From carousel to tree-lightings, a whirl of holiday events

Civic Lights Winter Celebration

THU Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus and entertainment at the Fire Station, arts-and-crafts workshop, free polar-bear swim and movie "Happy Feet" at the Recreation Center, snow play and kids' activities at the Council Chambers, storytelling, games and performance by Tim Noah at the library, festive light display, 6-9 p.m. today, Lynnwood Civic Center Campus, 19000 44th Ave. W., Lynnwood (425-771-4030 or www.ci.lynnwood.wa.us).

Deck the (City) Halls

THU Holiday tree-lighting, pictures with Santa, music, 6:30-8:30 p.m. today, Mill Creek City Hall, 15728 Main St., Mill Creek (425-745-1891).

Victorian Country Christmas Festival

THU-SUN Victorian-village-themed vendors, wine garden, stage entertainment, singing nativity, craft and carnival activities for kids, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. today, Friday, Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, Puyallup Fair and Events Center, 110 Ninth Ave. S.W., Puyallup; $9/adults, $7.50/ages 6-18 and ages 62 and older (253-841-5045 or www.avictoriancountrychristmas.com).

Zoolights

THU-SUN Winter wonderland at the zoo's light displays made from more than 500,000 lights, 5-9 p.m. today, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and Dec. 6-23, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, 5400 N. Pearl St., Tacoma; $5-$7 (253-404-3822 or www.pdza.org).

The Lights of Christmas, Warm Beach

THU-SUN Light displays, music on three stages, pony rides, Polar Express train rides, petting farm, draft-horse wagon ride, theater performances, vendors, food, 5-10 p.m. today-Sunday and Dec. 6-9, 13-16, 20-23, 27-30, Warm Beach Christian Camps & Conference Center, 20800 Marine Drive, Stanwood; $12/adults, $8/ages 60 and older and active military, $7/ages 4-12, advance tickets and discounts available online (360-652-7575 or warmbeach.com).

Bellevue Galleria Tree Lighting

FRI Entertainment, 6 p.m., tree-lighting ceremony, 7:25 p.m. Friday, Bellevue Galleria, 550 106th Avenue N.E., Bellevue (425-453-3112).

Ivar's "Clam Lights" Opening Night

FRI Clam Lights festival kick-off with bonfire, singalong, parade of boats, lighting ceremony, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Clam Lights 5-9 p.m. daily through Jan. 1, Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park, 1201 Lake Washington Blvd., Renton (425-430-6700).

Community Tree Lighting, Black Diamond

FRI Santa arrives to light the community Christmas tree, followed by snacks and Santa visits for kids, 6-8:30 p.m. Friday, Black Diamond Community Center, 31605 Third Ave., Black Diamond (360-886-1011).

Magic in the Market

FRI, SAT Holiday lights and trees, free parking Saturdays and Sunday if you show $30 in receipts from Market merchants that day, come to the tent near the clock, noon-4 p.m. for validation; Dickens carolers, 12-2 p.m. Fridays, 2-4 p.m. Saturdays; Santa, 12-4 p.m. Saturdays; Pike Place Market, 1501 Pike Place, Seattle (206-682-7453).

Nativity Exhibit

FRI, SAT Display of more than 600 nativities from around the world, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, CRISTA Nursing Center, 19303 Fremont Ave. N., Shoreline; free (206-546-7200).

The Crèche Exhibit: A Nativity Celebration

FRI, SAT, SUN Display of more than 400 crèches depicting the birth of Jesus Christ, with music by vocalists and choirs, live nativity, children's activities, 6-9 p.m. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 26800 236th Pl. S.E., Maple Valley; free (206-856-1351 or www.mvchristmascreche.org).

Ferndale Heritage Society

FRI, SAT, SUN Hosts in period costume in 10 authentic log cabins with holiday décor with children's craft activities, entertainment, horse-drawn carriage rides, Santa visit, 5-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Pioneer Park, 2004 Cherry St., Ferndale, Whatcom County; $2-$3 (360-384-6461).

Monorail Holiday Express

SAT Santa visits with kids on the Monorail, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturdays through Dec. 23, board at Westlake Center or Seattle Center, Seattle; round trip $4/adult, $2/ages 65 and older, $1.50/ages 5-12 (206-905-2620 or www.seattlemonorail.com).

Santa at MOHAI

SAT Have your photo taken with Santa Claus in the museum's antique sleigh, noon-4 p.m. Saturday and Dec. 8, Museum of History & Industry, 2700 24th Ave. E., Seattle; museum admission $5-$7 (206-324-1126).

Christmas in Seattle

SAT Presentation on Christmas in Seattle from 1851 to now and what to do during the holiday season in Seattle, with walking and bus tour of holiday attractions, 2 p.m. Saturday, Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, 319 Second Ave. S., Seattle; free; tour ends with Monorail ride to Winterfest, fare required (206-220-4240).

Columbia City Tree Lighting

SAT Kids' ornament-making party, 3-6 p.m., RetroActive Kids, 4859 Rainier Ave. S., Seattle; carols, entertainment, tree-lighting, snacks and Santa, 6 p.m. Saturday, Rainier Avenue South and South Hudson Street, Seattle (206-932-3154 or www.columbiacitizens.net/calendar).

Winterfest in Burien

SAT Horse and carriage rides, 1-5 p.m. Saturday, Santa photos, hayrides, store specials, Christmas Bazaar at St. Elizabeth Episcopal Church, pottery sale at Moshier Community Art Center, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Burien (206-433-2882 or www.discoverburien.com).

Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration

SAT Community event with entertainment by local musicians and singers, visit from Santa, children's gifts, refreshments, 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Renton Downtown Piazza, South Third Street and Burnett Avenue South, Renton (425-917-0173 or www.piazzarenton.com).

Santa Breakfast, Alderwood

SAT Breakfast with Santa and singalong, all proceeds benefit The Seattle Times Fund for the Needy, 9-10 a.m. Saturday, Alderwood, 3000 184th St. S.W., Lynnwood; $5/per family at the Terraces Fireplace in the Food Court (425-771-1211).

Breakfast with Santa

SAT Breakfast with Santa, 8 a.m. Saturday, Redmond Town Center Marriott, 7401 164th Ave., Redmond; $4.95-$16.95 (425-498-4000).

A Holly Jolly Day in Kent — Winterfest 2007

SAT Waffle breakfast, 1-mile walk, tours of historic downtown, carriage rides, Kent Parks Holiday Bazaar, photos with Santa, kids' bike giveaway, entertainment and tree-lighting ceremony, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, downtown Kent (253-813-6976 or www.kentwinterfest.com).

Santa Parade and Tree Lighting, Auburn

SAT Kids' holiday snack and craft activity, 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Washington Elementary School, 20 E Street N.E., Auburn; Santa parade on Main Street starting at E Street Northeast, anyone can participate, no registration necessary; followed by community caroling and lighting of the City Hall tree, 2-4 p.m. Saturday, downtown Auburn (253-931-3052).

Special Needs Santa

SAT Special-needs children and siblings invited, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Northshore Family Center, 18315 Bothell Way, Bothell; $10 suggested donation per family, appointments recommended (425-485-2582).

Holiday events, Issaquah

SAT Historical Society holiday open house at the Depot with arts-and-crafts vendors, children's craft activity, Santa visits, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Santa 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Issaquah Train Depot, 50 Rainier Blvd. N., Issaquah (425-392-3500); live music by the Rockin' Studebakers, Christmas carol singalong, old-time movie "Santa Claus Conquers the Martian," 4 p.m. Saturday, Issaquah Valley Senior Center, 75 N.E. Creek Way, Issaquah; food-bank donation requested for admission for Senior Center event (425-392-2381).

Mukilteo Christmas Tree Lighting

SAT Mukilteo Yacht Club Christmas Boat Parade (weather permitting), Santa lights the tree at Third Avenue and Lincoln Street, 6:45 p.m., tree-lighting 7:15 p.m. Saturday, Rosehill Community Center, 304 Lincoln Ave., Mukilteo (425-355-2514).

Lake Stevens Winterfest

SAT Santa arrives by firetruck to light the community holiday tree with children's crafts, caroling, 5-8 p.m. Saturday, downtown Lake Stevens; food-bank donations requested (425-397-7433).

Merrysville for the Holidays

SAT Electric Lights Parade, water-tower lighting, outdoor holiday concert, visit from Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Comeford Park, State Avenue and Fifth Street, Marysville (360-363-8400).

Brier Traditional Tree Lighting

SAT Music, holiday parade of boats, visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, lighting of the holiday tree, 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Brier Park, 2903 228th St. S.W., Brier; food-bank donations collected (425-775-5440 or ci.brier.wa.us).

Santa Parade, Puyallup

SAT Santa parade on Meridian Street, lighting of the Children's Tree in Pioneer Park, community reception in Pioneer Park Pavilion, 4 p.m. Saturday, Pioneer Park Pavilion, 330 S. Meridian St., Puyallup (www.puyallupmainstreet.com/events/).

Fort Nisqually's 19th Century Christmas

SAT Experience the Christmas season in 1855 style with the sounds of penny whistles, the aroma of ginger biscuits, Christmas dances and the slower pace of the 19th-century Christmas season, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Fort Nisqually Living History Museum, 5400 N. Pearl St., Tacoma; $2-$4 (253-591-5339).

Victorian Holiday Celebration

SAT Display and sale of poinsettias, Santa visit for children, staff in Victorian costume, gift shop, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Wright Park, 501 S. I St., Tacoma (253-305-1000 or www.metroparkstacoma.org).

Christmas Town Lighting and Santa's Arrival

SAT Thousands of new LED lights will turn Skykomish into a holiday wonderland, all day Saturday, downtown Skykomish (360-677-2261).

Arlington Hometown Holidays

SAT Santa parade, noon on Olympic Avenue, Arlington, followed by tree-lighting at City Hall, Santa visits, 2-4 p.m. in the Council Chambers, covered-wagon rides, 1-5 p.m. Saturday, downtown Arlington (360-403-3448).

Sinterklass and Lighted Christmas Parade

SAT Sinterklass, the patron saint of the Dutch, arrives at 1 p.m. for storytelling and folk songs; parade on Front Street, 6 p.m. Saturday, downtown Lynden (360-354-5995 or www.lynden.org).

Hometown Holidays Light Up The Junction

SAT, SUN Tree-lighting ceremony, 6 p.m. Saturday, Southwest Alaska Street and California Avenue Southwest, Seattle; store events, carriage rides, Santa photos, kids' craft activities, Adult Cheer Garden, caroling, noon-7 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, West Seattle Junction, Seattle (www.wsjunction.org).

Reindeer Festival

SAT, SUN Reindeer visitors Dasher and Blitzen, cider, cookies, seasonal music, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and Dec. 8-9, Swansons Nursery, 9701 15th Ave. N.W., Seattle (206-782-2543).

Festival of Lights & Visit with Mrs. Claus

SAT, SUN Country Village turns on its holiday light displays; children can visit with Mrs. Claus from noon to 3 p.m. both days, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Country Village, 23732 Bothell-Everett Highway, Bothell (425-483-2250).

Argosy Christmas Ship celebration

SAT-DEC. 23 Christmas ship travels to 45 Puget Sound communities through December, decorated boats welcome to be part of the boat parade following the Christmas Ship with 20-minute performance by on-board choir at each stop, bonfires at many shore locations;

• Opening Ceremony, 6-6:30 p.m. Saturday; lead ship with Seattle Girls' Choir "Cantamus" leaves Kirkland City Dock 7 p.m.; performances 7-7:20 p.m., Kirkland Marina Park, 8:10-8:30 p.m. Gas Works Park; • The Northwest Boy Choir, leaves Leschi Marina 5 p.m. Sunday, performances 5:50-6:10 p.m., Ferdinand Street Park; 6:25-6:45 p.m. Stan Sayres Park; 6:55-7:15 p.m., Mount Baker Beach Park;

• The Everett Chorale, leaves Leschi Marina 7 p.m. Monday; performances 8-8:20 p.m., Gene Coulon Park; 8:50-9:10 p.m., Newcastle Park;

• Columbia Vocal Ensemble, leaves Kirkland City Dock 7 p.m. Tuesday; performances 7:30-7:50 p.m., Matthews Beach; 8:30-8:50 p.m., Houghton Beach;• North Kitsap Northern Lights choir, starts with performance in Silverdale, 7-7:20 p.m. Wednesday, then 8:05-8:25 p.m., Bremerton Marina;

• St. Martin's University Chorale, leaves Tacoma waterfront 7 p.m. Dec. 6, performances at Museum of Glass, 7-7:20 p.m.; Gig Harbor, 8:20-8:40 p.m.;

• Ride the Christmas Ship or follow boats, Dec. 1-23 from Pier 55, Shilshole Marina and Leschi Marina, Seattle; Kirkland City Dock and Carillon Point, Kirkland; Edmonds, Des Moines, Tacoma and Silverdale; $12-$57, by reservation (206-623-1445 or www.argosycruises.com).

Seafair Special People's Holiday Cruise

SUN Cruise will host more than 2,000 developmentally disabled adults and children; best viewing locations are Lake Union near the University Bridge or Lake Washington near the 520 Bridge, 3:30-5:30 p.m. Sunday, Seattle (206-728-0123).

Waterways Cruises

SUN Family brunch cruise on Lake Washington accompanied by a narrated tour of local sights, board 11:30 a.m., cruise noon-2 p.m. Sunday, $42/adult, $37/senior, $19/ages 5-12, by reservation; participate in the parade of decorated boats and listen to choirs from aboard luxury yacht with holiday menu, 5:30-8 p.m. Sunday, Waterways Cruises, 2501 N. Northlake Way, Seattle; $72/adult, $66/senior, $35/ages 5-12, by reservation (206-223-2060 or www.waterwayscruises.com).

Community-Wide Hanukkah Celebration

SUN Family celebration of the Festival of Lights with candlelighting ceremony, games, arts and crafts, Hanukkah-gift bazaar and Jewish bands, make your own menorah and dreidel, storytelling, musical program, lunch and latkes available for purchase, noon-3 p.m. Sunday, Stroum Jewish Community Center, 3801 E. Mercer Way, Mercer Island; free (206-232-7115).

RedmondLights Kickoff

SUN Outdoor event with food, music, art exhibit, kids' crafts, holiday tree-lighting and entertainment from around the world on a path of life with music and dance including Scottish bagpipes, Taiko drummers, African Marimbas, Mariachi Band and carolers to start monthlong RedmondLights diversity celebration, 4-8 p.m. Sunday, Redmond City Hall, 15670 N.E. 85th St., and 5-8 p.m. Sunday, Redmond Town Center, Redmond; free shuttle available between City Hall and Redmond Town Center (425-556-2300 or www.redmond.gov).

Holiday kids' craft activities

SUN Foam cut-out craft seasonal activity for kids age 12 and younger, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, Kidd Valley, Bellevue, 15259 N.E. Bel-Red Road, Bellevue (425-643-4165); Kidd Valley, 5910 Lake Washington Blvd., Kirkland; free (425-827-5858) and Kidd Valley, 6434 Bothell Way N.E., Kenmore; free (425-485-5514).

Argosy Cruises Santa Brunch

SUN Brunch buffet, entertainment by Tim Noah, noon-2 p.m. Sunday and Dec. 9 from Pier 56, Seattle, Dec. 16 from Carillon Point, Kirkland; $36/adults, $6/ages 5-12, by reservation (206-623-1445 or www.argosycruises.com).

Seattle Center Winterfest

ONGOING Classic carousel, Campus Luminaria light displays, train-and-winter-village display, activities and performances, Friday-Dec. 31; entertainment including "A Wish to Dance" tap, African, swing and square dance performance derived from the 12 days of Christmas, 8 p.m. Friday, Center House, free; Seattle Edge Contemporary Dance group performances, noon-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; indoor ice rink, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays through Jan. 6, Fisher Pavilion, $2-$3, skate rental $2, cash only; Seattle Center, Seattle (206-684-7200 or www.seattlecenter.com/winterfest/).

Qwest Carousel

ONGOING Ride the classic carousel,

11 a.m.-10 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturdays, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sundays, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays through Dec. 30, Westlake Park, Fourth Avenue and Pine Street, Seattle; $2 suggested donation, proceeds benefit Northwest Center, donations of gently used clothing and blankets for Northwest Center collected (www.downtownseattle.com).

Winter Wonderland, Pacific Place

ONGOING Snowfall show in the atrium, 6 p.m. daily through Dec. 24, Pacific Place, 600 Pine St., Seattle; free (206-405-2655).

Teddy Bear Suite

ONGOING Holiday hotel-suite with display of teddy bears and teddy-bear-themed children's books, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily through Dec. 26, Fairmont Olympic Hotel, 411 University St., Seattle; free, donations for Children's Hospital & Regional Medical Center requested (206-621-1700).

Sheraton Seattle's Gingerbread Village

ONGOING Elaborate "Holidays Around the World" gingerbread creations by architectural firms, trade associations and hotel culinary staff, daily through Jan. 2, Sheraton Seattle Hotel and Towers, 1400 Sixth Ave., Seattle; donations to Northwest Chapter of Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation requested (206-621-9000).

Bellevue Magic Season

ONGOING Snowflake Lane display of lights, music, drumming from toy soldiers, and magical snow, 7 p.m. nightly through Dec. 31, along Bellevue Way and Northeast Eighth Street, Bellevue (425-454-8096); outdoor ice arena with covered portion, heated tent for spectators, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sundays, 3-9 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, 1-9 p.m. Wednesdays through Dec. 16, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. daily Dec. 17-23, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 24,

11 a.m.-11 p.m. Dec. 26-30, 11 a.m.-

9 p.m. Dec. 31, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Jan. 1, Bellevue Downtown Park, 10201 N.E. Fourth St., Bellevue; $9/with skate rental, $6/bring your own ice skates (425-453-1223 or www.magicseason.com).

Garden d'Lights

ONGOING Garden-themed light sculptures made of thousands of lights, 5-9:30 p.m. daily through Dec. 31, Bellevue Botanical Garden, 12001 Main St., Bellevue; free, donations appreciated; preferred parking $5, parking at Wilburton Park free (425-452-2750 or www.bellevuebotanical.org).

Festival of Poinsettias

ONGOING Winter wonderland features more than 30 varieties of poinsettias, dozens of themed trees, holiday accessories; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday-Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday through Dec. 24, Molbak's, 13625 N.E. 175th St., Woodinville (425-483-5000).

Holiday Train

ONGOING Redmond Town Center alight with lights and holiday décor, stop by Santa's house for photos and take a ride on the holiday train, hours vary daily, Redmond Town Center, 16495 N.E. 74th St., Redmond; $3-$5 (425-867-0808).

Issaquah Reindeer Festival

ONGONG Santa's Siberian Reindeer team and South American reindeer, Santa visits, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily through Dec. 23, Cougar Mountain Zoo, 19525 S.E. 54th St., Issaquah; $10.50, $9.50/ages 62 and older, $8/ages 2-12 (425-391-5508).

Fantasy Lights at Spanaway Park

ONGOING Drive-through display of 300 light displays on a 2.25-mile route along the shores of Spanaway Lake, 5:30-9 p.m. daily through Dec. 31, Spanaway Park, Bresemann Boulevard, Military Road and 152nd Avenue South, Spanaway; $13/car (253-798-3330 or www.piercecountywa/parks.org).

Great Figgy Pudding Street Corner Caroling Competition

PLAN AHEAD Caroling teams compete for best vocal performance and best wild-and-and-wacky performance at fundraising event for Pike Market Senior Center and Downtown Food Bank, 6:15-8:30 p.m. Dec. 7, Westlake Park, 401 Pine St., Seattle; $60/per team of 5 or more carolers, preregistration required, additional donations requested (206-728-2773, ext. 8, or figgypuddingpmsc.org/newfiggy.asp).

Seattle Traditional Santa Breakfasts

PLAN AHEAD Traditional entertainment including strolling minstrels, Leo the Clown, Olympic Ballet and Santa; proceeds benefit the Arthritis Foundation Pacific Northwest Chapter, 9:30-11 a.m. Dec. 8, 15-16, 22-23, Sheraton Seattle Hotel and Towers, 1400 Sixth Ave., Seattle; $50/adults, $25/ages 12 and younger, reservations required (206-547-1290).

Holiday Breakfast at the Zoo

PLAN AHEAD Buffet breakfast, miniperformance of "Nutcracker," Santa visit, 9:30-11 a.m. Dec. 8 and 15, Woodland Park Zoo, 5500 Phinney Ave. N., Seattle; $27.25/adults, $16.75/ages 3-10, free for ages 2 and younger, includes zoo admission, reservations required (206-684-4825 or www.zoo.org).