There is something to do every day of the week in the Seattle area, here are some picks for the month of December:
December 1
Start the holidays with a tradition in the true spirit of the season - A Family Affair TreeView by Providence health care. Bring the entire family and enjoy the festivities of the season with live entertainment including a balloon man, school choirs, pictures with Santa, refreshments for kids and adults and craft activities. Welcome in the holidays as you stroll among dozens of beautifully decorated trees, that will be auctioned off at the O' Christmas Trees Gala Dinner and Auction. Monday 3:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. The Westin Seattle, 1900 Fifth Avenue; (206) 728-1000.
December 2-23
Since 1949 the Argosy Christmas Ship Festival has celebrated the holiday season in the Northwest. The Spirit of Seattle, the Official Christmas Ship, is decorated with thousands of white lights and other holiday decorations, leading decorated Argosy parade boats and private vessels that together form the largest holiday flotilla in the world. Each night, the flotilla cruises to a different waterfront location. Aboard the ship each night, a different choir performs holiday songs that are broadcast via speakers to the other boats as well as to people who gather on shore to welcome the ships. Note: The cruise takes off from a different location in the greater Seattle area each night. For a complete schedule of times and locations please visit Argosy Cruises. Pier 56, 1200 Block, Alaskan Way, Seattle.
December 3-6
The Hilltop Holiday Craft Show is back at the Northwest Arts Center in Bellevue. You can buy quality crafts from more than 80 Northwest artists. Many new vendors are selling their items at the show this year. Works available include tapestries, stuffed figures (soft sculpture), metalwork and jewelry. Gourmet foods, including vinegar, pies and dips, are also available. Visitors can enjoy hot cider while they shop at the Craft Show. Wednesday-Friday 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Northwest Arts Center, 9825 Northeast 24th Street, Bellevue.
December 3-28
Go see 5th Avenue Theatre’s Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. The musical comedy is based on the 1870s Oregon Territory where men could be men until their brides come along.
December 6-13
The Woodland Park 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! Price includes zoo admission, service charge and tax. Saturday 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.; Woodland Park Zoo, 5500 Phinney Avenue North, Seattle. Advance reservations and pre-payment required. For more information and reservations, please call (206) 548-2662. Additional cost for Santa photos.
December 7-22
The 2008 Seattle Men's Chorus holiday concert tradition continues with a potpourri of music, laughter, and tears. December 7th and 8th features the talents of Grammy and Tony-award winner Jennifer Holliday. Sunday and Monday 8:00 p.m., Monday (12/22) 2:00 p.m. Benaroya Hall, 200 University; (206) 215-4800.
December 10-12
Black Nativity: A Gospel Song Play at INTIMAN Theatre is part theatre, part concert and part church service. It brings together artists and audiences of different faiths, ages, backgrounds and beliefs. A holiday classic and Seattle tradition. The show runs through 12/27. INTIMAN Theatre, 201 Mercer Street, Seattle; Ticketmaster: (206) 269-1900.
December 12-14
The Cycle World International Motorcycle Show offers latest in sportbikes, dirt bikes, dual sports, cruisers, scooters, ATVs and more at this event, part of a 13-city nationwide series. Friday 4:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m., Saturday 9:30 a.m.-8:00 p.m., Sunday 9:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Qwest Field Event Center, 1000 Occidental Avenue South, Seattle; (206) 381-8000.
December 13
The annual Cougar Hardwood Classic pits the Washington State (WSU) Cougars against the Bobcats from Montana State University. After a historic 2007-2008 season, WSU is led by returning starters Taylor Rochestie and Aron Baynes along with a top reserve in Daven Harmeling. Saturday 12/13 at 7:00 p.m. Key Arena, 305 Harrison Street, Seattle; (206) 628-0888.
December 16
Seattle Symphony features fiddler Natalie MacMaster: A Celtic Christmas, a Christmas program that combines foot-tapping jigs, heartwrenching ballads and world-class step dancing to generate a traditional fusion that invokes the music of her native Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Tuesday 7:30 p.m. Benaroya Hall, 200 University Street, Seattle; (206) 215-4800.