December 2005
Editor’s Note: Event information is subject to cancellation or change. Please phone ahead to confirm event dates, times and costs.
Highlights
Victorian Holiday Celebration
Volunteers in Victorian costumes will serve refreshments against a backdrop
of hundreds of poinsettias and fragrant paperwhite narcissus at the Victorian-styled
W.W. Seymour Conservatory in Wright Park 10am-3pm Dec. 3. Craft tables
will be set up for kids, and photos with Santa will be available for $10.
Admission is FREE, but families are encouraged to donate socks, hats,
mittens or cash for distribution at a local family shelter. .W. Seymour
Botanical Conservatory, 316 S G St., Tacoma. 253-591-5330. www.metroparkstacoma.org.
Camp 6 Santa Train
The Camp 6 Logging Museum offers train rides with Santa on its logging
rails the first three weekends of December 10am-4pm. Train leaves approximately
every half hour. Santa visits with each child during the trip and cheerfully
accommodates parent-photographers. After the ride, passengers are invited
into the museum for hot chocolate, cider and cookies. All ages. $1. Warm
clothing recommended for the open-air cars. Camp 6 Logging Museum in Tacoma’s
Point Defiance Park. 253-752-0047.
Lighted Boat Parade
Enjoy one of the most spectacular sights of the season. This parade of
yachts, sailboats, and even a dinghy or two, will all be lit up to celebrate
the season. All ages. At dusk, approximately 5:30pm Dec. 10. FREE. Downtown
Gig Harbor. Viewing locations include Jerisich Dock, Skansie Brothers
Park, Dorotich View Point, Ruth Bogue Viewing Area and Finholm View Climb.
253-851-1807.
Hot Tip!
Trips for Teens
Pierce County Parks and Recreation is now offering trips for teens 12
to 16. Snow tubing is scheduled for Dec. 28 and snowboarding/skiing for
Dec. 30. Pick-up and drop-off are at the Lakewood Community Center and
the Sprinker Recreation Center in Parkland/Spanaway. Prices range from
$35 to $65. 253-798-4753.
1 Thursday
Lacey Tree Lighting. Old-fashioned fun will include caroling, hot cocoa and coffee, cookies, and Santa’s arrival on a fire truck. Also features concerts by the Fort Lewis I Corp Band and the Komachin Middle School Choir. All ages. 6-6:30pm. FREE. West Plaza Park, corner of Sleater-Kinney Rd. and Seventh Ave. SE, Lacey.
Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium. Open 9:30am-4pm daily. $8.75 adults, $7 ages 4 to 14, free ages 3 and younger. Pierce County residents receive discounted admission. Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, in Tacoma’s Point Defiance Park. 253-591-5337. www.pdza.org.
Free night at the Washington State History Museum. All ages. 5-8pm. FREE every Thursday. Washington State History Museum, 1911 Pacific Ave., Tacoma. 1-888-238-4373. www.wshs.org.
Free night at the Museum of Flight. All ages. 5-9pm. FREE first Thursdays. 9404 E Marginal Way S (next to Boeing Field), Seattle. 206-764-5720. www.museumofflight.org.
Free day at the Seattle Art Museum. All ages. 10am-9pm. FREE first Thursdays. 100 University St., Seattle. 206-654-3100. www.seattleartmuseum.org.
Free night at the Henry Art Gallery, University of Washington. All ages. FREE Thursdays 5-8pm. 15th Ave. NE, Seattle. 206-543-2280. www.henryart.org.
2 Friday
Festival of Trees. In its 19th year, this event features nearly 70 elaborately decorated evergreen trees, live entertainment, special theme days, activities, displays, and pictures with Santa for the entire family. 10am-3pm today and tomorrow, 11am-4pm Sunday. $6 adults, $2 ages 12 and younger. Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center, 1500 Broadway St., Tacoma. 253-403-1368.
Organ at Noon. University organist Joseph Adam performs a 50-minute recital on the Schneebeck organ. Today’s concert features holiday favorites with carols for audience singing. 12:05pm. FREE. Kilworth Chapel, University of Puget Sound, 1500 N Warner St., Tacoma. 253-879-3555. www.ups.edu/events.
Celebrate His Birth. Metropolitan Ballet of Tacoma presents this Nativity Ballet. Using Bach's Magnificat as the backdrop for much of the music, the ballet is framed with scripture to tell the story of Christ's birth. 8pm. $15-$20. The Washington Center for the Performing Arts, 512 Washington St. SE, Olympia. 360-753-8585. www.washingtoncenter.org.
Saint Lucia Fest. 7:30pm. $3-$7. Mary Baker Russell Music Center, 124th St. S and 10th Ave S, Parkland. 253-535-9360.
UPS Band and Wind Ensemble. 7:30pm. FREE. University of Puget Sound, Schneebeck Concert Hall, N 14th St. and N Union Ave., Tacoma. 253-879-3419. www.ups.edu.
Northwest Trek Wildlife Park. Open 9:30am-3pm Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. $9.50 adults, $7 ages 5 to 17, $5 ages 3 to 4, free ages 2 and younger. Pierce County residents receive discounted admission. Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, 11610 Trek Dr. E, Eatonville. 360-832-7166. www.nwtrek.org.
Free First Friday Night at Hands On Children’s Museum in Olympia. All ages. 5-9pm. Origami ornaments with Barb Jacobsen 5-6:30pm. FREE. Hands On Children’s Museum, 11th Ave. and Capitol Way, Olympia. 360-956-0818. www.hocm.org.
Free First Friday at Children’s Museum of Tacoma. All ages. 10am-7pm. FREE for families. Children’s Museum, 936 Broadway, Tacoma. 253-627-6031. www.childrensmuseumoftacoma.org.
3 Saturday
Breakfast with Santa and Tim Noah. All ages. 8:30-10:30am. $12.50, free ages 2 and younger. Registration required by Dec. 1. Pioneer Park Pavilion, 324 S Meridian, Puyallup. 253-841-5457. www.cityofpuyallup.org.
Dickens of a Christmas. Set in a 1910 streetscape, this Victorian-themed holiday shopping celebration will feature an old-fashioned tree lighting, storytelling, a Father Christmas visit, music and more. Free carriage rides; fresh roasted nuts and gaily decorated streets bring back the Victorian and turn of the century celebration to life. Today and tomorrow. Call or visit the Web site for schedule. FREE. Downtown Centralia. 360-748-8885. www.tourlewiscounty.com.
Santa Parade. Fifty-two years of tradition begins the holiday season in historic downtown Chehalis as horses, high school bands, vintage cars and more wind through the main street of town. Merchant drawings and family activities make this day special for the entire family. Noon. FREE. Take exit 79 to downtown Chehalis. 360-748-8885. www.tourlewiscounty.com.
Gig Harbor Art Walk. Enjoy specials
and demonstrations at Gig Harbor’s art galleries.
All ages. 1-5pm. FREE. Downtown Gig Harbor. 253-851-5546. www.gigharborguide.com.
Eatonville Holiday Parade. Watch Santa arrive in style, courtesy of the fire department. The celebration features lights, music, floats and candy for the kids. Call for Santa's arrival time. FREE. Downtown Eatonville. 360-832-4000.
Photography/Print Photo Transfer. Explore how photography can be used to create meaning, but not necessarily represent reality through this fun one-hour photo transfer art project. Using elements from Margaret Bourke-White's photographs, participants will transfer images onto a canvas backing to create their own individual messages. Ages 8 and older. 3pm. FREE. Tillicum Library, 14916 Washington Ave. SE, Tacoma. 253-588-1014. www.pcl.lib.wa.us.
Gig Harbor Tree Lighting. Festivities include Santa’s arrival on a fire truck. Kids may visit with Santa during this annual tradition. All ages. Entertainment begins at 5pm; tree will be lit at 5:30pm. FREE. Jerisich and Skansie Brothers Park, Harborview Dr., downtown Gig Harbor. 253-851-8136. www.gigharborguide.com.
Christmas on the Hill Concert. All ages. 7pm. FREE. Chapel Hill Church, 7700 Skansie Ave. NW, Gig Harbor. 253-851-7779. www.chapelhillpc.org.
South Sound Classical Choir Christmas Concert. 7-9pm today at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, 2306 Milton Way, Milton; 3-5pm tomorrow at Mason United Methodist Church, 2710 N Madison St., Tacoma; 7-9pm Dec. 10 at Puyallup First Baptist Church, 1219 15th St. NW, Puyallup. FREE, but donations accepted. 253-841-0274.
Holiday Sounds of the Season. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and join the Tacoma Symphony Orchestra in a holiday celebration. Special guests will be the Tacoma Youth Chorus Chorale and Chamber Choir. 7:30pm today and 2:30pm tomorrow. Call or visit Web site for ticket prices. Pantages Theater, Ninth and Broadway, Tacoma. 253-272-7264. www.tacomasymphonyorchestra.com.
UPS Madrigal Singer and Adelphian Choir Holiday Concert. 7:30pm today, 2pm tomorrow. $4-$8. University of Puget Sound, Kilworth Memorial Chapel, N 18th St. and Union Ave., Tacoma. 253-879-3555. www.ups.edu.
Federal Way Symphony Holiday Pops Concert. 8pm today, 2pm tomorrow. $20-$25. St. Luke's Lutheran Church, 515 S 312th St., Federal Way. 253-529-9857. www.federalwaysymphony.org.
Snow Days at Kitsap Mall. Experience the magic of the holiday season while it snows at Kitsap Mall. All ages. 9am-10pm today and 10am-7pm tomorrow. FREE. Kitsap Mall, 10415 Silverdale Way NW, Silverdale. 360-698-2555. www.ShopKitsapMall.com.
Festival of Trees. Tacoma. See Dec. 2.
4 Sunday
Fort Nisqually 19th Century Christmas. Discover how Christmas and Hogmanay (Scottish New Year) were celebrated at this Hudson’s Bay Company trading post. Volunteers reenact the daily life of workers from the many cultures who lived at the fort in 1855, sharing stories, songs, cookies, dancing, and carrying the Yule log as they engage in friendly conversation. **11am-4pm. $4 adults, $3 ages 13 to 17 and 62 and older, $2 ages 5 to 12, 4 and younger, free. Fort Nisqually, in Tacoma’s Point Defiance Park. 253-591-5339. www.fortnisqually.org.
Gingerbread Workshops. Make the holiday season even more festive by participating in a Gingerbread Workshop at the Sheraton Tacoma Hotel’s ballroom. 10am-12:30pm or 1:30-4pm. $35 per house. Includes everything needed to create a one-of-a-kind gingerbread house. Sponsored by the Children’s Museum of Tacoma. 253-627-6031.
What Child Is This? Performances by the Choir of the West, Pacific University Chorale and members of the University Symphony Orchestra. 4pm. $15. Olson Auditorium, PLU, 1010 122nd St. S, Tacoma. 253-535-7602. www.plu.edu.
Sing with the Symphony presented by the Olympia Symphony Orchestra. This family-oriented holiday celebration features traditional favorites, a singalong and more. 7pm. Call for ticket prices. Saint Martin’s University Pavilion, 5300 Pacific Ave. SE, Lacey. 360-753-0074. www.olympiasymphony.com.
Solvvinden Flute Choir and Guitar Ensemble. A Christmas concert. 8pm. FREE. Lagerquist Concert Hall, PLU, 1010 122nd St. S, Tacoma. 253-535-7602. www.plu.edu.
Festival of Trees. Tacoma. See Dec. 2.
Holiday Sounds of the Season. Tacoma. See Dec. 3.
Dickens of a Christmas. Centralia. See Dec. 3.
5 Monday
UPS Percussion Ensemble Concert. 7:30pm. FREE. University of Puget Sound, Schneebeck Concert Hall, N 14th St and N Union Ave., Tacoma. 253-879-3419. www.ups.edu.
6 Tuesday
W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory. See this Victorian-style conservatory’s core collection of 550 plant species, featuring hundreds of orchids, plus cacti, palms, cycads, ferns, mosses, riotous tropical foliage and citrus trees. 10am-4:30pm Tuesdays through Sundays. Special musical performance second Sundays 1-2:30pm. FREE, but donations welcome. W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory, 316 S G St., Tacoma. 253-591-5330. www.metroparkstacoma.org.
Sounds of Christmas with Martin Luther. Pacific Lutheran University Singers and the University Men's Chorus will perform as Dennis Sepper portrays Martin Luther, reading excerpts from the Christmas Sermons. 8pm. $8 adults, free, ages 18 and younger. Lagerquist Concert Hall, PLU, 1010 122nd St. S, Tacoma. 253-535-7602. www.plu.edu.
7 Wednesday
UPS Chorale and Dorian Singers Holiday Concert. 7:30pm. FREE. University of Puget Sound, Kilworth Memorial Chapel, N 18th St. and Union Ave., Tacoma. 253-879-3555. www.ups.edu.
8 Thursday
Christmas Jam Live Broadcast. KPLU 88.5 will broadcast this popular Christmas jazz concert live. Noon. FREE. Lagerquist Concert Hall, PLU, 1010 122nd St. S, Tacoma. 253-535-7602. www.plu.edu.
Jubilee. A youth and adult performing arts holiday concert. All ages. 7-8:30pm. FREE. Donations of non-perishable food items will be accepted at the door. North Thurston High School, 600 Sleater-Kinney Rd. NE, Lacey. 360-491-0857.
Sailing Carolers. A community singalong. As the Argosy cruise ship sails into Gig Harbor, carolers aboard will serenade people on shore. All ages. 8pm. FREE. Skansie Brothers Park in downtown Gig Harbor. 253-851-8136.
PLU String Kaleidoscope. 8pm. $3-$8, ages 18 and younger, free. Mary Baker Russell Music Center, 124th St. S and 10th Ave. S, Parkland. 253-535-7602.
Free night at the Washington State History Museum. Tacoma. See Dec. 1.
9 Friday
Journey to Bethlehem. A half-hour interactive drama featuring guided walk-through of the streets of Bethlehem. Visitors meet shepherds from the fields to see the new baby in a manger. Arrive between 6:30-8:30pm today, 4-7pm tomorrow and Sunday. FREE, with canned food donation. Parkway Presbyterian Church, 714 138th St. E, Tacoma. 253-531-4373.
10 Saturday
Tacoma Mall Santa Breakfast. Join Santa for a McDonald's breakfast. All ages. 8:30-11:30am. $5. Tacoma Mall, 4502 S Steele St., Tacoma. 253-475-4566. www.simonkidgitsclub.com.
Festival of Tables. A holiday brunch. All ages. 10am-12:30pm. $12. Chapel Hill Church, 7700 Skansie Ave. NW Gig Harbor. 253-851-7779. www.chapelhillpc.org.
Holiday Festival. Features crafts, entertainment, and visits with Santa. All ages. 10am-2pm. FREE admission; some crafts have fees. South Park Community Center, 4851 S Tacoma Way, Tacoma. 253-591-5229. www.metroparkstacoma.org.
Winter Chill Kool Kids Workshop. Make gingerbread houses and enjoy holiday snacks. Ages 5 to 7. 10-11:30am. $15, registration required. Puyallup Recreation Center, 808 Valley Ave. NW, Puyallup. 253-841-5457. www.cityofpuyallup.org.
Puppets Please. All ages. FREE. 10:30am at Parkland/Spanaway Library, 13718 Pacific Ave. S, Tacoma. 253-531-4656; noon at Summit Library, 5107 12th St. E, Tacoma. 253-536-6186.
Holiday Baby Fest. Activities, seminars, samples and product demonstrations. Noon-4pm. FREE. Babies R Us, 2502 South 48th St., Tacoma. 253-472-4441.
Museum of Glass Family Day. Create a work of art with Jennifer Adams and join Quinault Tribe ambassador Harvest Moon for Native American storytelling and activities. All ages. 1-4pm. Included with admission. $10 adults, $4 ages 6 to 12, free, younger than age 6. Museum of Glass, 1801 E Dock St., Tacoma. 253-284-4750. www.museumofglass.org.
Christmas at Fort Steilacoom. Visitors will observe an 1859 candlelight Christmas at this historic fort. Children's craft activities available. 4-8pm. Call for cost. Fort Steilacoom, 9601 Steilacoom Blvd. SW, Lakewood. 253-756-3928. www.fortsteilacoom.com.
Parents’ Night Out. Take a break or make a date while the kids have a blast at Hands On Children’s Museum with activities, pizza, veggies and creative play. Ages 4 to 10. 6-9:30pm. $20 first child, $15 each additional sibling. Pre-registration required. Hands On Children’s Museum, 11th and Capitol Way, Olympia. 360-956-0818. www.hocm.org.
Magical Strings’ 27th Annual Celtic Yuletide Concert. With Celtic harps, hammered dulcimers, whistles, strings and harp-like instruments from around the world, the Boulding family will stage a colorful Yuletide fest. 7:30pm. Call or visit the Web site for ticket information. St. John’s Episcopal Church, 114 20th Ave. SE, Olympia. 253-857-3716. www.magicalstrings.com.
Messiah. The Tacoma Symphony Chorus performs Handel's Messiah with musicians from the Tacoma Symphony Orchestra. 7:30pm. Call or visit Web site for ticket information. First United Methodist Church, Tacoma. 253-272-7264. www.tacomasymphonyorchestra.com.
Federal Way Chorale Christmas Concert. 8pm today, 1:30pm tomorrow. FREE. St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 30525 Eighth Ave. S, Federal Way. 253-927-2988.
Journey to Bethlehem. Tacoma. See Dec. 9.
11 Sunday
Second Sunday Music Series. Enjoy music and flowers at the W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory. A variety of musicians, instruments and music styles are featured the second Sunday of each month. Today Rich and Christi Dallaire will perform on guitar and flute. All ages. 1-2:30pm. FREE, but donations welcome. W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory, 316 S G St., Tacoma. 253-591-5330.
Tea in the Secret Garden. An enchanting tea at Misselthwaite Manor. Meet the cast of The Secret Garden and indulge in finger sandwiches, cakes, souvenir photos and prize drawings. All ages. Follows the 2pm final matinee of The Secret Garden. (See Ongoing Holiday Events.) $15. Tacoma Little Theatre, 210 North I St. 253-272-2281. www.tacomalittletheatre.com.
Federal Way Chorale Christmas Concert. Federal Way. See Dec. 10.
Journey to Bethlehem. Tacoma. See Dec. 9.
12 Monday
13 Tuesday
Brass for the Holidays. The Brass Unlimited Quartet will feature medieval, Renaissance and Baroque music. 7pm. FREE. Slavonian Hall, 2306 N 30th St., Tacoma. 253-752-2135.
14 Wednesday
Norwegian Christmas Service. 7pm. FREE. Scandinavian Cultural Center, Pacific Lutheran University, off Park Ave. S, Parkland. 253-535-7512.
15 Thursday
Third Thursday Artwalk. Visit Tacoma’s downtown galleries. All ages. 5-8pm. FREE, including the Tacoma Art Museum, the Washington State History Museum and the Museum of Glass. Tacoma. 253-591-5341.
16 Friday
Olympia Third Fridays Gallery Night. Tour various art galleries in downtown Olympia. 5-8pm. FREE. Downtown Olympia. 360-943-3724.
Magical Strings’ 27th Annual Celtic Yuletide Concert. With Celtic harps, hammered dulcimers, whistles, strings and harp-like instruments from around the world, the Boulding family will stage a colorful Yuletide fest. 7:30pm. Call or visit the Web site for ticket information. First Baptist Church, 902 Market St., Tacoma. 253-857-3716. www.magicalstrings.com.
Rodney Raccoon in Concert. Rodney Raccoon will perform songs from his current CD, Rodney Raccoon Elementary Hip Hop, as well as songs from his upcoming CD, Rodney’s 1st Holiday. 6-7pm. Stewart Middle School, 5010 Pacific Ave., Tacoma. $5 in advance by calling 253-627-1899, $7 at the door. www.rodneyraccoon.com.
17 Saturday
Discovery Walk. This nature walk is designed for all ages, with a special invitation to grandparents. Today’s destination is Breseman Forest. 10-11:30am. FREE. Sponsored by Tahoma Audubon Society. 2917 Morrison Road, University Place. Call 253-591-6439 for directions. www.tahomaaudubon.org.
The Christmas Revels. Music, dance, drama and storytelling. 2 and 7:30pm today, 1 and 5:30pm Sunday, 7:30pm Dec. 20 and 21. $10-$15. Rialto Theater, S Ninth and Broadway, Tacoma. 253-591-5894. www.pugetsoundrevels.org.
Nordic Christmas Feast. Buffet meal featuring holiday dishes from all five Nordic countries. 6:30pm. $35, registration required. Scandinavian Cultural Center, Pacific Lutheran University, off Park Ave. S, Parkland. 253-582-9360.
Messiah Singalong. Features the Peninsula Community Chorus. All ages. 7pm. FREE. United Methodist Church, 7400 Pioneer Way, Gig Harbor. 253-858-2651.
Parents’ Night Out in Puyallup. Supervised fun for kids includes games, crafts and movies. Ages 3 to 11. 5-10pm. $15. Reservations required. Puyallup Recreation Center, 808 Valley Ave. NW, Puyallup. 253-841-5457. www.cityofpuyallup.org.
18 Sunday
It's a Wonderful Improvised Life Dinner Theater. All ages. 6pm. Call for ticket information. Chapel Hill Church, 7700 Skansie Ave. NW Gig Harbor. 253-853-3554. www.chapelhillpc.org.
The Christmas Revels. Tacoma. See Dec. 17.
19 Monday
Sister's Christmas Catechism The Mystery of the Magi's Gold. Sister’s Christmas Catechism asks the question … what happened to the Magi’s gold? It is CSI-goes-to-Bethlehem as Sister searches under manger and over camel. 7:30pm. $7-$26. The Washington Center for the Performing Arts, 512 Washington St. SE, Olympia. 360-753-8586. www.washingtoncenter.org.
20 Tuesday
The Christmas Revels. Tacoma. See Dec. 17.
21 Wednesday
The Christmas Revels. Tacoma. See Dec. 17.
22 Thursday
Free night at the Washington State History Museum. Tacoma. See Dec. 1.
23 Friday
24 Saturday
25 Sunday
Christmas!
26 Monday
Hanukkah!
Nature Storytime. Join an Audubon naturalist for an exploration of one of the most enchanting wildlife habitats a backyard can hold, then listen to a story. Today’s topic is Season of Giving. All ages. 10:30am-noon. FREE, but reservations required. Call for directions. Fircrest. 253-565-9278. www.tahomaaudubon.org.
27 Tuesday
28 Wednesday
29 Thursday
Free night at the Washington State History Museum. Tacoma. See Dec. 1.
30 Friday
31 Saturday
Noon Year's Eve Party. Ring in the new year with a noon-time countdown where families can celebrate together. Enjoy Confetti Chaos, noisemakers, art projects, New Year's science, face painting, door prizes and special treats. All ages. 10am-noon. $10 ages 3 and older; free for adults and ages 2 and younger. Hands On Children's Museum, 106 11th Ave. SW Olympia. 360-956-0818. www.hocm.org.
First Night Celebration. Join as many as 20,000 guests at the family-oriented New Year’s Eve celebration of the arts. This alcohol-free event features traditional music, dance performances and more. All ages. Noon-midnight. Call for schedule and ticket prices. Downtown Tacoma from Antique Row to the Museum of Glass. 253-572-8373. www.firstnighttacoma.com.
Calendar Deadline Details
Calendar submission deadline is the 20th
of the month, about six weeks prior to publication. Next deadline is Dec.
20 for February events. Please e-mail information, including date, time,
cost and ages to PugetSoundParent@aol.com.
All submissions are run on a space available basis.
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