Community Calendar

The Kitsap Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) sponsors a FREE Army-Navy Game watch party to benefit Santa’s Castle, an all volunteer charity located on JBLM that provides free toys, books coats etc to young military families that struggle to provide gifts to their children on Christmas. They serve approximately 4,000 children from bases across Washington. All we ask of attendees is to make a monetary donation to Santa’s Castle. Their website is: jblmsantascastle.org.

Connect to a world of sparkling lights, amusements and spirited entertainment at Seattle Center Winterfest, presented by Symetra, Nov. 28 – Dec. 31, 2025 happening in-person on our grounds. Throughout the five weeks of Winterfest, those in search of uplifting seasonal spirit or delightful diversion will find seasonal decor, ice sculpting, our Winter Train & Village, weekend entertainment on the Armory Stage, and a New Year's Eve Celebration.

Seattle Christmas Market
From November 20 to December 24 the Fisher Pavilion and South Fountain Lawn at Seattle Center will be transformed into a European-inspired outdoor Christmas village and community marketplace. A true feast for the senses with festive decorations, daily live entertainment, sweet and savory treats, hot chocolate and Glühwein (hot mulled wine), and beautifully handcrafted gifts at over 60 local and international vendors, the Seattle Christmas Market is the perfect place to celebrate the magic of the holiday season.

Winter Train & Village
Delight in viewing a late 19th-century model train and village display, installed inside the Armory Food & Event Hall. This annual tradition has been on display for nearly 50 years! The public is invited to take a turn operating the train, or interact by participating in our Scavenger Hunt. Pick up your entry sheet at the Train Station, and see how many clues you can spot. The train operates 10am to 6pm daily from November 28th through December 31st. Visitors are invited to operate the train between 10:30am and 5:30pm. Donations accepted to keep the train operating. Audio description and accessible transcripts for the display available from the Yard Boss at the Train Station.

Winterfest World Bazaar presented by Festál
Shop for your holiday gifts at this special World Bazaar, offering goods created by local BIPOC artists, and curated by community partners. Browse a rotating roster of vendors on weekends, noon to 6pm between November 28th and December 21st. Check out our event calendar for list of vendors on each day.

Symetra Ice Spectacle
Our weekly Ice Sculpting series is back! Watch as acclaimed carvers create original sculptures made of ice each Saturday during Winterfest starting at 12pm at Mural Amphitheatre. Artists include Chan Kitburi, Janson Iwakami and James Royal.

More information at: https://www.seattlecenter.com/events/featured-events/winterfest

Merry & Musical

Celebrate the season with the Monroe Community Band at our annual holiday concert, Merry & Musical! Join us on Saturday, December 13 at 2:00 PM at the Wagner Performing Arts Center for an afternoon filled with festive cheer, classic holiday melodies, and heartwarming community spirit.

This free, family-friendly concert is the perfect way to kick off the holidays. Enjoy a joyful mix of traditional favorites and lively tunes performed by local musicians dedicated to spreading holiday joy through music.

Bring your loved ones, sing along, and let the sounds of the season fill your heart!

📍 Wagner Performing Arts Center, 639 W Main Street, Monroe, WA
🎟️ Admission: Free

For five unforgettable seasons, Harlequin’s A Christmas Carol has captured the hearts of audiences across the South Sound. Now, in our 5th anniversary production, we invite you to rediscover Dickens’ timeless tale of hope, redemption, and the true spirit of the season. Whether it’s your first visit or a return to a beloved tradition, this year promises to be the most memorable yet—with a reworked script, new characters, an updated set, new special effects, and all the warmth, music, and holiday magic you’ve come to cherish. Traditions evolve, and who knows what the future holds? Don’t miss this milestone year of A Christmas Carol at Harlequin.

Join Capital City Chorus of Olympia to celebrate the holidays with their 7th annual Christmas concert featuring an array of holiday favorites and classic carols. Both the Mixed Ensemble and treble Chorale will be featured. Fun for the family. Our concerts are always free, and we welcome everyone! Donations are graciously accepted.

Northern Lights
Music of the Nordic and Baltic Countries

The otherworldly beauty of the aurora borealis is the spark for our holiday concert. From medieval chant and traditional carols to dazzling works by Arvo Pärt, Ola Gjeilo, and Veljo Tormis, you’ll journey through a thousand years of ethereal Baltic and Nordic choral music. In our centerpiece, Northern Lights by Ēriks Ešenvalds, voices, chimes, and tuned water goblets combine to evoke the spectacle of the aurora.

In person: Saturday, December 13, 2025 ‐ 3pm & 7pm
Chapel at Bastyr University - Kenmore, WA
pre-concert conversation at 2:30pm & 6:30pm

In person: Saturday, December 20, 2025 ‐ 3pm & 7pm
Seattle First Baptist Church - Harvard & Seneca, Seattle
pre-concert conversation at 2:30pm & 6:30pm

Streaming: Monday, December 22, 2025 ‐ 7:30pm
online, free; donations gratefully accepted
premiering on YouTube on December 22 and available on-demand for 30 days

Of note: Our performances of Northern Lights at Bastyr University Chapel will be sung-through, and will not include any spoken introductions to the pieces after our welcome message; we will ask the audience to hold applause until the end of the concert. These concerts will be recorded.

Our performances of Northern Lights at Seattle First Baptist Church will include introductions from choir members and Karen P. Thomas, and audience members will be encouraged to applaud as they are moved to do so.

The Bellevue Downtown Ice Rink presented by Symetra returns for its 28th year! The region’s largest ice-skating experience boasts over 9,000 square feet of real ice in a fully covered, open-air venue at Bellevue Downtown Park. Join for a season of festive fun featuring free skate lessons courtesy of Microsoft, themed skate nights, on-site concessions, and more. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or a novice eager to learn, get ready to bundle up for an unforgettable time on the ice.

Winter Bonsai Solstice

An Evening of Miniature Marvels: Bonsai Solstice Returns!
Discover a Winter Wonderland of Living Art
Imagine a winter evening where tiny trees come alive with twinkling lights, where nature’s delicate artistry meets seasonal enchantment. Pacific Bonsai Museum invites you to its 11th annual Winter Bonsai Solstice – a rare, must-experience evening that transforms our world-renowned bonsai collection into a captivating living scene of wonder.

An Extraordinary Night
Saturday, December 13 | 4 PM – 7 PM
This is one of only two nights the Museum opens after dark, offering a truly magical experience you won’t want to miss. As twilight descends, our meticulously cultivated bonsai will be bathed in soft, ethereal holiday lights – with even more illuminated displays than ever before, creating a breathtaking showcase of living art that bridges nature and season.

Holiday Market
Discover unique, handcrafted treasures from seven local artisans and purveyors of unique goods, plus the Museum’s Pop-Up Store featuring exclusive museum merchandise – perfect gifts for the nature lovers in your life. Vendors include:
* Courtney Branam, Handcrafted glassware
* Jade & Co., Plants, bonsai supplies, classes, and events
* Minerva Studio, Fiber art
* Mrs. Robinson’s Affair, Gemstone jewelry
* Pacific Bonsai Museum Pop-Up Shop, New gift items and exclusive merchandise
* Rebecca Luncan, Prints and paintings
* Sen Nen Design, Japanese Calligraphy
* QueenCare, Aromatherapy and skincare products

Festive Atmosphere
* FREE hot chocolate to warm your spirits
* Festive music throughout the evening
* Family-friendly atmosphere
* BYOF (Bring Your Own Flashlight) for a personal exploration adventure

Event Essentials
Date & Time: Saturday, December 13, 2025 | 4–7 PM
Location: Pacific Bonsai Museum, 2515 S 336th Street, Federal Way, WA 98001
Admission: FREE thanks to support from 4Culture
Parking: Free parking available
Weather: Event happens rain or moonshine

Garden d’Lights is a dazzling holiday tradition that transforms the Bellevue Botanical Garden into a magical wonderland of over half a million sparkling lights in whimsical shapes of plants, flowers, birds, animals, and cascading waterfalls, all set amid the Garden’s natural beauty. Now celebrating its 31st year, this beloved family event continues to enchant visitors with festive charm and imaginative displays.

We're showing off our Holiday Bundle Wine Gifts so you can try before you buy - all are paired with delicious small bites. Make it extra fun and rock your best holiday sweater!

Try 3 amazing wines perfectly paired with a small bite for $35 per person.