Holiday Events and Fun Stuff for the Season!

It's holiday season, and there are lots of fun things to do around the area at this time of year!  Even though our days are getting shorter and the skies are often grey, here are a few ways to get out and enjoy some bright and cheerful festivities:

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Macy's Holiday Parade: This is Seattle's biggest parade!  It's the morning after Thanksgiving, Friday, November 28 from 9:00- 10:00 a.m. in downtown Seattle.  Floats, marching bands, dancers, and more will march down the streets of Seattle.  Later that evening at 5:00 p.m. there will be a tree-lighting ceremony and fireworks.    http://redtri.com/seattle/macys-holiday-parade/

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Christmas Ships Festival:  Each night decorated ships and boats sail to different areas around Puget Sound and Lake Washington.  On board the Argosy ships, choirs sing.  On shore, people gather around bonfires to watch the ships and listen to the choir.  You can choose to sail on the Argosy boat (tickets and reservations required) or watch from the shore (no charge).  November 28-December 23. Check the website for the schedule and locations: 
www.argosycruises.com/dining-cruises/christmas-ship-festival/

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Redmond Lights:  A wonderful winter walk full of fun and surprises.
ONE DAY ONLY!  Saturday, December 6.  Start at Redmond City Hall at 4 p.m. with live music, kids' activities, and a holiday tree-lighting ceremony.  Then walk along a beautifully lit West Sammamish Trail and enjoy music, carolers, lights, decorations, hot chocolate, and festivities along the way.  End up at Redmond Town Center for a celebration with music, food, and entertainment!
www.redmondlights.com

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Garden D'Lights:  Stroll through a beautiful light display at the Bellevue Botanical Gardens.  Every evening from 4:30-9:30 p.m., November 28- January 3.   $5 per person, free for ages 10 and younger.  
www.gardendlights.org

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Santa Train 2014:  All aboard!  Catch the train in North Bend and take a 20 minute ride to the historic Snoqualmie train depot where kids will get to meet Santa!  Each child will receive a small gift from Santa and hot chocolate & cookies will be served. Cost is $20 per person, children under 2 are free.  Limited dates: Nov. 29 & 30, Dec. 6 & 7, Dec. 13 & 14, Dec. 19 & 20.  Visit the website to reserve tickets in advance.
 www.trainmuseum.org

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The Nutcracker Ballet:  Pacific Northwest Ballet's unique production of this famous ballet has sets designed by the famed children's illustrator, Maurice Sendak.  Performances run November 28- December 28.
www.pnb.org/Season/14-15/Nutcracker/

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Meydenbauer Theater:  The downtown Bellevue theater also boasts a beautiful and traditional Nutcracker ballet and hosts many other holiday musical performances will be shown throughout the month of December.  Check the website for performance schedules.
Nutcracker Ballet: www.ibtbellevue.org/performances/nutcracker 
Other theatrical performances: www.bellevuedowntown.com/events/magic-season/main-events/theatre-at-meydenbauer

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Paramount Theater presents The Grinch:  Dr. Seuss’ classic holiday tale comes to life on stage!  Featuring the hit songs “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas,” the Grinch discovers there’s more to Christmas than he bargained for in this heart-warming holiday classic.  Dec. 2-7, check the website for times and tickets.
www.stgpresents.org/tickets/eventdetail/1259/-/-

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Zoolights in Tacoma and Wildlights in Seattle:  See sparkling light displays of animals and other landmarks as you stroll through these zoos.  November 28- January 4, every evening.  Zoolights is at the Point Defiance Zoo in Tacoma.  Wildlights is at the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle.
Zoolights:  http://www.pdza.org/calendar?cid=363
Wildlights:  http://www.zoo.org/wildlights

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Snowflake Lane:  Every night live "Toy Soldiers" drum on Bellevue Way as "snow" falls from above.  Shows are at 7:00 p.m. every evening along the sidewalks of Bellevue Way and NE 8th Street.  November 28-December 31
www.bellevuedowntown.com/events/magic-season/main-events/snowflake-lane

Ice Skating in Bellevue Downtown Park:  Enjoy ice skating outdoors, in the park!   $12, includes skate rental. Discount for Bellevue College students and children 8 & under, $9. November 28-January 11, check the website for hours. www.bellevuedowntown.com/events/magic-season/main-events/ice-arena

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Gingerbread  Village in Seattle:  Local architecture firms design and bake incredible gingerbread creations that are on display at the Sheraton Seattle Hotel from November 25-January 5.  Visit anytime, free admission.
www.sheratonseattle.com/gingerbread-village-2014

KidsQuest Gingerbread Lane in Bellevue:  Families can enjoy making their own gingerbread house!  November 28 & 29.  Registration required. See website for pricing information and registration.
www.kidsquestmuseum.org/page.php?id=84

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Festival of Trees in Seattle:  A display of beautifully decorated Christmas trees, each with its own theme and style.  Each tree is dedicated to a patient at Seattle Children's Hospital.  You can see these beautiful trees in the lobby of the Fairmont Olympic Hotel for a short time from November 22- December 3.  
www.seattlefestivaloftrees.com

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Even more holiday activities can be found at this link:
www.seattle-fun.com/seattle-christmas.html

Enjoy the festive season.  Keep warm and stay safe.  Best wishes to all.
Cheers!