Seattle Events Calendar

December 2011

Our Seattle Events Calendar December 2011 is packed with lots of fun things to do, including holiday events to help you and your family enjoy the season.

Seattle Christmas Tree by cruiznbye, on Flickr

Pacific Northwest Ballet's Nutcracker ballet choreographed by Maurice Sendak (Where the Wild Things Are) is a Northwest tradition. Other must-see holiday events are Seattle Symphony's performance of Handel's Messiah and ACT Theatre's production of Dickens' Christmas Carol.

Click here for a more complete list of Christmas and Holiday Events.

Quick jump to Seattle New Year's Eve events.

Half Price Tickets for Seattle Events

Goldstar offers half-price tickets to theater, concerts, comedy, tours, Argosy cruises, sports, and more, including lots of holiday events.

First Thursdays - Free admission on December 1

Burke Museum - open till 8pm, admission is free.
Seattle Art Museum - Free admission 10am to 9pm.
Seattle Asian Art Museum - Free admission 10am to 9pm.
Museum of Flight - Free admission 5pm to 9pm ONLY.
Museum of History and Industry - Free admission 10am to 8pm.
Wing Luke Asian Art Museum - Free admission 10am to 8pm, first Thursdays and first Saturdays.
Northwest African American Museum - Free admission 11am to 7pm, first and second Thursdays.

¡Carnaval! Weekend Activities

October 30 - January 7
10am - 2pm
Free with museum admission
Burke Museum of Natural History
17th Ave NE and NE 45th St, University of Washington

Fun workshops where you can view the exhibit, then make your own Carnaval masks, props, and costumes.

19th Annual Gingerbread Village

November 22 - January 1
Open for viewing 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Sheraton Seattle Hotel, 1400 Sixth Avenue

Local architecture firms team up with the Sheraton Seattle culinary team to design, bake, and build amazing gingerbread creations. This year's theme is "Holiday Express". Vote for your favorite.

A Christmas Carol - ACT Theatre

November 25 - December 24
ACT Theatre
700 Union St.

The 35th anniversary production of one of Seattle's favorite holiday traditions. Suitable for ages 5 and up. Tickets sell out, so buy yours early.

A Year with Frog and Toad

Photo by Chris Bennion

November 25 - January 15
Seattle Children's Theatre at Seattle Center
201 Thomas St,

All ages - a Broadway musical for the whole family.

Cinderella

November 25 - December 31
5th Avenue Theatre
1308 5th Avenue

Nutcracker

November 25 - December 27
Pacific Northwest Ballet
McCaw Hall, 321 Mercer St, Seattle Center

The world's most recognized and celebrated production of Nutcracker with choreography by Kent Stowell and performed by Pacific Northwest Ballet. The sets and costumes were designed by children's author Maurice Sendak and they are amazing. This is a Seattle holiday tradition.

Winterfest at Seattle Center

November 25 - December 31
Seattle Center

Five weeks of free and affordable, fun-filled activities and entertainment, Nov. 25 - Dec. 31. Visit Center House - displaying its winter finest - or explore the enchanting Winter Train and Village. The Ice Rink returns (through Jan. 1), along with music and comedy, jazz and dance, cultural celebrations, ice sculpting, fireside singing, student showcases and more.

Zoolights

November 25 - January 1
5pm - 9pm
Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium
5400 N. Pearl St., Tacoma

Lights display and light sculptures of animals and local landmarks such as the Tacoma Narrows Bridge.

Christmas Ships Festival

November 26 - December 23

The Argosy Christmas Ships Festival has been a holiday tradition in Seattle for 62 years. Each night the Christmas Ship sails to different Puget Sound waterfront communities. On board, choirs sing 20-minute performances broadcast over a speaker system. On shore, people gather around bonfires to watch the flotilla arrive. You can sail on board the Christmas Ship or one of the Parade ships that follow, join a group on shore, or add lights to your own boat and become part of the floating parade.

Garden D'Lights - Bellevue Botanical Gardens

November 26 - December 31
5pm - 10pm
$5, ages 10 and younger free
Tickets go on sale Oct. 31 at www.gardendlights.org
12001 Main St., Bellevue

Avoid long lines by purchasing tickets online ahead of time. Free nights are Nov. 28, 29, 30, and Dec. 5, 6, 7, 13 and 14 - first come, first served.

Santa Train 2011 - Northwest Railway Museum

Nov. 26 & 27; Dec. 3 & 4; Dec; 10 & 11; Dec. 16 & 17
Tickets are $18 for members, $20 for non-members and a ticket is required for each person 2 years of age and older.
North Bend Depot, 205 McClellan Street, North Bend

Board the train at the North Bend Depot for a 20-minute, 3.5-mile trip to Snoqualmie. There visitors will enter the historic Snoqualmie Depot for a visit with Santa Claus. Children will receive a small gift from Santa. Then enter the restored railway kitchen car for coffee, hot chocolate, and cookies. There will be a little time to visit local shops and attractions before boarding the train for the return trip to North Bend. Visit www.trainmuseum.org for more info.

Rough Magic

November 30 - December 11
Jones Playhouse, 4045 University Way NE

The fight to save magic and Manhattan presented by the University of Washington School of Drama. Sci-fi thriller, comic book heroes, and Shakespeare all rolled into one thrilling production.

Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol

December 1 - December 24
Seattle Public Theater at the Bathhouse
7312 W. Greenlake Dr. N

Everyone knows what happened to Ebenezer Scrooge. But what ever happened to his partner Jacob Marley? Find out in this tale of laughter and terror. Suitable for ages 5 and up at parents' discretion due to some scary parts.

Owen Meany's Christmas Pageant

December 1 - December 23
Book-It Repertory Theatre
Center House Theatre, Seattle Center

From the novel A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving.

Snow Train to Leavenworth's Lighting Festival

Snow Train at www.alkitours.com

December 3 - December 17
$149 per person, Children are 10% discount
Alki Tours, 6417A Fauntleroy Way SW
800-895-2554 or www.alkitours.com

Each Saturday in December Alki Tours offers a rail tour to Leavenworth, a quaint Bavarian Village in the Cascade Mountains. Passengers board the train at King Street Station, Edmonds Station, or in Everett. The train winds through the Snohomish Valley and then ascends majestic Steven's Pass. Along the way passengers enjoy a catered continental breakfast and onboard entertainment including strolling musicians, commentators, magicians and of course Santa! Near the 4000 foot summit, the train transits the Cascade Tunnel - the second longest in North America. At approximately 12:30pm, the train rolls to a stop in Leavenworth. Leavenworth is dressed to the hilt for the holidays with chestnuts roasting on an open fire, carolers strolling the streets, food booths, sleigh rides, local crafts, outdoor entertainment and more. At dusk everyone gathers to sing "Silent Night" and witness the grand tree lighting as it transforms the village into a magical holiday wonderland! Afterwards, passengers reboard the train and enjoy a catered dinner on the return trip.

Sting: Back to Bass Tour

Monday, December 5
8:00pm
Paramount Theatre
911 Pine St.

Deck The Hall Ball

Wednesday, December 7
KeyArena
Seattle Center

Sponsored by radio station 107.7 The End, the lineup includes Death Cab for Cutie, Mumford & Sons, GroupLove, Foster the People, Cage the Elephant, Two Door Cinema Club, and Young The Giant.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

December 8 - December 24
Seattle Public Theater at the Bathhouse
7312 W. Greenlake Dr. N

Suitable for all ages.

Black Nativity

Photo Credit: Chris Bennion

December 8 - December 24
Moore Theatre
1932 Second Avenue

This year marks the 50th anniversary of this holiday tradition. It was in 1961 when it first opened on Broadway.

Holiday Pops with Marvin Hamlisch

December 8 - December 11
Benaroya Hall
200 University St.

A Child's Christmas in Wales

December 9 - December 24
Stone Soup Theatre
4029 Stone Way N

Northwest Seaport Chantey Sing

Friday, December 9
8:00pm
Free
Virginia V at the Historic Ships Wharf, 860 Terry Ave N

Songs of the sea are easy to learn and fun to sing. All ages welcome. Anyone can lead a song, suggest a song, or just join in the chorus. Sharing maritime songs of the season will be a special treat. Admission free, donations accepted. Refreshments & maritime CDs for sale.

Holiday Symphony Serenade

Saturday, December 10
9:30am and 10:30am
Benaroya Hall
200 University St.

Includes a musical sing-along story.

Canadian Brass

Monday, December 12 and Tuesday, December 13
7:30pm
Benaroya Hall
200 University St.

Traditional holiday tunes with the world-renowned Canadian Brass quintet.

Guns N' Roses

Friday, December 16
7:20pm
KeyArena
Seattle Center

Handel's Messiah

December 16 - December 18
Friday, 8pm
Saturday, 1pm and 8pm
Sunday, 8pm
Benaroya Hall
200 University St.

A Seattle tradition, Handel's Messiah performed by Seattle Symphony and Chorale, plus distinguished soloists.

The Christmas Music of Manheim Steamroller by Chip Davis

Sunday, December 18
6:30pm
Paramount Theatre
911 Pine St.

A Festival of Lessons & Carols

Wednesday, December 21
7:30pm
Benaroya Hall
200 University St.

Woody Allen and his New Orleans Jazz Band

Monday, December 26
Paramount Theatre
911 Pine St.

Seattle Symphony: Beethoven's Ninth Symphony

December 28 - December 30
Wednesday and Thursday, 7:30pm
Friday, 8:00pm
Benaroya Hall
200 University St.

Bach for the New Year

Saturday, December 31
11pm
$25
St. James Cathedral, 804 Ninth Ave.

Moisture Festival New Year's Eve Party

Saturday, December 31
8:00pm
Tickets go on sale Nov. 24
Hale's Palladium
4301 Leary Way NW

Aerial show and dance party.

New Year's at the Needle

Saturday, December 31
Check back for this year's details.
Space Needle, Seattle Center

Six-course dinner, dancing on the observation deck, view of the fireworks.

New Year's Eve 2012

Saturday, December 31
8pm - 2am
The Cirque Event Center
131 Taylor Ave N

New Year's Eve 2012 at Century Ballroom

Saturday, December 31
Dinner at 7:00pm
Dancing begins at 9:30pm
Champagne toast at midnight
Ticket info at www.centuryballroom.com

A dance-focused New Year's Eve event at the elegant Century Ballroom featuring three rooms of dancing - Salsa, Tango, and West Coast Swing/Groovin.

New Year's Eve Bash - Seattle Indulgence 2012

EMP

Saturday, December 31
8:00pm - 2:00am
Tickets start at $59
Experience Music Project
325 5th Ave N at the base of the Space Needle

Four live entertainment stages, DJs and dance floors, live comedy theater, and party favors for everyone.

New Year's Eve Party with Shelley & the Curves

Saturday, December 31
Cocktails at 6pm; Dinner at 7:30pm; Music and dancing 9pm - 1am
Ticket info at www.curvesband.com
Best Western Executive Inn, 200 Taylor Ave N

This party features a great view of the Space Needle fireworks at midnight.

New Year's Eve Twenty Twelve

Saturday, December 31
8:00pm - 2:00am
iMusic
332 5th Ave N

Hosted by Eddie Francis and Amir Azer and featuring Marques Houston. Other special guests TBA.

New Year's Eve: Concert, Countdown & Celebration!

Saturday, December 31
9:00pm
Benaroya Hall
200 University St.

The evening begins with the Seattle Symphony performing Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. Then bring in the New Year with a post-concert countdown celebration with a live band, dancing and a toast. Pre-concert dinner also available. Call 206-215-4747 for more info.

Resolution 2012

Saturday, December 31
8pm - 3am
WaMu Theater
CenturyLink (Qwest) Field Event Center, 1000 Occidental Ave

Roaring 20s NYE 2012 Cruise

Saturday, December 31
7:30pm - 1:30am
Pier 56 aboard the ship The Royal
1201 Alaskan Way Pier 56

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Northern Lights Holiday Bazaar Not rated yet

Northern Lights Holiday Bazaar
www.northernlightsholidaybazaar.com

WHEN: Thursday, Dec 8
TIME: 2-8pm
COST: Free
LOCATION: Swedish Cultural ...