS SHIP FESTIVAL
11/29–12/23 • The Christmas Ship Festival has been a Northwest tradition for the past 59 years. Festooned boats sail around Lake Washington, Lake Union, Elliott Bay and the Puget Sound—stopping at more than a dozen waterfront parks over the course of the festival—while on shore, communities gather to ooh and ahh at the dazzling, light-strung flotilla and warm their hands over bonfires. Want a closer look? Come aboard and experience the cruise first-hand. A portion of ticket sales goes to The Seattle Times’ Fund for the Needy. Times and prices vary. For dates, times and ticket prices to ride along, contact Argosy Cruises, 206.623.1445; argosycruises.com. For best free viewing locations, visit seattlemag.com/holidayevents08.

COMMUNITY HANUKKAH CELEBRATION
12/14 • Celebrate Hanukkah in traditional style with a candle-lighting ceremony, live music, games, kosher latkes and more at the Stroum Jewish Community Center on Mercer Island. Celebrants may also participate in ceramic workshops, where they’ll learn how to craft their own menorah and dreidel, dreidel, dreidel. Everyone is welcome. Noon–3 p.m. Free. Stroum Jewish Community Center, 3801 East Mercer Way, Mercer Island; 206.232.7115, ext. 269; sjcc.org.

MACY’S ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARADE
11/28 • This year’s parade features Mayor Greg Nickels, myriad high school bands, a new poinsettia float (with poinsettia performers dancing through the parade) and Santa Claus himself. Stick around to watch the lighting of the Macy’s holiday star and the tree at Westlake Center, followed by fireworks launched from the top of the Macy’s building (5:30 p.m.). 8:45 a.m. Free. Parade begins at Seventh Avenue and Pine Street and ends on 4th Ave. between Pine and Stewart; 206.506.7556.  

CHRISTMAS SHIP FESTIVAL
11/29–12/23 • The Christmas Ship Festival has been a Northwest tradition for the past 59 years. Festooned boats sail around Lake Washington, Lake Union, Elliot Bay and the Puget Sound, stopping at more than a dozen waterfront parks over the course of the festival, while on shore, communities gather to ooh and ahh at the dazzling, light-strung flotilla and warm their hands over bonfires. Want a closer look? Come aboard and experience the cruise first-hand. A portion of ticket sales goes to The Seattle Times’ Fund for the Needy. Times and prices vary. For dates, times and ticket prices to ride along, contact Argosy Cruises, 206.623.1445; argosycruises.com. For best free viewing locations, visit seattlemag.com/holidayevents08.

CHRISTMAS SHIP VIEWING HOT SPOTS
11/29–12/23 • 11/29, Madison Park, 7:50–8:10 p.m.; 12/1, Kirkland Marina Park, 7–7:20 p.m. and Gasworks Park, 8:10–8:30 p.m.; 12/3, Matthews Beach, 7:30–7:50 p.m. and Houghton Beach, 8:30–8:50 p.m.; 12/4 Seward Park, 8:25–8:45 p.m.; 12/6, Yarrow Point Park, 5–5:20 p.m.; 12/13, Lowman Beach, 8:50–9:10 p.m. and Alki Beach, 9:40–10 p.m.; 12/16, Gig Harbor, 8:20–8:40 p.m.; 12/19, Juanita Beach Park, 9–9:20 p.m.; 12/23, Gasworks grand finale, 9:45–10:05 p.m. argosycruises.com.

20th ANNUAL
ISSAQUAH REINDEER FESTIVAL
12/1–12/23 • Rudolph and the rest of Santa’s reindeer (red-nosed or not) hang out at the Cougar Mountain Zoo before their big journey through the skies on Christmas Eve. Load up the kids, sip some hot cocoa, nibble on cookies and say hi to the whole crew (including the jolly man himself)—your ticket benefits all the animals at the zoo. Daily, 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. $9.50–$11.50. Cougar Mountain Zoo, 19525 SE 54th St., Issaquah; 425.391.5508; cougarmountainzoo.org.

HOLIDAY POPS! WITH MARVIN HAMLISCH
12/4–12/7 • You’ve been warned: It’ll be hard to stay in your seat and keep your toes from  tappin’ as the Seattle Symphony’s new Principal POPS director Marvin Hamlisch rings in the holidays with an evening of lively holiday favorites. Times and ticket prices vary. Benaroya Hall, 200 University St.; 206.215.4747; seattlesymphony.org.

MARY BRIDGE FESTIVAL OF TREES
12/4–12/7 • The Greater Tacoma Convention Center is transformed into a winter wonderland during the annual Mary Bridge Festival of Trees. The festival features 70 brilliantly decorated trees, entertainment, dancing, a holiday gift shop and opportunities to sit on Santa’s lap, with proceeds from the 22nd installment of this holiday event benefiting Mary Bridge Children’s Foundation and the Tacoma Orthopedic Association. Times and prices vary. Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center, 1500 Broadway, Tacoma; 253.403.3095; multicare.org.

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY
12/5–12/7 • The 15th annual installment of this holiday tour invites the public to visit some of the quaint cottage industries, art studios, farms and historic homes on Bainbridge Island. Drive through the leafy streets of Bainbridge and discover creations by local and regional artists, authors and musicians. And yes, Santa will be available for photo opps! Fri. and Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Free. 206.842.6883; christmasinthecountry.info.

GREAT FIGGY PUDDING STREET CORNER CAROLING COMPETITION
12/5 • Dust off those reindeer ears and join other costumed carolers on various downtown street corners to belt out your favorite Christmas tunes. With as many as 7,000 spectators, this annual event has become one of Seattle’s holiday favorites. Judges from Seattle’s art community and holiday-spirited passersby determine winners for “Most Original” and “Best Choral” performances. New this year: “Get Figgy with It,” an award proving that performance is more than stellar vocal chords—you’ve gotta have dancing and costuming skillz, too. Yes, we just said skillz. 6–8:30 p.m. Westlake Plaza and downtown core. To register, contact the Figmaster at 206.728.2773, ext. 3; figgypuddingpmsc.org.

HOLIDAY FAMILY CONCERT
12/6 • Bring the tykes down to Town Hall for a holiday sing-along, candy cane giveaways (sure to produce happy, sticky kids) and a surprise visit from a special holiday guest (oh please, oh please, could it be St. Nick?) as the combined choirs of the Northwest Girlchoir perform seasonal favorites from around the world. 2–4 p.m. Advance tickets $14/$16 at the door, children 5 and younger free. Town Hall Seattle, 119 Eighth Ave.; 206.652.4255; northwestgirlchoir.org.

TREE LIGHTING AND SANTA’S ARRIVAL
12/6 • Country Village turns on the Christmas charm in preparation for jolly ol’ St. Nick’s arrival at its annual holiday party. This festive, yearly event features fun for the whole family: wine tasting for mom and dad, a lights display, roasted chestnuts, and train and pony rides for the kiddies. But let’s not forget the most important guest of all: Santa Claus himself will fly in on his sleigh come nightfall. Wine tasting begins at 2 p.m., Santa arrives at 7 p.m. Free. Country Village Shops, 23718 Bothell-Everett Highway, Bothell; 425.483.2250; countryvillagebothell.com.

HOLIDAY BREAKFAST AND SANTA PHOTOS
12/6 & 12/13 • The season opens with a roar at Woodland Park Zoo’s Holiday Breakfast buffet, which features an abridged performance of The Nutcracker by the Olympic Ballet Company and a visit from the jolly one himself. 9–11 a.m. Prices vary. Children younger than 2 free. Woodland Park Zoo, 5500 Phinney Ave. N; 206.548.2500; zoo.org.

A CATHEDRAL CHRISTMAS
12/12–12/13 • Join the Seattle Choral Company for a magical cathedral event. The company will bring your favorite yuletide carols and chants into the new century with a few modern twists, while testing out the famed Flentrop pipe organ in the company’s first-ever performance at the historic St. Mark’s Cathedral. 8 p.m. Prices vary. St. Mark’s Cathedral, 1245 10th Ave. E; 800.838.3306; seattlechoralcompany.org.

HOLIDAY TEA WITH VINTAGE FASHION SHOW
12/13 • Fashion and history buffs won’t want to miss this year’s MOHAI holiday event. Enjoy a spot of tea while local literati read in A Holiday Readers Theater, and take in a fashion show from Goodwill’s Vintage Fashion Collection. Come early to snap a photo with Santa in MOHAI’s antique sleigh. 2 p.m. $20 for MOHAI members, $30 for general public. Tables of eight available. Museum of History & Industry, 2700 24th Ave. E; 206.324.1126; seattlehistory.org.

JINGLE BELL RUN & WALK
12/14 • Dig that dusty Santa costume out of the coat closet and get a head-start on post-holiday pound shedding at this annual walk/run. You’ll be among a crowd of some [number missing?] Seattleites to choose between the 5K run, 5K walk or 1K children’s run with the elves. Proceeds benefit the Arthritis Foundation. Registration at 6:45 a.m., costume-contest judging at 8 a.m., 1K run at 8:20 a.m., 5K race and walk at 8:50 a.m. $35, day of registration; $25 in advance; $10, children 8 and younger. Westlake Center, 400 Pine St.; 206.547.2707; seattlejinglebellrun.org.
 
CELEBRITY CHESTNUT ROASTING
12/1–12/19 • Rather than a roast of local celebs (lucky you, John Curley), this annual event at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel is a roast by notable Seattle television and sports figures. They’re selling freshly roasted chestnuts for a good cause. Maybe they’ll even sing a Christmas carol or two for tips? Proceeds support the YWCA Angeline’s Day Center for Homeless Women. Mon.–Fri., 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. (celebrity roasters, noon–1 p.m.); $5 per bag of chestnuts. Fairmont Olympic Hotel, 411 University St.; 206.621.1700; fairmont.com/seattle.
     
MOLBAK’S WINTER WONDERFUL
Through 12/24 • This year marks Molbak’s 33rd annual poinsettia sale, resplendent with more than 30 varieties of the holiday plant. Times vary. Molbak’s, 13625 NE 175th St., Woodinville; 425.483.5000; molbaks.com.  

SANTA’S CASTLE
11/28–12/24 • Santa takes some time off from making his list and checking it twice to chill with his elves at the downtown Seattle Nordstrom and pose for photos until Christmas Eve. Make sure the kids bring their Christmas wish lists to share with the big guy, who will be getting cozy in an oversized chair by the fireplace. Daily; times vary. Nordstrom, 500 Pine St.; 206.628.2111.

WINTER WONDERLAND
11/28–12/31 • Have no fear, a white Christmas will be here—at least in Pacific Place’s atrium. For a month full of evenings, shoppers will be dusted with a layer of faux snow falling from the ceiling (er, sky), turning the downtown shopping center into a facsimile winter wonderland. Special snow globes will also be sold, with net proceeds going to Seattle Children’s Hospital. Daily, 6 p.m. Free. Pacific Place, Sixth Avenue and Pine Street; 206.405.2655; pacificplaceseattle.com.
 
TEDDY BEAR SUITE
11/26–12/26 • We’re not ashamed to say we feel the same sense of amazement as the little ones when we see the extraordinary work of interior designer Kevin Bradford. You’ll ooh and ahh over the Teddy Bear Suite’s exquisite lights, trees and of course, dozens of fluffy teddy bears. Donations support uncompensated care at Seattle Children’s Hospital. Daily, 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Free, donations welcome. The Fairmont Olympic Hotel, 411 University St.; 206.621.1700; fairmont.com/seattle.

HOLIDAY TEA
12/25–12/30 • Sit back, relax, warm your hands and your spirits around a cup of holiday-blend tea and all the festive trimmings at the Fairmont. (If you’re feeling fancy, stick out that pinky, too.) Weekdays, 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.; weekends, noon–2:30 p.m. $55; $20, children 6–12; free, children younger than 6. The Fairmont Olympic Hotel, 411 University St.; 206.621.1700; fairmont.com/seattle.  

GARDEN D’LIGHTS
11/29–1/03/09 • Bulbs of the electric variety drape the beloved Bellevue Botanical Garden during this shining annual display. Daily, 5 p.m.–10 p.m.. Free, donations welcome. $5 for preferred parking. Bellevue Botanical Garden, 12001 Main St., Bellevue; 425.452.2750; bellevuebotanical.org.

HOLIDAY WONDERLAND FEATURING THE QWEST CAROUSEL
11/28–12/31 • Downtown Seattle becomes a lot more magical during the holidays thanks to the Qwest Carousel. Shimmering lights and the nearby glow of the Macy’s star make spinning around on bobbing horses that much merrier. Proceeds benefit a charity TBA. Times vary. $2 suggested donation; clothing and new toys also accepted. Westlake Park, Fourth Avenue and Pine Street; 206.623.0340; downtownseattle.com.

GINGERBREAD VILLAGE
11/24–1/4/09 • Each year, the Sheraton Hotel’s culinary staff teams up with top architecture firms in the city to design, bake and build incredible (edible, get it?) gingerbread displays. The baked displays (which are sadly look-don’t-eat) support the Northwest chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation and draw more than 100,000 visitors each year. Our mouths are watering just thinking about it. 24 hours daily. Free (donations welcome). Sheraton Seattle lobby, 1400 Sixth Ave.; 206.621.9000.
 
ZOOLIGHTS
11/28–1/4/09 • Tacoma’s Point Defiance Zoo dazzles with more than a half-million lights in the Northwest’s most eye-popping holiday light display, now in its 21st year. Bundle up, stroll through the exhibits, sip some hot cocoa and be merry—after all, your holiday credit card debt won’t come close to the zoo’s electric bill. Daily, 5–9 p.m. Prices vary. Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, 5400 N Pearl St., Tacoma; 253.591.5337; pdza.org.

GROUP HEALTH ICE ARENA
11/28–1/11/09 • Don your woollies and skates and join in the holiday cheer at this outdoor rink (under a heated tent, yea!). The music is lively, and the on-ice action—which will include the occasional celebrity skating appearance—is a treat. “Learn how to skate” nights are also offered. Daily; times vary. $10, includes skate rental. Bellevue Downtown Park, NE First Street and 102nd Avenue NE, Bellevue; 425.453.3110; magicseason.com.