Cheap dates
Dates and times are subject to change. Call ahead to confirm.
SEASONAL
Victorian Country Christmas
TODAY-SUN Victorian stores, strolling musicians, Singing Nativity, Santa and his helpers and stage entertainment including vaudeville-style Stardust Follies, Silver Spurs Country Western Revue, Enchanted Christmas Show, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. today and Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, Western Washington Fairgrounds, 110 Ninth Ave. S.W., Puyallup; $9-$7.50 (253-845-1771 or www.avictoriancountrychristmas.com).
The Lights of Christmas
TODAY-DEC. 28 Light creations of nearly 1 million lights with live music, children's activities, vendors, crafts, food including Victorian Tea Room and dinner theater, Polar Express train ride. 5-10 p.m. today through Sunday and Dec. 8-11, Dec. 15-23, Dec. 26-28, Warm Beach Christian Camps & Conference Center, 20800 Marine Drive, Stanwood; $10/adults, $7/children 4-12, $8/seniors and military (800-228-6724 or www.warmbeach.com).
Fremont "Lenin Lighting"
TODAY Lenin lighting at 6 p.m., music, First Friday Art Walk, 6-9 p.m. today, Lenin Square, 3526 Fremont Place N., Seattle (206-295-1891).
Holiday tree lighting & firehouse munch
TODAY The City of Mercer Island Parks and Recreation Department and the Mercer Island Fire Department tree lighting ceremony with community sing-a-long of carols and chili prepared by the Mercer Island firefighters at the North Fire Station. 7-9 p.m. today, Mercerdale Park, 77th Southeast and Southeast 32nd, Mercer Island; free, donation of new toys suggested (206-236-3545 or www.miparks.net).
Bothell Winterfest
TODAY Community sing-along, lighting of the holiday tree, arrival of Santa, hayrides through the park, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Park at Bothell Landing, 9919 N.E. 180th St., Bothell (425-486-7430 or www.ci.bothell.wa.us ).
Woodinville Light Festival
TODAY Crystal Courtyard, entertainment, model train displays, Snack Shack, craftmaking for kids at Woodinville Community Center; Santa's arrival and tree lighting ceremony, 6:30 p.m., ChoirFest performances, 5:30 p.m., Holiday Characters on Parade, 7 p.m., Woodinville City Hall; Santa photos, Art Show, cafe, entertainment, Brittany Park Retirement Community; Elf Express Lighted Train provides free rides between event sites, 5:30-9 p.m. today, Woodinville Community Center, 17401 133rd Ave. N.E., Woodinville (425-984-2346 or www.ci.woodinville.wa.us).
Covington Community Tree Lighting
TODAY Strolling carolers, choir performances, snacks, Santa and tree lighting, 7:30 p.m. today, Fred Meyer, Covington, 16735 S.E. 272nd St., Covington (253-638-1110).
Ivar's Clam Lights
TODAY-JAN. 1 Holiday lighting event with entertainment and visual effects, 6:30-8:30 p.m. today, lights continue through Jan. 1, Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park, 1201 Lake Washington Blvd., Renton (425-430-6700 or www.ci.renton.wa.us).
Lighted Holiday Train
TODAY-DEC. 16 Ride around Redmond Town Center to see holiday lights, Friday evenings and weekends until Dec. 16, then daily, daily schedule available at Information Central Friday, Saturday and Sunday, daily schedule available at Information Central Dec. 9-11, Redmond Town Center, 16495 N.E. 74th St., Redmond; $2 (425-867-0808).
Columbia City Tree Lighting
SAT Tree lighting ceremony with Mayor Nickels, holiday music by local elementary school students, free cookies and hot beverages, canned food drive and kick-off of the shopping season by local merchants, 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Saint-Gobain parking lot, Rainier Avenue South and South Hudson Street, Seattle.
Holiday tree lighting, West Seattle
SAT Lighting of an 80-foot sequoia with entertainment, hot chocolate and cookies, Santa, 5:30 p.m. Saturday, between Southwest Oregon Street and Southwest Genesee Street on California Avenue Southwest, Seattle (206-932-0904).
Holiday tree lighting, Renton
SAT Music, cider, Santa and tree lighting, 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Renton Downtown Piazza, South Third Street and Burnett Avenue South, Renton (425-917-0173).
Milk and Cookies party with Santa
SAT Story time with Santa and Radio Disney, decorate cookies, make a holiday craft, 9-10 a.m. Saturday, SuperMall, 1101 SuperMall Way, Auburn (800-729-8258).
Holiday tree lighting, Brier
SAT Santa's arrival, music, snacks, 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Brier Park, 2903 228th St. S.W., Brier (425-487-3830).
Santa Arrival and Tree Lighting
SAT Train rides, pony rides, hot roasted chestnuts, caroling, holiday lights and Santa's arrival to light the Country Village Christmas Tree, 7 p.m. Saturday, Country Village, 23732 Bothell-Everett Highway, Bothell (425-483-2250).
Issaquah Train Depot Holiday Open House
SAT Holiday craft fair, snacks, Santa visits, photos available; holiday craft activities available for children, preregistration required, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Issaquah Train Depot, 50 Rainier Blvd. N., Issaquah (425-392-3500).
Merrysville Winter Celebration and ElectricLight Parade
SAT Parade from the Public Safety Building, Marysville, on Grove Street to State Street ending at Comeford Park with holiday watertower lighting, concert, visit from Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, holiday treats, 6 p.m. Saturday, Comeford Park, State Avenue and Fifth Street, Marysville (360-363-8400).
Arlington's Hometown Christmas
SAT Santa's arrival, Christmas tree lighting ceremony, wagon rides, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, downtown Arlington (360-435-3708 or www.arlington-chamber.com).
Gig Harbor tree lighting
SAT Lighting of the holiday tree with music, treats for kids, entertainment and visits with Santa, 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Skansie Brothers Park, 3207 Harborview Drive, Gig Harbor (253-853-3554).
Winter Festival and Crafts Fair
SAT-SUN Entertainment, juried crafts from 120 vendors, lunch, espresso, bake sale, quilt raffle, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Phinney Neighborhood Center, 6532 Phinney Ave. N., Seattle; $2-$4, ages 12 and younger free (206-783-2244).
Redmond Lights Kickoff Celebration
SUN Tree lighting at City Hall followed by the Holiday River Walk along the Sammamish River Trail with food and entertainment. 4-8 p.m. Sunday, Redmond City Hall, 15670 N.E. 85th St., Redmond (425-556-2352).
Holiday Wonderland and Carousel
ONGOING Holiday carousel, daily today-Dec. 31, Holiday Wonderland entertainment and family activities, weekends through Dec. 31, Westlake Park, Seattle; Holiday Express Trolley double-decker free shuttle bus from the downtown retail core to Pike Place Market and Pioneer Square, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 24, downtown Seattle (206-623-5340 or www.downtownseattle.com).
Gingerbread Village
ONGOING Seattle's top architecture firms team up with the Sheraton's culinary staff to design, bake and build ornate gingerbread displays with theme "A Charles Dickens Holiday." Open through Dec. 24, Dec. 26-31, Jan. 2-3, City Centre, 1420 Fifth Ave., Seattle; free (206-624-8800).
Christmas at Meeker Mansion
ONGOING Mansion is decorated for the season with special exhibits, hot cider and cookies served after tours, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily, today-Dec. 16; Santa photos available on select days and times, call for information. Meeker Mansion, 312 Spring St., Puyallup; $3-$5 (253-848-1770).
Zoolights 2005
ONGOING Light displays, entertainment, hot beverages with snacks and animal photos, 5-9 p.m. today-Jan. 1, Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, 5400 N. Pearl St., Tacoma; $5-$7, $5 advance (253-591-5337 or www.pdza.org).
Festival of poinsettias
ONGOING Display and sale of 50 varieties of poinsettias with holiday photo backdrops, visits from Santa, trees, wreaths and decorations, activities, cafe, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday-Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday through Dec. 24, Molbak's, 13625 N.E. 175th St., Woodinville (425-483-5000).
Pictures with Santa
ONGOING Pictures with Santa available during mall hours. Mall hours through Dec. 24, Alderwood Mall, 3000 184th St. S.W., Lynnwood (425-771-1121).
Santa at SuperMall
ONGOING Santa arrives at the mall with magic show and entertainment today and is available for visits and photos during mall hours through Dec. 24, SuperMall, 1101 SuperMall Way, Auburn (800-729-8258).
Santa at The Commons
ONGOING Santa visits and photos available daily in Macy's Courtyard, Saturday-Dec. 24, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday, The Commons at Federal Way, South 320th Street, Federal Way (253-839-6150).
Santa at Everett Mall
ONGOING Santa visits, photos available, Saturday-Dec. 24, Everett Mall, 1402 Everett Mall Way, Everett (425-355-1771).
Leavenworth Village of Lights, Christmas Light Festival
ONGOING The village is decorated with thousands of lights with shopping, entertainment and activities, today-Jan. 15; Christmas Lighting Festival, Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 10-11, Dec. 17-18, Starlight Lantern Parade, 6 p.m. Dec. 17; Living Nativity outdoor enactment of the Nativity including live animals, 7, 7:30, 8 and 8:30 p.m. Dec. 21-24, Leavenworth Village, 829 Front St., Leavenworth; free (509-587-5807 or www.leavenworth.org).
Bellevue Magic Season
ONGOING Design in Light architectural mosaic of light displays and Downtown Bellevue Glitters light displays, Saturday-Jan. 1, downtown Bellevue; Snowflake Lane live toy soldiers, music and light show. Today-Dec. 24, 7 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 5 p.m. Sunday, along the sidewalks at Bellevue Square, Bellevue Place and Lincoln Square, Bellevue; Magic Season Ice Arena, open daily through Jan. 1, hours vary, closed Christmas day, Downtown Park, 10201 N.E. Fourth St., Bellevue; $8 includes skate rental, cash only; Bellevue Square, Bellevue (425-451-2455 or www.magicseason.com).
CLASSICAL
Saint Mark's Cathedral presents: Tranquil Advent Evening
TODAY 6:30-8 p.m. today, St. Mark's Episcopal Cathedral, 1245 10th Ave. E., Seattle; free (206-323-0300 or www.saintmarks.org).
Santa Lucia Fest
TODAY Ceremony which marks the beginning of the Christmas season, includes Swedish dancing, children's choirs, the telling of the Lucia legend and the crowning of Lucia. 7:30 p.m. today, Lagerquist Concert Hall, Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma; $3-$7 (253-535-7322).
The Gifts of Christmas
TODAY-SAT A concert of holiday musical performances. 7-9 p.m. today-Saturday, Church of Jesus Christ of LDS (Shoreline), 102 N 132ND St., Seattle; free (425-774-5954).
Bells of the Sound presents "Christmas Presence"
ENDS 12/17 7 p.m. Saturday. Runs through Dec. 17, Trinity Lutheran Church, 6215 196th St. S.W., Lynnwood; free (206-931-7669 or www.bellsofthesound.org).
Bells of the Sound presents "Christmas Presence"
ENDS 12/17 4 p.m. Sunday. Runs through Dec. 17, Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 23855 S.E. 216th St., Maple Valley; free (206-931-7669 or www.bellsofthesound.org).
Concerts in the Park presents: Christmas Time Again
SUN 2 p.m. Sunday, Newport Presbyterian Church, 4010 120th Ave. S.E., Bellevue; free (206-365-4065 or www.newportpres.org).
Julfest
SUN 4 p.m. Sunday, First Covenant Church, 400 E. Pike St., Seattle; free (206-322-7411 or www.seattlefirstcovenant.org).
University of Washington Gospel Choir
TUE One hundred voice gospel choir of UW students and community members perform. 7 p.m. Tuesday, Kane Hall, University of Washington, Seattle; $5 (206-685-8384 or www.music.washington.edu).
Cornish College presents: "Scores of Sound"
TUE-THU 1-10 p.m. Tuesday, 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Wednesday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Thursday, Poncho Concert Hall (Cornish College of the Arts), 710 E. Roy St., Seattle; free (800-726-ARTS).
All City Sing
WED Noon-1 p.m. Wednesday, Seattle City Hall, 600 Fourth Ave., Seattle; free (206-684-4186 or www.ci.seattle.wa.us/arts/showcase).
Univ. of Puget Sound Dorian Singers and University Chorale: Dancing Day
WED 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Kilworth Chapel (University of Puget Sound), 1500 N. Warner St., Tacoma; free (253-879-3555).
Church Choir and Cornucopia Concert Band Holiday Concert
THU 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Fremont Community Church, 717 N. 36th St., Seattle; free (206-632-7994).
DANCE
Les Samedis de la Danse
SAT A monthly performance series by resident dance companies Next Stage Dance Theatre and Fremont Danceworks plus special guests. 7 p.m. Saturday, Dance Fremont, 4015 Stone Way N., Seattle; $5 (206-633-0812 or www.nextstagedance.org).
Fireside Dance Series
THU The Phffft! Dance Theatre Company and the Nature Consortium present improvisation based on objects the audience provides from their natural surroundings. The series asks the audience to think about and share their natural environment. 7 p.m. Thursday, Camp Long, 5200 35th Ave. S.W., Seattle; $5 (206-935-0459 or www.phffft.org).
THEATER
"Annie jr."
TODAY-SAT A "junior," one-hour version of the Broadway musical about Little Orphan Annie, performed by youths. 7 p.m. Thursday, 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday. Lake Washington High School, Cadle Theater, 12033 N.E. 80th St., Kirkland; $6 (425-702-3331).
"Children of Eden"
WED An Olympia staging of the Stephen Schwartz-John Caird musical that examines Adam and Eve, Noah and other biblical characters. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday. Capital Playhouse, 612 Fourth Ave. E., Olympia; Pay-What-You-Can (360-943-2744 or www.capitalplayhouse.com).
"Fellow Passengers"
THU A version of "A Christmas Carol" that emphasizes social consciousness. Produced by Strawberry Theatre Workshop. Opens 7:30 p.m. Thursday. Richard Hugo House, 1634 11th Ave., Seattle; Pay-What-You-Can (800-838-3006 or www.strawshop.org).
"Orpheus Descending"
TODAY-SUN A sexy musician-drifter hits a repressive small town in this infrequently performed 1958 Tennessee Williams play, staged as a workshop show with Cornish College acting students. 8 p.m. today-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. Raisbeck Performance Hall, Cornish College of the Arts, 2015 Boren Ave., Seattle; free (206-726-5011 or www.cornish.edu).
"Shoppers Carried by Escalators Into the Flames"
THU Labeled a "Restoration comedy set in a trailer park," this is the second work in a seriocomic trilogy by sardonic novelist-playwright Denis Johnson to reach the tiny Theater Schmeater stage this year. The first ("Hellhound on My Trial") exhibited Johnson's unique theatrical voice, and whetted the appetite for another installment. Rob West directs. 8 p.m. Thursday. Theater Schmeater, 1500 Summit Ave., Seattle; Pay-What-You-Can (206-325-6500 or www.schmeater.org).
"Spin the Bottle"
TODAY Annex Theatre's monthly late-night cabaret. 11 p.m. today. Freehold Theatre, 1525 10th Ave., Seattle; $7 (206-728-0933 or www.annextheatre.org).
"StageVoices: Amy Freed
and Sharon Ott"
SUN A public chat between "Restoration Comedy" playwright Amy Freed, and Seattle stage director Sharon Ott. 5:30 p.m. Sunday. Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St., Seattle; free (206-443-2222 or www.seattlerep.org).
"12 Minutes Max"
SUN-MON On the Boards presents another edition of its ongoing showcase for new experimental dance, theater, music and performance art. 7 p.m. Sunday-Monday. On the Boards, 100 W. Roy St., Seattle; $7 (206-217-9888 or www.ontheboards.org).
VISUAL ARTS
Seward Park Clay Studio Holiday Showcase and Preview Party
TODAY Seward Park Clay Studio's annual holiday ceramics showcase and sale. The show continues through Dec. 24. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Friday. Seward Park Clay Studio, 5900 Lake Washington Blvd. S., Seattle; free (206-722-6342 or www.sewardparkart.org).
Bainbridge Island Winter Studio Tour
TODAY-SUN A self-guided driving tour of artists' studious throughout Bainbridge Island. Maps available at all participating studios. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Bainbridge Commons, 370 Brien Drive, Bainbridge; free (206-842-5112 or www.bistudiotour.com).
A Seattle Sampling
TODAY-SUN A holiday tour of several galleries and artists' studios throughout Seattle. 4-9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Sugiki Studio, 3237 S.W. Genesee St., Seattle (206-937-8237 or www.seattlesampling.com).
"Swank Volume IV"
SAT A holiday show of arts and crafts by 20 artists. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. Good Shepherd Center, 4649 Sunnyside Ave. N., Seattle; free (206-999-8338 or www.seattleswankshow.com/).
Georgetown Holiday Art Show
SAT-SUN Businesses in Seattle's Georgetown neighborhood host a two-day holiday art show and sale. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. George Gallery & Gifts, 5633 Airport Way S., Seattle; free (206-763-8100).
Vashon Island Art Studio Tour
SAT-SUN A self-guided tour of 38 open art studios, shops and galleries throughout Vashon Island. Maps available at all participating venues. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Vashon Island; free (206-463-6217 or vashonislandartstudiotour.com).
Kirkland Arts Center Holiday Sale
SAT-THU Artwork by resident artists and members with prices from $5 and up. Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday. Kirkland Arts Center Gallery, 620 Market St., Kirkland; free (425-822-7161 or www.kirklandartscenter.org).
Kirkland Art Walk
THU Tour downtown Kirkland's galleries with a walking map as a guide, available from all participating galleries. 6-9 p.m. Thursday. Downtown Kirkland, 111 Park Lane, Kirkland; free (425-889-8212).
MOVIES
"Proof"
It's new at the Crest Cinema beginning tonight. Also there: "March of the Penguins," "Corpse Bride," "A History of Violence" and "The 40-Year-Old Virgin" ($3).
"A History of Violence"
It's new at the Admiral Theater in West Seattle beginning tonight. Also there: "Corpse Bride" and "March of the Penguins" ($4.50).
ONGOING FUN
Science Fiction Museum
and Hall of Fame
TUE-SUN Artifacts, storytelling and interactive landscapes from the worlds of science fiction, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 10 a.m.6 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, closed Mondaysthrough 5/26/06, Science Fiction Museum, 325 Fifth Ave. N., Seattle; $8.95-$12.95, SFM/EMP combo tickets $19.95-$26.95 (206-724-3428 or www.sfhomeworld.org) on 09/06/05.
Compiled by Henry Han.