Get in the spirit: Lots of community events are planned this weekend for the holiday season. A few selections:
• Arlington: Hometown Holiday is Saturday in downtown Arlington. You’ll find music, food, horse-drawn wagon rides, a gingerbread house competition, photos with Santa and a lot more. Click here for more details.
•Holiday on the Bay, a Port of Everett event, includes family activities today at the Waterfront Center,1205 Craftsman Way. Kids can decorate gingerbread cookies from 2 to 4 p.m. while “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” plays onscreen. It’s free; register at www.portofeverett.com. The Christmas tree lighting takes place on the plaza outside from 4 to 5 p.m., with cocoa and hot cider and music by Mariner High School choir. Santa arrives by boat at the 12th Street Dock. The lighted boat parade will line up and take off for Mukilteo at 4:30 p.m. and return for viewing from 7 to 8 p.m. at the 12th Street dock.
• Marysville: The city celebrates with Merrysville for the Holidays and an Electric Lights Parade at 6:30 p.m. There will be food, a bonfire and an outdoor concert at 7 p.m. The parade begins at the Marysville Municipal Court and continues to join the other festivities at Comeford Park. More info here.
• Mill Creek: Santa is coming to town on Saturday. There will be a parade on Main Street at 3:30 p.m. and a community tree lighting 4:30 p.m. at City Hall. There will also be real reindeer, horse-drawn carriage rides, Dickens carolers, face painting, live music and cookie decorating. More info here.
Santa and pony: All Breed Equine Rez-Q of Marysville invites the public to meet the animals at the rescue organization’s farm. Families can have photos taken with one of the ponies and Santa Claus. Pictures are printed on site and cost $15 for a 5×7 and two wallet-size photos. Or for $5, a digital copy can be emailed. Proceeds benefit the nonprofit horse rescue group. The open house and photo session is set for 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at 2415 116th St. NE. Candy canes and hot cocoa will be served. More info here.
See the Stealth: The lacrosse team’s second training camp of the season is this weekend. Fans can watch both veterans and prospects practice at 9:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Saturday at at Soccer First Indoor Sports in Arlington. Camp continues at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday at Comcast Arena. Fans can attend practices for free on both days.
See the “Nutcracker”: There are several performances, including a narrated version great for younger kids, this weekend at different locations. Check out our story to find one that works for you.
Read with a dog: Read aloud to a friendly canine listener at the Snohomish Library at 11 a.m. Saturday. The community-based literacy program Reading with Rover helps kids strengthen reading skills and improve reading confidence. It’s free, but children must have a caregiver with them.
See two great bands: Daydream Vacation joins Everett band I Will Keep Your Ghost for what our music blogger calls a must-see show Saturday night at the Anchor in Everett. Read more about it and sample some music clips on our What Radio? blog.
See the lights: The Lights of Christmas at Warm Beach Camp in Stanwood are open on Saturday and Sunday from 5 to 10 p.m. In addition to the twinkling lights you’ll find treats, live music, storytelling and theater performances, Nativity scene, petting farm, pony and train rides. You can also meet Santa and Bruce the Talking Spruce. Find more details here.
A Christmas Carol: Share in a treasured tradition with the Historic Everett Theatre’s performance of A Christmas Carol. In this holiday favorite, the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future give the miserable Ebenezer Scrooge a lesson in the true spirit of Christmas. The show runs Friday through Sunday. Read more in our roundup of theater events here.
Shop local: The Mukilteo Lighthouse gift shop will be open from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and again on Dec. 8 and Dec. 15 for holiday shopping. The gift shop carries lighthouse clothing, ornaments, license plate holders, mugs, cards and more. Gift wrapping is available. Proceeds support maintenance of the lighthouse and grounds.
Visit Leavenworth: The little Bavarian-styled village really knows how to do Christmas. The tree lighting is on Saturday, along with a parade, music, food, wine, live theater and tons more. Find more details here.
Dine in style: Take a look at our recent dining reviews to find something delicious.
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