Dec 21 Sunday
KIDSTAGE proudly presents a student-performed concert production of Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812, the electropop opera from award-winning composer Dave Malloy based on a scandalous slice of Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace.
Young and impulsive, Natasha Rostova arrives in Moscow to await the return of her fiancé from the front lines. When she falls under the spell of the roguish Anatole, it is up to Pierre, a family friend in the middle of an existential crisis, to pick up the pieces of her shattered reputation.
Dec 22 Monday
Supported by KNKX. Grammy Award winning Americana, bluegrass, classical and jazz artists Mark and Maggie O’Connor will be releasing their new album A Christmas Duo this fall on OMAC Records to coincide with their annual holiday tour, An Appalachian Christmas.
Mark O’Connor, a three-time Grammy winner, is a legendary musician well-known for his instrumental virtuosity as well has his American classical compositions for Yo-Yo Ma and symphony orchestras. His wife, Maggie, a talented violinist in her own right who earned her Grammy by playing bluegrass with the O’Connor Band, plays fiddle and sings lead on the forthcoming album, while Mark adds harmonies and plays fiddle, guitar, mandolin and mandocello.
As Mark, a seven-time CMA Musician of the Year, explains, “This recording is our duo at its level best. The annual touring of my An Appalachian Christmas helped us discover on stage what this genre could really unfold artistically when we bring to the forefront all of our stringed instruments along with our vocals. We found another dimension to the music here—a spirited instrumental tour-de-force if you will. We’re getting standing ovations in the middle of the concerts, and it’s Christmas music!”
Over the course of several years, the O’Connors have compiled a n
Experience the wild wonder of the holiday season as you traverse through the Mystical Forest where stunning creatures gleam brightly! Here, behold the magical forest train, mystical tree fairies and fantastical unicorns. Embark on a Journey on a Bright Desert Highway and see desert flora and fauna before discovering Marvelous Mammals where spectacular Northwest animals are vividly portrayed in lantern form. Family-favorite Interactive Lanterns are spread throughout the WildLanterns spaces. Let your imagination take flight in the Birds of Paradise zone, swan into this area where magnificent peacocks flaunt their flamboyant plumes and birds of a feather perch on enchanted branches. Finally, embark on a journey Under the Jungle Canopy and spot all the mischievous monkeys hiding in the foliage!
The Seattle Men’s Chorus rings in everyone’s favorite holiday tradition: seasonal classics, Christmas comedy, costumes, dancing and the gayest sing-along in Seattle. We premiere NOTcracker Suite…our very own four-minute rendition of the holiday staple featuring hilarious lyrics, props, and antics you expect from the Men’s Chorus. It’s the holliest, jolliest time of the year!
Schedule:
Friday, December 5, 2025 7:30pm Pantages Theatre, TacomaSunday, December 7, 2025 2:00pm Everett Civic Auditorium, EverettSaturday, December 13, 2025 1:00pm Benaroya Hall, SeattleFriday, December 19, 2025 7:30pm Benaroya Hall, SeattleSaturday, December 20, 2025 11:00am 1-hr Kids Show, Benaroya Hall, SeattleSaturday, December 20, 2025 2:00pm Benaroya Hall, SeattleTuesday, December 23, 2025 7:30pm Benaroya Hall, Seattle (Video On Demand available through January 6, 2026)
Stroll through a magical world with over 1.5 million sparkling lights. A classic holiday tradition, Zoolights has dazzled our community for 38 years. Online timed tickets are required. Our aquariums are closed and animals are sleeping during Zoolights. Visit during the day to see your favorite animals. Closed Dec. 24 & 25.
See the zoo transform into a colorful winter wonderland with over 1.5 million lights. From the giant Pacific octopus to the Narrows Bridges, the Flame Tree to the Seahawks tree, and a magical tunnel of lights, come find your favorite displays... and don’t forget to hunt for Sasquatch!
Meet our magnificent herd of goats! During this one-of-a-kind holiday-themed private animal encounter, you’ll get up close and personal with our playful goats. Give the goats festive enrichment and then head into the zoo to enjoy all the sparkling lights. Space is limited.
For the first time ever, you can bring your dog to Zoolights! Mark your calendars for select Dog Nights on Dec. 1, 3, 9, 10 and Jan. 4. It’s a magical way to enjoy the lights with your furry friend by your side.
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® returns to brighten your holidays! Experience the sparkle, dancing, music, and magic that only The Nutcracker can bring. We’ll be decking the halls (McCaw Hall, that is) and putting on the greatest show in town, all you need are your tickets. Gather your friends and family for the Northwest’s favorite holiday tradition, a treat you’ll savor all season long.
Langston Hughes’ gospel song-play returns! Featuring 30 performers, a live band, powerful vocals, a citywide gospel choir—and a chance to sing along. The magic and joy of the Christmas story is brought to life with vivid colors, dance and music. A joyful holiday celebration for all ages and beliefs that will have you leaping to your feet.
Sponsored by KNKX. Bundle up in your favorite sweater, put on a cozy hat, tie on your skates, and celebrate the season at the annual Oly on Ice, a pop-up ice skating rink in Olympia. As the days grow colder and holiday season begins residents and visitors of Olympia will see a large white tent pop up in Isthmus Park. Enter the tent and prepare to have a blast as you join the group of ice skaters making their way around the rink. The annual Oly on Ice event brings together people of all ages and skill levels for a memorable winter experience.
The stars are descending from the night sky. Set off across mysterious grounds to discover a celestial pathway of lustrous light, cosmic visions, and astral song. Immerse yourself in illuminating encounters of lighting, projection and sound, and connect with the stars before they return to the sky above.
Astra Lumina at Chinese Garden is the 21st experience in the Lumina Enchanted Night Walk series.
Astra Lumina welcomes you to an extraordinary place, a garden right here on earth that shares a special connection with the sky above. Come nightfall, the garden sets the stage for a phenomenal event: a visit from the stars.
Echoes of the Floating World features a striking collection of 18th, 19th and early 20th-century Japanese woodblock prints from the Tacoma Art Museum and others, displayed alongside works by contemporary Northwest artists. This exhibition honors the rich legacy of ukiyo-e while exploring its cultural impact on today’s artistic expressions.
Hours-
Monday CLOSEDTuesday CLOSEDWednesday 10 am – 5 pmThursday 10 am – 8 pmFriday 10 am – 5 pmSaturday 10 am – 5 pmSunday 10 am – 5 pm
