The countdown is on to squeeze in Santa visits and all those holiday light shows. It’s OK. Breathe. There are also ways to celebrate the season in simpler, yet meaningful ways this week: sharing a classic holiday story, gathering around a warm fire, listening to peaceful music or playing with friends. So take a breath, and go have fun!
Monday, December 17
Winter Wonderland There aren’t many days left to see Santa. Go early in the week when lines may be shorter. This eastside location also has a carousel and skating rink. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Redmond Town Center.
Ivar’s Clam Lights Take in the twinkling lights nightly through Jan. 1. 5 to 9 p.m. Gene Coulon Beach Park, Renton.
Tuesday, December 18
Spanish Play Group Play, read, create and sing with other native and basic Spanish-speaking families. 10 to 11:30 a.m. FamilyWorks Family Resource Center, Seattle (Wallingford).
Winterfest See a model train chug through a wintery village, watch live performances and ice sculpting. Daily through Dec. 31. Activity times vary. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Seattle Center Armory (Lower Queen Anne).
Pageant of the Nativity Adult and youth choirs join together for a dramatic telling of the nativity story. 7 p.m. St. Mark’s Cathedral, Seattle (Capitol Hill).
Wednesday, December 19
Sprouts and Seniors Play Group Watch that magical connection form between the very young and the young at heart. Puzzles are provided, and you can bring toys from home, too. 10 to 11 a.m. Pacific Senior Living Community Cottage, Lynwood.
Pajamas and Puppets Put on your onsies for rhymes, songs and a puppet show. 7 to 7:30 p.m. Northeast Branch Library, Seattle (Ravenna).
Thursday, December 20
Caspar Babypants Concert Sing and dance to “Frozen Penguin” or “Stompy the Bear.” 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Third Place Commons, Lake Forest Park.
Cartoon Happy Hour Introduce your kids to the ‘splats’ and ‘konks’ of your childhood at this family-friendly happy hour. Free classic cartoons; snacks and beverages for purchase. 5 to 7 p.m. Central Cinema, Seattle (Central District).
Friday, December 21
The Snow Queen Story Workshop Enter a Hans Christen Anderson world of magic through story, song and a snowflake craft. 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Kirkland Library.
Free Friday Night Explore the Imagine Children’s Museum for free every third Friday of the month. 5:30 to 9 p.m. Imagine Children’s Museum, Everett.
Family Game Night If you feel like laying low, but still want to get out of the house, go play board games with friends and neighbors. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Rainier Community Center, Seattle (Columbia City).
Community Bonfire and Christmas Ships Watch lighted holiday ships sail by while staying warm ashore. 9 to 9:30 p.m. Waverly Beach Park, Kirkland.
Saturday, December 22
Holiday Story Time This is one of the bookstore’s favorite story hours of the year. A special guest will read from a selection of holiday classics including The Polar Express. 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Elliot Bay Bookstore, Seattle (Capitol Hill).
Winter Break Movie: “Zoo” Watch a free family flick this afternoon. “Zoo” is based on the true story of a boy who tries to save a baby elephant during the air raids on Belfast in 1941. Rated PG. 1 to 2:45 p.m. Greenwood Branch Library, Seattle.
Community Campfire at the PlayGarden Bring an instrument to play, music to share and your favorite mug for hot chocolate. Cocoa, marshmallows, a warm fire and a fantastic playground are provided. 2 to 5 p.m. Seattle Children’s PlayGarden, Seattle (Mount Baker).
Snowflake Lane Dreaming of a white Christmas? It ‘snows’ nightly on this parade of toy soldiers and other holiday characters. 7 p.m. daily through Dec. 24. Downtown Bellevue.
Sunday, December 23
Spirit of Kwanzaa Drum and Dance-a-thon Celebrate family and culture, and experience the seven principles of Kwanza. 1 to 4 p.m. Beer Sheva Park, Seattle (Rainier Valley).
Wintertime Mokojumbies Watch stilt dancers groove to Soca music and take a calypso dance lesson. 2 to 4 p.m. Jimi Hendrix Park, Seattle (Mount Baker).
Whooo’s Hooting? Learn all about owls and dissect some owls pellets. For ages 5 to 10. Pre-register. 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Lewis Creek Visitors Center, Bellevue.
Snow Day in Denny Park Take a whimsical stroll through a city park illuminated with holiday lights. 4 to 9 p.m. Denny Park, Seattle (South Lake Union).
Want more? Check out our Family Fun Calendar, searchable by age, location, and cost.
