Enjoy the best Seattle events, festivals, and things to do with this calendar of events.
Mileage is from Westlake Center in downtown Seattle, Washington.
Victorian Christmas
December 1 - 4, 2016 (begins Nov. 30)
37 miles south
A Victorian Country Christmas has 500 booths with vendors in Victorian costumes selling art, jewelry, decorations, clothing, and toys at Washington State Fair Events Center in Puyallup.Family play for ages 6+
December 1 - 11, 2016 (begins Oct. 20)
1 mile NW
Based on the book by C.S. Lewis, The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe is about 4 children who visit the magical land of Narnia, meet mythical creatures, and witness a battle between good and evil at Seattle Children’s Theatre. Discount tickets $13 to $23.Twilight Zone theater
December 1 - 17, 2016 (begins Nov. 18)
0.3 mile NW
Watch three episodes of Rod Serling’s sci-fi TV show live onstage when Theater Schmeater presents The Twilight Zone: Live! in Belltown.Christmas ships parade
December 1 - 23, 2016 (begins Nov. 25)
Lake Washington & Puget Sound
Ride onboard with the choir or listen from shore at a bonfire during Christmas Ship Festival. See schedule.Reindeer & model trains
December 1 - 24, 2016 (begins Nov. 12)
7 miles NW
Visit live reindeer and watch model trains wind their way through a winter landscape during the Reindeer Festival at Swansons Nursery. Free.Bellevue street show
December 1 - 24, 2016 (begins Nov. 25)
10 miles east
Enjoy a 20-minute show of lights, music, falling snow, young dancers, and drummers in uniform on Snowflake Lane (Bellevue Way). Free.Christmas play
December 1 - 28, 2016 (begins Nov. 25)
0.3 miles east
A Christmas Carol is Charles Dickens’ holiday classic about the miraculous transformation of miserly Scrooge at ACT Theatre.Nutcracker ballet
December 1 - 28, 2016 (begins Nov. 25)
1 mile NW
The Nutcracker by George Balanchine features a live orchestra, magnificent sets and costumes, and a huge cast in McCaw Hall at Seattle Center.Winter at Seattle Center
December 1 - 31, 2016 (begins Nov. 25)
1 mile NW
Enjoy holiday lights, skating at Fisher Pavilion (cost), folk dancers, carolers, Sat. ice sculptors, and model trains during Winterfest at the Seattle Center. Closed Dec. 25. Free.Christmas lights - Seattle zoo
Dec. 1 - 31, 2016 (Nov. 25 to Jan. 3)
5 miles north
WildLights has 500,000 lights in animal shapes, real reindeer, night animals, and carolers at Woodland Park Zoo. Closed Dec. 24 & 25.Christmas lights - Bellevue
December 1 - 31, 2016 (begins Nov. 26)
11 miles east
Enjoy zillions of colorful lights and displays at Garden d’Lights in Bellevue Botanical Garden from 4:30 to 9 p.m. There may be a line on free nights, which are Nov. 28, 29, 30 and Dec. 1, 5, 6, 7, 8.Christmas lights - Tacoma zoo
Dec. 1 - 31, 2016 (Nov. 25 to Jan. 1)
40 miles south
Bundle up to admire half a million holiday lights and displays at Zoolights in Tacoma’s Point Defiance Zoo from 5 to 9 p.m. Closed Dec. 24.Gingerbread houses
Dec. 1 - 31, 2016 (Nov. 22 - Jan. 1)
0.2 miles SE
See elaborate displays made mostly of food at the Gingerbread Village in the lobby of the Sheraton Hotel. Free and open 24 hours.Willy Wonka with candy
Dec. 1 - 31, 2016 (Nov. 26 - Jan. 1)
1.3 miles NW
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory in Smell-O-Vision includes a bag of “fragrant and tasty treats” to eat as you watch Gene Wilder at SIFF Film Center.Caroling at Westlake
December 2, 2016
0 miles
Hear 40 caroling teams sing outside Westlake Center, and then vote for your favorite at Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition or register a team.Beer festival
December 2 - 3, 2016
7 miles NE
Try winter beers from 50 Washington breweries with food truck cuisine at Winter Beer Fest at Hangar 30 in Magnuson Park, then vote for your favorites.Nutcracker ballet - Renton
December 2 - 4, 2016
14 miles south
Ensemble Ballet Theatre performs The Nutcracker at Renton IKEA Performing Arts Center. Tickets go on sale Oct. 15.Holiday burlesque
December 2 - 3 and 9 - 10, 2016
5 miles SE
The Best Burlesque Pageant Ever is an over-the-top adult comedy at Columbia City Theater.Bavarian Christmas
December 2 - 18, 2016 (Fri. to Sun.)
117 miles east
Enjoy Christmas lights twinkling on snow, roasted chestnuts, sleigh rides, and caroling at the annual Leavenworth Christmas Lighting.Drawing day
December 3, 2016
2 miles NE
Get creative with drawing materials, open studios, live models, live music, and food trucks at family-friendly Drawing Jam at Gage Academy of Art.Champagne tasting
December 3, 2016
4 miles north
Sample champagne and sparkling wine from 14 stations, with appetizers, at Champagne & Bubbles Extravaganza at Wine World and Spirits.Yoga party
December 3, 2016 (6 p.m.)
4.1 miles north
A ticket to the Seattle Yoga Holiday Party includes drinks, hors d’oeuvres, live performances, music, and DJ dancing at OmCulture.Lights in Redmond
December 3, 2016
15 miles NE
Redmond Lights starts with singers & dancers at city hall at 4 p.m. When the holiday lights go on at 5 p.m., follow 100 luminaries past choirs and performers to Redmond Town Center for activities & carols to 8 p.m.Ugly Sweater Run/Walk
December 3, 2016
15 miles east
Wear your ugliest sweater for the Ugly Sweater Run 5K and after-party at Marymoor Park in Redmond.Scandinavian Christmas
December 3, 2016
22 miles NW via Bainbridge ferry
Jule Fest is a free Scandinavian bazaar of arts and crafts, folk dancing, Vikings, a Christmas tree lighting, a bonfire, a Lucia bride, and Santa Claus in Poulsbo.Charles Dickens festival
December 3, 2016
35 miles south
Dickens Festival at Stadium has street singers, a Victorian costume contest, horse carriage rides, craft vendors, a luminary parade, Santa, and a music show in Tacoma’s Stadium District.Craft show
December 3 - 4, 2016 (preview Dec. 2)
1 mile NW
Shop for hand-crafted clothing, jewelry, toys, stationery, art, candles, housewares, and food at Urban Craft Uprising Winter Show in the Exhibition Hall at Seattle Center. Repeats in July. Free.Phinney winter festival
December 3 - 4, 2016
5 miles north
The Winter Festival & Crafts Fair has 100+ arts and crafts vendors, musicians and dancers, and lunch and baked goods at Phinney Center.Christmas concert
December 3 - 10, 2016
Seattle and Tacoma
A PLU Christmas features the choir, chorale, and orchestra of Pacific Lutheran University at Benaroya Hall on Dec. 5, and in Tacoma Dec. 3, 4, 9, 10.Santa Train
December 3 - 17, 2016 (see below)
36 miles east
The Northwest Railway Museum runs a popular 20-minute Santa Train from North Bend to the Snoqualmie Depot for cookies and a visit with Santa. Runs Nov. 26, 27; Dec. 3, 4, 10, 11, 16, 17.South-end pops concert
December 4, 2016 (2 p.m.)
23 miles south
Federal Way Symphony plays holiday favorites and classical music at the Holiday Concert at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Federal Way.Celtic Christmas
December 4 - 16, 2016
multiple cities
Celtic Yuletide by Magical Strings is Irish music, dance, storytelling, juggling, and songs in Bellevue, Kent, Leavenworth, Mt. Vernon, Seattle, and Tacoma.Holiday sax concert
December 5, 2016 (8 p.m.)
0.5 miles south
Saxophonist Chris Mitchell plays yuletide classics, including his passionate take on “Let it Snow” at Benaroya Hall. Discount tickets $23.Dance films
December 5, 2016
1.2 miles east
Next Dance Cinema features local and international dance on screen at Northwest Film Forum.Christmas plays
December 8 - 24, 2016
Seattle, Edmonds, Renton
- Dec. 8-24: Ham for the Holidays is wicked comedy at ACT.
- undated: Unruly kids take over the church pageant in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever at Bathhouse Theater.
- undated: Christmastown: A Holiday Noir is an adult detective comedy at Bathhouse Theater.
- undated: Holiday of Errors is a witty Shakespeare spoof at 12th Ave Arts.
Holiday concert
December 9 - 11, 2016
0.5 miles south
Holiday Pops features the Seattle Symphony, University of Washington Chorale, and a singer at Benaroya Hall.Contemporary dance
December 9 - 11, 2016
1.2 miles east
Next Fest NW Performance is a contemporary dance series at Velocity Dance Center.Nutcracker Ballet - north end
December 9 - 18, 2016
Everett & Edmonds
Olympic Ballet Theatre performs The Nutcracker at Everett Performing Arts Center.Cookie sale
December 10, 2016 (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
1.1 miles NW
Shop for holiday treats at CookieFest at Seattle Center’s Armory Loft (food circus top floor). Free.Green Lake lights
December 10, 2016 (4:30 to 7:30 p.m.)
4.5 miles north
Take a walk following glowing luminaries on the Green Lake Pathway of Lights, which includes live music at four locations, rain or shine. Free.Affordable art
December 10, 2016 (2 to 8 p.m.)
5 miles south
Art Under $100 features 70 artists, free crafts, DJ music, and food trucks at Seattle Design Center.Tour artists’ studios
December 10 - 11, 2016 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Seattle locations
Shop from 34 artists at 9 studios who make clothing, jewelry, glass, ceramics, prints, and more on Seattle Sampling Artists’ Studio Tour. Free.Jingle Bell run - Seattle
December 11, 2016
0 miles
Wear a costume or tie on bells for the morning 5K Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis and 1K kids’ run at Westlake Center. No dogs.Seattle jazz
December 11, 2016
1.5 miles NW
Hear the entire score of the holiday classic A Charlie Brown Christmas, preceded by cocktails at Cornish Playhouse at the Seattle Center.Food truck festival
December 11, 2016
3.5 miles north
Shop from 20 food trucks during Winter Feast at the Fremont Sunday Market.Handel’s Messiah
December 16 - 18, 2016
Seattle & Everett
Handel’s Messiah is a holiday tradition.- Dec. 16 - 18: Seattle Symphony & Chorale at Benaroya Hall.
- Dec. 17 - 18: Orchestra Seattle & Seattle Chamber Singers in Seattle & Everett.
Christmas jazz
December 17, 2016 (7:30 p.m.)
0.6 miles SE
Sacred Music by Duke Ellington features the Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra, plus guest vocalists, a chorus, and a tap dancer at Town Hall Seattle.Craft fair
December 17 - 18, 2016
8 miles NE
Renegade Craft Fair offers indie crafts, artisan food, and music at Hangar 30 in Magnuson Park. Repeats in July. Free.Affordable Nutcracker
December 17 - 18, 2016
11 miles east
The low-budget Nutcracker by Cornerstone Studio has a youthful cast that wows with breakdancing and acrobatics at Bellevue High School.Christmas show
December 17, 18, 20, 2016
34 miles south
The Christmas Revels is a family-oriented celebration of the winter solstice. Expect music, dance, theater, song, and storytelling at Rialto Theater in Tacoma.Jingle Bell Run - Tacoma
December 24, 2016 (10 a.m. & noon)
36 miles south
Run or walk 3 miles at the Jingle Bell Run at Wright Park in Tacoma. Costumes are welcome.Movie: Fiddler on the Roof
December 25, 2016
1.5 miles NW
See a film about Jewish tradition, eat Chinese food, and hear Klezmer music at Fiddler on the Roof Sing Along, an annual tradition at SIFF Cinema Uptown.New Year’s street show
December 26 - 31, 2016 (7 p.m.)
10 miles east
Celebration Lane USA is a 20-minute exuberant display of bright lights, rocking music, and drummers dancing with costumed characters on Bellevue Way. Free.New Year’s Eve restaurants
December 31, 2016
Seattle locations
Find a list of restaurants that offer special menus and celebrations for New Year’s Eve at OpenTable.New Year’s Eve symphony
December 31, 2016 (9 p.m.)
0.5 mile south
New Year’s Eve: The Classic Soul of Motown features classical music performed by the Seattle Symphony, dancing to midnight, a countdown, and a toast, at Benaroya Hall.New Year’s Eve at Chihuly
December 31, 2016
1 mile NW
New Year’s Eve pARTy includes appetizers & dessert, live music and dancing, a tour of the exhibits, and a champagne toast with a view of the Space Needle’s fireworks through the Glasshouse ceiling at Chihuly Garden and Glass at Seattle Center for age 21+.New Year’s Eve at EMP
December 31, 2016
1 mile NW
Indulgence is billed as Seattle’s biggest New Year’s Eve bash, with 3,000 guests, 3 performance stages, comedy, and dancing to live music at Experience Music Project for age 21+, with museum access.New Year’s Eve science
December 31, 2016
1 mile NW
SPECTRA 2017: New Year’s Eve Under the Arches has aerial acts, fire sculptures, laser shows, dancing, appetizers, champagne, and a view of the Space Needle fireworks at Pacific Science Center, age 21+.New Year’s fireworks
December 31, 2016
1 mile NW
The Space Needle at Seattle Center is the tallest structure on earth to launch fireworks. Wear a winter coat to watch the free show from the ground. The parties upstairs sell out early.New Year’s Eve film
December 31, 2016
1.4 miles NW
Watch the glamorous film with Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman at Moulin Rouge! New Year’s Eve Sing Along, including champagne at SIFF Cinema Uptown.New Year’s Eve party
December 31, 2016
1.5 miles south
Resolution is a massive celebration with 6,000 balloons, 500 pounds of confetti, aerial acrobatics, spectacular lighting effects, music, dancing, and bars at WaMu Theater for age 18+.New Year’s Eve show
December 31, 2016
4 miles NW
New Year’s Eve Extravaganza is a variety show done by the Moisture Festival with appetizers and midnight champagne at Hale’s Ales Palladium. Kids OK.New Year’s Eve in Tacoma
December 31, 2016
33 miles south
First Night Tacoma fills the last day of the year with family-friendly entertainment, including a short parade, fun run, music and dance shows, puppets, and a fiery midnight spectacle in downtown Tacoma.CityClub lunch
December 2016 (undated)
0.1 miles north
Hear local leaders discuss current events at Seattle CityClub’s Annual Year in Review at the Westin Hotel.Dog holidays
December 2016 (undated)
1 mile south
Bring your four-legged friend in costume to Pioneer Square Howlidays for a costume contest (register in advance), agility course, dog park, carolers, and cocoa at Occidental Park.Rock concert
December 2016 (undated)
1 mile NW
Deck the Hall Ball is an annual marathon concert that features popular bands at Key Arena, run by Seattle radio station KNDD 107.7 FM or “The End.”Menorah lighting
December 2016 (undated)
5.1 miles NW
The Public Menorah Lighting in Ballard includes music, dancing, dreidels, and latkes at Bergen Place Park.Holiday exchange
December 2016 (undated)
5.5 miles NW
No money changes hands at the Barter Fair & Holiday Party. Instead, bring things you cooked, made, or do as a service to trade at Ballard Alki Lodge. Free.Native craft fair
December 2016 (undated)
6.6 miles NW
Shop for art prints, clothing, jewelry, woodworking, drums, and lunch at Native Art Mart at Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center in Discovery Park. Free.Pet friendly run/walk
December 2016 (undated)
16.2 miles SE
Join the K9 Candy Cane 5K Fun Run and Walk from Renton Community Center up the beautiful Cedar River Trail, either with or without a leashed dog.Model train festival
December 2016 (undated)
33 miles south
See model train displays on all floors, and get a photo with Santa Dec. 21-23 at the Model Train Festival at the Washington State History Museum in Tacoma. Closed Dec. 24 and 25.Appalachian Christmas music
December 2016 (undated)
0.5 miles west
An Appalachian Christmas features violinist and composer Mark O’Connor playing Appalachian music at the Moore Theatre.Miracle on 34th Street
December 2016 (undated)
0.6 miles SE
Watch a live radio production of Miracle on 34th Street (about a man claiming to be Santa and a girl who doesn’t believe) including a pre-show warm up, special sound effects, and a post-show reception at Town Hall Seattle.Holiday cabaret
December 2016 (undated)
5.7 miles SW
After Hours Holiday Cabaret is a festive show at ArtsWest in West Seattle.Short Nutcracker
December 2016 (undated)
Ballard & Shorewood
Nutcracker Sweets is a one-hour version of the classic ballet in Ballard, and a slightly longer version in Shoreline.Bellevue concert
December 2016 (undated)
9 miles east
Brass Band Northwest plays Christmas and holiday music with guest singers at Unto Us a Child is Born at Bellevue Presbyterian. Donation.Short Nutcracker
December 2016 (undated)
Bellevue & Auburn
Evergreen City Ballet offers one-hour and two-hour versions of the holiday classic ballet The Nutcracker. Afterward, dancers meet the audience in the lobby.Christmas lights - Wild Waves
December 2016 (undated)
25 miles south
See colorful displays with a million lights, and go on rides at Holiday with Lights in Federal Way.