David's Picks

Free admission to National Parks
SAT-MON In honor of Martin Luther King day, admission to several National Parks is free this weekend.
(www.nps.gov)
o Mount Rainier National Park
o Olympic National Park
o Whitman Mission National Historic Site
o Fort Vancouver National Historic Site
o Lewis & Clark National Historical Park

Model Train Show
SAT-MON A Northwest family tradition for 36 years, the Model Railroad Show brings many creative layouts and different scales of models for you to enjoy at the Pacific Science Center. Map
(www.pacsci.org)

Seattle Juggling Festival
THU-SUN Juggling, Hula Hoop, Unicycling, and the World Juggling Federation Junior Overall Championship plus the Maximum OverDrive sport juggling exhibition show. All FREE to watch! In the Seattle Center Fisher Pavilion Map (seattlejugglingfestival.weebly.com)

Northwest Bridal Showcase
SAT-SUN Bridal suite open house, professional displays, fashion shows and gown sale at Tulalip Resort. Map
(nwbridalshowcase.com)

Monster Truck Jam
FRI-SUN USHRA Monster Trucks at the Tacoma Dome Map
(www.monsterjam.com)

Bavarian Ice Festival
SAT-SUN A weekend grab bag of invigorating outdoor events includes snow sculpture, tug o’ war, an ice cube scramble for kids six and under, the great Frisbee sweep, and Leavenworth’s famous Smooshing Contest. Map
(www.leavenworth.org)

Bellevue Magic Season
THRU SUN Last weekend for ice skating and entertainment in Bellevue Downtown Park Map
(www.magicseason.com)

Puyallup Home & Garden Show
FRI-SUN Find the latest in kitchen, bath, garden and decor all in one place, at the Puyallup Fair and Events Center. Map
(www.thefair.com)

Seattle Wedding Show
SAT-SUN Wedding vendors including florists, bakeries, ministers, musicians, gowns and more at the Washington State Convention Center. Map
(www.weddingshow.com)

The Children’s Museum Appreciate a Dragon Day
SAT Celebrate National Appreciate a Dragon Day at the Seattle Children’s Museum as part of Medieval Merriment Month. Help create a community Dragon or participate in friendly dragon inspired activities. Map
(www.thechildrensmuseum.org)

Children’s Story Program at the Elisabeth C. Miller Library
SAT 10:30AM – Programs are presented one Saturday a month for children ages 3 to 8 and their families. All ages are welcome. Map
(depts.washington.edu/hortlib/index.shtml)

Bainbridge Island Mochi Tsuki Festival
SAT Traditional Japanese New Years celebration with making and eating the sweet rice treat mochi at Islandwood school on Bainbridge Island. Map
(www.bijac.org)

Wright Spirit Celebration
SAT Celebrating the Wright brothers’ first powered flight on Dec. 17, 1903, The Museum of Flight’s annual Wright Spirit Holiday event features family activities, live holiday music and Santa and Mrs. Claus! Watch Santa arrive in his Beaver aircraft at 10 a.m. Wright Spirit activities are free with Museum admission. Map
(www.museumofflight.org)

Seattle International Motorcycle Show
FRI-SUN Commercial show with custom bike show, stunts, seminars and more. Map
(www.motorcycleshows.com)

Christmas Ship Festival
Thru Dec 23 A NW tradition that brings communities together to celebrate the holidays both on water and onshore with a portion of the proceeds benefiting charitable organizations. See detailed schedule for onshore viewing times.
FRI: Leschi Marina,
Mercer Island Beach Club
SAT: Kirkland Marina Park, Madison Park, Lowman Beach Park, Sheridan Beach Club
SUN: Tracy Owen Station Park, Juanita Beach Park
(www.argosycruises.com)

Celebrations Holiday Home Tour
FRI Tour unique Eastside homes decorated for the holidays. Proceeds benefit Eastside Assistance League. Map
(www.eastside.assistanceleague.org)

Santa Lights Tour
SAT Santa Claus takes time out from his busy schedule at the North Pole for a 3-hour tour of Seattle’s best Christmas lights. Buses depart at 7 p.m. Map
(www.mehva.org)

Greenlake Pathway of Lights
SAT The lighting of the path around Green Lake will take place rain or shine. Admission is free. Join thousands of families, friends, and neighbors in this beloved Seattle tradition and travel the 2.8-mile path around the lake, taking in the warm glow of the luminaria. Visitors to the event are encouraged to bring their own lights and candles to add to the ambiance. Map
(www.greenlakecommunitycouncil.org)

Christmas Ship Festival
Thru Dec 23 A NW tradition that brings communities together to celebrate the holidays both on water and onshore with a portion of the proceeds benefiting charitable organizations. See detailed schedule for onshore viewing times.
FRI: Manchester City Park, Olympic Sculpture Park
SAT: Pier 66, Seacrest Park, Lowman Beach Park, Alki Beach Park
SUN: Carkeek Park, Blue Ridge
(www.argosycruises.com)

Seattle’s Coolest Santa and his Out-of-this-World Workship
Thru Dec 24 The coolest, hippest Santa Seattle has ever seen will be chillin’ out at the top of the Space Needle. Kids are invited to visit the arts and crafts station on the Observation Deck to make and take home a complimentary holiday keepsake. Map
(www.spaceneedle.com)

Ivar’s Clam Lights Holiday Festival
FRI-Jan 1 Free holiday lighting display ceremony with dancing clams at Gene Coulon Park in Renton Map
(www.ivars.com)

Redmond Lights Winter Festival
SAT This winter festival event honors holiday spirit and reflects Redmond’s diversity. Map
(www.redmondlights.com)

Christmas Ship Festival
A NW tradition that brings communities together to celebrate the holidays both on water and onshore with a portion of the proceeds benefiting charitable organizations. See detailed schedule for onshore viewing times.
FRI: Gene Coulon Park, Newcastle
SAT: Medina, Houghton Beach, Madrona Beach
SUN: Stan Sayres Park, Mt. Baker Beach
(www.argosycruises.com)

Great Figgy Pudding Street Corner Caroling Competition
FRI 40+ caroling teams compete with all donations to benefit the Pike Market Senior Center and downtown food bank. Starts at 6pm at Westlake Park. Map
(pikemarketseniorcenter.giving.officelive.com)

Gingerbread House Decorating Party and Fundraiser
SUN Every family will have a station complete with: Their own gingerbread house, white royal icing, and a selection of Candy Map
(www.northhelpline.org)

Phinney Neighborhood Winter Festival
SAT-SUN Crafts Fair with 115 artists and 2 stages with live entertainment. Map
(www.phinneycenter.org)

Burien Winterfest
SAT Free horse and carriage rides, hay rides, hot treats and in-store specials. Map
(www.discoverburien.com)

Kent Winterfest
SAT Kids Santa Parade and Tree Lighting with music and free hot apple cider, hot chocolate and popcorn. Map
(www.kentlionsclub.org)

Seattle’s Coolest Santa and his Out-of-this-World Workship
SAT-SUN The coolest, hippest Santa Seattle has ever seen will be chillin’ out at the top of the Space Needle. Kids are invited to visit the arts and crafts station on the Observation Deck to make and take home a complimentary holiday keepsake. Map
(www.spaceneedle.com)

A Victorian Country Christmas
THRU SUN Commercial holiday gift festival with Victorian themed costumes, caroling and kids activities at the Puyallup Fair and Events Center. Map
(www.avictoriancountrychristmas.com)

If you are looking for something to do over the long Thanksgiving Holiday weekend, here are my picks:

Thanksgiving Recipes
THURS Try a new recipe for Thanksgiving dinner with your family!

Black Friday Sales
FRI So-called because this is the day that retailers hope to put their balance sheets in the black.

Macy’s Holiday Parade
FRI A Holiday Tradition in Downtown Seattle as the parade makes it’s way through the streets followed by the official arrival of Santa. Map
(www.macys.com/believe)

Magic in the Market Kick Off
SAT Entertainment, food and a holiday concert & Santa followed by a tree-lighting ceremony at Pike Place Market. Map
(www.pikeplacemarket.org)

Seattle Center Winterfest
FRI Thru Dec 31 Lights and holiday displays, music & entertainment, a carousel and ice skating at Seattle Center. Map
(www.seattlecenter.com)

Seattle’s Coolest Santa and his Out-of-this-World Workship
FRI-SUN The coolest, hippest Santa Seattle has ever seen will be chillin’ out at the top of the Space Needle. Kids are invited to visit the arts and crafts station on the Observation Deck to make and take home a complimentary holiday keepsake. Map
(www.spaceneedle.com)

Bellevue Magic Season
FRI Thru Jan 8 Ice skating and entertainment in Bellevue Downtown Park plus Snowflake Lane and Santa at Bellevue Square. Map
(www.magicseason.com)

Bellevue Botanical Garden d’Lights
SAT Thru Dec 31 Garden and holiday-themed light displays with over a half-million twinkling lights at Bellevue Botanical Garden. Map
(www.bellevuebotanical.org)

Christmas Ship Festival
SAT Thru Dec 23 A NW tradition that brings communities together to celebrate the holidays both on water and onshore with a portion of the proceeds benefiting charitable organizations. Book a cruise or view from shore at scheduled locations. SAT: MOHAI (Montlake cut), South Lake Union Park.
(www.argosycruises.com)

Gingerbread Village
Nov 22 Thru Jan 1 Home for the Holidays gingerbread creations designed and constructed by local architects and hotel culinary staff on display, donations accepted for the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation at Sheraton Seattle Hotel Map
(www.gingerbreadvillage.org)

Point Defiance Zoolights
FRI Thru Jan 1 The Zoo comes aglow with more than a half-million lights for a festive visit with the animals at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma. Map
(www.pdza.org)

Best of the Northwest Art Show
FRI-SUN Over 250 regional artists, 15 boutique wineries plus food and live music at Smith Cove Cruise Terminal, Pier 91. Map (www.nwartalliance.com)

Seattle Public Library Holiday Book Sale
SAT One day holiday sale featuring gift books and items, a large selection of cookbooks and children’s books, and general non-fiction. Most books sell for $1. Map (www.spl.org)

International Gem & Jewelry Show
SAT-SUN Commercial exhibition with a wide selection of jewels, precious gems, metals and more with something for everyone at Seattle Center. Map (www.InterGem.com)

The Great Train Expo
SAT-SUN Full working display railroads plus interactive kids’ displays and trains and accessories for sale at Puyallup Fair and Events Center. Map (www.greattrainexpo.com)

Festival du Beaujolais Nouveau
FRI Wine tasting and a French-themed “village” will offer samplings of products from Puget Sound’s many French restaurants and shops for ages 21 and older.
(beaujolaisnouveau.wordpress.com)

Ski Areas
Following this week’s storms. some ski areas will be open this weekend. (For your safety please check the current pass report and have the appropriate legal traction devices when travelling in mountain passes)

Northwest Historical Miniatures Gaming Society Exhibition
SAT Hobby demonstrations combining the challenges of fine model-making and strategy game-playing (www.museumofflight.org) Map

Glitter Sale at Seattle Goodwill
SAT-SUN Glamorous formal wear, jewelry, vintage clothing and accessories at the Seattle Goodwill Store. (www.seattlegoodwill.org) Map

Seattle Veterans Museum
SAT Mission: To honor and thank our Veterans and educate the Puget Sound community about the sacrifices our Veterans have made for our freedoms.
(www.seattleveteransmuseum.org) Map

Daylight Savings Time Ends This Weekend
SUN Turn your clocks back one hour this Sunday!

Seattle International Auto Show
WEDS-SUN See exotic luxury cars and compare more than 400 new 2012 models. Directions
(http://www.seattleautoshow.com/)

Cultural Crossroads Festival
FRI-SUN Two stages of music and dance, an international bazaar, exhibits and cuisines. Directions
(http://www.crossroadsbellevue.com/)

Auburn’s 46th Annual Veteran’s Day Parade
SAT  The largest Veteran’s Day Parade west of the Mississippi! Includes a military fly-over, marching bands, drill teams, floats, antique cars and more in downtown Auburn. Directions
(www.auburnwa.gov)

Green Seattle Day
SAT Volunteer at one of fifteen parks around Seattle.
(http://greenseattle.org/)

Antique Show at the Puyallup Fairgrounds
SAT-SUN Commercial collectables show featuring booths by local dealers. Directions
(www.palmerwirfs.com/)

La Conner Arts Alive
FRI-SUN  Downtown La Conner is filled with art, music, poetry and food at over 50 galleries, shops, museums and restaurants. Directions
(www.laconnerchamber.com)

If you are looking for a Halloween celebration here are my picks:

Museum of Fright Family Halloween
FRI Halloween treats, games, ghosts from aviation’s past and more at the Museum of Flight.  (www.museumofflight.org).

Samena Spooktakular
SAT A monster bash for all ages! (http://www.samena.com/)

Autumnfest at Woodland Park Zoo
SAT-SUN Celebrate fall with tasty treats and entertainment (www.zoo.org)

Bellevue Square Halloween Family Fun Fest
MON Trick-or-Treating, Balloon tying clowns, Mad Science Booth  (http://bellevuesquare.com/)

Crossroads Bellevue Annual Mall-O-Ween
MON  Bring your little ghosts and goblins for a night of Halloween fun! (http://www.crossroadsbellevue.com/)