Animal events

Woofstock

SAT Santa photos, pet massages, samples, prizes, silent auction to benefit PAWS, noon-4 p.m. Saturday, Smiley Dog, 23303 Highway 99, Edmonds; free (206-903-9631 or SmileyDog.com/).

MEOW Cat Rescue Holiday Open House, Craft Bazaar

and Bake Sale

SAT-SUN Open house, 2-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Meow Cat Rescue, 10600 N.E. 68th St., Kirkland; craft and bake sale, photos with Santa for kids and pets, 402 Sixth St. S., Kirkland; canned pet-food donations suggested (425-820-2029 or www.meowcatrescue.org).

Benefits

Toys for Tots Run

SAT 5K walk/run, 10K run to benefit Marines Toys for Tots, 11 a.m. Saturday, Stillaguamish Athletic Club, 4417 172nd St. N.E., Arlington; $15/advance, $20/day of event, ages 14 and younger and 70 and older free (425-359-0868 or www.arlingtonrunnersclub.org).

Banquet to benefit pet rescue

SUN Dickens Carolers, auction to benefit the Humane Society at Happy Paws Farm, 3 p.m. Sunday, Embassy Suites, 20610 44th Ave. W., Lynnwood; $55, by reservation (360-652-5844).

Home for the Holidays

SUN Gingerbread-house decorating party to benefit North Helpline Food Bank and Emergency Services, 2-4 p.m. and 4-6 p.m. Sunday, North Helpline, 12736 33rd Ave. N.E., Seattle; $35 (206-367-3477 or brownpapertickets.com).

St. Nicholas Faire

SUN Food, gift basket and bake sale, wine tasting; proceeds benefit West Seattle Food Bank, 4 p.m. Sunday, First Lutheran Church of West Seattle, 4105 California Ave. S.W., Seattle; $10 or $5 with nonperishable food donation (206-937-6740).

YWCA Home Sweet Homes

DEC. 8 Food, wine, auction, showcase of imaginative gingerbread houses, benefits the YWCA's Eastside housing and human-services programs, 6 p.m. Dec. 8, Pickering Barn, Issaquah; $85 (206-461-4462 or www.ywcaworks.org).

Biking

Spokespeople

SAT Easy pace, eight-mile ride, new riders of all ages and skill levels welcome; steady rain cancels, 2 p.m. Saturday, Wallingford Playfield, 4219 Wallingford Ave. N., Seattle (206-547-9569 or www.cascade.org).

Crepe Cruise

SUN Cascade Bicycle Club 25-35 mile, leisurely paced ride with stop at Swedish Club pancake breakfast ($9); steady rain cancels, 9 a.m. Sunday, Gas Works Park, 2101 N. Northlake Way, Seattle (www.cascade.org).

Dance

Women's dance

FRI Women of Wisdom warm-up and free-form dance, no experience necessary, 8 p.m. Friday, Standing Stone Healing and Arts, 943 N. 89th St., Seattle; $8-$10 (www.womenofwisdom.org).

Seattle Balkan Dancers

FRI Dance lesson, 7:30 p.m.; Balkan line dancing, partners not required, 8:30 p.m. Friday, Russian Community Center, 704 19th Ave. E., Seattle; $6-$12 (425-883-0332 or www.seattlebalkandancers.org).

Emerald City Contra Dance

FRI Beginners' workshop, 7 p.m.; dance to live music with caller; don't wear perfume or other scented products, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Phinney Neighborhood Center, 6532 Phinney Ave. N., Seattle; $5-$8 (206-440-9839 or seattledance.org/contra/emerald.city.html).

Skandia dance

FRI Dance class, 7:30 p.m.; dance to live music for all ages, 8:30 p.m. Friday, Cedar Valley Grange, 20526 52nd Ave. W., Lynnwood; $7-$10, kids free (206-784-7470 or www.skandia-folkdance.org).

Kid Pop Family Dance Party for a Cause

SAT Family dance party supporting Art with Heart, DJ and dancing, pizza, games, kid-appropriate dance and pop music, 2-5 p.m. Saturday, The Crocodile, 2200 Second Ave., Seattle; $10-$20 (www.brownpapertickets.com/event/211827).

Sno-King International

Folk Dance Club

SAT Dancing to requests, 7 p.m.; dance instruction, 7:30 p.m.; international folk dancing to recorded music, 8:30-10 p.m. Saturday, Cedar Valley Grange, 20526 52nd Ave. W., Lynnwood; $2-$7 (425-385-2088 or www.sno-king.org).

Fairs/Festivals

Vashon Island Winterfest Weekend

FRI-SUN First Friday gallery cruise, 6-9 p.m. Friday; Holiday Studio Art Tour, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday; merchant open house, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday; Santa parade and tree lighting, 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Vashon Island (206-463-6217 or www.vashonchamber.com).

Burien Winterfest

SAT Free horse-and-carriage rides, hayrides, store events, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Southwest 152nd Street, Burien (www.discoverburien.com).

Redmond Lights Winter Festival

SAT Entertainment, kids' activities, 4-8 p.m.; Santa and tree lighting 4:50 p.m. at City Hall Plaza; luminary walk along the Sammamish River with entertainment, ending at Redmond Town Center with light displays and festivities until 4-8 p.m., Redmond (425-556-2299 or www.redmondlights.com).

Festival of Chimes and Lights, Port Orchard

SAT Jingle Bell run/walk, vendors, music, pet parade and costume contest, singalong, noon-8 p.m., Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive by firetruck, 6 p.m. Saturday, Port Orchard City Hall, 216 Prospect St., Port Orchard (www.cityofportorchard.us).

PNA Winter Festival

SAT-SUN Juried crafts from 120 vendors, entertainment on two stages, quilt raffle, bake sale, lunch, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Phinney Neighborhood Center, 6532 Phinney Ave. N., Seattle; $2-$4 (www.phinneycenter.org/).

Food events

Salty's Redondo 30th Birthday

FRI Dinner, music, 1980s costume contest, 4:30-9 p.m. Friday, Salty's, 28201 Redondo Beach Drive S., Des Moines; $30 (253-946-0636 or www.saltys.com).

Winter Beer Festival

FRI-SAT Washington Beer Commission samples of beers from 33 Washington craft breweries, 5-9 p.m. Friday, noon-9 p.m. Saturday, Hale's Ales Brewery and Pub, 4301 Leary Way N.W., Seattle; $23-$25 (206-787-1989 or www.washingtonbeer.com).

Kiwanis Community Pancake Breakfast

SAT Breakfast to raise funds for cancer-research fellowships at Children's hospital and collection for Toys For Tots, kids' photo with Santa, 7 a.m. Saturday, Alki Masonic Temple, 4736 40th Ave. S.W., Seattle; $3-$6 (206-938-8032 or kiwaniswestseattle.org).

Seattle Caviar Company Holiday Open House

SAT Holiday tasting, Champagne with caviar, noon-4 p.m. Saturday, Seattle Caviar Company, 2922 Eastlake Ave. E., Seattle; $25, reservations encouraged (206-323-3005 or www.caviar.com).

Serafina Cooking Class

SAT Italian comfort-food cooking lesson, 1 p.m. Saturday, Cicchetti Kitchen and Bar, 121 E. Boston St., Seattle; $65 by reservation (206-323-0807 or serafinaseattle.com/events).

Northshore Pancake Breakfast

SAT Pancakes, eggs, ham or sausage, 8-11 a.m. Saturday, Northshore Senior Center, 10201 E. Riverside Drive, Bothell; $4-$5 (425-487-2441 or www.northshoreseniorcenter.org).

Lutefisk and Meatball Dinner

SAT Lutefisk, meatballs, potatoes, lefse, served family style, noon-6 p.m. Saturday, Bothell Sons of Norway, 23905 Bothell-Everett Highway, Bothell; $20/adults, $5/children; no reservations required (425-485-9085 or www.bothellsonsofnorway.org).

Salish Lodge Holiday Tea

SAT Tea, pastries, sandwiches, 2 p.m. Saturdays, Salish Lodge, 6501 Railroad Ave. S.E., Snoqualmie; $15-$30 (800-272-5474 or www.salishlodge.com).

Winery Tasting Tour

SAT-SUN Tours and tastes at seven island wineries, many usually not open to the public, Bainbridge Island; tasting fees at some venues (www.BainbridgeWineries.com).

Swedish Pancake Breakfast

SUN Swedish pancakes, ham, music and folk dancing, 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Sunday, Swedish Cultural Center, 1920 Dexter Ave. N., Seattle; $9/adults, $5/ages 5-12, ages 4 and younger free (206-283-1090 or www.swedishculturalcenter.org).

Chocolate Holiday Buffet

SUN Chocolate pastry treats, story time for kids, 3 p.m. Sundays in December, ART Restaurant & Lounge, 99 Union St., Seattle; $12-$20 (www.artrestaurantseattle.com).

First Tuesday at

Salty's on Alki

TUE Food and drink specials, music, raffle to benefit Seattle Children's Hospital, 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Salty's on Alki Beach Seafood Grill, 1936 Harbor Ave. S.W., Seattle (206-937-1600 or www.saltys.com/seattle).

Holiday Boot Camp at Willows Lodge

WED Classes to help navigate the challenges of holiday entertaining; holiday desserts, 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Willows Lodge, 14580 N.E. 145th St., Woodinville; free (425-424-3900 or www.willowslodge.com).

Hiking/walks

Issaquah Alps Trails Club

SAT Dogs welcome on 4-6 mile hike, 800-2,000-foot elevation gain, 10 a.m. Saturday; bring/wear hiking shoes, daypack, food, water; Issaquah Alps Trail Club, 110 S.E. Bush Street, Issaquah (www.issaquahalps.org).

Hobbies

Everett Bead Show

FRI-SUN Beauty in the Bead collection of beads, 1-7 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Everett Holiday Inn, 3105 Pine St., Everett; free (www.facebook.com/BellinghamBeadStore?sk=events).

Rainier Valley Historical Society

SAT Exhibits, holiday treats, 4 p.m. Saturday, Rainier Valley Historical Society, 3710 S. Ferdinand St., Seattle (206-723-1663 or www.rainiervalleyhistory.org).

Holiday events

Great Figgy Pudding Street Corner Caroling Competition

FRI Forty teams compete in song-and-dance holiday tradition to raise funds for the Pike Market Senior Center and Downtown Food Bank, 5-8:30 p.m.; entertainment by Caspar Babypants and the 5th Avenue production of "Cinderella," 5-6 p.m., Seahawks Blue Thunder Drumline, 7:15 p.m.; on Pine Street from Third to Seventh avenues and at Westlake Park, Seattle (206-728-2773 or www.pikemarketseniorcenter.org).

Volunteer Park Conservatory Holiday After Hours

FRI Tour the historic conservatory, unveiling of holiday display, music, refreshments, shopping, 6-8 p.m. Friday, Volunteer Park Conservatory, 1400 E. Galer St., Seattle; free (206-322-4112 or volunteerparkconservatory.org).

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, Belltown

FRI Santa Claus, candy, music, singalong, 6 p.m. Friday, Mars Hill Church, 2333 Western Ave., Seattle (206-734-5488).

Clam Lights

FRI Community singalong, entertainment, 6:15 p.m. Friday; official Clam Lights lighting, 7 p.m. Friday; Rainier Yacht Club Parade of Boats, 7:30 p.m. Friday; clam lights nightly through Jan. 1, Gene Coulon Park, 1201 Lake Washington Blvd., Renton (www.rentonwa.gov or www.ivars.com).

Argosy Christmas Ships

THRU DEC. 23 Decorated ship and companion boats sails to Puget Sound waterfront communities for 20-minute choir performances at each location; rides on Christmas ship or follow boats available; Argosy Cruises, leaving from Seattle, Kirkland, Tacoma, Edmonds, Des Moines, Poulsbo through Dec. 23; $19-$58, by reservation (206-623-1445 or www.argosycruises.com).

This week's performances:

• Friday: Dickens Carolers; 8 p.m. at Gene Coulon Park, 8:50 p.m. at Newcastle

• Saturday: Dickens Carolers; 4:10 p.m. at Medina, 5:10 p.m.at Houghton Beach, 8:45 p.m. at Beaux Arts, 9:45 p.m. at Madrona Beach Park

• Sunday: Dickens Carolers; 5:40 p.m. at Ferdinand Street Park; 6:15 p.m. at Stan Sayres Park; 6:45 p.m. at Mount Baker Beach

• Monday: Choir of the Sound; 7:50 p.m. at Pritchard Beach, 8:25 p.m. at Seward Park

• Tuesday: St. Martin's University Chorale; 7 p.m. at Tacoma Glass Museum, 8:30 p.m. at Gig Harbor

• Wednesday: Dickens Carolers; 8:10 p.m. at Ballard Locks, 9:05 p.m. at Golden Gardens Park

• Dec. 8: Rainier Youth Choir; 7:55 p.m. at Brown's Point, 8:50 p.m. at Redondo Beach

• Dec. 9: Dickens Carolers; Manchester City Park at 8:05 p.m., Olympic Sculpture Park at 9:15 p.m.

A Victorian Country

Christmas Festival

FRI-SUN Victorian-village theme vendors, entertainment, singing nativity, wine garden, carousel, Santa, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, Puyallup Fair and Event Center, Puyallup; $7-$10, ages 5 and younger free (253-841-5045 or avictoriancountrychristmas.com).

Holiday Port Festival, Bellingham

FRI-SUN Fire trucks, horse-drawn wagon rides, music and dance performances, gingerbread-house display, Santa visits, noon-5 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Bellingham Cruise Terminal, 1801 Roeder Ave., Bellingham (360-676-2500 or www.portofbellingham.com).

Olde Fashioned Christmas

in Ferndale

FRI-SUN Tour 12 log cabins built by early settlers, decorated for the holidays and hosted by volunteers in period clothing, Santa visits, crafts for kids, music, horse-drawn wagon rides, 5-9 p.m. Friday, 1-9 p.m. Saturday, 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Pioneer Park, 2004 Cherry St., Ferndale (www.ferndaleheritagesociety.com).

Leavenworth Christmas Lighting

FRI-SUN St. Nicholas arrives, 4 p.m. Friday and Dec. 9, 16; Father Christmas, St. Nicholas and Santa Claus arrive at noon, entertainment, village- and tree-lighting ceremony, 4:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday and Dec. 10-11, 17-18, Leavenworth (www.leavenworth.org).

Photos with the Ivar's Clam

SAT Ivar's Dancing Clam dressed in holiday garb to pose for photos, noon-3 p.m. Saturdays through Dec. 17, Ivar's Acres of Clams, 1001 Alaskan Way, Pier 54, Seattle; free (206-624-6852 or www.ivars.com).

Columbia City Holiday Lighting Party

SAT Tree lighting, 5 p.m. Saturday, Rainier Avenue South and South Hudson Street, Seattle (columbiacityseattle.com).

Radio Disney

Family Holiday Event

SAT Radio Disney music for kids, decorate a cookie, make an ornament, 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Macy's, Bellevue Square, Bellevue (radio.disney.go.com/music/yourstation/seattle/december.html#).

Sky Nursery holiday

SAT Craft vendors, holiday music, kids can make a bird feeder, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Sky Nursery, 18528 Aurora Ave. N., Shoreline (206-546-4851 or www.skynursery.com).

Operation Saint Nick

SAT Free Santa photos, ornament making, cookies, gingerbread-house family activity; 10 a.m. Saturday, Shoreline/South County YMCA, 1220 N.E. 175th St., Shoreline; free (206-618-4024 or www.operationstnick.org).

Holiday Breakfast with Santa Claus

SAT Kiwanis Clubs and Skyline and Eastlake high schools pancake breakfast with music, pictures with Santa, crafts activities, two seatings, 8:45 and 10 a.m.; Good Samaritan Episcopal Church, 1757 244th Ave. N.E., Sammamish; $10/adults, $5/kids (425-392-8905 or sammamishkiwanis.org/).

Holiday Tree Lighting, Renton

SAT Dickens Carolers, 3-5 p.m., downtown retail area; music, tree lighting, 5 p.m., Renton Piazza, South Third Street and Burnett Avenue South, Renton (425-917-0173 or www.piazzarenton.com).

Breakfast with Santa, Tukwila

SAT Breakfast, entertainment, Santa visit, 9 a.m. Saturday, Tukwila Community Center, 12424 42nd Ave. S., Tukwila; $5 (206-768-0524).

Kent Winterfest Celebration

SAT Santa mini-parade, kids' holiday story time, music, 3:30 p.m. Saturday; lighting of the Christmas tree and Town Square, 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Town Square Plaza Park, Smith Street and Second Avenue, Kent (253-852-5466).

Auburn Santa Parade & Tree Lighting Ceremony

SAT Children's parade, caroling, lighting of the City Hall Christmas tree, 4:30 p.m.; snack and craft event, 2-4 p.m., Washington Elementary; Auburn (253-931-3043 or www.auburnwa.gov).

Holiday Tree Lighting, Mukilteo

SAT Santa photos, entertainment, food, 6 p.m. Saturday, Rosehill Community Center, 304 Lincoln St., Mukilteo (425-263-8180).

Santa Is Comin' To Town,

Mill Creek

SAT Parade with Santa, 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Main Street, ends at Mill Creek City Hall for Christmas tree lighting, Santa visits, holiday entertainment until 7 p.m., carriage rides, train rides, Mill Creek Town Center, 153rd Street Southwest and Main Street, Mill Creek (425-481-6666 or www.millcreektowncenter.biz).

Santa Arrival

and Tree Lighting

SAT Santa arrives by sleigh from the sky to light the Christmas tree, 7 p.m. Saturday; train rides, live reindeer display all day, Country Village, 23732 Bothell-Everett Highway, Bothell (425-483-2250 or www.countryvillagebothell.com).

Holiday Tree Lighting, Brier

SAT Santa arrives, 6:30 p.m., Brier Park, 2903 228th St. S.W., Brier (ci.brier.wa.us/cityhall/events.htm).

19th Century Christmas

at Fort Nisqually

SAT Re-enactors portray the Christmas season in 1855 and the life of workers from many cultures who lived at the historic site, with stories, dancing, Yule log, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Fort Nisqually Living History Museum, 5400 N. Pearl St., Tacoma; $4-$6 (253-591-5339 or www.fortnisqually.org).

Passport to Christmas

SAT Entertainment, prizes; photos with Santa 1-4 p.m., free with a donation of nonperishable food item or new or gently used children's coat or shoes, 10 a.m. Saturday, Marysville (360-659-3222 or www.marysvillemerchants.com).

Santa Parade and Tree Lighting, Arlington

SAT Santa parade, noon, tree lighting ceremony, 5 p.m. Saturday, Legion Park, Arlington (www.arlingtonwa.gov/).

Lighted Christmas Parade, Lynden

SAT Tractors, wagons, fire trucks and antique cars decorated with lights and appearance by Sinterklaas, 6 p.m. Saturday, Lynden (www.lynden.org).

JuleFest and Christmas Bazaar

SAT Sons of Norway food, crafts, bake sale, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Poulsbo Lodge, 18891 Front St., Poulsbo; music, Lucia event, bonfire, 4-6 p.m., Waterfront Park, Poulsbo (360-779-5209 or www.poulsbosonsofnorway.com).

La Conner Holiday Spirit

SAT Breakfast with Santa, 8:30-11 a.m., Maple Hall, $3-$6; bazaar, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., La Conner Middle School; community tree lighting, Santa arrives by firetruck, 5 p.m., La Conner (360-466-4778).

Santa Train, Lake Whatcom Railway

SAT Santa visits, Christmas singalong, food vendors on antique train excursion, 9:30 a.m., noon and 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Dec. 10, 17, Lake Whatcom Railway, State Highway 9, Wickersham; $10-$20 (360-595-2218 or www.lakewhatcomrailway.com).

Lighted Farm Implement Parade

SAT More than 50 farm implements, vehicles and floats with decorative lights in parade to pay tribute to agricultural heritage, 6 p.m., Sunnyside (www.visityakima.com).

Seafair Special People's Holiday Cruise

SUN Boat owners and charter operators host developmentally disabled adults for lighted holiday cruise on Lake Union and Lake Washington, 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Seattle (206-728-0123 or www.seafair.com).

Seattle Center Winterfest

THRU DEC. 29 Winter train and village, entertainment, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily through Dec. 29, Center House (206-684-7200 or www.seattlecenter.com);

Swansons Reindeer Festival

THRU DEC. 24 See reindeer Dasher and Blitzen, Curly the Camel, Moe the miniature donkey, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. daily, Santa photos 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday and Dec. 9-10, Swansons Nursery, 9701 15th Ave. N.W., Seattle (206-782-2543 or www.swansonsnursery.com).

Bellevue Magic Season Snowflake Lane

THRU DEC. 24 Simulated snowfall, live toy soldiers and winter characters, music, light show, 7 p.m. daily, Bellevue Way and Northeast Eighth Street, Bellevue (425-454-8096 or magicseason.com).

Zoolights

THRU JAN. 1 Lights and light sculptures of animals and local landmarks, music, aquarium, camel rides, carousel, scuba-diving Santa, 5-8 p.m. Friday through Jan. 1 (closed Dec. 24), Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, 5400 N. Pearl St., Tacoma; $7-$8.25, ages 2 and younger free (253-404-3822 or www.pdza.org/zoolights).

Garden d'Lights

THRU DEC. 31 Winter wonderland of light displays, gift shop, 5-10 p.m., last entry 9:30 p.m. daily, Bellevue Botanical Garden, 12001 Main St., Bellevue; $5, ages 10 and younger free; free admission for all Monday-Wednesday and Dec. 12-14 (425-452-6844 or www.gardendlights.org).

Issaquah Reindeer Festival

THRU DEC. 30 Meet Santa, see his reindeer, gift shop, food, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily through Dec. 23, Cougar Mountain Zoo, 19525 S.E. 54th St., Issaquah; $10.50-$12.50 (www.cougarmountainzoo.org).

Festival of Poinsettias

THRU DEC. 23 Poinsettias in 25 varieties, 14-foot poinsettia tree, holiday music and Santa visits on weekends, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. daily, Molbak's, 13625 N.E. 175th St., Woodinville (425-483-5000 or www.molbaks.com).

Santa Train

THRU DEC. 17 Northwest Railway Museum and Snoqualmie Valley Railroad's train excursion to visit Santa Claus at the Snoqualmie Depot, with music, cookies, small gift for each child, hourly 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday and Dec. 10-11, 17; and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 16; departs from North Bend depot, 205 McClellan St., North Bend; $20; advance purchase recommended (425-888-3030 or www.trainmuseum.org).

The Lights of Christmas

THRU DEC. 28 1 million lights, music, theater, pony rides, petting farm, train rides, food, 5-10 p.m. Friday through Sunday and Dec. 8-11, 15-23, 26-28; overnight packages available, Warm Beach Christian Camps & Conference Center, Stanwood; $9-$15 (800-228-6724 or www.warmbeach.com/index.php/lights-of-christmas).

Puget Sound Christmas Tree Association

ONGOING Tree farms in Snohomish, King, Pierce, Thurston and Kitsap counties, information online and in brochure available and public libraries and other locations (www.PSCTA.org).

Pacific Northwest Christmas Tree Association

ONGOING Tree farms in Washington and Oregon, information online and in brochure available at public libraries, AAA offices and other locations (www.nwchristmastrees.org).

Christmas tree permits, Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

ONGOING Permits available to cut a Christmas tree in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest; $10-$20, cash only at most locations (www.fs.usda.gov/mbs);

• Outdoor Recreation Information Center, REI, 222 Yale Ave. N., Seattle (206-470-4060)

• REI, 3000 184th St. S.W., Lynnwood (425-640-6200)

• North Bend ranger station, 902 S.E. North Bend Way, North Bend (425-888-1421)

• Enumclaw ranger station, 450 Roosevelt Ave. E., Enumclaw (360-825-6585)

• Skykomish ranger station, 74920 N.E. Stevens Pass Highway, Skykomish (360-677-2414)

• Verlot Public Service Center, 33515 Mountain Loop Highway, Granite Falls (360-691-7791)

• Darrington ranger station, 1405 Emens Ave. N., Darrington (360-436-1155)

• Glacier Public Service Center, Mt. Baker Highway 542, Glacier (360-599-2714)

• Sedro-Woolley ranger station, 810 State Route 20, Sedro-Woolley (360-856-5700, ext. 515)

Christmas tree permits, Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

ONGOING Permits available to cut one tree per family; get permits at ranger stations and businesses in Cle Elum, Ellensburg, Leavenworth, Wenatchee, Chelan, Winthrop; $15 (www.fs.usda.gov/okawen).

Movie bargains

"Dolphin Tale"

It's new at the Crest Cinema. Also there: "The Big Year," "50/50," "The Hedgehog," "The Help" and "Contagion" ($3).

"Dolphin Tale, "Anonymous" and "Seducing Charlie Barker"

They're new at the Admiral Theater in West Seattle. Also there: "The Help" ($5.75).

"El Bulli: Cooking in Progress"

It's new at the Varsity Theatre. Also there: "The Women on the 6th Floor" and "Midnight in Paris." All seats on Tuesday are $7.

"Pulp Fiction"

It's the midnight movie at the Egyptian Friday and Saturday. All seats are $8.25.

"The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn — Part One"

It continues at the Big Picture Seattle. The 3:30 p.m. shows Saturday-Sunday are $7.

"Edward Scissorhands" and "Fargo"

They're new at the Central Cinema in Seattle. All shows $6-$8.

"Super 8"

It's new at the Tin Theater in Burien this week. All shows $7-$8.

"50/50," "Dolphin Tale 3D," "The Thing" and "Dream House"

They're new at the Gateway in Federal Way. Also there: "Drive," "The Three Musketeers," "The Help," "Abduction," "The Lion King 3D," "Cowboys & Aliens" and "The Smurfs 3D" ($2, all seats on Tuesdays $1).

Museum events

Festivals of Light

FRI THRU DEC. 8 Each week in December features different winter traditions around the world, through Dec. 8 is Hanukkah; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, The Children's Museum, Seattle Center House, Seattle; $6.50-$7.50 (206-441-1768 or thechildrensmuseum.org).

Issaquah History Museum Holiday Open House

SAT Craft vendors, music, kids' craft activity, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Santa visits, 11 a.m. -2 p.m. Saturday, Issaquah Train Depot, 50 Rainier Blvd. N., Issaquah (425-392-3500 or www.issaquahhistory.org).

Diving Santa

SAT-SUN See Santa diving in the Window on Washington exhibit, noon and 3 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays through Dec. 18, Seattle Aquarium, 1483 Alaskan Way, Pier 59, Seattle; $12-$19 (206-386-4300 or www.seattleaquarium.org).

Jingle Bell-evue Blvd.

SUN Performances by the Snowflake Lane toy-soldier drumline, snack bar, craft stations, 4 p.m. Sunday, Bellevue Arts Museum, 510 Bellevue Way N.E., Bellevue; free (425-519-0770 or www.bellevuearts.org).

Queen Anne Science Café — Born to Learn: The Science of Early Learning

TUE Gina Lebedeva, Ph.D., of the UW's Institute for Learning and Brain Sciences, to explore how social interactions shape children's brains and influence their capacity to learn, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, T.S. McHugh's Irish Pub & Restaurant, 21 Mercer St., Seattle; free (206-443-2937).

Aurora Valentinetti

Puppet Museum

THRU JAN. 14 Holiday exhibit of puppets that were displayed in Frederick & Nelson department store windows during several holiday seasons in the 1950s and '60s, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays, Aurora Valentinetti Puppet Museum, 257 Fourth St., Bremerton; free, donations appreciated (360-373-2992 or www.ectandpuppets.).

Victorian Holiday

at the Gaches Mansion

THRU DEC. 30 Historic 1891 mansion decorated for the holidays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays; vintage records played on a 1911 Victor Electrola Talking Machine, 3-5 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, La Conner Quilt & Textile Museum, 703 S. Second St., La Conner; $7 (360-466-4288 or www.laconnerquilts.com).

Paddle sports

Deception Pass Paddle Race

SAT-SUN Try out kayaks, surfskis, outrigger canoes and other gear, instructional clinics, demonstrations, vendors, Saturday; challenging six-mile race for kayaks, outrigger canoes, paddleboards, 10:20 a.m. Sunday, Deception Pass State Park, Whidbey Island; $59-$79 (rubycreekboathouse.com/races/).

Park events

Mount Baker Rowing and Sailing Open House

SAT Open house in new community meeting room available for event rentals, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, 3800 Lake Washington Boulevard S., Seattle (206-386-1913).

Holly-Day Decorations

SAT Create wreaths, garlands using holly, ivy and other invasive plants from the park, 1 p.m. Saturday, Discovery Park, 3801 W. Government Way, Seattle; $9, preregister (206-386-4237).

Orienteering

SAT Explore the park searching for checkpoints on a map, instruction available, start anytime 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, North SeaTac Park, South 128th Street and 20th Avenue South, SeaTac; $4-$9 (www.cascadeoc.org).

Holiday Open House & Photography Exhibit at Point Robinson Lighthouse

SUN Photography exhibit of the lighthouse, food, tours, vendors, noon-4 p.m., Santa arrives approximately 1 p.m. Sunday; Point Robinson Lighthouse, S.W. Point Robinson Road, Vashon Island; free (206-463-9602 or vashonparkdistrict.org).

Winter's Eve Party

with the Christmas Ships

MON Dinner, craft activities, silent auction, hay rides, Christmas Ships performance, 6 p.m. Monday, Seward Park Audubon Center, 5902 Lake Washington Boulevard S., Seattle; $15-$50 (206-652-2444 or www.brownpapertickets.com/event/211468).

Hayrides with Santa, Bellevue

PLAN AHEAD Tractor-pulled wagon ride around the farm, 1-3 p.m. Dec. 7, 10 a.m.-noon Dec. 8, Kelsey Creek Farm Park, Bellevue; $5-$6, preregistration recommended (425-452-7688).

Winter Wonderland

Horse Drawn Wagon Rides

PLAN AHEAD Horse-drawn wagon ride around the park, hourly 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 10, 17, 24, Seward Park Audubon Center, Seattle; $15 (206-652-2444 or www.brownpapertickets.com/profile/17346).

Performances

Journey to Bethlehem

FRI-SUN Outdoor interactive Christmas story, tours leave every 10 minutes, 5:30-9 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Auburn Adventist Academy Church, 5010 Auburn Way S., Auburn; free (253-833-5853 or www.j2binfo.org).

Northwest Youth Harp Ensemble

SAT Performance of holiday favorites, 3 p.m. Saturday, Ballard Library, 5614 22nd Ave. N.W., Seattle (206-684-4089 or www.spl.org).

A Season for Singing

SAT Nancy Stewart songs of winter holidays for ages 2 and older, 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Burien Library, 400 S.W. 152nd St., Burien (206-243-3490 or www.kcls.org).

Island Music Concert for a Cure

SAT Concert benefiting The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society with Island Bound, Two Story Zori, DJ, hula performances, all ages welcome, 5 p.m. Saturday, Green River Community College, 12401 S.E. 320th St., Auburn; $10 (206-687-7320 or www.kadukuclothing.com).

Living History Series

SUN Clay Jenkinson portrays Meriwether Lewis, leader of the 1804 Corps of Discovery Expedition, 1 p.m. Sunday, doors open 12:15 p.m., Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave., Seattle; free (206-386-4636 or www.spl.org).

Sounds of the Season

SUN Rain City Women's Chorus and Rainbow Band Brass Quintet, 4 p.m. Sunday, Wedgwood Community Church, 8201 30th Ave. N.E., Seattle; free, accepting donations of nonperishable food items for University District Food Bank (206-522-5778 or www.wedgwoodchurch.org).

Jazz Vespers

SUN Casual, all-ages performance by Cocoa Martini jazz ensemble, 6 p.m. Sunday, Seattle First Baptist Church, 1111 Harvard Ave., Seattle; free, donation for musicians collected (206-325-6051 or www.seattlejazzvespers.org).

Mariachi Fiesta Mexicana

MON Mariachi music for all ages, 7 p.m. Monday, Renton Public Library, 100 Mill Ave. S., Renton (425-226-6043 or www.kcls.org).

Medieval Women's Choir

TUE Seasonal music from Finland, Denmark, the British Isles, Germany and the Netherlands, noon Tuesday, Seattle Central Library, 1000 Fourth Ave., Seattle; free (206-386-4636 or www.spl.org).

Caspar Babypants Sing Along

DEC. 8 Music for young kids and families, 11 a.m. Dec. 8, Library Connection Southcenter, 1115 Southcenter Mall, Tukwila (206-242-6044 or www.kcls.org).

Sales/Shopping

Seward Park Clay Studio Annual Holiday Show and Sale

FRI-DEC. 24 Ceramic works by 50 artists, opening night gala fundraiser for the studio, 6:30 p.m. Friday, $10 donation suggested; sale continues through Dec. 24, free admission, noon-7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays, Seward Park Clay Studio, 5900 Lake Washington Blvd. S., Seattle; free (206-722-6342 or www.sewardparkart.org).

Hilltop Holiday Craft Show

FRI-SAT Crafts works by 80 Northwest artists, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Northwest Arts Center, 9825 N.E. 24th St., Bellevue (360-668-1987).

Paul Lewing and Gay Jensen

FRI-SUN Holiday art sale and open studios, 5-9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Paul Lewing Studio, 105 N. 200th St., Shoreline (206-801-7332 or gayjensen.com).

Art of Giving Marketplace

FRI-SUN Artist vendors, demonstrations, treats, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday, ArtEast Art Center, 95 Front St., Issaquah (425-392-3191 or arteast.org/).

Mercer Island Library book sale

FRI-SUN Book sale to benefit the library, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday; Dickens Carolers, 3:30 p.m. Saturday; music and stories of the winter holidays, 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Mercer Island Library, 4400 88th Ave. S.E., Mercer Island (206-236-3537 or www.kcls.org).

Holiday Bazaar, Lakewood Seward Park Community Club

SAT Creations by local artists, raffles, food, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Lakewood Seward Park Community Club, 4916 S. Angeline St., Seattle (206-722-9696 or lspcc.org).

Holiday Gift Show

SAT Arts and crafts by 15 local artists; watercolors, hats, jewelry, glass, fiber arts, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation Social Hall, 7141 California Ave. S.W., Seattle (206-935-2025).

Holiday Shopping Boutique

SAT Gift ideas from 10 specialty shops in the South Lake Union neighborhood, drinks and bites; proceeds benefit Youth Care's J.W. Orion Center, 10 p.m. Saturday, Pan Pacific Hotel Seattle, 2125 Terry Ave., Seattle (206-264-8111).

Maritime Book Sale

SAT Hundreds of maritime books at bargain prices, proceeds benefit the Puget Sound Maritime Historical Society; cash and checks preferred, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Nord Building, 314 First Ave. S., Seattle (206-324-1126 or www.pugetmaritime.org).

Northwest Natural World Book Sale

SAT Hundreds of books, outdoor recreation, field guides, gardening, calendars, kid's titles, meet local authors; proceeds benefit Audubon Center; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Seward Park Audubon Center, 5902 Lake Washington Boulevard S., Seattle (206-652-2444 or sewardpark.audubon.org).

Guild Bazaar and Magic Show

SAT Library Guild vendors, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; magic show, 2 p.m. Saturday, White Center Library, 11220 16th S.W., Seattle (206-243-0233 or www.kcls.org).

Art Under $100

SAT South Park artists' sale, 3-10 p.m. Saturday, South Park Community Center, 8319 Eighth Ave. S., Seattle (southparkarts.org).

Holiday Faire

SAT Book sale, silent auction, vendors, bake sale, entertainment, lunch available, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, John Marshall High School, 520 N.E. Ravenna Blvd., Seattle (206-524-3778 or lifetimelearningseattle.org/).

Moshier Holiday Pottery Sale

SAT Handmade mugs, bowls, garden art, jewelry, planters, cash or checks accepted, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Moshier Community Art Center, 430 S. 156th St., Burien (206-988-3700 or www.moshierartcenter.org).

Holiday Farmers Market Event and Winter Wear Swap

SAT Local farms and merchants, winter-clothing swap for children ages 1 to 10, donations of gently used toys accepted for community play space; 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Orange Blossom Society, 16715 N.E. 79th St., Redmond (425-883-2400 or www.orangeblossomsociety.com).

Happy Valley Arts & Crafts Fair

SAT 20 local vendors, 10 a.m. Saturday, Happy Valley Grange, 19720 N.E. 50th St., Redmond (www.happyvalleyfair.com).

Heavy equipment and vehicle auction

SAT Auction of contractors equipment, heavy equipment, trucks, vehicles, 9 a.m. Saturday; preview 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, James G. Murphy Inc., 18226 68th Ave. N.E., Kenmore (murphyauction.com).

Alternative Gift Fair

SAT Community holiday fair with 30 local and international nonprofits, buy free-trade items or make donations to a nonprofit, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Northshore United Church of Christ, 18900 168th Ave. N.E., Woodinville (425-483-6557 or www.northshoreucc.org).

Quiet Light Candles Christmas Festival

SAT Handcrafted beeswax candles, candle pouring tours, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays through Dec. 24, Quiet Light Candles, 29206 64th Ave. N.W., Stanwood (360-629-0285 or www.quietlightcandles.net).

Woodinville Wine Country St. Nicholas Day Open House

SAT-SUN Wine tasting, entertainment, sales at 30 participating wineries, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Woodinville; $55/two-day, $40/Sunday only, tickets online (425-205-4394 or woodinvillewinecountry.com).

Dungeness Schoolhouse Christmas Tea & Bake Sale

SAT-SUN Donations and bake-sale proceeds going toward preserving historic schoolhouse, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Dungeness Schoolhouse, 2781 Towne Road, Sequim (360-683-8110 or www.macsequim.org).

Northern Lights Holiday Bazaar

DEC. 8 Art show, vendors, happy hour, kid's craft zone and activities, raffle, 2-8 p.m. Dec. 8, Swedish Cultural Center, 1920 Dexter Ave. N., Seattle (www.northernlightsholidaybazaar.com).

Holiday and Seconds Sale

Thru DEC. 22 Seconds, close-outs and holiday art-glass sale, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily through Dec. 22, Jones Glassworks, 900 North 34th St., Seattle (206-632-3604 or jonesglassworks.com).

Skating

Seattle Center Winterfest

THRU JAN. 1 Winterfest Ice Rink, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays (closes 4 p.m. Dec. 24, closed Dec. 25), Fisher Pavilion, Seattle Center; $7/adults, $5/ages 6-12, $2/ages 5 and younger, includes skate rental; cash only (206-684-7200 or www.seattlecenter.com).

Bellevue Magic Season Ice Arena

THRU JAN. 8 Open-air ice skating, shelter for all-weather skating, hours vary through Jan. 11, including 3-11 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday; 3-9 p.m. Monday; 3-7 p.m. Tuesday; 1-9 p.m. Wednesday; 3-9 p.m. Dec. 8; skating for people with young children in strollers only, 2-3 p.m. Dec. 8 and 15, Bellevue Downtown Park, 10201 N.E. Fourth St., Bellevue; $10 includes skate rental; Free Skate Mondays with Bank of America debit or credit card or pass from downtown Bellevue banking center (425-453-1223 or magicseason.com).

Holiday Ice Rink, Cal Anderson Park

TUE-DEC. 24 Covered outdoor ice skating with music, holiday decorations, concessions, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Tuesday through Dec. 24, Cal Anderson Park, 1635 11th Ave, Seattle; $12/adults, $6/ages 8 and younger, per hour, with or without skate rental (www.capitolhillicerink.com).

Special interest

Choosing books for children

SAT Bellevue Library program on good books for babies to age 12, 11 a.m. Saturday, Bellevue Square Microsoft Store, Bellevue (425-450-1795 or www.kcls.org).

"The Future Remembered: The 1962 World's Fair and Its Legacy"

SAT HistoryLink.org presentation about the 1962 Seattle World's Fair, hosted by King County Library, 7 p.m. Saturday, Baker Street Books, 32709 Railroad Ave., Black Diamond; free (360-886-1105 or www.thenextfifty.org/2011/10/18/the-future-remembered/).

Holiday Gathering of Remembrance

SUN Community gathering open to all, honoring the memories of loved ones who cannot be with us this season, 1 p.m. Sunday, Acacia Memorial Park, 14951 Bothell Way N.E., Seattle; free (206-362-5525).

Holiday Service of Remembrance

SUN All invited to join in remembering loved ones; 3 p.m. Sunday, Evergreen-Washelli Memorial Park, 11111 Aurora Ave. N., Seattle; free (206-362-5200 or www.washelli.com).

The Holocaust Through the Lens of Hollywood

SUN Lecture using excerpts from films spanning six decades, 2 p.m. Sunday, Stroum Jewish Community Center, 3801 E. Mercer Way, Mercer Island; $5-$10 (206-232-7115 or www.SJCC.org).

Tours

Seattle Architecture Foundation

FRI-SAT Tours from Seattle Architecture Foundation offices, 1333 Fifth Ave., Rainier Square Atrium, Seattle, unless noted otherwise; $15-$25 (800-838-3006 or www.seattlearchitecture.org);

• Architecture 101, 10 a.m. Friday

• Architecture Greatest Hits, 10 a.m. Saturday

• Bellevue, 10 a.m. Saturday from Center Court Information Desk, Bellevue Square Mall, Bellevue

Mount Baker Home Tour and Arts and Crafts Fair

SAT Community fundraising tour to see interiors of six homes in a variety of styles, walking or with shuttle transportation, arts and crafts fair with 15 local artists at the clubhouse; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Mount Baker Community Club, Seattle; $20-$30 (206-722-7209 or mountbaker.orgorwww.brownpapertickets.com/event/207067).

Snow Train To Leavenworth's Lighting Festival

SAT Rail tour to Leavenworth, Dec. 3, 10 and 17 from the train at King Street Station, Edmonds Station, or Everett Station; $149 (206-935-6848 or www.alkitours.com).

Holiday Lights Tour

THRU Dec. 23 Tour lights of downtown Seattle, the waterfront, Pioneer Square on 40-minute land-only Duck ride, first tours depart 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 5 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays through Dec. 23, Westlake Park, 401 Pine St., Seattle; $1-$15, reservations recommended (206-441-3825 or www.ridetheducksofseattle.com).

Travel events

Solo Travelers

SAT Informal gathering to meet and learn from other's travel experiences, 9 a.m. Saturday, Wide World Books & Maps, 4411 Wallingford Ave. N., Seattle (206-634-3453 or wideworldtravelstore.com).

Exploring Tanzania

SAT Speakers share stories, pictures, experiences and volunteer opportunities in Tanzania, 1 p.m. Saturday, Hosteling International, 520 S. King St., Seattle (206-658-3262 or www.hiwsc.org/council/events/exploretanzania).

Europe Through the Back Door

SAT Rick Steves on Mediterranean cruising, 10 a.m. Saturday: Rick Steves' 2011 Travel Report, 2 p.m. Saturday, Edmonds Theater, 415 Main St., Edmonds; free, reservations required (425-0771-8303, ext. 298 or www.ricksteves.com).

Volunteer

Tree planting at Lake Sammamish

SAT Washington State Parks and Mountains to Sound Greenway park restoration project, no experience necessary, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Lake Sammamish State Park, Issaquah; preregistration required (206-812-0122 or mtsgreenway.org).

Radio Disney Festival of Giving

SUN Radio Disney holiday entertainment and activities, Food Lifeline, Seattle Humane Society, Treehouse for Kids and Salvation Army on-site to take donations, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Sunday, Marketplace at Factoria, Bellevue RadioDisney.com/Seattle).

Volunteer Seal Sitter Training

MON Training to protect seals that land on the beach, 9:30 a.m. Monday, WSU Snohomish County Extension, Everett; preregister (425-357-6020 or www.beachwatchers.wsu.edu/Snohomish).

Workshops

Holiday Manners for Children

SUN Introductions and handshakes; thank-you notes, table manners, includes etiquette lunch, children ages 8 to 13, 11 a.m. Sunday, Preservation Kitchen, Bothell; $69 (206-708-1670 or cliseetiquette.com/events).

Gingerbread House Workshops

PLAN AHEAD Make your own gingerbread creation, 6-8 p.m. Dec. 9; 10-11:30 a.m., 12:30-2 p.m. and 2:30-4 p.m. Dec. 10, Bellevue Hilton, Bellevue; $35-$40, preregister, space limited (425-637-8100 or www.kidsquestmuseum.org).

Auto Leaks Class

PLAN AHEAD Cars inspected, how to fix leaks to keep oil and other automotive fluids out of Puget Sound, 9 a.m. Dec. 10, South Seattle Community College, Seattle; free, preregister (206-386-9746).