Crisp, cool evenings. Neighborhoods twinkling with lights. Festive fun everywhere you turn. The magic of winter is here. Go and enjoy!
Monday, November 26
Winterfest Train and Village Explore a turn-of-the-century village and train in a wintertime setting. Kids can take turns controlling the model train. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today through Dec. 31. Seattle Center Armory, Lower Queen Anne.
O’Christmas Tree Family Preview Find inspiration for your household holiday décor from a dozen designer-decorated Christmas trees. Kids can check in with Santa, do some arts and crafts, and sing along at a Caspar Babypants performance. 3 to 7 p.m. The Westin Hotel, Downtown Seattle.
Pajamarama! Evening Family Story Time Bring your little ones to the library for their bedtime stories. Ages 3 to 6 with adult. 6:45 to 7:30 p.m. Shoreline Branch Library.
Tuesday, November 27
Toddler Indoor Gym Let wee ones work those wiggles out. 11:20 a.m. to 1:20 p.m. Alki Community Center, West Seattle.
Garden d’Lights Stroll a winter garden illuminated by a half-million twinkling lights. Free through this Thursday. 4:30 to 9 p.m. Bellevue Botanical Garden.
Wednesday, November 28
Toddler Gym Playtime In addition to the usual climbing and bouncing that happens here, kids can design their own inventions at Imagination Playground. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Magnolia Community Center.
Festival of Trees Open House Head north for a holiday adventure. Today you can view beautifully decorated trees, plus enjoy crafts, entertainment, treats and visits with Santa. Bonus: The outlet mall is right up the road if you feel like holiday shopping. 1 to 6 p.m. Tulalip Resort, Marysville.
Thursday, November 29
Wintertide Chug along on a winter train, get glittery with holiday crafts, watch a performance and sip cocoa by a bonfire. Santa arrives at 5:30. 4 to 7 p.m. Everett Performing Arts Center.
Cartoon Happy Hour Introduce your kids to the classic splats and konks of your childhood. Free shows; food and beverage for purchase. 5 to 7 p.m. Central Cinema, Central District.
Beyond the Backyard: Adventure Ahead! Learn tips and tricks for playing outside in all sorts of weather – even in winter – from author Nancy Blakey. 7 to 8:30 p.m. Auburn Library.
Friday, November 30
Holiday Craft Market Browse handcrafted gifts in a unique setting. Kids can also ride the nearby carousel ($4 suggested donation). Noon to 5 p.m. Westlake Park, Downtown Seattle.
Holiday Drumming for Fun Get in the holiday groove with an upbeat, interactive drum circle. 3 to 5 p.m. Duvall Library.
Snowflake Lane It "snows" nightly on a parade of live toy soldiers and other characters. 7 p.m. nightly through Dec. 24. Bellevue Way N.E., between N.E. Eighth Street and N.E. Fourth Street (Bellevue).
Saturday, December 1
Salmon SEEson at Piper’s Creek See hundreds of returning chum and coho make their way into Piper’s Creek at Carkeek Park. Salmon Stewards will greet guests by the creek to explain the salmon's life cycle, habitat, and human influence on both. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. today and Sunday. Carkeek Park (Broadview).
Giving Marketplace Find unique, socially conscious gifts at dozens of pop-up shops that support a variety of causes. Make your own gifts from recycled materials. Also enjoy kids activities and interactive exhibits. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and Sunday. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Discovery Center (Lower Queen Anne).
Gingerbread Man Puppet Show The gingerbread man longs for fun and escapes from Granny's kitchen to have an adventure. 2 to 3 p.m. Mercer Island Library.
Ivar’s Clam Lights & Argosy Christmas Ship Renton’s holiday light display shines nightly through Jan. 1. Tonight’s official lighting at 7 p.m. features live entertainment, a parade of boats (7:30 p.m.) and the Argosy Christmas Ship stops by with carolers (8 p.m.). 5 to 9 p.m. Gene Coulon Beach Park (Renton).
Sunday, December 2
Hands-On Hanukkah Make edible dreidels, decorate Hanukkah placemats, spin a giant dreidel, take pictures in a photo booth, get your face painted, win prizes, and more. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Northgate Mall (Northgate) and Crossroads Mall (Bellevue).
Snoozing Bears Learn about different bear species, why they hibernate and which kind you might see in Bellevue if you’re lucky. 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Lewis Creek Visitors Center, Bellevue.
Winter's Eve Celebration & Christmas Ships Enjoy cookie decorating, crafts, and guided nature walks. Later, take the luminaria path to the beach to hear the Christmas Ships perform. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Seward Park Audubon Center, Seward Park.
Want more? Check out our Family Events Calendar, searchable by age, location and cost.