Best bets for the weekend

Ballard's snowflake decorations went up on Market Street utility poles last week, so it must be the start of that wintry holiday season, in case you hadn't noticed. If you've gotten this far into your Northwest Weekend section, you've already picked up that it's also the season for sliding crazily down snowy hills. But if that's not your cuppa cocoa, look at our online calendar crowded with other weekend outings. Such as:

You just love to shop: That's what we keep hearing, and if holiday bazaars get your heart pumping, your weekend needn't be dull. We're talking about the Christmas Moose Bazaar in Bellevue, or the Russian Cultural Center Bazaar on Capitol Hill, or the Daughters of the British Empire sale in Normandy Park. So whether you need a knitted Santa hat or a set of Frosty the Snowman sequined placemats, plan your shopping stops here. See "Sales/Shopping" in our online calendar.

Get crafty: Whether you're gift shopping or just looking to get in out of the cold, you might try the Best of the Northwest show, with juried arts and crafts by 250 artists, including wearable art, jewelry, sculpture and more. It's at Sand Point/Magnuson Park.

Fresh air and birds: For a look at the birds of autumn, try one of three local outings this weekend, at Alki Beach, Discovery Park or Carkeek Park.

Poinsettias aplenty: If the red and pink and white and green leaves of this seasonal favorite dazzle you, head for Molbak's in Woodinville, where the annual Poinsettia Festival continues through Christmas Eve. It's sort of the winter equivalent of the Tulip Festival, with a satisfying wow factor. And, pssst, it's warm inside.

Lummi Swan Dancers and more: Enjoy performances by Lummi tribal dancers and the Chief Leschi Performance Group this evening at the opening of an exhibit of Native American art at Washington State History Museum in Tacoma.

Hobby shows: Whether you just love to watch model trains weave through tiny towns or you're making your sister-in-law a necklace for her birthday, here you go: The Great Train Expo is at the Puyallup Fairgrounds, and the International Gem and Jewelry Show is in Seattle.

Coming attractions

Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting Celebration, Nov. 25; parade welcomes Santa and the holiday season, 8:45 a.m., and lighting of the holiday tree and Macy's star with fireworks display at 5 p.m., Seattle. 206-506-4386.

Piper's Creek Salmon Celebration, Nov. 25; See returning salmon and learn about their life cycle, Carkeek Park, Seattle. 206-684-0877.

Garden d'Lights, Nov. 26-Jan. 1; Winter wonderland of light sculptures opens Nov. 26 at Bellevue Botanical Garden. 425-452-2750.

Winterfest, Nov. 25-Jan. 2; Holiday ice rink, carousel, entertainment and activities, official lighting of the giant Christmas tree Nov. 26, Seattle Center. 206-684-7200.

Snohomish Home for the Holidays, Nov. 25; Santa's arrival, tree lighting ceremony, shopping in downtown Snohomish. 360-568-2526.

Zoolights, Nov. 25-Jan. 1; Light sculptures and entertainment at Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, Tacoma. 253-591-5337.

Victorian Country Christmas, Nov. 30-Dec. 4; Vendors and entertainment with a Victorian-era theme, Puyallup. 253-770-0777.

Fruitcake Follies, Dec. 2; Fruitcake toss, fruitcake relay race and fruitcake beauty pageant benefit social services, Pike Place Market, Seattle. 206-774-5278.

Jingle Bell Run, Dec. 11; All runners get jingle bells at 5K run/walk with costume contest, to benefit the Arthritis Foundation, Seattle. 206-547-2707.