As the nights get longer, and the days get wetter, there’s plenty of fun family fare to be had in Seattle’s theaters and concert venues. Here’s a selection of music, dance and theater to be enjoyed around town as 2018 winds to a close. More fall theater here.
The Velveteen Rabbit
Seattle Children’s Theatre
201 Thomas StNov. 1 through Dec. 30
Britain’s leading theater company for young children, Unicorn Theatre, produced this dramatization of the beloved story about a toy rabbit who longs to become real.
The Nutcracker
Pacific Northwest Ballet
McCaw Hall
321 Mercer StNov. 23 through Dec. 28
Every detail of this production is beautifully done. The dancing involves the whole Pacific Northwest Ballet company and almost 200 students from its school. The company’s own live orchestra plays Tchaikovsky’s music. The costumes and sets are designed by Ian Falconer, creator of the “Olivia” books, and they are suitably eyepopping and fanciful. Between the action, the music and the beautiful sets, clothes and the general swankiness of McCaw Hall, it’s a spectacle from start to finish. Wear your fancy clothes and get your picture taken in the lobby.
Christmas Carol
ACT Theatre
Washington State Convention Center
700 Union StNov. 23 through Dec. 28
ACT Theatre (ACT stands for “A Contemporary Theatre”) stages this powerful Dickens tale every holiday season. Kids must be at least 5 years old to attend.
Christmastown
Nov. 23 through Dec. 24
Seattle Public Theater
7312 West Green Lake Dr NThis film-noir style production follows detective Nick Holiday in his quest for the truth about Big Red.
In the Heights
Nov. 23 through Dec. 30
Seattle Repertory Theater
155 Mercer StreetBefore Lin-Manuel Miranda changed the world with a musical about the America’s first secretary of the treasury, he created this Tony-award winning show about New York’s Washington Heights neighborhood.
Nov. 23 through Dec. 30
The Fifth Ave Theatre
1308 5th AveThis musical about a plucky orphan has lots of kids on stage and the catchiest of tunes.
A Charlie Brown Christmas
https://taproottheatre.org/shows/2018/a-charlie-brown-christmas-2018/
Nov. 30 through Dec. 27
Taproot Theatre
204 N 85th StBased on the 1965 TV special, this 40 minute show is for all ages.
Seattle Symphony Family Concert: The Snowman
11 a.m. Saturday Dec. 1
Benaroya Hall
200 University StThis symphony concert for children aged six to 12 includes a screening of the film of Raymond Briggs’ “The Snowman.” Activities in the lobby, including an instrument “petting zoo,” start an hour before the concert.
The Not-Its!
10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 1
Mount Baker Community Club
2811 Mount Rainier Dr SThis five-piece band plays bouncy pop tunes with a loopy sense of humor. Song titles from their new album, “Ready or Not” include Little Bug, Staring Contest, and The Battle of Curriculum Night. Today’s concert is part of the Mount Baker Community Club’s Kindiependent Kids Rock Series.
Seattle Symphony The Winds: The Nutcracker
Friday, Dec. 7 and Saturday, Dec. 8
Nordstrom Recital Hall (upstairs at Benaroya Hall)
200 University StIn this short concert designed for kids 5 and younger, Seattle Symphony musicians present the story of the Nutcracker using the flute, oboe, French horn, clarinet and bassoon. Come 30 minutes before the performance for free activities in the lobby. Part of Seattle Symphony’s Tiny Tots Concert Series.
Times: 10:30 a.m. Dec. 7, 9:30 a.m.,10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Dec. 8.
Eli Rosenblatt
10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 8
Mount Baker Community Club
2811 Mount Rainier Dr SEli Rosenblatt incorporates an array of musical styles – including samba, salsa, reggae and klezmer – into his high-energy sets. Today’s concert is part of the Mount Baker Community Club’s Kindiependent Kids Rock Series.
Caspar Babypants
Saturday December 8 and Sunday December 9
Saturday’s concerts are at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. at the Martin Luther King FAME Center, 3201 E Republican St.
Sunday’s concerts are at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. at the Westside School, 10404 34th Ave SW.
Also known as Chris Ballew, the lead singer and co-founder of the Presidents of the United States of America, Caspar Babypants sings danceable, whimsical songs. He plays four concerts as part of Seattle Town Hall’s Saturday Family Concert Series.
Latinx Holiday Family Fiesta
4:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Saturday, Dec. 8 and Sunday, Dec. 9
Saturday: Sunset Hill Community Center, 3003 NW 66th St
Sunday: Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute, 104 17th Ave S
Ballard Civic Orchestra and Seattle World Orchestra are part of the program which includes traditional music, food, and festivities.
Jose Gonzales Trio Plays “A Charlie Brown Christmas”
1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9
Cornish Playhouse
201 Mercer StA family concert of Vince Guaraldi’s delightful score for “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”
The LeeVees
1 p.m Sunday Dec. 9
Stroum Jewish Community Center
3801 E Mercer Way, Mercer IslandIt’s a Hanukkah Family Dance Party, with the LeeVees, a New York City rock band that plays tunes about Jewish life, such as “Gelt Melts” and “How do you spell Chanukkahh? There will be games, food, and candle lighting.
Puss in Boots
Dec. 8 through Jan. 6.
Hales Ales Palladium
4301 Leary Way NWEvery year, the Fremont Players concoct a traditional British pantomime, complete with original songs, goofy jokes, and loud audience participation.
Disney’s The Lion King
Dec. 13, 2018 through Jan. 6, 2019
Paramount Theatre
911 Pine StSeattle gets a chance to see the hit Disney musical with songs by Elton John, spectacularly brought to life using puppets.
Seattle Festival Orchestra Holiday Concerts
5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15 and 3 p.m Sunday, Dec. 16
Faith Lutheran Church
8208 18th Ave NEThe Seattle Festival Concert puts on two family friendly shows featuring seasonal favorites, such as the Nutcracker and A Charlie Brown Christmas.
