Displays, dance, music fill the air beginning Saturday around the Eastside

A tropical garden, with peacocks and irises, in the middle of winter?

That's one new twist you'll find among the dozens of traditional offerings and new events on this year's Eastside holiday entertainment calendar.

The popular Garden d'Lights display at the Bellevue Botanical Garden has added a lighted tropical garden with bird of paradise, irises and peacocks. The display, which opens Saturday, features nearly 500,000 lights fashioned into colorful flowers, trees and garden creatures.

Volunteers have been working on the project since February and chose the tropical theme to keep the display dynamic and different from previous years, said Nancy Kartes, garden manager. Children will be provided with treasure maps to search for lighted creatures of all sorts, from frogs to spiders.

But there's plenty more to discover. Dozens of live "toy soldiers" will march through downtown Bellevue every night, drumming along to Christmas carols as snow drifts down to the sidewalks. Giant trees will be decorated and lit up in Eastside cities, Santa will appear with astonishing frequency and theaters will present an ongoing array of holiday classics.

Enjoy the season!

Bellevue

Design in Light

Thru Jan. 6 Light sculptures designed by regional architects and engineers open nightly at dusk; along the Northeast Sixth Street pedestrian corridor in downtown Bellevue. (425-453-1223 or www.magicseason.com)

Magic Season Ice Arena

Thru Jan. 6 Covered open-air skating rink with a view of the park's lighted waterfall, open daily, hours vary (closed Dec. 25), Bellevue Downtown Park, 10201 N.E. Fourth St. Cost: $6-$9; personal skates allowed. (425-453-1223 or www.magicseason.com)

Snowflake Lane

Thru Dec. 24 Sixty live toy soldiers perform synchronized drumming, with music, lights and magical snow, along Bellevue Way, 7 p.m. daily on the sidewalks between Bellevue Square, Bellevue Place and Lincoln Square. Free parking at those locations during show. (425-454-8096 or www.bellevuecollection.com)

Garden d'Lights

Starts Sat Bellevue Botanical Garden Society's annual flower garden of light sculpture, 5-9:30 p.m. daily through Dec. 31, Bellevue Botanical Garden, 12001 Main St. Cost: $5 for on-site parking. (425-452-2750 or www.bellevuebotanical.org)

Bellevue Galleria Tree Lighting

Nov. 30 More than 50,000 lights will illuminate a giant elm; performances by Ballet Bellevue and local youth choirs; 6-8 p.m., with tree lighting at 7:25 p.m., Bellevue Galleria, 106th Avenue Northeast between Northeast Fourth and Eighth streets. (206-547-6450 or www.magicseason.com)

Gingerbread Lane

Nov. 30-Dec. 2 Unique creations from area businesses on display in front of the KidsQuest Children's Museum, 4091 Factoria Mall Blvd. S.E. (425-637-8100 or www.kidsquestmuseum.org)

Christmas in America

Dec. 2 Bellevue Chamber Chorus with special guests Cascadia Brass perform, 3 p.m., St. Margaret's Episcopal Church, 4228 Factoria Blvd. S.E. Tickets: $9-$18. (425-881-0445 or www.bellevuechamberchorus.net)

Third Night of Hanukkah

Dec. 6 Temple B'nai Torah hosts a traditional menorah lighting, Jewish holiday music and singalong, and a theatrical retelling of Eric Kimmel's "Herschel and the Hanukkah Goblin," 6:30-8 p.m., Crossroads Bellevue, 15600 N.E. Eighth St. (425-603-9677 or www.templebnaitorah.org)

Holiday Magic

Dec. 7 Magician Jeff Evans performs card tricks and draws a Santa that comes to life; for ages 5 and up; 4 p.m., Lake Hills Library, 15228 Lake Hills Blvd. (425-747-3350 or www.kcls.org/lakehills)

"Miracle on 34th Street"

Dec. 7-9 Bellevue Youth Theater production, 7 p.m. Dec. 7-8, 2 p.m. Dec. 9, Theatre at Meydenbauer Center, 11100 N.E. Sixth St. Tickets: $10. (425-452-7155 or www.bytf.org)

By Candlelight

Dec. 8 Lake Washington Singers women's chorus performs songs for the season, 7:30 p.m., Unity Church of Bellevue, 16330 N.E. Fourth St. Tickets: $7-$12. (206-363-6874 or www.lakewashingtonsingers.org)

"The Nutcracker"

Dec. 8 Emerald Ballet Theatre's inaugural performance includes students of the Afro-Brazilian martial art of capoeira, 2 and 7 p.m., Sammamish High School Performing Arts Center, 100 140th Ave. S.E. Tickets: $12-$30. (425-883-3405 or www.emeraldballet.org)

"The Nutcracker"

Dec. 14-23 International Ballet Theatre performs the Tchaikovsky classic, 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays, Theatre at Meydenbauer Center, 11100 N.E. Sixth St. Tickets: $20-$45. (425-284-0444 or www.interballettheatre.org)

A Celtic Yuletide

Dec. 17 Musical Strings performs Celtic music, dance and storytelling, 7 p.m., Meydenbauer Center, 11100 N.E. Sixth St. Tickets: $12-$16. (206-325-6500 or www.ticketwindowonline.com)

Brass Band Northwest Holiday Concert

Dec. 18 British-style brass band, 7:30 p.m., First Presbyterian Church of Bellevue, 1717 Bellevue Way N.E. Suggested donation: $5-$10. (www.brassbandnw.org)

Celebration Lane

Dec. 26-31 New Year's celebration with synchronized drumming and festive music, along Bellevue Way sidewalks between Bellevue Square, Bellevue Place and Lincoln Square. Free parking at those locations during show. (425-454-8096 or www.bellevuecollection.com)

Bothell

Tingstad & Rumbel

Sat Annual holiday concert, with pianist David Lanz and flutist Gary Stroutsos joining Eric Tingstad and Nancy Rumbel, 7:30 p.m., Northshore Performing Arts Center, 18125 92nd Ave. N.E. $21.50-$25. (425-408-7997 or www.npacf.org)

"The Nutcracker"

Dec. 1-2 Olympic Ballet Theatre with the Seattle Philharmonic Orchestra, 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 1, 2 p.m. Dec. 2, Northshore Performing Arts Center, 18125 92nd Ave. N.E. $18-$30. (425-408-7997 or www.npacf.org)

Festival of Lights & Cookies with Mrs. Claus

Dec. 1-2 Light displays and cookies with Mrs. Claus from noon to 3 p.m., Country Village, 23732 Bothell-Everett Highway. Village hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. (425-483-2250 or www.countryvillagebothell.com)

Bothell Winterfest

Dec. 7 Children's hay rides, Santa's arrival and holiday caroling, 5:30 p.m., with tree lighting at 6:30 p.m., Park at Bothell Landing, 9919 N.E. 180th St. (425-486-3256 or www.ci.bothell.wa.us)

Santa Arrives at Country Village

Dec. 8 Santa arrives by sleigh from the sky at 7 p.m., followed by a traditional tree lighting among animated light displays and holiday music; train and pony rides, noon-4 p.m.; Country Village, 23732 Bothell-Everett Highway. (425-483-2250 or www.countryvillagebothell.com)

"The Snowman"

Dec. 8-9 Ballet Bellevue accompanied by a live orchestra performs a ballet about a snowman who comes to life, 2 and 7 p.m., Dec. 8; 2 p.m., Dec. 9 Northshore Performing Arts Center, 18125 92nd Ave. N.E. $17-$22. (425-408-7997 or www.npacf.org)

Holiday Pops and Dessert

Dec. 11 The Boeing Band plays traditional holiday music followed by cookies and brownies, 7:30 p.m., Northshore Senior Center, 10201 E. Riverside Drive. Cost: $3 (425-487-2441 or www.northshoreseniorcenter.org)

Issaquah

Holiday Open House

Dec. 1 Issaquah Historical Society hosts visits and photos with Santa, a craft fair, refreshments and children's art activities, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Issaquah Train Depot, 50 Rainier Blvd. N. (425-392-3500 or www.issaquahhistory.org)

Issaquah Reindeer Festival

Dec. 1-23 Visits with Santa and his reindeer, stories read by elves, and arts and crafts, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily; call for Santa's hours; Cougar Mountain Zoo, 19525 S.E. 54th St. Cost: $8-$10.50. (425-391-5508 or www.cougarmountainzoo.org)

Kirkland

Tree Lighting Ceremony

Sat Visits with Santa and his reindeer, caroling and tree lighting, 4-7 p.m., Marina Park, 25 Lake Shore Plaza. (425-893-8766 or www.kirklanddowntown.org)

"Sister's Christmas Catechism"

Sat-Mon, Nov. 24-26 The nun from "Late Nite Catechism" solves "The Mystery of the Magi's Gold," 8 p.m. Nov. 24, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Nov. 25, 1 and 7:30 p.m. Nov. 26, Kirkland Performance Center, 350 Kirkland Ave. Tickets: $15-$29. (425-893-9900 or www.kpcenter.org)

"'Twas the Night"

Starts Sat Musical comedy based on the classic poem, 7 p.m. Fridays; 10 a.m., 1, 4 and 7 p.m. Saturdays; 1 and 4 p.m. Sundays, through Dec. 17, Studio East, 402 Sixth St. S. Tickets: $12. (425-827-3123 or www.studio-east.org)

Gloria!

Dec. 2 Master Chorus Eastside performs music for chorus and harp, 3 p.m., Kirkland Performance Center, 350 Kirkland Ave. Tickets: $15-$20. (425-893-9900 or www.kpcenter.org)

"The Nutcracker"

Dec. 7-9 International Ballet Theatre performs the classic, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7-8, 2 p.m. Dec. 8-9, Kirkland Performance Center, 350 Kirkland Ave. Tickets: $35-$45. (425-893-9900 or www.kpcenter.org)

"Santaland Diaries"

Dec. 15 Humorous tale of an elf at Macy's in Manhattan; not recommended for children under 16; 8 p.m., Kirkland Performance Center, 350 Kirkland Ave. Tickets: $10-$24. (425-893-9900 or www.kpcenter.org)

Too Many Santas!

Dec. 22 A cappella quartet The Bobs performs classic songs, 8 p.m., Kirkland Performance Center, 350 Kirkland Ave. Tickets: $15-$33. (425-893-9900 or www.kpcenter.org)

The Best of The Comedy Underground

Dec. 31 New Year's Eve special performance followed by an after-show party with appetizers, noisemakers and dancing; 21 and over only; 8 p.m., Kirkland Performance Center, 350 Kirkland Ave. Tickets: $33-$40. (425-893-9900 or www.kpcenter.org)

Mercer Island

Communitywide Hanukkah Celebration

Dec. 2 Family celebration of the Festival of Light, with candlelighting ceremony, children's activities, gift bazaar and music by local Jewish bands; lunch and latkes available; noon-3 p.m., Stroum Jewish Community Center, 3801 E. Mercer Way. (206-232-7115 or www.sjcc.org)

Holiday Tree Lighting & Firehouse Munch

Dec. 7 Tree lighting and singalong caroling at 7 p.m., Mercerdale Park, Southeast 32nd Street and 77th Avenue Southeast, followed by the Mercer Island Fire Department chili feed, visits with Santa and children's entertainment, 7-9 p.m. at the North Fire Station, 3030 S.E. 78th St. Donations of new toys will be collected for Toys for Tots. (206-236-3545 or www.miparks.net)

North Bend

Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair

Dec. 1 Handmade gifts, entertainment and lunch, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Si View Community Center, 400 S.E. Orchard Drive. (425-831-1900 or www.siviewpark.org)

Christmas Classics

Dec. 7 The Cascade Jazz Trio is joined by four recent "Sno-Valley Idol Jr." top performers for a holiday program, 7 p.m., Unity Theater, 119 ½ North Bend Way. Tickets: $12.50. (425-831-5667 or www.unitytheater.org)

"A Christmas Carol"

Dec. 14-22 Unity Theater presents the holiday classic, 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Dec. 16 and 22, Unity Theater, 119 ½ North Bend Way. Tickets: $10-$15. (425-831-5667 or www.unitytheater.org)

Redmond

Holiday Light Train

Thru Dec. 24 Train ride to view Redmond Town Center's light displays, daily, hours vary, Redmond Town Center, 16495 N.E. 74th St. Cost: $3-$5. (425-867-0808 or www.redmondtowncenter.com)

RedmondLights Kickoff Celebration

Dec. 2 Tree lighting and music at City Hall, followed by the Holiday RiverWalk along the Sammamish River to Redmond Town Center for live entertainment from many cultures, refreshments and children's activities, 4-8 p.m., beginning at City Hall Campus, 15670 N.E. 85th St., with tree lighting at 5 p.m. Shuttle runs between City Hall and Redmond Town Center, 3:30-9 p.m. (425-556-2352 or www.redmond.gov)

Renton

Clam Lights

Nov. 30-Jan. 1 Santa's covered wagon, Parade of Boats and holiday entertainment, 6:30-9 p.m. with lighting ceremony at 7:20 p.m. Nov. 30; lights 5-9 p.m. daily through Jan. 1; Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park, 1201 Lake Washington Blvd. (425-430-6700 or www.rentonwa.gov)

Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration

Dec. 1 Visit from Santa, entertainment by local musicians, children's gifts and refreshments, 5-7 p.m., Renton Piazza, South Third Street and Burnett Avenue South. (425-917-0173 or www.piazzarenton.com)

"The Nutcracker"

Dec. 21-23 Performed by the Evergreen City Ballet and accompanied by a live orchestra, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21-22, 1:30 p.m. Dec. 22-23, Renton Ikea Performing Arts Center, 400 S. Second St. Tickets: $15-$43. (877-548-3237 or www.evergreencityballet.org)

Clam Lights Volkswalk

Dec. 28 11K or 5K round-trip walk on sidewalks, road shoulders and paved trails to Gene Coulon Park to see the "Clam Lights" holiday light display, 4-6 p.m. start time with finish by 9 p.m., start from St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, 1700 Edmonds Ave. N.E. (425-788-2182 or www.ava.org/clubs/interlaken/)

Sammamish

Breakfast with Santa

Dec. 1 Pancake breakfast, Santa, Doug the Talking Fir, music and holiday crafts for kids, 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. seatings, Sammamish Presbyterian Church, 22522 N.E. Inglewood Hill Road. Cost: $5.50-$7.50. (reservations by Nov. 30: 425-392-8905)

Gloria!

Dec. 8 Master Chorus Eastside performs music for chorus and harp, 7:30 p.m., Eastlake Performing Arts Center, 400 228th Ave. N.E. Tickets: $9-$38. (425-392-8446 or www.masterchoruseastside.org)

Woodinville

Festival of Poinsettias

Thru Dec. 24 More than 30 varieties of poinsettias, themed trees, music and weekend visits with Santa, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturdays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sundays, Molbak's, 13625 N.E. 175th St. (425-483-5000 or www.molbaks.com)

Celebrations Holiday Home Tour

Dec. 7 Self-guided tour of five Woodinville-area homes decorated for the holidays; benefits Assistance League of the Eastside programs; 10 a.m.-7 p.m., locations and directions provided with ticket purchase. Tickets: $25. (206-953-6930 or www.eastside.assistanceleague.org)

Woodinville Light Festival

Dec. 7 Holiday music and Choirfest, gingerbread-house contest, teen art show, kids' crafts and model-train display, 5:30-9 p.m., with Santa's arrival and City Hall tree-lighting ceremony at 6:30 p.m., events held at Carol Edwards Center, City Hall and Brittany Park Retirement Center on Northeast 133rd Avenue between Northeast 171st and 175th streets, with shuttle by lighted train between locations. (Crystal Courtyard lights, 6-9 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays through Dec. 20.) (425-398-9327 or www.ci.woodinville.wa.us)

Compiled by Nyssa Rogers