Monday, November 27
Christmas Carnival Come see designer-decorated trees, plus enjoy live performances (including Caspar Babypants at 6 p.m.), carnival games, crafts, marketplace, Santa photos and more. Free admission, small fee for some activities. 3 to 7 p.m. The Westin Hotel (Downtown Seattle).
Garden d’Lights Stroll a winter garden with more than 500,000 mini-lights in three-dimensional plant and critter shapes. No pets allowed. 4:30 to 9 p.m. daily through Dec. 31. Free admission Nov. 27-30 and Dec. 4-7 (first come, first served). Bellevue Botanical Garden (Bellevue).
Snow Show at Pacific Place It "snows" nightly in the four-story atrium of Pacific Place. Enjoy live music on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. 6 and 7 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, 5 and 6 p.m. Sundays, through Dec. 24. Pacific Place (Downtown Seattle).
Snowflake Lane It "snows" nightly on a parade of live toy soldiers and other characters, music and a light show. 7 p.m. daily through Dec. 24. Bellevue Way N.E., between N.E. Eighth Street and N.E. Fourth Street (Bellevue).
Wednesday, November 29
Young Readers Society A book club for ages 8 to 12 that meets every fourth Wednesday. Kids only, no parents allowed. Enjoy pizza and discussion. This month's book is Ms. Bixby's Last Day by John David Anderson. 5 to 6 p.m. Secret Garden Books (Ballard).
Thursday, November 30
Wintertide Enjoy train rides, crafts, a KIDSTAGE performance of Aladdin, giant gingerbread house decorating, hot cocoa and cider by a bonfire, and Santa’s arrival at 5:30 p.m. 4 to 7 p.m. Everett Performing Arts Center (Everett).
Friday, December 1
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. Dec. 1-2. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Discovery Center (Lower Queen Anne).
Nativity Exhibit See an exhibit of more than 500 nativities from over 100 countries and territories around the world. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 1-2, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 3. Messiah Lutheran Church (View Ridge).
Ivar’s Clam Lights & Argosy Christmas Ship Renton’s holiday light display shines 5 to 9 p.m. nightly through Jan. 1. Tonight’s official lighting at 6:15 p.m. features live entertainment, Mayor Denis Law, a parade of boats (6:30 p.m.) and the Argosy Christmas Ship stops by with carolers (7 p.m.). Gene Coulon Beach Park (Renton).
Twinkle, Twinkle, Freeway Park See Freeway Park light up for the holidays with fairy lights, carolers, bonfires, s'mores, hot chocolate and cider. 4:30 to 6 p.m. Freeway Park (Downtown Seattle).
Tree Lighting The Mountlake Terrace tree sits atop the city’s water tower. The event features music, refreshments and Santa arriving by fire truck. 6:30 p.m. Evergreen Playfield (Mountlake Terrace).
Saturday, December 2
West Seattle Tree Lighting The event is hosted by jingly duo, Sundae + Mr Gossl. Enjoy carols from the Endoylne Children’s Choir and the Silver Belles and see the West Seattle High School Marching Band. There’s also a night market (4 to 7 p.m.) with free treats and photos with Santa. 5 p.m. Junction Plaza Park (West Seattle).
Piper’s Creek Salmon 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. Dec. 2-3. Carkeek Park (Broadview).
Sunday, December 3
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).
Winter's Eve Celebration & Christmas Ships Enjoy cookie decorating, crafts, and guided nature walks (noon, 1 and 2 p.m.). Later, take the luminaria path to the beach to hear the Christmas Ships perform from 3:10 to 3:40 p.m. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Seward Park Audubon Center (Seward Park).
Looking for more to do? You can always check out our Family Events Calendar, searchable by age, location, and cost.
