Our 2016 list of holiday events in Snohomish County and beyond

Holiday shows, concerts and light displays are part of the Christmastime traditions for many people.

Find all of that and more at Warm Beach Camp’s annual “Lights of Christmas” just south of Stanwood. It’s the largest holiday light display in the region, with more than 1 million lights on 15 acres. The festival includes theater, live music, strolling carolers, shopping, kid’s activities, warm doughnuts and cider. Who could ask for more?

The Lights of Christmas: The Warm Beach event is 5 to 10 p.m. Dec. 1-4, 8-11, 15-18, 20-23, 26-28 at 20800 Marine Drive, Stanwood. More at www.thelightsofchristmas.com. Tickets are $16 for adults 13-59; $12 for military, ages 13-59 and for seniors 60+; $11 for children ages 4-12, and free for children ages 0-3. 20800 Marine Drive, Stanwood.

Here’s The Daily Herald’s annual list of other light displays, concerts, theater events, community festivals, Santa visits and more:

LIGHTS

Woodland Park Zoo: The zoo’s WildLights are on from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. daily through Jan. 1. Admission is $9.95 for teens and adults, $7.95 for children and free for toddlers. Enter through the west entrance on Phinney Avenue N. Parking is $6. More at www.zoo.org or 206-548-2500.

Garden d’Lights: Bellevue Botanical Garden’s annual winter wonderland, 4:30 to 9 p.m. daily, Nov. 26-Dec. 31, 12001 Main St., Bellevue. Admission is $5, free for ages 10 and younger.

CONCERTS

Everett Philharmonic Orchestra: “Music for the Imagination,” a family oriented concert, 3 p.m. Nov. 27, Everett Civic Auditorium. Tickets are $20, but a family of four gets in for $40.

Three Baritones: Nathan Stark, Gabriel Preisser and Brian Myers perform, Christmas Around the World concert, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1 and 3, Resonance at Soma Towers, 288 106th Ave. Suite 203, Bellevue. $25 at the door.

Mill Creek Chorale Holiday Celebration Concert: Third annual “What Sweeter Music” Christmas concert, 3 and 7 p.m. Dec. 3 at Advent Lutheran Church, 4306 132nd St. SE, Mill Creek. Includes Mill Creek Children’s Chorus and Vivace from Cascade High School. Tickets are $15 or $10 for students and seniors. Children 10 are free.

Everett Chorale’s “Songs and Stories of Christmas”: The music of the holiday season, including John Rutter’s “Brother Heinrich’s Christmas,” 7 p.m. Dec. 3 and 3 p.m. Dec. 4, Everett Performing Arts Center, 2710 Wetmore Ave. Includes Snohomish County Youth Chorus. Tickets are $20. Call 425-257-8600.

Pacifica Chamber Orchestra Winter Concert: Hear chamber music by Schubert and Rimsky-Korsakov at 3 p.m. Dec. 4, First Presbyterian Church, 2936 Rockefeller Ave., Everett. Tickets are $20 or $15 for students and seniors. More at www.pacifica chamberorchestra.org.

Stanwood-Camano Chorale: “Carols of Hope and Light,” 3 p.m. Dec. 4, Stanwood United Methodist Church, 27128 102nd Dr. NW. Donations accepted.

Gothard Sisters: The Edmonds natives are home for annual Christmas concert, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8, Edmonds Center for the Arts, 410 Fourth Ave. N. General $22, $18 for students/seniors, $10 children. Call 425-275-9595.

Seattle Symphony Holiday Pops: 8 p.m. Dec. 9-10 and 2 p.m. Dec. 11, Benaroya Hall, 200 University St., Seattle. For tickets call 206-215-4747.

Sno-King Community Chorale: The Holiday Magic concert “It’s conTEXTual!” is at 3 and 7 p.m. Dec. 10, Edmonds Center for the Arts, 410 Fourth Ave. N. Bring your cellphone for an interactive texting experience. Tickets are $20, $17 students and seniors, $10 children. More at sno-kingchorale.org.

Geoffrey Castle’s Celtic Christmas: See Castle and his friends perform at 8 p.m. Dec. 10, Historic Everett Theatre, 2911 Colby Ave.; or 7:30 p.m. Dec. 17, Northshore Performing Arts Center, 18125 92nd Ave. NE, Bothell.

Northwest Boychoir: A “Festival of Lessons & Carols,” 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10, Trinity Lutheran Church, 6215 196th St. SW, Lynnwood. Tickets from $11. More at nwboychoir.org.

Cascade Symphony Orchestra: Holiday Pops concert, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11-12, Edmonds Center for the Arts, 410 Fourth Ave. N. Tickets from $10 to $27. Director and violinist Michael Miropolsky is featured. Call 425-275-9595.

Evergreen Community Orchestra Christmas Concert: A program of international Christmas carols, 2 p.m. Dec. 11, Northwest Music Hall, east of Macy’s, Everett Mall. Donations accepted. More at www.evergreen communityorchestra.org.

Mark O’Connor Family Band: The Mountlake Terrace native performs “Appalachian Christmas,” 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15, Meany Studio Theater, University of Washington. From $50. Call 206-543-4880.

Monroe Concert Band: Hometown Christmas concert, 7 p.m. Dec. 16, Wagner Performing Arts Center, 839 W. Main St. More at monroe concertband.org. Free, but donations accepted.

Celtic Christmas Concert: The Beggar Boys and Abigail Lennox perform tunes from Ireland, Wales and Scotland, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16, Trinity Episcopal Church, 2301 Hoyt Ave., Everett. Tickets $20, $15 seniors, free for children. More at www.beggar boys.com.

Seattle Men’s Chorus “Silver & Soul”: The annual Christmas concert, 8 p.m. Dec. 17, Everett Civic Auditorium, Colby Avenue. Tickets $25 to $45. Call 206-388-1400. Hear carols and a tender tribute to David Bowie.

“A Charlie Brown Christmas”: The Jose Gonzalez Trio performs Vince Guaraldi’s jazz classic at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 17, Tim Noah Thumbnail Theater, 1211 Fourth St., Snohomish. Call 360-568-9412.

Sing-Along Messiah: Scores available or bring your own, 1:30 p.m. Dec. 18, Trinity Episcopal Chruch, 2301 Hoyt Ave., Everett. Suggested $12 donation. Call 425-252-4129.

Mukilteo Community Orchestra: The orchestra’s Young Artists Concert, sponsored by the Snohomish County Music Teachers Association, 2 p.m. Dec. 18, Rosehill Community Center, Mukilteo. Free. Five winners of the recent concerto competition will perform.

The Rev. Roberts and the Swingsette: The swing-a-billy-jazz quartet plays rocking Christmas tunes, 6 p.m. Dec. 18 at Clearview Foursquare Church, 17210 Highway 9, Snohomish.

Bronn Journey: The beloved harpist and his wife, soprano Katherine Journey, perform their 35th annual Christmas concert, 2 and 7 p.m., Dec. 20, Everett Performing Arts Center, 2710 Wetmore Ave., Everett. Call 425-257-8600.

Ahn Family Mukilteo Christmas Concert: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20, Trinity Lutheran Church, 6215 196th St. SW, Lynnwood. By donation.

THEATER

Edmonds Driftwood Players: Wade James Theatre, 950 Main St., Edmonds; www.edmondsdriftwood players.org. “Mr. Scrooge” through Dec. 18. Lighthearted music and a steampunk setting for the story of Ebenezer Scrooge.

Red Curtain: Arts Center, 9315 State Ave., Suite J, Marysville. More at www.redcurtainfoundation.org. See local Nick Poling’s and Alex DeRoest’s “Santa Claus Conquers the Martians” Dec. 2-18. Not recommended for children.

Phoenix Theatre: At 9673 Firdale Ave., Edmonds; www.phoenix theatreedmonds.org. “The Christmas Spirit” plays Dec. 2-18.

Snohomish Theater Project: No tickets or reservations needed. “A Christmas Epic: It’s a Wonderful Grinch Story on 34th Carol” is set for 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2-3, 9-10 and 2 p.m. Dec. 4 and 11 at the Carnegie Library building, 105 Cedar Ave., Snohomish. Bring donation for Snohomish Food Bank. The show combines the best Christmas stories into one wild, hilarious evening.

Northwest Community Church: See a free production of “A Charlie Brown Christmas, the Musical,” 7 p.m. Dec. 23, 11715 North Creek Parkway S, Bothell. More at www.northwest.org.

Taproot Theatre: Zion Lutheran Church in Snohomish hosts a touring production of “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” 7 p.m. Dec. 7, 329 Ave. A, Snohomish. By donation. Call 360-568-2700.

Lakewood High School: “A Christmas Carol,” 7 p.m. Dec. 2-3, 9-10 at the school. Call 360-652-4505.

Arlington High School: The school’s Flight choir presents “It’s a Wonderful Christmas!” 7 p.m. Dec. 2, 3 and 9 and 3 and 7 p.m. Dec. 10, Byrnes Performing Arts Center. The students wrote the script for the stage show, choreographed, designed the set. Tickets $10 general, $8 for students and seniors. More at www.byrnesperforming arts.org.

Pacific Northwest Opera: The regional company’s “Amahl and the Night Visitors,” 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16, McIntyre Hall, Skagit Valley College. Call 360-416-7727.

Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas”: The musical is Dec. 2-17, Whidbey Island Center for the Arts, 565 Camano Ave., Langley. Call 800-638-7631.

Wanderlust Circus and 3 Leg Torso: Rollicking circus-style “A Christmas Carol,” 8 p.m. Dec. 23, Historic Everett Theatre, 2911 Colby Ave., Everett. Tickets $12-$28. Call 425-258-6766.

ACT’s “A Christmas Carol”: Region’s longest-running Dickens show, through Dec. 28, ACT, 700 Union St., www.acttheatre.org.

“A Christmas Carol,” The Musical: Dec. 9-11, Moore Theatre, Seattle, www.stgpresents.org.

NUTCRACKER

Olympic Ballet Theatre: The Edmonds company’s“The Nutcracker” is Dec. 9-11 at the Everett Performing Arts Center and Dec. 15-18 at the Edmonds Center for the Arts. Tickets at www.olympicballet.com. Call 425-774-7570.

Alderwood Dance Spectrum: “A Storybook Nutcracker,” 9:45 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. Dec. 8, 9:45 a.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 9, and 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 10 at the PUD auditorium, 2320 California St., Everett. Tickets, $20, at www.brownpapertickets.com.

Emerald Ballet Theatre: “The Nutcracker,” 2 p.m. Dec. 3-4 and 10-11, Northshore Performing Arts Center, 18125 92nd Ave. NE, Bothell. From $20, call 425-298-3449.

The Dance School: The Everett school performs its version of “The Nutcracker,” 7 p.m. Dec. 18, Historic Everett Theatre. Call 425-258-6766.

Reflections School of Dance: “One Uncontainable Gift,” 2 and 4 p.m. Dec. 6, Glacier Peak High School performing arts center, 7401 144th Pl. SE, Snohomish. $10 at the door. More at www.reflectionsschoolofdance.com.

Pacific Northwest Ballet: Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker” through Dec. 28, www.pnb.org. Sets and costumes by author/illustrator Ian Falconer.

OTHER COOL HAPPENINGS

Edmonds holiday market: The Edmonds downtown holiday market is open Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Dec. 17 near City Hall. Musical entertainment and Santa photo booth.

Model trains: Swamp Creek & Western Railroad Association’s open house, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 3, Edmonds train station, 210 Railroad St. Layout features 400 feet of HO scale track. The train passes through miniature towns and detailed scenery. Guardians must maintain a presence while their children visit. The railroad association formed in the mid-1970s shortly before moving into the south end of the Amtrak depot. Admission is free.

Antique toy exhibit: 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday through December, Edmonds Historical Museum, old Carnegie Library, 118 Fifth Ave. N. “Once Upon a Toy” exhibit features toys that might have appeared under Christmas trees during the past century. Bring a donation to Clothes for Kids.

Cascadia Art Museum: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Free during Edmonds Art Walk, 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 17, 190 Sunset Ave., Edmonds. Admission is $10, discounts for seniors and students; 425-336-4809. Annual show of vintage Christmas cards by Northwest artists displayed through Jan. 8. The week of Dec. 7-11, look for discounts in the museum store.

Schack Art Center: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, 2921 Hoyt Ave., Everett; www.schack.org. Free. Holiday Exhibit through Christmas Eve. On Thursdays in December, get 10 percent off purchases.

Everett Makers Market: Shop for cool stuff from local arts and crafts people, noon to 6 p.m. Nov. 26, family-friendly Anchor Pub, 1001 Hewitt Ave., Everett.

Arlington Nativity Festival: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints offers its fifth annual festival, with nativity scenes from all over the world, 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 8-9, noon to 9 p.m Dec. 10, 3 to 9 p.m. Dec. 11; 17222 43rd Ave. NE. Music at 7 p.m. Dec. 11.

Darrington’s “Small Town Christmas Art Show”: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 10, 605 S Emens Ave. Call 360-436-0711.

Imagine Childrens Museum: Free admission 5:30-9 p.m. Dec. 16. Home for the Holidays crafts and photos with Santa on Dec. 23. More at www.ImagineCM.org.

Dickens Fair: Lake Stevens School District’s 30th annual fair — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 3 at Cavelero Mid High. More than 130 vendors, music performances by school kids, Santa photos. Admission by donation to the Lake Stevens Food Bank. Park at Lake Stevens Middle School, 1031 91st Ave. SE or Hillcrest Elementary School, 9315 Fourth St. SE and ride the shuttle to Cavelero.

Snohomish Christmas Parlour Tour: Noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 11, 118 Ave. B, Snohomish. Each home decorated for the holidays. Admission $15, $12 for seniors and children.

“It’s a Wonderful Life”: The Christmas classic on the big screen, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21, Historic Everett Theatre, 2911 Colby Ave. Tickets $15. Call 425-258-6766.

Santa’s Test Flight at Historic Flight Foundation: Which aircraft will he fly? Find out at noon Dec. 3, 10719 Bernie Webber Drive, Mukilteo. Come early for treats and hangar activities for kids. Free for children 10 and under, $15 for adults, $10 for ages 11-17. Bring an unwrapped, new toy for the Marine Corps “Toys for Tots” campaign.

Flying Heritage Collection: See the collection’s newest tanks, Dec. 3, 3407 109th St SW, Everett. Join Santa Claus for food and festivities, a scavenger hunt, craft stations, gaming, face painting, a tanks demo. Bring your camera. Admission $14, $12 for seniors/military, $10 ages 6-17, free for 5 and younger.

Seattle Center Winterfest: Nov. 27 through Dec. 31. Includes music and other performances, the Winter Train & Village, Winterfest Ice Rink, sparkling lights and family activities. More at www.seattlecenter.com/winterfest.

Scandinavian Children’s Festival: Santa Lucia pageant, crafts, music, dancing at 1 p.m. Dec. 4, Nordic Heritage Museum, 3014 NW 67th St., Seattle. Cost $6-$8, preschoolers free. Call 206-789-5707.

Hanukkah Mania: Games, crafts, concert by the Klezmatics, 5:30 p.m. Dec. 17, Stroum Jewish Community Center, 3801 E Mercer Way, Mercer Island. Free. Call 206-232-7115.

Gingerbread Village: Through Jan. 1, Seattle Sheraton Hotel lobby, 1400 Sixth Ave., Seattle.

COMMUNITY CELEBRATIONS & SANTA VISITS

Edmonds tree-lighting ceremony: Refreshments, free program and Santa arrival, 4 p.m. Nov. 26, Fifth and Bell. Photos with Santa follow. Bring donation for Clothes for Kids.

Holiday on the Bay: Port of Everett offers this free event from noon to 6:30 p.m. Dec. 3 at 404 14th St. Everett, featuring the Everett Farmers Market craft fair, treats, holiday music, tree ornament crafts for kids, movies, fire truck rides, a visit from Santa, tree lighting, Mukilteo Yacht Club lighted boat parade.

“Merrysville” for the Holidays: Marysville’s free event is 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 3 at Comeford Park, State and Fifth, with a craft show, photo booths, live music and bonfire. Electric Lights Parade begins at 6:30 p.m., travels south on State Avenue from 10th Street to Comeford Park. Santa and Mrs. Claus light up the water tower. Food bank donations accepted. More at www.marysvillewa.gov.

Mountlake Terrace Tree Lighting Ceremony: 6:30 p.m. Dec. 2, Evergreen Playfield, 22205 56th Ave. W. Features music by elementary school students, a visit from Santa, who arrives by fire truck, and treats. More than 1,800 lights adorn the city water tower. Free.

Light Up Monroe: The Winter Festival starts at noon Dec. 3 with entertainment, food and a bazaar on Main Street downtown. Join the carolers at Traveler’s Park at 4:30 p.m. for the annual tree lighting ceremony. Coffee and cocoa with Santa. Free.

Festival of Trees Teddy Bear Breakfast: From 8:30-10:30 a.m. Dec. 3, Tulalip Resort Casino, 10200 Quil Ceda Blvd., Tulalip. Includes entertainment by Tim Noah, Christmas tree-viewing, raffles, teddy bear store. Benefits Providence General Children’s Association. Bring a camera. Tickets are $30. Holiday attire. Call 425-317-9825.

Mill Creek Santa Parade: The festivities begin at 3:30 p.m. Dec. 3 at the north end of Town Center with the Jackson High School drumline and the Mill Creek Chorale. Tree lighting follows at 4:30 p.m. at City Hall, 15728 Main St., Mill Creek. Photos with Santa, carriage rides and more. Free.

Country Village Santa arrival: Festivities begin at 4 p.m.Dec. 3. Santa Claus lights the tree at 7 p.m., 23718 Bothell-Everett Highway. Call 425-483-2250.

Arlington’s Hometown Holiday Winter Wonderland: Donate to the food bank when Santa makes the rounds with the fire department, Dec. 2-11. Santa Parade is at noon Dec. 3 on Olympic Avenue. Tree lighting at 12:30 Dec. 3 at Legion Park. Free visits with Santa, rides and more, www.arlingtonwa.gov.

Sultan’s Winterfest: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 3, Sultan High School, 13715 310th Ave. SE. Explore craft booths, listen to local children perform, buy some chili to benefit the Sultan Education Foundation. Santa on hand for visits and photos.

Darrington’s Santa’s Can-to-Cane Exchange: At 5 p.m. Dec. 20, watch for Santa and Mrs. Claus touring the streets aboard a decorated fire truck. They will collect donations for the Darrington Food Bank and pass out candy canes. After their tour, join the Claus couple from 7-8:30 p.m. for pictures and hot cocoa, 4-Corners Cafe, 1080 Seeman St.

Bothell Tree Lighting: Santa arrival, tree lighting, music and activities, 5-7 p.m. Dec. 4, Main Street, downtown Bothell.

Breakfast with Santa: Hosted by Stanwood Lions Club, 9-11 a.m. Dec. 17, Stanwood Community and Senior Center, 7430 276th St. NW, Stanwood. $5 a plate. Bring a camera. Call 360-629-7403. Also check out the holiday festivities in downtown Stanwood.

Mukilteo YMCA Santa Breakfast: Santa will be at Anthony’s Seafood Grill at Alderwood Mall from 8-10:30 a.m. Dec. 3 and 10. Proceeds benefit the YMCA. Tickets are $5 for children, $20 for adults. Reserve a spot by calling 425-771-4655.

“A Night of Christmas Jingles”: This free community program is 6 p.m. Dec. 11, Hidden Meadows, 11905 Springhetti Road. Be ready to sing and bring canned food or a new, unwrapped toy for food banks and Boys & Girls clubs. April VanAssche and the Snohomish Kiwanis Club continue to host this annual event, which includes carols, story time for kids, cookies and desserts, a photo booth and a visit from Santa.