December 2006

Editor’s Note: The calendar is prepared two months in advance. Dates, times and places of events sometimes change, so please call to confirm information.

Highlights

19th Century Christmas offers slower pace
Families are encouraged to take a break from the hustle and bustle of modern holidays and step back in time to savor the lilting sounds of penny whistles, the aroma of ginger biscuits, Christmas dances and the slower pace of the Christmas season in 1855. Within the gates of Fort Nisqually, December 25, 1855, will come alive. Re-enactors will portray the daily life of workers from many cultures who lived at this historic site. They will share stories, cookies, dancing and the carrying in of the Yule log. Re-enactors will engage in conversation with visitors, but are “living” in 1855 and may not recognize the name of hometowns or modern conveniences. 11am-4pm Dec. 2. $4 adults, $3 ages 13 to 17 and 62 and older, $2 ages 5 to 12, free ages 4 and younger. Fort Nisqually, 5400 N Pearl St.,Tacoma. 253-591-5339. www.fortnisqually.org.

The Nutcracker, Beyond the Dream (Gig Harbor)
Ever wonder how the beloved Nutcracker came to be a nutcracker? The traditional ballet with the soaring music of Tchaikovsky will be preceded by an original musical theater prologue, revealing the secret that transports Claramarie into the magical land of the Sugar Plum Fairy. 7:30pm Dec. 8, 2:30pm and 7:30pm Dec. 9 and 2:30pm Dec. 10. $7-$20. Encore! Theater, Milton S. Boyd Performing Arts Center, 14105 Purdy Dr. NW, Gig Harbor. 253-858-2282. www.encoretheater.org.

Lord Mansion comes alive for the holidays
Celebrate a historic holiday in the beautifully decorated 1923 Lord Mansion, home of the State Capital Museum. Families can have their photos taken with an authentic Father Christmas. Early 20th Century ornaments, a grand Christmas tree, and period toys will be on display. Refreshments will highlight the spirit of the season. All ages. Noon-4pm Dec. 16. $5 families, $2 adults, $1 ages 6-18. State Capital Museum and Outreach Center, 211 SW 21st Ave., Olympia. 360-753-2580. www.washingtonhistory.org.

Hot Tips

Gingerbread Workshop
Make the holiday season even more festive by participating in a Gingerbread Workshop at the Sheraton Tacoma Hotel’s ballroom. $35 per house. Includes everything needed to create a one-of-a-kind gingerbread house. Dec. 3. Call for times and to make reservations. Sponsored by the Children’s Museum of Tacoma. Sheraton Tacoma Hotel. 253-627-6031.

Family Games
Families can play fun, friendly and as competitive as desired games at four Pierce County Libraries. All ages. FREE. 2-2:30pm Saturdays. Dec. 2 at Summit Pierce County Library, 5107 112th St. E, Dec. 9 at University Place Pierce County Library, 7315 27th St. W, Dec. 16 at Bonney Lake Pierce County Library, 18501 90th St. E and Dec. 23 at Graham Pierce County Library, 9202 224th St. E. www.pcl.lib.wa.us.

1 Friday

Organ at Noon. University organist Joseph Adam performs a 50-minute recital on the Schneebeck organ. 12:05pm. FREE. Kilworth Chapel, University of Puget Sound, 1500 N Warner St., Tacoma. 253-879-3555. www.ups.edu/events.

Nature Center Holiday Bazaar. Local vendors and crafters will offer a variety of items with a natural flair. Children can make a take-home craft in the Crafty Critter Corner. Complimentary hot drinks provided. All ages. 4-7pm today and 10am-4pm tomorrow. Free admission and parking. Tacoma Nature Center, 1919 S Tyler St., Tacoma. 253-591-6439. www.metroparkstacoma.org.

Free First Friday at Hands On Children’s Museum in Olympia. Features free books courtesy of the South Sound Reading Foundation. All ages. 5-9pm. 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 of Tacoma, 936 Broadway, Tacoma. 253-627-6031. www.childrensmuseumoftacoma.org.

Bremerton’s First Friday Art Walk. Stroll the downtown Arts District within walking distance of the ferry. Features entertainment and refreshments. All ages. 5-8pm. FREE. Bremerton. www.visitkitsap.com.

Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium. Visitors experience close encounters with tigers, sharks, polar bears, beluga whales and elephants. There is also an outdoor theater and a children's exploration area. 9:30am-5pm daily. $10 ages 13 and older, $8 ages 4-12, free ages 3 and younger. Pierce County residents receive discount. Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, 5400 N Pearl St., Tacoma. 253-591-5337. www.pdza.org.

Northwest Trek Wildlife Park. 9:30am-3pm Fridays-Sundays. $12 ages 13 and older, $8 ages 5-12, $5 ages 3-4, free ages 2 and younger. Pierce County residents receive discount. Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, 11610 Trek Dr. E, Eatonville. 360-832-7166. www.nwtrek.org.

W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory. Enjoy 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-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.

Saint Lucia Fest. 7:30-9pm. $3-$7. Mary Baker Russell Music Center, 124th St. S and 10th Ave S, Parkland. 253-535-9360. http://events.plu.edu.

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.

Whitworth College Christmas Concert. All ages. 8pm. $15 adults, $12 students. Chapel Hill Church, 7700 Skansie Ave. NW, Gig Harbor. 800-532-4668. www.chapelhillpc.org.

2 Saturday

Breakfast with Santa. Enjoy a catered breakfast, a Lilo and Stitch Holiday Presentation, and visits with Santa, Frosty and Rudolph. All ages. 8:30-10:30am. $12.50, free ages 2 and younger. Registration required. Pioneer Park Pavilion, 324 S Meridian, Puyallup. 253-841-5457. www.cityofpuyallup.org.

Santa Breakfast and Craft Show. Features a pancake breakfast complete with buttermilk, organic blueberry and chocolate chip pancakes, as well as local craft vendors, kids' make-and-take crafts and holiday musical performances. All ages. 8:30-11:30am. Breakfast is $7 for adults, $6 for kids. Photos with Santa, 9-11am, $5. Make-and-take crafts, $1. Centre at Norpoint, 4818 Nassau Ave. NE, Tacoma. 253-926-4199.

Victorian Christmas. Volunteers in Victorian costumes will answer questions and serve refreshments against a backdrop of hundreds of poinsettias and fragrant paperwhite narcissus at the Victorian-styled W.W. Seymour Conservatory in Wright Park. Get professional photos taken with Santa who will be on hand to hear holiday wishes. One print will be mailed in a holiday folder and the JPEG format can be emailed to friends and family. Call for times and cost. Families are encouraged to donate socks, hats, mittens or cash for distribution to a local family shelter. W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory, 316 S G St., Tacoma. 253-591-5330. www.metroparkstacoma.org.

Festival of Trees. In its 20th 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, 11am-4pm Sunday. $6 adults, $2 ages 12 and younger. Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center, 1500 Broadway St., Tacoma. 253-403-1368.

TideFest Arts Fair. Features artists from throughout the Northwest. All ages. 10am-5pm today, 11am-4pm tomorrow. Call for ticket information. Gig Harbor High School, Rosedale St., Gig Harbor. 253-530-1400. www.gigharborguide.com.

Santa Parade. Fifty-three 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. Call for schedule. 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.

Gig Harbor Tree Lighting. The 40-foot tall evergreen brought in from Fort Lewis will sparkle when Santa throws the switch. Santa's fire truck arrival, caroling, and treats for children make this a fun family event. All ages. Festivities begin at 5pm, tree lighting at 5:30pm. FREE. Jerisich and Skansie Brothers Park, Harborview Dr., downtown Gig Harbor. 253-851-8136. www.gigharborguide.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.

Guitar Ensemble. A Christmas concert. 8-10pm. FREE. Lagerquist Concert Hall, Pacific Lutheran University, 1010 122nd St. S, Tacoma. 253-535-7602. www.plu.edu.

Federal Way Symphony Holiday Piano Concert. This holiday concert features excerpts from the delightful opera Hansel and Gretel as well as holiday selections including I'll be Home for Christmas. Guest soloist and French pianist Thierry Goldwaser will play the Saint-Saens Second Piano Concerto. 8pm today, 2pm tomorrow. $20-$25. St. Luke's Lutheran Church, 515 S 312th St., Federal Way. 253-529-9857. www.federalwaysymphony.org.

19th Century Christmas. Fort Nisqually, Tacoma. See Highlights.

Family Games. Pierce County Libraries. See Hot Tip!

Nature Center Holiday Bazaar. Tacoma Nature Center, Tacoma. See Dec. 1.

3 Sunday

Sing with the Symphony presented by the Olympia Symphony Orchestra. This family-oriented holiday celebration features traditional favorites, a sing-along and more. 4pm. Call for ticket prices. Saint Martin’s University Pavilion, 5300 Pacific Ave. SE, Lacey. 360-753-0074. www.olympiasymphony.com.

UPS Madrigal Singer and Adelphian Choir Holiday Concert. University of Puget Sound, Tacoma. See Dec. 2.

Federal Way Symphony Holiday Piano Concert. St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, Federal Way. See Dec. 2.

Festival of Trees. Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center, Tacoma. See Dec. 2.

TideFest Arts Fair. Gig Harbor High School, Gig Harbor. See Dec. 2.

Gingerbread Workshop. Sheraton Tacoma Hotel, Tacoma. See Hot Tip!

4 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.

5 Tuesday

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.

7 Thursday

Jubilee. A youth and adult holiday concert. All ages. 7-8:30pm. FREE. Donations of non-perishable food items will be accepted at the door. North Thurston High School Performing Arts Center, 600 Sleater-Kinney Rd. NE, Lacey. 360-491-0857.

Free Thursdays at the Washington State History Museum. All ages. 5-8pm. FREE. Washington State History Museum, 1911 Pacific Ave., Tacoma. 888-238-4373. www.wshs.org.

Free First Thursday at the Museum of Flight. All ages. 5-9pm. FREE. Museum of Flight, 9404 E Marginal Way S (next to Boeing Field), Seattle. 206-764-5720. www.museumofflight.org.

9 Saturday

Museum of Glass Family Day—Make 'n Shake. Let it snow! Make a snow globe using recycled materials. Artist Jennifer Adams will help families create holiday or personalized scenes. All ages. 1-4pm. Included with admission. $10 adults, $4 ages 6-12, free ages 5 and younger. Museum of Glass, 1801 E Dock St., Tacoma. 253-284-4750. www.museumofglass.org.

Seattle Men's Chorus Holiday Performance. These spirited performers delight audiences of all ages with inspired renditions of classic Christmas fare and original holiday tunes. 3 and 7pm. $32-$42. Rialto Theater, 310 S Ninth St., Tacoma. 206-591-5890. www.broadwaycenter.org.

CandleLight Open House. Gig Harbor Waterfront Merchants will present a late night shopping event in a beautifully decorated historic setting featuring entertainment, wine tasting and hors d' oeuvres. Santa Claus and the Dickens Carolers will make their way during the evening from the Finholm Marketplace to the downtown area and back. All ages. FREE. 6-9pm. Santa photos with the scenic harbor in the background will be available 3-6pm at the Jerisich and Skansie Brothers Park pavilion. Downtown Gig Harbor. www.gigharborguide.com.

Saturday Night L.I.V.E. Kids enjoy a night of crafts, games and a holiday movie while parents have an evening out. 5-10pm. $15, $10 for additional children. Pre-registration required. Puyallup Recreation Center, 808 Valley Ave. NW, Puyallup. 253-841-5457. www.cityofpuyallup.org.

Christmas Luau. Celebrate Christmas Hawaii style. Includes refreshment and entertainment. All ages. 6-8:30pm. $5. South Park Community Center, 4851 S Tacoma Way, Tacoma. 253-591-5314. www.metroparkstacoma.org.

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 and creative play. Ages 4-10. 6-9:30pm today and Dec. 16. $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.

The Gift of Christmas Concert. All ages. 7pm. FREE. Chapel Hill Church, 7700 Skansie Ave. NW, Gig Harbor. 253-851-7779. www.chapelhillpc.org.

Magical Strings’ 28th 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.

10 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 each month. All ages. 1-2:30pm. FREE, but donations welcome. W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory, 316 S G St., Tacoma. 253-591-5330.

SOGO HO HO --It's a Wonderful Life. The 18-member Brass Choir of the Student Orchestras of Greater Olympia will present an evening of fun for the whole family including drama, sing-alongs and special guests. All ages. 7:30pm. $18. State Theater, 202 4th Ave. E, downtown Olympia. 360-352-1438. www.studentorchestras.org.

14 Thursday

Free Thursdays at the Washington State History Museum. Tacoma. See Dec. 7.

15 Friday

An Improvised Christmas Carol Dinner Theater. Performed by the Taproot Theater Company. All ages. 6pm today and tomorrow. Call for ticket information. Chapel Hill Church, 7700 Skansie Ave. NW, Gig Harbor. 253-851-7779. www.chapelhillpc.org.

Magical Strings’ 28th 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. Urban Grace (formerly First Baptist Church), 902 Market St., Tacoma. 253-857-3716. www.magicalstrings.com.

16 Saturday

Discovery Walk. This nature walk is designed for all ages with a special invitation to grandparents. Today’s destination is Mount Rainier. 10-11:30am. $5. Call for directions. Sponsored by Tahoma Audubon Society, 2917 Morrison Road, University Place. 253-591-6439. www.tahomaaudubon.org.

The Christmas Revels. Music, dance, drama and storytelling. 2 and 7:30pm (7:30 show ASL interpreted) today, 1 and 5:30pm Sunday, 7:30pm Dec. 19 and 20. Call for ticket prices. Rialto Theater, S Ninth and Broadway, Tacoma. 253-591-5894. www.pugetsoundrevels.org.

Spontaneous Design. Using a multimedia application on the Hot Shop big screen, visitors will be called on to make impromptu choices about the shape, colors and decorative motif of a vessel, dictating the design of a piece that the Hot Shop team will create for the audience. The finished piece will be available to purchase from the museum's online store a week after its creation. All ages. 2-5pm. Included with admission. $10 adults, $4 ages 6-12, free ages 5 and younger. Museum of Glass, 1801 E Dock St., Tacoma. 253-284-4750. www.museumofglass.org.

Yuletide Memories. The combined musicians of the Bremerton Symphony and the Bremerton Symphony Concert Chorale will present this special holiday concert. 7:30pm. Pre-concert chat with Maestra Elizabeth Stoyanovich at 6:30pm. $22 adults, $10 youth. Bremerton Performing Arts Center, 1500 14th St., Bremerton. 360-373-1722. www.bremertonsymphony.org.

Parents’ Night Out. Hands On Children’s Museum, Olympia. See Dec. 9.

An Improvised Christmas Carol Dinner Theater. Gig Harbor. See Dec. 15.

Lord Mansion Historic Holiday Celebration. State Capital Museum, Olympia. See Highlights.

17 Sunday

The Christmas Revels. Rialto Theater, Tacoma. See Dec. 16.

18 Monday

Messiah Sing-Along. Come and sing or just listen to one of the greatest works ever written by George Frederich Handel at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts. All ages. 7:30pm. FREE. Donations accepted and music scores available for purchase. The Washington Center for the Performing Arts, 512 Washington St. SE, Olympia. 360-753-8586. www.washingtoncenter.org.

19 Tuesday

The Christmas Revels. Rialto Theater, Tacoma. See Dec. 16.

20 Wednesday

The Christmas Revels. Rialto Theater, Tacoma. See Dec. 16.

21 Thursday

Holiday Happenings. This family-friendly event highlights holiday traditions from pioneer times, Japanese culture, and Native American customs. Noon-4pm. $2 adults, $1 kids. White River Valley Museum, Les Gove Park, 918 H St. SE, Auburn. 253-288-7433. www.wrvmuseum.org.

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.

Free Thursdays at the Washington State History Museum. Tacoma. See Dec. 7.

23 Saturday

Future Skating Stars Christmas Show. Watch professional and advanced amateur skaters during a 20-minute show, then enjoy 80 minutes of public skating. 5:40-7:10pm. $10 includes show, skate rental and ice time. Ice Angels Performing Arts Skating School, 1918 Stewart St., Tacoma. 253-861-8298.

28 Thursday

Free Thursdays at the Washington State History Museum. Tacoma. See Dec. 7.

29 Friday

Nature Storytime. Explore the Adriana Hess Audubon Center and hear themed nature stories. Today’s topic will be Winter Wonderland. Ages 2 and up. 10am-noon. $3 children, free for adults. Reservations required. Tahoma Audubon Society, 2917 Morrison Road, University Place. 253-591-6439. www.tahomaaudubon.org.

Vacation Movie Day. Spend the day lounging, snacking and watching movies at a museum. A series of family-friendly films will be projected on a large screen, and popcorn will be served. Noon-4pm. $2 adults, $1 kids. White River Valley Museum, Les Gove Park, 918 H St. SE, Auburn. 253-288-7433. www.wrvmuseum.org.

Calendar Deadline Details
Calendar submission deadline is the 20th of the month, about six weeks prior to publication. Next deadline is November 20 for January 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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