It’s one of the busiest weeks of the year for families, and with the kids out of school and in-laws coming to stay, you’ll need to get out of the house. It’s your last chance to visit some of the city’s holiday staples, like the Swanson’s Reindeer Festival and Bellevue’s Snowflake Lane, or you can catch a movie or see a science show. Enjoy the holiday week!
Friday, December 27
Winter Break Button Making. Teens will be at the library to help younger kids beat the winter break boredom and make personalized buttons and other crafts. 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Northgate Library, Seattle.
Fizz Pop Boom Show. As part of Winterfest’s seasonal entertainment, this interactive and informative mad science show is sure to be a hit. 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Seattle Center Armory, Seattle.
Book Swap & Board Games. If you’re looking to add some books to your collection for the new year, this event has you covered. Trade, hang out and read, or play games and do puzzles with new friends. 2 to 5 p.m. Kent Library, Kent.
Brick Builders. Who doesn’t have at least one little builder living under their roof? Head to the library today, where blocks will be supplied as long as you bring your imagination. 3 to 4 p.m. Burien Library, Burien.
A Family Hanukkah Celebration. Celebrate another night of the Festival of Lights at a local bakery, where latkes, brisket, and sufganiyot will be served. Sing a song or two, play with the dreidel, and get to know your neighbors. 5 to 7 p.m. Zylberschtein's Delicatessen & Bakery, Seattle.
Saturday, December 28
Reading with Rover. Reading with Rover is a pet therapy program in which children can practice their reading with a trained pet. 11 a.m. to noon. Monroe Public Library, Monroe.
Family Movie: Secret Life of Pets 2. Get out of the house with the family to watch this hilarious and heartwarming film during winter break. 2 to 4 p.m. Burien Library, Burien.
Holly’s Not So Jolly. Put on some gloves and head to the outdoors to learn about the beautiful but pesky holly plant, and how it can be invasive to our forests. Then, pull some! 10:30 a.m. to noon. Lewis Creek Park Visitor Center, Bellevue.
Saturday Story Time. A classic weekly story time, perfect for building some calm time into your busy Saturday. 11 a.m. to noon. Third Place Books (Ravenna), Seattle.
Snow Day at Lake Union. Another beautiful light display to check out if you missed it before the holiday. Also a great way to get the littles outside and moving their bodies. Open from dusk to 11:30 p.m. through Jan. 20. Denny Park (South Lake Union), Seattle.
Sunday, December 29
Sunday Public Sail. Need some fresh air? Set sail on a lovely, classic wooden boat on Lake Union, on what is sure to be a crisp and chilly day. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Center for Wooden Boats (South Lake Union), Seattle.
A Winter Wander. Learn about and reflect upon how the passing of time impacts nature. Discuss seasonal changes and the residents of the forest and how they adapt. Dress for the weather. 10:30 a.m. to noon. Lewis Creek Park Visitor Center, Bellevue.
Trio Guadalevin Concert. Trio Guadalevín explores the deep musical roots that bind the Americas with Southern Europe, the Maghreb and West Africa. Light refreshments provided. 2 to 3:30 p.m. Fairwood Library, Renton.
Check out the Playlist for a list of FREE holiday-themed activities you can do right at home!