Thanksgiving is over. It’s time for all things Christmas. This year, we have five weekends before the official holiday to fill with music, dancing, lights and other general merriment.
Try something new this year, look for a special event you can enjoy with your family or just go somewhere to watch the holiday lights popping on. It’s a most wonderful time of year.
‘Nutcracker’
“A Storybook Nutcracker”: 9:45 and 12:15 p.m. Thursday, 7 p.m. Friday, 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday at the PUD Auditorium, 2320 California St., Everett; 1-800-838-3006; www.brownpapertickets.com. Featuring the Alderwood Dance Spectrum; www.alderwooddancespectrum.com. Tickets $15.
Pacific Northwest Ballet: Various times and dates, Dec. 7 through 24 at 321 Mercer St. Seattle; 206-441-2424; www.pnb.org. Tickets $25 to $125 for adults and $22 to $113 for kids. Tickets available by phone, online or at the box office, 301 Mercer Street, Seattle.
Olympic Ballet: See below for times, dates, locations; 425-774-7570; www.olympicballet.com. Tickets $20, $25 and $30.
•Brynes Performing Arts Center: 10:30 a.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday Dec. 7 and 8 at 18821 Crown Ridge Blvd., Arlington.
•Edmonds Center for the Arts: 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. Friday and 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday Dec. 14 and 15 and at 5 p.m. Dec. 22 at 410 4th Ave. N.
•Everett Performing Arts Center: 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, 1 and 5 p.m. Sunday Dec. 22 and 23 at 2710 Wetmore Ave.
Music
Snohomish County
“Rejoice and Sing”: The Everett Chorale sings Christmas choral classics, 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday Dec. 1 and 2 at the Everett Performing Arts Center, 2710 Wetmore Ave., Everett. Tickets are $16 and $14. Go to www.everettchorale.org.
Christmas in Edmonds concert: 4 and 7 p.m. Dec. 2 at the Edmonds Center for the Arts, 410 Fourth Avenue N.; 425-275-9595; www.edmondscenterforthearts.org. A benefit concert for world concern in south Sudan featuring the Mosaic Choir and Orchestra.
“Holiday Magic: Here Comes Santa Claus!”: Sno-King Chorale sings best loved holiday classics and favorites, 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8 at the Edmonds Center for the Arts, 410 Fourth Ave., N. Edmonds. Tickets are $20, $15 and $10 through ECA box office at 425-275-9595 or www.edmondscenterforthearts.org/index.
Cascade Symphony Orchestra’s Happy Holidays: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10 at the Edmonds Center for the Arts, 410 Fourth Avenue N.; 425-275-9595; www.edmondscenterforthearts.org. Conductor Michael Miropolsky, leads a collection of holiday music and singalong, with violin soloist Pamela Liu. Tickets $25 for adults, $20 for ages 60 and older, $15 for students and $10 for ages 12 and younger.
Seattle Men’s Chorus Holiday Performance: 8 p.m. Dec. 15 at Everett’s Civic Auditorium, 2710 Wetmore Ave; tickets $22 to $42 at www.seattlemenschorus.org or 206-388-1400, office hours are weekdays noon to 7 p.m.
Trinity Lutheran Church Concert Series: See below for times, dates at 6215 196th St. SW, Lynnwood; , 425-778-2159 ext. 203; www.trinitylutheranchurch.com.
•Dec. 1: Scared Music Chorale “Sounding Joy,” 7:30 p.m.; $15 for adults, $13 for students and seniors, free for ages 17 and younger; www.sacredmusicchorale.org.
•Dec. 2: Trinity Lutheran College Advent Vespers, 4 p.m.; free.
•Dec. 6: Edmonds Symphonic Choir, 7:30 p.m.; $7 suggested donation at door.
•Dec. 7: Cantare Vocal Concert, 7:30 p.m.; tickets $20 for adults, $18 for students and seniors and free to ages 12 and younger; 206-551-4544; www.cantarevocalensemble.org.
•Dec. 8: Bells of the Sound “Home for the Holidays,” 7 p.m.; $10 for adults, $8 for students and seniors and free to ages 8 and younger; 206-931-7669; www.bellsofthesound.org.
•Dec. 9: Cantabile Choir of Skagit Valley Christmas Concert “On a Cold Winter’s Night,” 7 p.m.; donation suggested at door.
•Dec. 13: Providence Classical Christian School, 7 p.m.; free.
•Dec. 15: Northwest BoyChoir “A Festival of Lessons and Carols,”7:30 p.m.; $20 to $25, reserved seating; www.nwchoirs.org.
•Dec. 21: Sacro Profano “Vocal and Instrumental Holiday Concert,” 7 p.m.; donation suggested at door.
Seattle
Seattle Symphony Tiny Tots Series: 9:30, 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. Dec. 1 at the Illsley Ball Nordstrom Recital Hall, Benaroya Hall, 200 University St., Seattle; 206- 215-4800; www.seattlesymphony.org. Holiday music from around the world with singalongs for ages 6 and younger. Pre-concert activities begin 30 minutes before performance; tickets $12 for all ages.
Seattle Symphony Holiday Music Salute: 11 a.m. Dec. 4 at Seattle Sheraton Hotel Grand Ballroom, 1400 6th Ave.; 206-215-4756; www.seattlesymphony.org. Annual holiday concert and luncheon to benefit Seattle Symphony Players’ Pension Plan. Tickets from $125.
Holiday Pops at Benaroya Hall: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 8 a.m. Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday Dec. 6 through 9 at Benaroya Hall, 200 University St., Seattle; 206- 215-4800; www.seattlesymphony.org. Collection of seasonal favorites conducted by Jeff Tyzik. Tickets from $19.
Handel’s Messiah: 8 p.m. Friday, 1 and 8 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday Dec. 14 to 16 at 206- 215-4800; www.seattlesymphony.org. Features the Seattle Symphony Chorale and conductor Steven Stubbs. Tickets from $24.
106.1 KISS FM Jingle Ball: 4 p.m. Dec. 16 at the WaMu Theatre, 800 Occidental Ave. S., Seattle; www.kissfmseattle.com; features Calvin Harris, Afrojack, Ed Sheeran, 3oh!3, Owl City, Alex Clare and Cher Lloyd; sales benefit Alliance for Lupus Research; tickets available through Ticketmaster, tinyurl.com/KJBtickets.
Don Tiki’s Hot Lava Holiday Show: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 17 at Benaroya Hall, 200 University St., Seattle; 206- 215-4800; www.seattlesymphony.org. Hawaiian tiki lounge band Don Tiki will transform the venue into a tropical paradise with island music. Does not include the Seattle Symphony. Tickets from $37.
An Irish Christmas with Eileen Ivers: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18 at Benaroya Hall, 200 University St., Seattle; 206- 215-4800; www.seattlesymphony.org. Ivers, an Irish fiddler, performs a wide range of musical styles within Celtic traditions. Does not include the Seattle Symphony. Tickets from $31.
A Festival of Lessons and Carols: 7 p.m. Dec. 23 at Benaroya Hall, 200 University St., Seattle; 206- 215-4800; www.seattlesymphony.org. The story of the nativity told through readings, choral settings and audience carols. Does not include the Seattle Symphony. Tickets from $22.
Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday Dec. 28 through 30 at Benaroya Hall, 200 University St., Seattle; 206- 215-4800; www.seattlesymphony.org.Watch tango dancers kick off the performance with Piazzolla’s The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires then see the symphony perform “Ode to Joy.” Tickets from $28.
New Year’s Eve Concert, Countdown and Celebration: 9 p.m. Dec. 31 at Benaroya Hall, 200 University St., Seattle; 206-215-4747; www.seattlesymphony.org. Ring in the new year with Rachmaninov’s stunning Piano Concerto No. 2 and Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony then count down to midnight with Ludovic Morlot at a post-concert party in the Samuel and Althea Stroum Grand Lobby. Tickets from $52 including post-concert party. A pre-concert dinner at the venue by Wolfgang Puck catering is available for $75.
Stage
Snohomish County:
“Fruitcakes”: When Jamie runs away from home, he lands in a town with people that are “nuttier than fruitcakes.” This play mixes a batch of fruitcakes, three dozen Christmas trees and lights, a chicken pox epidemic, two southern spinsters, an estranged old man, a lost cat named Tutti Frutti and a Christmas hog named Buster to create a moving tale of holiday warmth and Christmas cheer; shows 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 2:30 Sundays Nov. 30 to Dec. 22 at Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor; tickets $16; 360-679-2237; www.whidbeyplayhouse.com.
“Dashing Through the Snow”: In this comedy, set just four days before Christmas, a colorful parade of guests arrive at the Snowflake Inn in Tinsel, Texas, including a touring company of A Christmas Carol, two feuding 80-year-olds, a couple dressed like Mrs. Claus and an elf; shows 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays Dec. 7 through 23 at The Phoenix Theatre, 9673 Firdale Ave., Edmonds; tickets $15.50 to $18.50; 206-533-2000; www.phoenixtheatreedmonds.com.
Island County
“Scrooge! The Musical”: This musical is based on the 1992 production with book, music, and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse and follows the night miserly Ebenezer Scrooge finds the true meaning of Christmas; shows are 2 and 7:30 p.m. Nov. 30 through Dec. 15 at Whidbey Island Center for the Arts, 565 Camano Ave., Langley. Tickets $15 to $24. Call 360- 221-8268 or 800-638-7631 or visit www.WICAonline.com.
Seattle
“Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Christmas Carol”: Mix Sherlock Holmes with “A Christmas Carol” and you’ve got this tale, a mystery steeped in Christmas spirit; 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Thursday; 8 p.m. Friday though Saturday; 2 p.m. Saturday matinees through Dec. 29, Taproot Theatre Company, 204 North 85th St., Seattle. Tickets $22 to $37. Online at www.taproottheatre.org or call 206-781-9707.
“A Christmas Carol”: Various times and dates from Nov. 23 through Dec. 30 at ACT Theatre, The Allen Arena, 700 Union St., Seattle; 206-292-7676; www.acttheatre.org. Tickets $27 to $42 for children and $27 to $55 for adults. See website for show times.
“Scrooge: The Musical!”: Seattle Musical Theatre celebrates Charles Dickens’ 200th birthday with this melodic revamp of the redemption of Ebenezer Scrooge; at various times through Dec. 9 at 7400 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle. Tickets $35 to $40. Call 206-363-2809 or visit www.SeattleMusicalTheatre.org.
Communities
Arlington: Nativity Festival, 4 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, noon to 8:30 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Sunday Dec. 6 to 9 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 17222 43rd Ave NE; www.arlingtonnativityfestival.org. Live nativity scene and musical performances. Kids can dress up in period costume and take photos.
Bothell: A Taste of the Holidays: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 17 at Country Village Bothell, 23718 Bothell-Everett Highway; 425-483-2250; www.countryvillagebothell.com. Local carving artist auction at 2 p.m., luminary lighting at 4 p.m. and free roasted chestnuts between 4 and 6 p.m. A wine walk runs from 5 to 8 p.m. and tickets are $20 in advance at www.npacf.org or $25 at the door.
Edmonds: Holiday Swing Dance, 6 p.m. Dec. 5 at Edmonds Community College, 20000 68th Ave. W, Lynnwood; features all-female big band, The MoodSwings; dance demonstration and snacks, drinks and desserts for purchase; tickets $10; 425-640-1139; www.BlackBoxEdCC.org.
Everett: North Pole Party, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Nov. 24 at Imagine Children’s Museum, 1502 Wall St., Everett; 425-258-1006; www.imaginecm.org. Visit with Santa between 9:30 and 11:30 a.m., 1 and 2 p.m. or 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. and enjoy “Merriment with Mrs. Claus” story time, games and music between 11:30 and 12:30 p.m. or 3:30 and 4:30 p.m. Tree lighting at 12:30 p.m. Create a cinnamon ornament for $1 or a 3D reindeer for free.
Everett: 12th annual Christmas Spectacular, 7 p.m. Dec. 8 at the Everett Civic Auditorium, 2416 Colby Ave.; featuring TV personality Brian Tracey and musician Dehner Franks; watch a talent show and enjoy live music and entertainment. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets $15 online at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/293084 or at the door. Supports Providence Children’s Center and the Volunteers of America food bank. Canned food donations accepted.
Everett: “Wintertide,” 4 to 7 p.m. Dec. 13 at Everett Performing Arts Center, 2710 Wetmore Ave.; 425-257-7101; www.enjoyEverett.org. Crafts, face painting, holiday photo booth, snacks, tree lighting, visit from Santa and showing of the 1966 animated special “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”
Marysville: Merrysville for the Holidays and Electric Lights Parade, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 1 at Comeford Park, 514 Delta Ave.; 360-363-8400; www.marysvillewa.gov. Food, bonfire and outdoor concert at 7 p.m. Parade begins at Marysville Municipal Court, 1015 State Ave.
Mill Creek: Santa is Coming to Town, Dec. 1; parade on Main Street at 3:30 p.m., community tree lighting 4:30 p.m. at City Hall, 15728 Main St.; 425-745-1891; www.millcreektowncenter.biz. Real reindeer, horse drawn carriage rides, Dickens carolers, face painting, live music and cookie decorating.
Monroe: Light Up Historic Downtown Monroe, Nov. 24 at along Main and Lewis streets; 360-794-5488. Holiday bazaar runs from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and tree lighting from 4 to 5 p.m. Craft beer and wine walk across 12 businesses with holiday snacks for 21 and older. Walk tickets $20 by phone or at Thrive Community Fitness, 118 North Lewis St. Ticket sales and check-in between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Mountlake Terrace: Winterfest Breakfast Celebration, 8 a.m. to noon Dec. 8. at Mountlake Terrace High School, 21801 44th Ave West. A pancake breakfast, holiday music by groups from MTHS, plus surrounding local schools, crafters and pictures with Santa. $7 adults, $5 for students/seniors, free for children younger than 3 years old. Call 425-478-1989 or email mthsmusicboosters@gmail.com for more information.
Mountlake Terrace: 6:30 p.m. Dec. 7 at Evergreen Playfield, 22205 56th Ave. W.; features caroling, refreshments and a visit from Santa with a spectacular tree lighting from atop the city’s water tower; www.cityofmlt.com.
Snohomish: Sippin’ and Shoppin’ holiday wine walk, 4 to 7 p.m. Dec. 8 in Historic Downtown Snohomish; www.historicdowntownsnohomish.org. Bring your own glass. Tickets $10 in advance, $13 at door online or in person at locations around Snohomish. See website for details. Guests can enter an ugly sweater contest to win four passes to the 2013 Sunsets in Snohomish wine walk.
Stanwood: The Lights of Christmas: Nov. 23 to Dec. 2, 6 to 9, and 26 to 29; gates open at 5 p.m. and close at 10 p.m. at Warm Beach Camp, 20800 Marine Drive; holiday lights, treats, live music, storytelling and theater performances, Nativity scene, petting farm, pony and train rides, meet Santa and Bruce the Talking Spruce; $9, $10 and $15, free for ages 3 and younger; 360-652-7575, 800-228-6724; www.warmbeachlights.com.
Seattle and beyond
Woodland Park Zoo’s Wildlights: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 23 to Jan. 1 at N. 50th Street and Fremont Avenue N., Seattle; 206-548-2500; www.zoo.org. Check out wild animals and settings made from LED lights, visit animals, including reindeer, ride the carousel (extra cost) and enjoy other live entertainment. Tickets for adults $8.50 through Dec. 13 and $9.50 beginning Dec. 14; $6.50 for ages 3 to 12 and free to ages 2 and younger throughout the event.
Point Defiance Zoolights: 5 to 9 p.m. Nov. 23 through Jan. 1 at 5400 N. Pearl St., Tacoma; www.pdza.org. Tickets $4.25 for members, $8.50 for non-members at the gate or $7.25 online or at Fred Meyer stores. Value passes that include admission to the zoo during the day and zoolights at night available from $12.75 to $15.75.
Seattle Aquarium: Diving Santa, Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 23 at 1483 Alaskan Way, Pier 59, Seattle; www.seattleaquarium.org. Enjoy holiday music and watch Santa diving in the Window on Washington Waters exhibit at noon and 3 p.m.
Seattle Center Winterfest: Nov. 23 to Jan. 6; free; www.seattlecenter.com.
•Nov. 23 to Jan. 6: Winterfest Ice Rink, Fisher Pavilion; admission includes skate rental: $7 for adults, $5 for children ages 6 to 12, and $2 children ages 5 and younger; cash only; see www.seattlecenter.com for hours.
•Nov. 23 to Jan 6: Winter Train and Village, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Seattle Center Armory/Center House; miniature train ride through snowy, turn of the century village; $2 suggested donation; closes at 4 p.m. on Dec. 24; closed Dec. 25 and Jan. 1; www.seattlecenter.com.
•Nov. 23: Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra, 12:30 p.m. in the Armory; www.syso.org.
•Nov. 24 and Dec. 1 to 29, Saturdays: Ice Sculpting, starts at noon outside Fisher Pavilion.
•Nov. 24: Seattle Men’s Chorus concert, 12:30 p.m. in the Armory; www.flyinghouse.org.
•Nov. 24: There’s No Place Like Home art installation and performance, 4 p.m. near the International Fountain; www.lucianeare.org.
•Nov. 25: Cat Pack with Unexpected Productions musical comedy improvisation inspired by the Rat Pack era,12:30 p.m. in the Armory; www.unexpectedproductions.org.
•Nov. 26 to Jan. 6: Winterfest Student Showcases, various times in the Armory; see www.seattlecenter.com for a showcase schedule.
•Dec. 10 to 31: The Magic of the Moment: PTSA Reflections, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Harrison Street Gallery, 3rd Floor Armory; selected artwork of Seattle Public School students; www.seattlecouncilptsa.org.
•Dec. 15: Bailadores de Bronce, 12:30 p.m. in the Armory; breaking down cultural barriers and building bridges through Mexican folklore dances; www.bailadoresdebronce.org.
•Dec. 16: Klez Kidz, 12:30 p.m. in the Armory; intergenerational musicians, singers and dancers in an interactive concert of world Jewish music and mirth; www.templebetham.org/music/klezkidz.
•Dec. 22: SANCA Youth Performance Company, 12:30 p.m. in the Armory; aerial arts, juggling, tightwire, clowning, unicycle and acrobatics; www.sancaseattle.org.
•Dec. 23: Garfield High School Jazz Band, 1 p.m. in the Armory; www.garfieldjazz.org.
•Dec. 29: The Dickens Carolers, 12:30 p.m. in the Armory; www.dickenscarolers.com.
•Dec. 30: Eastside Modern Jazz Orchestra, 12:30 p.m. in the Armory; www.woodinvilleband.org/index.php.
•Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve Celebration, 8:15 p.m. to 11:45 p.m. in the Armory; The Rhythm Nation will play a diverse mix of popular dance, R&B and rock from the 1970s to today; www.therhythmnation.net.
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