Holiday family fun calendar

Tree lightings

Snohomish and Island counties

Bothell: Santa arrives and tree lighting ceremony at Country Village, 7 p.m. Dec. 4, hot-roasted chestnuts at 5 p.m., live music, tree lot. On Bothell-Everett Highway, www.countryvillagebothell.com.

Brier: Annual holiday tree lighting event with Santa Claus, refreshments, Brier Elementary Bel Cantos singers, food drive, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 4. Brier Park, 2903 228th St. SW; 206-498-7426.

Snohomish: Tree lighting with Mrs. Claus for the “Home for the Holidays” celebration, 5 p.m. Nov. 26. First Street and Avenue B; 360-568-2526, www.cityofsnohomish.com.

Seattle and beyond

Bellevue: 7 p.m. Nov. 26 at 10500 NE Eighth St., Bellevue; www.magicseason.com.

Seattle: Between Piers 55 and 56, 4:50 p.m. Dec. 4; downtown Seattle; www.nwcenter.org.

Westlake: Bon-Macy’s star lighting and fireworks, 5 to 5:30 p.m. Nov. 26 in conjunction with the Westlake Tree Lighting Ceremony, followed by fireworks.

Lights

Snohomish and Island counties

“The Lights of Christmas”: More than one million lights in outdoor displays, train ride, holiday music, refreshments, drama, 5 to 10 p.m. Dec. 2 through 5, 9 through 12, 16 through 23, 26 through 30. Warm Beach Camp, 20800 Marine Drive, Stanwood; 360-652-7575, 800-228-6724, www.warmbeach.com/loc.

Christmas ships

Seattle and beyond

Argosy Christmas Ship Festival: Ship-to-shore holiday celebration featuring hundreds of lights and tons of garland, followed by the decorated parade boats, Dec. 1 through 23, various locations, $10.50 to $79.95; 206-623-1445, www.argosycruises.com.

Royal Argosy Ship Schedule: Departs Pier 56, 4 p.m. Dec. 11, returns 7 p.m.; departs Pier 56, 9 p.m. Dec. 11, returns at midnight; departs Pier 56, 5 p.m. Dec. 12, returns 8 p.m.; departs Carillon, 7 p.m. Dec. 16, returns 10 p.m.; departs Carillon, 7 p.m. Dec. 17, returns 10 p.m.; departs Carillon, 4 p.m. Dec. 18, returns 7 p.m.; departs Carillon, 7 p.m. Dec. 21, returns 10 p.m.; departs Carillon, 7 p.m. Dec. 22, returns 10 p.m.; departs Carillon, 7 p.m. Dec. 23, returns 10 p.m.

Santa brunch cruise, Royal Argosy departs Pier 56, noon Nov. 28, returns 3 p.m., $45, $23 ages 5 to 12; departs Pier 56, 11 a.m. Dec. 12, returns 2 p.m., $43.50, $21 ages 5 to 12; departs Carillon Point, noon Dec. 19, returns 3 p.m., $43.50, $21 ages 5 to 12; www.argosycruises.com.

KWJZ Jazz Christmas cruise, Goodtime II departs Kirkland City Dock, 7 p.m. Dec. 1, returns 9:40 p.m.; departs Des Moines, 7 p.m. Dec. 8, returns 9 p.m.; departs Shilshole Marina, 7 p.m. Dec. 15, returns 9 p.m. $29.50, 21 and older only; www.argosycruises.com.

KTTH holiday cruise, Lady Mary departs Leschi Marina, 7 p.m. Dec. 2, returns 9:30 p.m., $25, 21 and older only; www.argosycruises.com.

Community celebrations

Snohomish and Island counties

“Home for the Holidays”: City of Snohomish annual Christmas celebration, Nov. 26, features Santa arrival at 2 p.m., pictures with Santa from 2:15 to 7 p.m., shopping until 8 p.m., Tim Noah and the Popcorn Players, caroling, performances by the Snohomish Eagle’s Pee Wee Drill Team, Snohomish Children’s Choir and the Snohomish School Band, all at 1:40 p.m., tree lighting ceremony with Mrs. Claus at 5 p.m. Downtown Snohomish; 360-568-2526, www.cityofsnohomish.com.

Festival of Trees: Providence General Foundation’s 19th annual weeklong event features a community open house, noon to 8 p.m. Dec. 1, arts and crafts for kids, 3 to 6 p.m., Santa arrives at 4 p.m., $5. Events at Everett Events Center, 2000 Hewitt Ave., Everett; 425-258-7500.

Civic Lights Winter Celebration: Decorations, choral and instrumental performances, hands-on art activities, snow play area, story time, Polar Bear Swim, movie and cannonball contest, photos with Santa, refreshments, 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 2, free. Lynnwood Civic Center Campus, 19100 44th Ave. W., Lynnwood; 425-771-4030, www.ci.lynnwood.wa.us.

Winterfest: The City of Bothell’s Parks &Recreation’s annual community celebration features visits with Santa, tree lighting, Santa pictures, children’s hay rides and a holiday sing-along, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 3. Events at the Parks at Bothell Landing, 9919 NE 180th St., Bothell.

Holiday Tree Lighting: Brier’s annual holiday tree lighting event with Santa Claus, refreshments, Brier Elementary Bel Cantos singers, food drive, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 4. Brier Park, 2903 228th St. SW; 206-498-7426.

Seattle and beyond

Bellevue Magic Season: Nov. 26 through Jan. 2. Features a variety of holiday events, including an outdoor ice rink, tree lighting, decorations throughout downtown. Opening day events include Santa’s Toyland Parade, 5:30 p.m, 16th annual tree lighting in the Wintergarden, 7 p.m., “The Sleeping Beauty” with Ballet Bellevue, 7 p.m., Garden d’Lights preview party, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Nov. 26. Admission varies for events. For complete schedule, visit www.magicseason.com.

Bon-Macy’s Holiday Parade: 8:45 a.m. Nov. 26, features balloon floats, marching bands, more than 400 costumed characters, community drill teams, carousel horses. Travels west from Seventh and Pine Streets to Fifth Avenue, travels south to University Street, then west to Fourth Avenue, then north to Bon-Macy’s. Star lighting and fireworks, 5 to 5:30 p.m. at Bon-Macy’s, followed by fireworks.

A Victorian Country Christmas: A Victorian Christmas celebration with dancing, singing and comedy groups, a Victorian Village with 530 shops, carriage rides and a “Living Nativity” with more than 100 singers, Dec. 1 through 5, $9, $7.50 seniors and students. Western Washington Fairgrounds, 110 Ninth Ave. SW, Puyallup; 253-841-5045, www.thefair.com.

Santa breakfasts

Snohomish and Island counties

Bothell: Fourth annual Santa brunch at Country Village, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 5, children can write letters to Santa, Santa trivia contest, pictures with Santa, reservations required. Courtyard Hall, 23732 Bothell-Everett Highway; 425-402-9362.

Camano Island: Camano Senior and Community Center’s annual breakfast features pictures, clowns, face painting, 9 a.m. Dec. 11, $10 photo packets, $6 breakfast, $4 ages 8 and younger breakfast. 606 Arrowhead Road; 360-387-0222.

Everett: Providence General Foundation’s 19th annual Festival of Trees features a Teddy Bear breakfast with visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, ice skating, 9:30 a.m. Dec. 4, $20. Events at Everett Events Center, 2000 Hewitt Ave., Everett; 425-258-7500.

Lynnwood: Olympic Ballet Theatre presents a breakfast and mini-Nutcracker performance with the Olympic Ballet School dancers, 10 a.m. Dec. 11, $24, $20 ages 10 and younger. Lynnwood Embassy Suites, 20610 44th Ave. W.; 206-292-2787, www.olympicballet.com.

Mountlake Terrace: Mountlake Terrace High School Music Boosters, 8 a.m. to noon Dec. 4, all-you-can-eat pancakes, $5, $3 students and seniors. Pictures with Santa for a nominal fee, music by MTHS Jazz Ensemble 1 and Wind Ensemble. MTHS Hub, 21801 44th Ave. W.; 425-471-3205.

Mountlake Terrace: American Legion Auxiliary No. 234 presents its annual Santa breakfast with photo opportunities, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 5, $5, $2.75 ages 12 and younger. 22909 56th Ave.; 425-778-3593.

Seattle and beyond

Seattle: Bon-Macy’s annual brunches, 10 to 11:30 a.m. Dec. 4, 5, 12, 18, 19, 22, 23, $17.50 ages 12 and older, $15.50 ages 11 and older. Bon-Macy’s, Stewart Street Room; 206-506-4386.

Seattle: Holiday breakfast and Santa photos at Woodland Park Zoo, 9:30 to 11 a.m. Dec. 11 and 12, $20.95, $11.95 ages 3 to 10, reservations and pre-payment required. 5500 Phinney Ave. N; 206-684-4800, www.zoo.org.

Seattle: Santa brunch cruise on the Royal Argosy departs Pier 56, noon Nov. 28, returns 3 p.m., $45, $23 ages 5 to 12; departs Pier 56, 11 a.m. Dec. 12, returns 2 p.m., $43.50, $21 ages 5 to 12; departs Carillon Point, noon Dec. 19, returns 3 p.m., $43.50, $21 ages 5 to 12; www.argosycruises.com.

Santa photos

Snohomish and Island counties

Bothell: Santa visits Winterfest, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 3. Bring your own camera for pictures. Park at Bothell Landing, 9919 NE 180th St., Bothell.

Bothell: Fourth annual Santa brunch at Country Village, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 5, children can write letters to Santa, Santa trivia contest, pictures with Santa, reservations required. Courtyard Hall, 23732 Bothell-Everett Highway; 425-402-9362.

Bothell: Santa photos from Chapters Photography, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays, Nov. 26 through Dec. 19. Drop-ins welcome. Country Village, 23732 Bothell-Everett Highway; 425-415-1267.

Camano Island: Camano Senior and Community Center’s annual breakfast features pictures with Santa, 9 a.m. Dec. 11, $10 photo packets. 606 Arrowhead Road; 360-387-0222.

Marysville: Pictures with Santa and his pony at Equine Rescue Association, 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 5, 12, $5 to $7. 2506B 128th St. NE; 360-658-5494, www.equinerescueassociation.homestead.com.

Mountlake Terrace: Mountlake Terrace High School Music Boosters, 8 a.m. to noon Dec. 4, all-you-can-eat pancakes, $5, $3 students and seniors. Pictures with Santa for a nominal fee, music by MTHS Jazz Ensemble 1 and Wind Ensemble. MTHS Hub, 21801 44th Ave. W.; 425-471-3205.

Mountlake Terrace: American Legion Auxiliary No. 234 presents its annual Santa breakfast with photo opportunities, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 5, $5, $2.75 ages 12 and younger. 22909 56th Ave.; 425-778-3593.

Snohomish: Santa pictures at “Home for the Holidays” celebration, 2:15 to 7 p.m. Nov. 26. First Street and Avenue A; 360-568-2526, www.cityofsnohomish.com.

Seattle and beyond

Seattle: SantaLand photos on the seventh floor of Bon Macy’s, daily through Dec. 24, hours vary.

Seattle: Santa photos and holiday breakfast at Woodland Park Zoo, 9:30 to 11 a.m. Dec. 11 and 12, $20.95, $11.95 ages 3 to 10, reservations and pre-payment required. 5500 Phinney Ave. N, Seattle; 206-684-4800, www.zoo.org.

Santa sightings

Snohomish and Island counties

Arlington: Santa arrives during the Grandview Community Center Holiday Fair, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 27. 11506 Smokes Road, Arlington.

Arlington: Arlington Fire Department’s annual Santa run. Dec. 6 – Third Street east to Haller, from West Ave. to Alcazar; Dec. 7 – Third Street west to Highland Drive, from Stillaguamish Ave. to Cobb St.; Dec. 8 – Jensen Farm Lanes from Portage to 79th and 200th Streets; Dec. 9 – High Clover Estates and 47th Avenue from 196th Place to 188th Street; Dec. 10 – Crown Ridge from Crown Ridge Blvd. to Knoll Drive and Ronning Road to Circle Bluff Drive; Dec. 11 – Gleneagle north from Champions Drive to Woodlands Way; Dec. 12 – Gleneagle south, Greywalls Drive to Cedarbough Loop and Highland View Estates. Donations of nonperishable food items accepted.

Bothell: Santa visits Winterfest, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 3. Bring your own camera for pictures. Park at Bothell Landing, 9919 NE 180th St., Bothell.

Bothell: Santa arrives and tree lighting ceremony at Country Village, 7 p.m. Dec. 4, hot-roasted chestnuts at 5 p.m., live music, tree lot. 23732 Bothell-Everett Highway; www.countryvillagebothell.com.

Brier: Annual holiday tree lighting event with Santa Claus, refreshments, Brier Elementary Bel Cantos singers, food drive, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 4. Brier Park, 2903 228th St. SW; 206-498-7426.

Everett: Providence General Foundation’s 19th annual Festival of Trees features a Santa arrival at 4 p.m. Dec. 1, $5. Events at Everett Events Center, 2000 Hewitt Ave., Everett; 425-258-7500.

Everett: Teddy Bear breakfast with visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, ice skating, 9:30 a.m. Dec. 4, $20. Events at Everett Events Center, 2000 Hewitt Ave., Everett; 425-258-7500.

Langley: “Country Christmas at the Fair” with Santa appearances, craft sale, food vendors, animals, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Nov. 26 through Dec. 19. Island County Fairgrounds; 360-221-4677.

Snohomish: Santa arrives for “Home for the Holidays” celebration, 2 p.m. Nov. 26. First Street and Avenue A; 360-568-2526, www.cityofsnohomish.com.

Seattle and beyond

Bellevue: Santa’s Toyland parade, 5:30 p.m. Nov. 26, Santa’s arrival, Bellevue Square; www.magicseason.com.

Seattle: Santa’s arrival and the Bon-Macy’s Holiday parade, 8:45 a.m. Nov. 26.

Snoqualmie: Ride with Santa on the Santa Train, Nov. 27 through Dec. 12, $11. Northwest Railway Museum, 38625 SE King St., Snoqualmie; 425-888-3030, www.trainmuseum.org.

Miscellaneous

Snohomish and Island counties

Noggin’s Warm and Fuzzy Holiday Party: Moose A. Moose and Franklin join in the preschool fun, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 30, free, donations accepted. Alderwood Mall, Lynnwood.

Kwanzaa celebration: With founder Maulana Karenga, Seattle’s Sankofa Theatre’s Maafa Experience performs, 6 p.m. Nov. 30. Edmonds Community College, 20000 68th Ave. W., Lynnwood; 425-640-1313.

Festival of Trees: Providence General Foundation’s 19th annual event features opening night party and silent auction, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Nov. 30, $45; community open house, noon to 8 p.m. Dec. 1, arts and crafts for kids, 3 to 6 p.m., Santa arrives at 4 p.m., $5; champagne reception, gala dinner and auction, 6 to 10 p.m. Dec. 2, $150; Teddy Bear breakfast with visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, ice skating, 9:30 a.m. Dec. 4, $20. Events at Everett Events Center, 2000 Hewitt Ave., Everett; 425-258-7500.

Holiday buffet: Culinary Arts Department at Edmonds Community College’s annual holiday buffet, 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Dec. 1 and 2, $10, reservations recommended. Triton Union Building 202, 20000 68th Ave. W., Lynnwood; 425-640-1405.

Victorian Christmas tour: Everett Parks and Recreation Department hosts a day trip to the Puyallup Fairgrounds for Christmas shopping, departs Everett 10 a.m. Dec. 4, returns 6 p.m., $29; www.everettwa.org/parks/default.asp.

Victorian Afternoon Christmas Tea: Susan Springer’s class discusses Victorian teatime customs and features a tea, 3 to 5 p.m. Dec. 4, $35. Between Friends Tea Room, 9111 State St., Marysville; 360-658-9407.

Snow train: Mile-long Christmas Snow Train departs from various locations and travels to Leavenworth, includes continental breakfast, dinner, onboard entertainment, Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 4 through 19, $119, $109 ages 12 and younger; www.alkitours.com.

Holiday storytime and crafts: For ages 2 to 3, 10:30 a.m. Dec. 7 at Everett Public Library’s main library, 2702 Hoyt Ave.; for ages 2 to 6, 10:30 a.m. Dec. 8 at Evergreen branch, 9512 Evergreen Way; for age 3 to 6, 10:30 a.m. Dec. 9 at main library; 425-257-8030.

Make holiday tree ornaments: Supplies provided, all ages, 3 to 5 p.m. Dec. 8 at Everett Public Library’s Evergreen branch, 9512 Evergreen Way, 3 to 5 p.m. Dec. 13 at main library, 2702 Hoyt Ave.; 425-257-8030.

Bus to Leavenworth: The Everett Parks and Recreation Department hosts a day trip for the tree lighting ceremony, departs Everett 9:30 a.m. Dec. 11, returns 7:30 p.m., $28, $22 ages 8 to 16; 425-257-8300, www.everettwa.org/parks/default.asp.

Christmas Parlour Tour: Tour homes in Snohomish, noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 12. Call for tickets; 360-568-5235, www.cityofsnohomish.com.

“Holiday Inn”: Irving Berlin’s classic movie with Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire, 7 p.m. Dec. 19, $5. Wade James Theater, 950 Main St., Edmonds; 425-774-9600.

Seattle and beyond

Festival of Trees: “The Season of Light Auction,” Nov. 27; teddy bear suite, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Dec. 25; celebrity chestnut roasting, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, through Dec. 24, celebrity roaster appear noon to 1 p.m. Events at The Fairmont Olympic Hotel; www.farmont.com.

Christmas in Sweden: The Swedish Cultural Society’s Christmas bazaar and children’s program, noon to 3 p.m. Nov. 27, $3, $1.50 ages 11 to 18. Swedish Cultural Center, 1920 Dexter Ave. N., Seattle; 425-485-5536.

Holiday trimming tour: Gray Line takes passengers to Columbia Winery for tastings and the annual Festival of Poinsettias at Molbak’s Nursery, noon to 6 p.m. Nov. 28, $29, $25 children, reservations required; 800-426-7532.

Live Nativity: Live Nativity and 13th annual Nativity display with more than 700 Nativities, every 15 minutes from noon to 2:30 p.m. Dec. 3, free. CRISTA Nursing Center, 19303 Fremont Ave. N., Shoreline; www.crista.org.

19th Century Christmas celebration: Recreation of 1855 Christmas at Fort Nisqually Living History Museum, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 4, $3, $2 seniors and students, $1 ages 5 to 12. Point Defiance Park, 5400 N. Pearl, tacoma; 253-591-5339, www.fortnisqually.org.

Santa train: Lake Whatcom Railway’s annual train, Christmas songs, decorations, treats, 9:30 a.m., noon, 2:30 p.m. Dec. 4, 11, 18, $14, $7 children, reservations required; 360-595-2218.

Reindeer Games: Kids and families can search for hidden reindeer in various businesses along the downtown waterfront, 2 to 5 p.m. Dec. 4, tree lighting ceremony between piers 55 and 46 at 4:50 p.m. Pick up passport at the Qwest Carousel in Westlake Park or any participating waterfront merchant; www.nwcenter.org.

Zoo lights tour: Alki Tours trip to Point Defiance Zoo departs Seattle, Dec. 4, 11, 18, $64, $49 children, include transportation, snacks, entertainment and zoo admission; 800-895-2554, www.alkitours.com.

Leavenworth Town Lighting Tour: Gray Line takes passengers to Leavenworth for holiday shopping, music and the tree lighting, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 4, 11, 18, $43, $33 children, reservations required; 800-426-7532.

Issaquah Reindeer Festival: Cougar Mountain Zoo’s annual fundraiser features Siberian reindeer, Santa’s Grand Traveling Sleigh, elves and craft activities, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily Dec. 4 through 23. Santa’s hours, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4:30 to 7 p.m., $9.50, $8 seniors, $6.50 ages 2 to 11. 19525 SE 54th, Issaquah; 425-391-5508.

Children’s Christmas in Scandinavia, 1 to 3:30 p.m. Dec. 5, $6, $5 seniors, $4 children. Nordic Heritage Museum, 3014 NW 67th St., Seattle; 206-789-5707, www.nordicmuseum.com.

Chocoholic’s Delight Tour: Gray Line takes chocolate lovers to local manufacturers, including Dilettante, Fran’s and Boehm’s, 1 to 5:30 p.m. Dec. 5, 12, $39, reservations required; 800-426-7532.

Holiday party and silent auction: The Association for Women in Communications Seattle Professional Chapter hosts its annual scholarship fundraiser event, 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 7, $30, $15 students; 206-654-2929.

CookieFest: Bon Macy’s benefit for the Seattle Milk Fund features treats from more than 25 of the area’s bakeries, restaurants, hotels, caterers and culinary school, $6.50 per dozen, 65 cents each, create a gingerbread home for $8. Third floor, Stewart Street Room, downtown Seattle.

Holiday happenings: Family activity day, noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 11. Whatcom County Museum of History &Art: 121 Prospect St., Bellingham; 360-676-6981, www.whatcommuseum.org.

Fabulous ’50s Holiday Fest: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 18, Skagit County Historical Museum, 501 S. Fourth St., La Conner; 360-466-3365, www.skagitcounty.net/museum.

Holiday Dinner Train: The Northwest Railway Museum presents a dinner train, 5 p.m. Dec. 18, departs Snoqualmie Depot, $50, 21 and older only. 38625 SE King St., Snoqualmie; 425-888-3030, www.trainmuseum.org.

Christmas cafe and dessert buffet: Featuring Taproot Theatre’s “Nativity in the Square” Christmas carols, 7 to 9 p.m. Dec. 19, $10, $5 ages 5 to 12, $5 childcare. The Vineyard, 17712 15th Ave. NE, Shoreline; 206-363-4003.

New Year’s Eve

Snohomish and Island counties

New Year’s Eve gala: The Snohomish Artist Guild presents its first event features dancing, music by Soul Flight, party favors, champagne toast, Emerald Rain dancers, 8 p.m. Dec. 31. Everett Events Center Ballroom, 2000 Hewitt Ave., Everett; 425-303-1848.

Seattle and beyond

New Year’s Eve cruise, Royal Argosy departs Pier 56, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 31, returns 12:30 a.m., $125, $75 ages 5 to 12; www.argosycruises.com.

New Year’s Eve cruise to Kiana Lodge, Spirit of Seattle departs Pier 55, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 31, returns 1 a.m., $105, 21 and older only; www.argosycruises.com.

New Year’s Eve cruise from Seattle, Lady Mary departs Pier 55, 10:30 p.m. Dec. 31, returns 12:30 a.m., $55, 21 and older only; www.argosycruises.com.

New Year’s Eve cruise from Kirkland, MV Kirkland departs Kirkland City Dock, 10 a.m. Dec. 31, returns 1 a.m., $55, 21 and older only; www.argosycruises.com.

New Year’s Eve at The Skagit: A number of entertainment, dining and accommodation options, Dec. 31. Reservations required. The Skagit, Bow; 877-275-2448.