Seattle, WA

Dancing on the heels of Christmas this village continues the celebration of winter with Bavarian Ice Fest, January 17 and 18, 2009. An annual play day hosted by the Leavenworth Chamber is full of activities and events for all ages. Enjoy again our magical wonderland dressed in lights, with winter fun, games and fireworks.

A weekend grab bag invigorating outdoor events including, snow sculpture, tug ‘o war, ice cube scramble for kids six and under, the great Frisbee sweep, and Leavenworth’s famous Smooshing Contest, a unique race peculiar to the Great Bavarian Ice Fest. The Smooshing contest is held on Front Street with teams of four having their toes strapped to 8’ long boards trying to maneuver and glide down the street tandem style. The best thing about Ice Fest, you can cheer from the sidelines or jump right in and compete for prizes.

During the weekend visitors can also enjoy the Northwest Dog Sled Pulling Competition, a sanctioned event of the International Weight Pull Association. The IWPA is a non-profit corporation that promotes the sport of dog pulling and the working heritage of all dogs. The IWPA also promotes a program to keep dogs in good physical condition with a constructive outlet for canine competition.

The Leavenworth Winter Sports Club presents the Snow Fun Fest 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Sunday. Play in the snow at the Leavenworth Ski Hill. They will have all types of activities to try! Enjoy snowshoes, a snowshoe trail, obstacle course, games and more and admission is free for the event. The Winter Sports Club at Ski Hill in Leavenworth also offers Alpine Skiing, Nordic Skiing and Tubing!

Sunday evening enjoy live musical entertainment in the Gazebo in Front Street Park ending with a fabulous aerial fireworks display over downtown Leavenworth at 6 p.m. World-renowned pyrotechnics expert, Marty Schmoker, stages the 20-minute show with fireworks from France, Austria, China, Taiwan and the United States.

Leavenworth is a 118-miles east from downtown Seattle or 188 miles west of Spokane, and only 35 miles from either Mission Ridge or Stevens Pass for fantastic downhill skiing. Also on tap for the weekend are winter activities including sleigh rides and snowmobiling. For more information, phone 509-548-5807, or visit www.leavenworth.org.

Winter Wonderland Hayrides
When: Saturdays, December 13 & 20, 10 AM – 3 PM
Where: Seward Park, 5902 Lake Washington Boulevard S, Seattle, WA
$$$: $5

Join a Seward Park Audubon Naturalist for a hay wagon ride around Seward Park during our Winter Wonderland Hayride Programs. Amongst the scenery of the magnificent old growth forest and our beautiful Lake Washington, Audubon staff will make nature and winter come alive. Come learn about the human and natural history of the park and hear some of the legends and lore of pacific northwestern animals and plants in winter. Plus, winter birds are here and you’ll see chickadees, wrens, nuthatches, and more!

Hayrides leave every hour on the hour and last approximately 45 minutes. Rides will be conducted regardless of weather conditions unless deemed unsafe.

Space on the wagons is limited. To reserve your space(s), call the Center at 206-652-2444 x100 or by email.

Leavenworth Lighting Festival
When: 12/20/2008 - 12/21/2008 starting at 4:30pm
Where: Leavenworth, Wa (Map)

Visitors come back year after year for this famous Leavenworth festival. Fridays the town is in darkness awaiting Saturday’s lighting festivities - everyone gathers at the Gazebo to greet Saint Nicholas. On Saturday the aroma of food booths and roasting chestnuts fills the air; holiday music from the gazebo encircles the village while youngsters sled in the park; holiday personalities stroll the streets; Santa, St. Nick and Father Christmas provide photo opportunities and sleigh rides are just minutes away. At dusk everyone gathers to sing “Silent Night” and witness the lighting of the village and park as they are transformed into a magical wonderland of lights. On Sunday visitors enjoy entertainment and a lighting ceremony.

Argosy Christmas Ship Festival
When: Remaining date…
Dec 20, 2008 at 08:00 PM running 2 hour(s)
Dec 21, 2008 at 05:00 PM running 2 hour(s)
Dec 22, 2008 at 07:00 PM running 2 hour(s)
Dec 23, 2008 at 03:30 PM running 2 hour(s)
Where: Various locations around Seattle
$$$: $25-$35 per adult, plus applicable taxes

“On shore, thousands of people gather around roaring bonfires anticipating the arrival of the Christmas Ship™. You can either join us on board the Christmas Ship™ or one of the Parade ships that follow, or join with friends and neighbors to gather together for your own caroling tradition. If you own your own boat, feel welcome to join in the festival and help form the largest holiday floating parade in the world.

In addition to good cheer, family, and friends, a portion of all ticket sales benefits The Seattle Times Fund For The Needy, an annual program that raises money for several charitable organizations in the Puget Sound area.

To make a reservation on the Christmas ship or follow boat please call 206.623.1445.”

>>>>>>Back to Page 1 - Seattle Weekend Edition for 12/20/08

Last shopping weekend before Christmas but that’s not all there is to do!

Santacon
When: Saturday, December 20th, 2008, 12PM
Where: Start at Noon in the International District, Uwajimaya
$$$: Free, but you must dress like Santa Claus. Santacon begins at International District, various locations.

Dress up in your best rendition of jolly old Saint Nick and rampage through the streets of Seattle with a bunch of people dressed just like you! The Seattle Cacophony Society’s annual Santacon is upon us, and it might be best to simply join in the revelry lest you be trampled by a pack of Father Christmas wannabes.

Winter Solstice Fire Festival
When: 12/20/08 - 12/21/08; 4:00pm - 9:00pm
Where: Seattle Center
$$$: Free

A dynamic outdoor performing art installation combines words, movement, music, fire performances, and luminaries to honor the return of the sun from the dark days of winter. The procession begins outside Fisher Pavilion and moves to the International Fountain. The event is part of Seattle Center’s Winterfest celebration.

Handel’s Messiah
When: 7:30 p.m. 12/20 and 3 p.m. 12/21
Where: Great Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave. (enter on 8th Avenue),; 206.652.4255
$$$: Advance tickets are $22/$19, Children 6-16 admitted free with paying adult. Children under 6 not admitted. $25/$22 at the door.

Seattle Baroque Orchestra led by Ingrid Matthews and the Tudor Choir under the direction of Doug Fullington return for two performances of George Frideric Handel’s Messiah. Their much lauded period version of Handel’s most famous creation filled Town Hall—a warm and intimate setting in which the rich complexity of the score can be heard perfectly.

Winter Solstice Fire Festival
When: Saturday, Dec. 20, 4pm – 9pm
Sunday, Dec. 21, 4pm – 9pm
Where: Seattle Center, International Fountain and South Fountain Lawn,
$$$: Free

The Winter Solstice Fire Festival, a spectacular Winterfest premiere, radiates flames and fiery drama. Towering steel infernos will illuminate the darkness, along with dynamic movement and music – all to celebrate the Solstice return to light.

Wright Spirit
When: Saturday, Dec 20, 2008: 10:00am-2:00pm (All-Day)
Where: Museum of Flight

Celebrate the Wright brothers’ first flight, along with the spirit of the season! Santa will arrive by helicopter at 10 a.m., and then he and Mrs. Claus will greet children in the Great Gallery until 2 p.m. Performances include the Seattle Lutheran Bell Choir, which will play traditional and contemporary holiday melodies at 11 a.m., and the Boeing Employees’ Orchestra of Flight at noon.

>>>>>>>Page 2: Last weekend for these great events! Don’t miss out.

Celebrate Hanukkah at the J!
When: Sunday, December 14 Noon–3 p.m. Free.
Stroum Jewish Community Center
3801 East Mercer Way, Mercer Island
Phone: 206.232.7115, ext. 269

Celebrate Hanukkah in traditional style with a candle-lighting ceremony, live music, games, kosher latkes and more at the Stroum Jewish Community Center on Mercer Island. Celebrants may also participate in ceramic workshops, where they’ll learn how to craft their own menorah and dreidel, dreidel, dreidel. Everyone is welcome.

Tots Chanukah Concert
When: Saturday, Dec. 20th, 4:00 PM - 6:00 pm
Where: Temple B’nai Torah, 15727 NE 4TH St, Bellevue, WA 98008-4317
Phone: (425) 603-9677

Pre-Hanukah gathering for young children. Join Rabbi Kinberg, Rabbi Mirel, Cantor Serkin-Poole and Asher Hashash as we celebrate Hanukah. There will be songs, games, crafts and food!

Sha’arei Tikvah - Gates of Hope, Chanukah Celebration
When: Sunday, Dec. 21st, 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Where: Temple B’nai Torah, 15727 NE 4TH St, Bellevue, WA 98008-4317

A Hanukah Celebration for People of All Abilities. A community-wide celebration for everyone in the community, including persons with developmental disabilities or persistent mental illness, their families and friends. Led by Cantor David Serkin-Poole and co-sponsored by Jewish Family Service and the Seattle Association for Jews with Disabilities.

Family Chanukkah Party
When: 12/21/2008 at 3:00pm
Where: Bet Alef Meditative Synagogue, Unity of Bellevue, 16330 NE 4th Street, Bellevue, Washington
$$$: Requested donation $18 per family; $10 for individuals.

It’s a time for song…games…and eating as we bring the entire family together for this special Chanukah celebration! Everyone is invited to join our community as we sing, dance, eat latkes and suvganiot (otherwise known as Jelly Donuts!). There will be special activities for the children, including dreidels, crafts, applesauce and cookie making. Rumor even has it there may be a talent show!

Hanukkah on Fire
When: Saturday, December 27, 2008 at 8:00pm until Sunday, December 28, 2008 at 2:00am
Where: At Nectar Lounge (412 36th Ave NE Seattle, WA )
$$$: Free

Jconnect Seattle and Birthright Israel NEXT present- Hanukkah on Fire, a Hanukkah celebration that will burn on into the night! Featuring the musical stylings of international funk and hip-hop stars Big World Breaks who will be featuring GodSpeed , okanomode aka SoulChilde, SiriuS during the course of the evening. Also performing live will be Sasson who play klezmer that makes you want to dance. DJ Leftovers will also be there spinning music throughout the evening. ALSO, not to be missed is a special giant menorah lighting done by Fire Dancer Kimberly Gay to kick off the show and later on a Hanukkah Burlesque performance by Miss Indigo Blue (who was recently featured in Heeb magazine’s “Heeb 100”. For those that are fans on Latkes, we will have a Latke Cart on hand serving up Latkes all night with all the fixins’ that you could ask for (really just sour cream and applesauce). We will also have drunken dreidel, prizes and givaways!

Last two weekends left for this one…

Winter Wonderland Hayrides
When: Saturdays, December 13 & 20, 10 AM – 3 PM
Where: Seward Park, 5902 Lake Washington Boulevard S, Seattle, WA
$$$: $5

Join a Seward Park Audubon Naturalist for a hay wagon ride around Seward Park during our Winter Wonderland Hayride Programs. Amongst the scenery of the magnificent old growth forest and our beautiful Lake Washington, Audubon staff will make nature and winter come alive. Come learn about the human and natural history of the park and hear some of the legends and lore of pacific northwestern animals and plants in winter. Plus, winter birds are here and you’ll see chickadees, wrens, nuthatches, and more!

Hayrides leave every hour on the hour and last approximately 45 minutes. Rides will be conducted regardless of weather conditions unless deemed unsafe.

Space on the wagons is limited. To reserve your space(s), call the Center at 206-652-2444 x100 or by email.

Last weekend for this one:

Holiday Carousel
When: Saturday, Dec. 13th
Where: Westlake Park, Fourth Avenue and Pine Street, Seattle
$$$: Donation

There’s usually a line to board this 1906 Parker Carousel, but it’s worth the wait. Climb onto a marvelously carved and painted horse or sit in one of the coaches, listen to the tinkly holiday music, and try to get pictures of the kids without losing your balance. The waiting area is undercover, but it’s unheated. If you’re coming with impatient toddlers, consider coming at off-hours to avoid a wait, or line your pockets with M&Ms and hope for the best.

Festival of Lights & Cookies with Mrs. Claus
When: Saturday, December 13, 2008, 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Where: Country Village 23732 Bothell Everett Highway Bothell, WA 98021
$$$: Free

Experience the enchantment of the season at Country Village! Thousands of twinkling white lights outline each building and you’ll love the many whimsical light displays including a Fiddling Pig, Sea Serpent in the pond, a flapping Dragonfly, marching Ducks and more. Children can meet Mrs. Claus and sample one of her fresh baked cookies from 12:00 to 3:00 pm both days. No charge. Also, collect the Country Village Shop owner’s favorite cookie recipes: each participating shop will have their favorite cookie recipe on hand. Reindeer rides on Saturday (only)

24th Annual Jingle Bell Run & Walk
When: Sunday, December 14 2008, 8:00am
Where: Westlake Center, 400 Pine St, Seattle, WA
$$$: $25 per participant including an official Jingle Bell Run & Walk T-shirt, ($35 on the day of the event) and children 8 & under are $10.

The Jingle Bell Run & Walk is an annual fundraiser to benefit the Arthritis Foundation. Funds raised provide vital funding for research, programs and services to prevent, control and cure arthritis and related diseases for over 2.2 million people living with arthritis in the Pacific Northwest.

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Just 13 days to Christmas, are you ready? I know I’m not! Let’s not think about that. Let’s have a look at what’s going on this weekend instead.

26th Annual Christmas Rush Fun Run
When: December 13, 2008, 9:50 am (5k), 10:00 am (10k)
Where: Kent, Wa
$$$: $20 for Run/Walk Only, $25 with technical t-shirt, Children 13 and under run for FREE

Smooth flat course that borders the Green River. Random prize drawings, live music and race certified make the Christmas Rush a great holiday tradition.

Green Lake Pathway of Lights
When: December 13th, 5:30 - 8:30pm
Where: Green Lake, 7201 E Green Lake Dr. N., 98115
Community Center Information: (206) 684-0780

The pathway around Green Lake will be lit up to celebrate the holiday season. Parks dept. asks that you bring two cans of food to donate to Northwest Harvest the night of the event.

Note: The Center is seeking volunteers to help place and light the luminaria from 4 - 5:15 p.m. Individuals, businesses, community organizations, and school groups are welcome to participate. The Center also needs helpers to clean up after the event from 8:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Leavenworth Lighting Festival
When: 12/13/2008 - 12/14/2008 starting at 4:30pm
Where: Leavenworth, Wa (Map)

Visitors come back year after year for this famous Leavenworth festival. Fridays the town is in darkness awaiting Saturday’s lighting festivities - everyone gathers at the Gazebo to greet Saint Nicholas. On Saturday the aroma of food booths and roasting chestnuts fills the air; holiday music from the gazebo encircles the village while youngsters sled in the park; holiday personalities stroll the streets; Santa, St. Nick and Father Christmas provide photo opportunities and sleigh rides are just minutes away. At dusk everyone gathers to sing “Silent Night” and witness the lighting of the village and park as they are transformed into a magical wonderland of lights. On Sunday visitors enjoy entertainment and a lighting ceremony.

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Here is a delightful recipe compliments Salty’s of Alki Pastry Chef Jane Gibson.

3 to 4 individual servings

TART

3 tablespoons Hazelnuts, ground
1 cup Vanilla Wafer Cookies, ground
1½ tablespoons Sugar
2 tablespoons Butter

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In small bowl combine all ingredients and mix well by hand until crumbly and dough holds together when squeezed. Press evenly into a thin crust in individual pie tins. Bake 10 minutes. Remove from oven and cool.

PASTRY CREAM

1 cup Sugar
¼ cup Water
3 cups Whole Milk
1 teaspoon Vanilla
1 teaspoon Gelatin
½ cup Corn Starch
4 Egg Yolks

In small saucepan over medium-high heat combine sugar and water. Cook until mixture becomes thick and looks like caramel. Whisk in milk and vanilla. In a separate small bowl, bloom gelatin in cold water. Set aside. In a separate bowl combine cornstarch, egg yolks and salt. Mix well. When caramel mixture comes to a boil, temper with the egg mixture – Tempering 101: To “temper” means you want to bring the temperature of the cold mixture to the same temperature as the hot mixture. So, add a little bit of hot mixture to the cold mixture and whisk (so you do not scramble the eggs!) until it is warm enough to add it all together. Then combine the egg mixture into the caramel mixture and whisk until thick. Remove from heat and cool slightly. Add gelatin and stir well. Cover with plastic wrap and put in a warm place until skin starts to form. Chill and then scoop into baked tart shells.

CARAMEL RICE CRISPIES

½ cup Sugar
¼ cup Water
pinch of Salt
1½ cups Rice Crispy cereal
¾ cup Hazelnuts, chopped

In a small saucepan over medium-high heat combine sugar, water and salt and cook until sugar dissolves and mixture caramelizes. In a large bowl combine rice crispies and hazelnuts. Add caramel mixture and stir until well coated. Pour hot mixture onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and spread into a thin coating with a spatula. When cool, break apart and sprinkle on top of tart for garnish.

Enjoy!

Green Lake Pathway of Lights
When: December 13th, 5:30 - 8:30pm
Where: Green Lake, 7201 E Green Lake Dr. N., 98115
Community Center Information: (206) 684-0780

The pathway around Green Lake will be lit up to celebrate the holiday season. Parks dept. asks that you bring two cans of food to donate to Northwest Harvest the night of the event.

Note: The Center is seeking volunteers to help place and light the luminaria from 4 - 5:15 p.m. Individuals, businesses, community organizations, and school groups are welcome to participate. The Center also needs helpers to clean up after the event from 8:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Seattle Center Holiday Bonfires
When: Dec. 13, 27, Saturdays, 5pm – 7pm
Where: Outside Fisher Pavilion
$$$: Free

Take a mid-weekend break from the seasonal frenzy and share in warmth and music around the crackling flames of a bonfire. Songsters and storytellers will lead the music as ambers illuminate the night.

Dec. 13 – This bluegrass sing-along features the 3-piece Pickled Okra on acoustic guitar, mandolin and banjo leading the holiday songs with a twang and some pickin’.
Dec. 27 – Husband and wife storytelling, banjo-guitar duo Rich and Robin will bring traditional children’s and holiday songs to life with their sprightly style and spunk.

Santa’s Lights Tour
When: Saturday, December 13, Buses depart at 7 p.m.
Where: All trips will depart from 2nd Ave. S. and S. Main St., across from the Seattle Fire Department Headquarters.
$$$: Fares are $5 for adults, $4 for seniors (65 and over) and $4 for children (2-11). Metro transfers, tickets, or passes are not accepted.

Santa Claus takes time out from his busy schedule at the North Pole for a 2 ½-hour tour of Seattle’s best Christmas lights.

The spectacle begins at 4pm with a performance recognizing the Winter Solstice. Orbis and Solaris create a dynamic outdoor performing art installation that weaves together words, movement, music, fire performances and large luminaries to transform the Seattle Center International Fountain into a stunning celestial wonder.

At the conclusion of the performance, around 5pm, the sculptures in the open spaces around the International Fountain will be illuminated; and throughout the evening, fire performances by local artists will entertain as audiences take in the brilliant works.

Winter Solstice Fire Festival
When: Saturday, Dec. 20, 4pm – 9pm
Sunday, Dec. 21, 4pm – 9pm
Where: Seattle Center, International Fountain and South Fountain Lawn,
$$$: Free

The Winter Solstice Fire Festival, a spectacular Winterfest premiere, radiates flames and fiery drama. Towering steel infernos will illuminate the darkness, along with dynamic movement and music – all to celebrate the Solstice return to light.

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Wright Spirit
When: Saturday, Dec 20, 2008: 10:00am-2:00pm (All-Day)
Where: Museum of Flight

Celebrate the Wright brothers’ first flight, along with the spirit of the season! Santa will arrive by helicopter at 10 a.m., and then he and Mrs. Claus will greet children in the Great Gallery until 2 p.m. Performances include the Seattle Lutheran Bell Choir, which will play traditional and contemporary holiday melodies at 11 a.m., and the Boeing Employees’ Orchestra of Flight at noon.

Gingerbread Village
When: November 25 - January 4
Where: Sheraton Seattle Hotel Lobby, 1400 Sixth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101
Phone: 206-621-9000

Bundle up the family and head to “Holidays in the Northwest” at upscale City Centre where Sheraton Seattle’s culinary staff and city architecture firms have teamed up to create a life-size gingerbread wonderland, utilizing 1200 pounds of dough and 800 pounds of icing for their edible creations. An annual event for the past 15 years, the sugary village draws over 100,000 visitors each year and benefits the Northwest Chapter of Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Teddy Bear Suite
When: November 26 - December 26 10am - 7pm daily
Where: The Fairmont Olympic Hotel, 411 University St., Seattle, WA 98101
Phone: 866-840-8402

Designed by Kevin Bradford, a Seattle-based interior and event designer, and brimming with dozens of fluffy teddy bears, the Teddy Bear Suite welcomes thousands of visitors throughout the holiday season. Take holiday photographs, read one of the teddy bear-themed children’s books and enter to win tea in The Georgian. Donations taken at the Teddy Bear Suite benefit uncompensated care at Seattle Children’s Hospital.

Snow at Pacific Place
When: November 28 - December 31 6pm daily
Where: Pacific Place, 600 Pine St # 228, Seattle, WA 98101
Phone: 206-405-2655

The snow falls every evening inside the atrium. While you’re there, get your gifts wrapped by the Forgotten Children’s Fund volunteers (located near the Barnes & Noble entrance). You’ll probably also run into one of the several caroling groups this year. Be sure to purchase the annual Pacific Place Snowglobe which benefits Seattle’s Childrens Hospital.

>>>>Page 2, including many FREE events!

The public can now buy permits to cut their Christmas trees on the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest through Wednesday, Dec. 24.

Cutting areas are located within national forest lands in the eastern portions of Pierce, King, Snohomish, Skagit and Whatcom counties. Maps and information about cutting areas are provided where permits are sold at ranger stations and the Verlot and Glacier Public Service Centers. Additionally, REI’s Alderwood Mall store will sell permits now through Dec. 24. Permits cost $10 each, one tree per permit, with a tree height limit of 12 feet. The permits are nonrefundable.

Trees taller than 12 feet require a special permit at a minimum price of $20. Credit cards will not be accepted at Forest Service offices, however the REI at Alderwood Mall will accept credit cards. Forest Service offices and REI at Alderwood Mall are closed Thanksgiving Day. Forest Service offices may close early Nov. 26, so call ahead for operating hours. REI’s operation hours are available at www.rei.com/stores/alderwood/.

Plan to purchase a parking permit at a ranger station if the Christmas tree cutting trip includes parking in a designated Sno-Park lot. Getting a tree early before substantial snow falls usually means better access on forest roads. “Set out early in the day to allow for maximum daylight and let friends or relatives know where you are going and when to expect you back,” said Forest Service’s Dave Kendrick, who oversees the Christmas tree permit program. Most trees are accessible only by narrow, unplowed mountain roads. High-clearance vehicles are often required along with tire chains and a shovel. Check ranger stations for advance road and weather information, or go online to www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs.

Holiday Breakfast and Santa Photos
When: 9:00 a.m.- 11:00 a.m., December 13, 2008
Where: Woodland Park Zoo, 5500 Phinney Avenue, Seattle, WA
$$$: Members: $28.75 for adults; $16.75 for children ages 3-10; free for children ages 2 and under. Cost for non-members: $35.50 for adults; $21.75 for children ages 3-10; free for children ages 2 and under.

The zoo’s Rain Forest Food Pavilion offers a delightful buffet breakfast and a mini-performance of The Nutcracker. Buffet features an omelet station, scrambled eggs, potatoes, crepes, bacon and sausage, Danishes, mini-muffins, fresh fruit and beverages. PLUS: don’t miss a visit from Santa! Advance reservations and pre-payment required. For more information and reservations, call 206.548.2662. Additional cost for Santa photos.

Sheraton Seattle Hotel & Towers
1400 6th Avenue (located in downtown Seattle)
Dates: December 13, 14, 20 & 21
Time: 9:30am to 11:00am
Phone: 206-547-1290, Reservations required
$$$: Children (12 and under)…$25.00 …… Adults…$50.00
(Price includes a holiday breakfast for children and adults, traditional holiday entertainment and a keepsake ornament for the kids!)

Auburn Breakfast with Santa
When: 12/13/2008 8:30:00 AM
Where: Senior Activity Center, 808 Ninth St SE (Activity Center), Auburn, WA
$$$: Children: $5.00 / $7.00, Adults: $6.00 / $8.00. Register early. Event fills up fast! 8:30 am and 11:00 am seatings.

A chance for your little one to tell Santa exactly what’s on their list! A yummy breakfast and great entertainment. Join us!

Breakfast with Santa, Mountlake Terrace
When: Saturday, December 13, 2008, 8am
Where: Mountlake Terrace High School, 21801 44th Ave. W., Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043
$$$: $4.00 - $6.00
Purchase tickets: http://www.mthsmusicboosters.org, 425-775-7013

Additional ticket information: Tickets may be purchased at the door for breakfast ($4-$6). Optional holiday pictures are an additional $6-$8.

Mountlake Terrace High School Music Boosters breakfast with Santa, pancakes, eggs, sausage, entertainment by music groups from MTHS and other local schools, holiday pictures (with or without Santa) produced on-site, 8 a.m.-noon; event benefits MTHS music program.

Can’t make breakfast? How about brunch?

Salty’s Santa Brunches
Alki - Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and Sundays 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.;
Redondo - Saturdays, December 13 and 20, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Sundays 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.;
Columbia - Saturdays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Sundays 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Visit Salty’s on select Saturdays and Sundays in December and get your photo taken with Santa! (Please call for details.)

Icon Grill Brunch with Santa
1933 5th Ave
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 441-6330
December 13-14

The menu looks fantastic!

One of my favorite thing about this time of year is all the craft markets and bazaars. Check this on out:

21st Annual Victorian Country Christmas
When: December 3-7, 10 am to 9 pm; Sun 10 am to 6 pm
Where: Puyallup Fair & Events Center, 110 9th Avenue SW, Puyallup
$$$: $9.50 adults; $8.00 seniors (62+), Military & Students

The perfect way to kick-off the holiday season, VCC is the Northwest’s premier holiday festival. Visitors step back in time and experience an old-fashioned Christmas. Walk down quaint “streets” lined with 560 stores, tended by Victorian-clad shopkeeper’s waiting to help patrons find the perfect gift for family and friends. Find the best handcrafted and unique gifts which include clothing, hats, purses, wallets, furniture, home and holiday decor, perfume, jewelry, candles, gourmet food, gift baskets, artwork, as well as specialty products and services.

Ohhh, here’s something NOT holiday related!

Gage 9th Annual Drawing Jam
When: Saturday, December 6, 2008, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Gage Academy of Art, 1501 10th Ave E., Seattle, WA
$$$: Adults: $10, Students w/ID: $5, Kids & Teens: FREE

Try your hand at art during the 9th Annual Drawing Jam — a 12-hour art-making marathon. Gage provides all the essentials for a full day of art creation. Three floors of space, art supplies, food, models, inspiration and entertainment are all included with admission. Whether you draw, dabble or doodle, head to the Drawing Jam to give drawing from the model a try.

Mercer Island Holiday Gift Bazaar
When: Saturday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m
Where: The Club Room at the Island Square Residence, 2758 78th Avenue SE, Mercer Island, WA, 98040
$$$: Free and open to the public.

Featuring local gifts, jewelry, home décor, boutique wine tastings and other treasures from local artisans, it’s the perfect solution to escape mall madness. Better yet, shoppers will help embrace the season of giving – a portion of all event proceeds go to support Mercer Island Youth and Family Services, while many gifts offered by the vendors are also tied to socially-conscious causes.”

Zoolights at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
When: November 28, 2008 - January 4, 2009 from 5 - 9 pm
Where: Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
$$$: Tickets are $5.50 at Bartell Drugs and $7 at pdza.org and the Zoo’s front gate.

Over half a million lights illuminate the zoo, turning it into a fairy wonderland. This is a spectacular event and one of the best holiday light displays in the state. Bundle up and stroll the Zoo, enjoying animal visits, holiday shopping and more. Warm up with hot chocolate or a visit to the steamy South Pacific Aquarium.

Still haven’t had enough? Okay…follow me to more great events…Christmas in living history!

>>>>>>>>Follow me for more event listings!

Here is a really great opportunity to experience history live. Take the spoiled ones with you.:

19th Century Christmas
When: Saturday, Dec 6, 2008, 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Where: Fort Nisqually Living History Museum, Point Defiance Park
$$$: $4/ adults, $3/seniors and students (ages 13-17) and $2/children (ages 5-12).

Experience a real “old-fashioned” Christmas. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of modern holidays and step back in time to savor the lilting sounds of penny whistles, the aroma of ginger biscuits, Christmas dances and the slower pace of the Christmas season in 1855. Within our gates, December 25, 1855 will come alive! Inside the fort, re-enactors portray the daily life of the workers from many cultures who lived at this historic site. They happily share stories, cookies, dancing and the carrying in of the Yule log as they engage in friendly conversation. Just remember they are “living” in 1855 and may not recognize the name of your hometown or other modern conveniences that are familiar to you!

Located in Tacoma’s Point Defiance Park, Fort Nisqually is a restoration of the Hudson’s Bay Company outpost on the Puget Sound where visitors can travel back in time to the year 1855 and experience life in Washington Territory during the Fur Trade era.

So you’re tired of all the shopping and you just need a drink. No worries, I have your hook up!

4th Annual Winter Beer Festival
When: Friday, December 5th, 5-10pm, Saturday December 6th, 1-10pm
Where: Hale’s Ales Pub, 4301 Leary Way NW, Seattle, WA
$$$: $23 advance/$25 at the door

Event will feature many big, bold winter warmers with robust flavors by over 30 Washington breweries. A popular Vintage Beer Tasting will return again with some of Washington’s favorite winter beers from a few years back. Shop your beer lovin’ heart out in their Holiday Gift Shop, and sample treats at the Chocolate Tasting and bites from Hales Pub!

Admission includes a tasting cup and six 5oz beer tastes.
Additional tokens are available at $1.50 each.
Designated driver admission is $5 and available at the door only.
We accept cash and check only. Sorry, no credit cards!
This is a 21+ only event.

Okay kids, there is a lot going on this weekend and I’m getting tired of typing! However… I can’t leave out my wine buddies so one more and you’re on your own!

Wineapalooza
When: Saturday, December 6 2008, 8:00pm - Sunday, December 7 2008, 1:00am
Where: The Greenwood Collective, 8537 Greenwood Ave N Suite 1, Seattle
$$$: $10.00

Wineapalooza is Seattle’s first wine tasting event catered specifically to Generations Y & X. Expose yourself to all that Northwest wines have to offer with us at the Greenwood Collective. Be prepared to dazzle your palette with a combination of premier reds, local whites and dessert wines. Come to party, drink and enjoy the jazz styling of Big World Breaks.

I’m going to include this next event even though it’s in Chehalis because I love trains. If you or your child is crazy about trains then you might consider this event, too:

Santa Steam Train Rides
When: Dec. 06-Dec. 14, 2008 , 11:00 am, 12:30 pm, and 2:00 pm
Where: Chehalis Centralia Railroad and Museum, Chehalis, Washington
$$$: $8.00, under one free

Steam Train Rides with Santa on a vintage 1916 Logging Locomotive. By reservation only. Saturday and Sunday, Dec 6&7 and 13&14. Refreshments, decoration, music and fun for the whole family. 30 minute ride.

And now for something a bit closer to home…

Northwest Girlchoir: Holiday Family Concert
When: Saturday, Dec. 6th, 2pm
Where: Grand Hall, 1119 Eighth Avenue Seattle, WA (enter on 8th Avenue)
$$$: $14/$16, Children five and under, free

The combined choirs of the Northwest Girlchoir perform seasonal favorites from around the world. The concert also includes a sing-along, candy canes, and a visit from a special holiday guest. Purchase advance tickets by phone or buy them at the door.
206.985.3973

Also at Town Hall this weekend:

Seattle Pro Musica: Holiday Concert
When: Sunday, December 7, 2008, 3 – 4pm
Where: Great Hall, enter on 8th Avenue
$$$: Tickets $32 & $22/$17 senior/$12 student/children 12 and under free when reserved in advance (matinee only) at 206/781-2766

Seattle Pro Musica returns to Town Hall for its annual holiday concert performing a program featuring the lively rhythms of Latin America, a candlelight processional, and captivating Baroque villancicos for voices, guitars, and percussion blending indigenous music from Spain, Africa and Latin America. The matinee is a one-hour performance geared towards children and their families with audience interaction and a sing-along to follow.

If you still have a little shopping to do then follow me…

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I hope you all are further along with your holiday shopping than I am. I’ve been so busy that Christmas just crept up on me and here we are now with just a few weeks left to prepare. Still, we need to take time out to enjoy the holiday. Take a drive through the neighborhoods and see the lights, go to a tree lighting, take time to make gifts with your kids. Here are a few ideas to help you out:

Leavenworth Christmas Lighting Festival
When: Friday 12/5 - Saturday 12/6 - Sunday 12/7
Where: Downtown Leavenworth, Leavenworth, WA 98826
$$$:

Visitors come back year after year for this famous Leavenworth festival. Fridays the town is in darkness awaiting Saturday’s lighting festivities - everyone gathers at the Gazebo to greet Saint Nicholas. On Saturday the aroma of food booths and roasting chestnuts fills the air; holiday music from the gazebo encircles the village while youngsters sled in the park; holiday personalities stroll the streets; Santa, St. Nick and Father Christmas provide photo opportunities and sleigh rides are just minutes away. At dusk everyone gathers to sing “Silent Night” and witness the lighting of the village and park as they are transformed into a magical wonderland of lights. On Sunday visitors enjoy entertainment and a lighting ceremony.

This one is a bit of a drive but just once in my life I’d like to see this. Just the thought of it makes me smile. It’s in the heart of the Yakima Valley Wine country so I’m sure you could make it into a fun weekend!

Sunnyside Lighted Farm Implement Parade
When: December 06, 2008
Where: Downtown Sunnyside, Wa, 6pm
$$$: Free

The Sunnyside Lighted Farm Implement Parade is the premiere northwest lighted parade since 1989. This event will be held downtown and will begin at 6pm. There will be more than 50 farm implements, vehicles and floats covered with decorative lights. This event was featured on A & E Ultimate Holiday Town USA in 2003. For further information call 800-457-8089 or 509-837-5939.

Santa Parade & Tree Lighting
When: Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008, Parade starts at 4:30pm, Tree lighting to follow.
Where: Main Street in Downtown Auburn, Wa
$$$: Free

A festive children’s parade, followed by community caroling and a tree lighting ceremony. Santa open’s his house directly after event for photo opportunities.

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