Family fun calendar

EVENTS

Navy Band Northwest: 2013 holiday concert, “Home for the Holidays,” 7 p.m. Dec. 17 at the Everett Performing Arts Center, 2710 Wetmore Ave. The concert is free. The Marine Corps plans to accept donations for Toys-for-Tots at the event. Seating is first come, first served. No tickets are necessary for entry. More information about Navy Band Northwest is at www.facebook.com/NavyBandNorthwest.

“Lights of Christmas”: 5 to 10 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays through Dec. 29 at Warm Beach Camp near Stanwood. More than 1 million lights on 15 acres with Victorian carolers, musicians, a Polar Express Train and pony rides for tots, as well as meals, snacks and refreshments. Admission is $15 for teens and adults, $11 for seniors and military, $10 for kids 4 to 12, and free for kids 3 and younger at www.warmbeach.com/lights-of-christmas/tickets. On “pay what you can night,” Dec. 29, you can pay what you can afford, at the gate only.

Origins of Christmas: Sponsored by Lowell Community Food Bank, River of Life Community Church and Sanders family farm, the outdoor Nativity scene includes farm animals, actors, hot drinks and snacks. Show times are 7 and 8:30 p.m. Dec. 13 and 14 at 8525 Lowell Larimer Road. Or ride a shuttle from River of Life church 15 minutes prior to showtime, from 5218 S. Second Ave., Everett.

Monroe Historical Society: Holiday Open House, 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 14, 207 E. Main St.; 360-217-7223; www.monroehistoricalsociety.com. A new exhibit showcasing Monroe Schools will be unveiled and refreshments served. Hands-on activities for kids are planned.

Winterfest: A wonderland of sparkling lights, activities for kids and a variety of entertainments; through Dec. 31 at the Seattle Center. The Winterfest Ice Rink returns, along with Saturday ice sculpting and weekend performances like pipe bands and breakdancers, suitable for adults too. The Dickens Carolers will perform from 11 a.m. to noon Dec. 29; Captain Smartypants, an comedy offshoot of the Seattle Men’s Chorus, and Sensible Shoes, a group of singers from the Seattle Women’s Chorus, perform from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Dec. 22. More the whole schedule, see www.seattlecenter.com.

THEATER

“James and the Giant Peach”: The Seattle Children’s Theatre presents a world-premiere musical based on Roald Dahl’s book, through Jan. 12 at SCT’s Charlotte Martin Theatre. When James’ mean aunts make him chop down an old fruit tree, he discovers a magic potion that turns the peach into a flying machine. The play is recommended for ages 6 and up. Tickets are $25 to $39 and may be purchased by calling 206-441-3322 or by visiting www.sct.org. The Children’s Theatre is at 201 Thomas St., Seattle.

“Tambourine Submarine”: A deserted-island compendium, suitable for kids, at Teatro ZinZanni, 222 Mercer St., Seattle. Performers include Recess Moneky, Seattle ballerina Ariana Lallone and dinner show trapeze aerialists Ben Wendel and Rachel Nehmer of Duo Madrona. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. and the show runs from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Dec.14 and 15. Tickets are $19 to $25, free for babies in arms through dreams.zinzanni.org/kidsshow. Call 206-802-0015.

EXHIBITS

“Dinosaurs: A Journey Through Time”: Explore the Mesozoic Era (248 to 65 million years ago) through eight robotic dinosaurs that move and roar. Among the dinobots are the meat-eater Tyrannosaurus Rex, the “tyrant lizard king,” who was more than 50 feet long. Pacific Science Center, 200 Second Ave. N., Seattle; www.pacificsciencecenter.org. Admission is $18 general, $16 seniors, $13 for kids 6 to 15, $10 for children 3 to 5.

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