The holiday season is upon us, bringing with it all of the dazzling, festive shows and activities that make this time of year so much fun. Even in this economy, some of the most cherished holiday events sell out, as do the most sought-after dates and times for popular shows. It is worth getting your tickets early. Of course, there are many, many other fun holiday happenings in our area – check our online calendar at www.seattleschild.com for hundreds more fun and festive family outings.
Hanukkah Party
The Big Spin. Baby Disco is returns to Seattle to put on this giant Hanukkah party. The day includes a family disco, healthy snacks, face painting and fun, interactive booths and activities for kids of all ages. All proceeds benefit uncompensated care at Seattle Children’s Hospital. 2 to 5 p.m. Dec. 18. Adults $36, children $24, newborn to age 1 free. Tickets are available online or at Cupcake Royale locations. Showbox SoDo, 1700 First Avenue S., Seattle. www.thebigspin.org.
Christmas Ships
Argosy Christmas Ship Festival. Every night between Nov. 26 and Dec. 23, the Argosy Christmas Ship sails to different Puget Sound waterfront communities. Choirs onboard sing a 20-minute performance while crowds onshore gather to sing along. Some communities sponsor a bonfire. Joining the onshore fun is free. There is a fee to board the Christmas Ship or one of the other Parade ships, and partake in holiday activities ($25 to $58 adults, $22.50 to $58 seniors, $12 to $38 ages 5 to 12, free ages 4 and younger). A portion of the ticket sales benefits The Seattle Times Fund for the Needy. See the schedule online. 888-623-1445. www.argosycruises.com/themecruises/xmasSchedule.cfm.
Holiday Shows
Nutcracker. This lavish production from Pacific Northwest Ballet is known for its wondrous sets and costumes by children’s author and illustrator Maurice Sendak, professional dancers and the lush score by Tchaikovsky. Opening weekend pre-show activities include a magic show, children’s crafts and a mini dance class. Various times and dates, Nov. 25 through Dec. 27. $26 to $123, family packages $172 to $444 (four discounted tickets plus other discounts). Receive a 15 percent ticket discount on selected performances with a coupon from various merchants. McCaw Hall, 301 Mercer St., Seattle. 206-441-2424. www.pnb.org.
A Christmas Carol. A Seattle tradition, Charles Dickens’ heartwarming classic returns to ACT Theatre. Curmudgeon Ebenezer Scrooge requires visits from four spirits before he decides to mend his ways. Recommended for ages 5 to adult (some parts may be frightening for younger children). Various dates and times, Nov. 25 through Dec. 24. $22 to $49. ACT’s Allen Theatre, Kreielsheimer Place, 700 Union St., Seattle. 206-292-7676. www.acttheatre.org.
Black Nativity. This annual holiday production of the Langston Hughes classic is part theater, part concert and part church service. The hand-clapping, roof-raising musical celebration features an onstage band, dancers and gospel singers. Recommended for ages 5 to adult. $25 to $55. 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays, 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 22, plus 1 and 7 p.m. Dec. 23 and 2 p.m. Dec. 24. Moore Theatre, 1932 Second Ave., Seattle. 877-784-4849. www.stgpresents.org/artists/?artist=1594.
Owen Meany’s Christmas Pageant. Book-It’s holiday offering was taken from the novel A Prayer for Owen Meany, by John Irving. Tiny, take-charge Owen Meany is determined to play the baby Jesus in the church Christmas pageant, leading to hilarious adventures in a Northeastern town. This production is rated PG. Various dates and times Nov. 29 through Dec. 23. $20 to $36. Book-It Theater, Center House Theatre, 301 Harrison St., Seattle. 206-216-0833. www.book-it.org.
Cinderella. Rogers and Hammerstein’s take on the classic fairy tale, performed by all local talent. The production has lavish costumes and sets, romantic music and has a G rating, making it a perfect family holiday outing. Various dates and times, Nov. 25 through Dec. 31. $29 to $109. 5th Avenue Theatre, 1308 Fifth Ave., Seattle. 206-625-1900. www.5thavenuetheatre.org.
Beasley’s Christmas Party. Taproot Theatre offers up this holiday play based on a story by Booth Tarkington. The year is 1909, the setting a small Midwestern town. Is gubernatorial candidate David Beasley crazy, or merely eccentric? Find out in this charming, hopeful Christmas story. Recommended for ages 8 and older. 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Saturdays Nov. 25 through Dec. 30. $20 to $35. Taproot Theatre, 204 N. 85th St., Seattle. 206-781-9707. www.taproottheatre.org.
A Child’s Christmas in Wales. Dylan Thomas’ nostalgic, magical childhood Christmas is recreated at Stone Soup Theatre. Performers include both youth conservatory students and professional adult actors. The production includes live classic Welsh instrumentation and vocals. 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays Dec. 9-24, plus 2 p.m. Dec. 11, 17-18 and 21-24, and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21-22. $16 to $18. Stone Soup Theatre, 4029 Stone Way N., Seattle. 206-633-1883. www.brownpapertickets.com/event/193848.
Santa Trains
Mt. Rainier Santa Express. Visit Santa in his special railroad car and join him on a nostalgic trip in coaches pulled by a steam engine. Enjoy holiday music, hot cocoa, cider and cookies along the way. Departures 10 a.m., 1, and 4 p.m. weekends Nov. 26 through Dec. 18. Arrive a half hour prior to departure. $25 adults, $22 seniors and military, $20 ages 2 to 12, free age 1 and younger; seats are assigned. Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad, 349 Mineral Creek Road, Mineral. 888-783-2611. www.mrsr.com.
Northwest Railway Museum’s Santa Train. Board a train at the decorated depot in North Bend for a 20-minute ride to the 1890 Snoqualmie Depot. There, children can visit with Santa and indulge in refreshments served in the restored railway kitchen car. Visitors have time to explore local shops and attractions before the ride back to North Bend. Hourly departures 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Nov. 26 through Dec. 17, plus Dec. 16. $20 ages 2 and older. There is a $5 fee for each online or telephone order. Seating is not assigned, so arrive early. North Bend Depot, 205 McClellan St., North Bend. 425-888-2206. www.trainmuseum.org.
Lake Whatcom Railway Santa Train. Ride with Santa in vintage passenger cars pulled by a diesel locomotive. While the train heads through the woods west of Wickersham, Santa listens to Christmas wishes, elves hand out candy canes and visitors join in singing carols. Departures for the 1.5-hour trip are 9:30 a.m., noon and 2:30 p.m. Saturdays Dec. 4 through 17. $20 adults, $10 ages 2 to 17, free ages 1 and younger. Advance reservations, by mail only. Specify date, time (include second and third choices of date and time), number of adults and children, telephone number, and include a check and a self-addressed, stamped envelope. P.O. Box 91, Acme, WA 98220. 360-595-2218. www.lakewhatcomrailway.com.
Chehalis-Centralia Railroad’s Polar Express and Santa Train. The Polar Express train trip, inspired by the book and movie of the same name, includes a reading of The Polar Express, hot chocolate and cookies. Santa boards the train at the “North Pole,” and Christmas carols are sung on the return trip. Wear your pajamas. Various dates and times, Nov. 25 through Dec. 18. Adults $25, kids ages 3 to 16 $15. On the Santa Train, the jolly man himself is onboard for the nearly half-hour ride. 12:30 or 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 3-12. Ages 3 to adult $8. Chehalis-Centralia Railroad, 1101 Sylvenus St., Chehalis. 360-748-9593. www.steamtrainride.com/santa.html.
