Best bets for the weekend

If Christmas is a big holiday for you, this weekend is probably busy enough with visits with family and friends. But there's often a lull after the holiday dinner (or the next day) when everyone's suddenly needing to get out of the house and get some fresh air — before the fighting over new toys starts. That's when our online calendar will come in handy. And even if Sunday is just Dec. 25 to you, you'll find some activities to brighten your day:

Blessed are the beasts: When you need a break from the warmth of hearth and home, Woodland Park Zoo and Seattle Aquarium are both open Christmas Day. Today and Friday, zoo animals are getting their own special treats of the season (and next week, too). At the aquarium, there's a new sea otter pup, born Dec. 6. (Think small and fuzzy. Animals don't get much cuter.)

It just keeps on keeping on: Holiday merriment doesn't give up just because the gifts are all opened. Maybe you've been too busy shopping, or prepping that holiday dinner for 35, to get out and enjoy some Puget Sound holiday traditions such as Winterfest at Seattle Center. Activities take the day off on Sunday, but Winterfest continues today through Saturday, and all next week. Go see the holiday train exhibit (one of our favorites), skate at the holiday ice rink, or ride the carousel. On the Eastside? Check out the ice rink and other doings that are part of Bellevue's Magic Season celebration, also continuing through next week.

It's a fact: It's time to look at artifacts. Winter is high season for museums. Get in out of the cold and take a fresh look at history, art and technology. The clock is ticking before Seattle Art Museum closes for a year-long remodel (see Fast Break). Or for something new and different, be the first on your block to visit the Future of Flight Museum, adjacent to the Everett Boeing plant. For more museum ideas, with information on special exhibits, see our "Museum Events" in online calendar

Freshen up: If celebrating nature is your way of marking the start of winter, take a guided walk in the woods Christmas morning at Seward Park, an outing called "Treasures In and Under the Evergreens." Or enjoy a Christmas walk in the snow, on a ranger-led snowshoe outing at Paradise in Mount Rainier National Park.

Coming attractions

Model Train Festival, Dec. 26-Jan. 2. Displays of elaborate model-train layouts and information about the history of local railroads, Washington State History Museum, Tacoma. 253-272-9747.

Winter Break Fantastic Fishtival, Dec. 26-Jan. 2; Arts and crafts activities, storytelling and programs highlighting a different sea creature each day, Seattle Aquarium. 206-386-4320.

"Louis Comfort Tiffany, Artist for the Ages" at Seattle Art Museum, through Jan. 4; Open extended hours Dec. 26-Jan. 3 as a last chance to see the exhibit before it ends and the museum closes for a year of remodeling. 206-654-3137.

"A Holiday to Remember," through Jan. 16; Nostalgic display of antique toys and vintage decorations at the Museum of History and Industry, Seattle. 206-324-1126.

Mochitsuki, Jan. 8; Japanese American New Year celebration with taiko drumming, exhibits and displays including demonstration of the centuries-old method of preparing mochi, a sweet rice treat, IslandWood, Bainbridge Island. 206-855-9038.

Leavenworth Bavarian Ice Festival, Jan. 14-15; Ice sculptures, snowshoe races, dog sled rides, Leavenworth. 509-548-5807.

Schmitz Park Owl Prowl, Jan. 20; Look for owls in old-growth forest during their courtship season, Seattle. 206-684-7434.