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FILM
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I might take or go away Jesse Eisenberg, however really feel strongly that Kieran Culkin is one in every of our most interesting modern character actors. (If you have not seen Succession, watch half an episode and you will perceive why.) In A Actual Ache, Eisenberg’s second characteristic movie as author/director, he stars alongside Culkin. The pair play cousins headed to Poland to “honor their beloved grandmother,” the place, maybe predictably, familial tensions floor. I like a chance for actors to indicate off their chops with out a lot distraction, so the movie’s pared-down premise is intriguing. LC
(SIFF Cinema Uptown, Uptown)
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You may love this film if you happen to’re something just like the older man I spoke to in line at a NYC espresso store every week in the past. “I did not fairly get the ending, however I did not have to,” he mentioned. “It is stunning. Stunning!” (I really feel it is essential to notice that he merely rotated and began speaking to me about this, to my delight.) All We Think about as Mild, Payal Kapadia’s narrative characteristic debut and the 2024 Cannes Grand Prix winner, follows Mumbai roommates/hospital employees who navigate challenges inside their organized marriages and spiritual traditions. LC
(SIFF Cinema Uptown, Uptown)
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Ingmar Bergman’s Fanny and Alexander, a Criterion fave that follows a bourgeois household in turn-of-the-twentieth-century Sweden, begins with a Nativity play and a Christmas social gathering. Instructed by means of the eyes of a 10-year-old boy, the movie’s sprawling storytelling is autobiographical and emotional. It is a good depiction of childhood reminiscence and a colourful, haunting feast for the eyes, particularly throughout the holidays, and particularly if you happen to’re already a Bergman fan. You do not have to take my phrase for it, both—simply let your self be enticed by the heat of this contemporary trailer for the movie created by the British Movie Institute. LC
(The Beacon, Columbia Metropolis)
PARTIES & NIGHTLIFE
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Seattle-based rapper Yonny, funk-hop ensemble Marshall Legislation Band, Latin hip-hop artist Esebree, and lots of extra will take the stage in assist of Seattle Cozy Connections, a neighborhood group that gathers winter necessities and financial contributions for the houseless neighborhood and distributes the donations on Christmas Day. There can even be glitzy picture ops with a celebration bus, a pink carpet, and a best-dressed competitors. AV
(The Crocodile, Belltown)
SHOPPING
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Japantown Jingle is an annual vacation custom celebrating the C-ID neighborhood’s companies with picture ops, cookie and libation pop-ups, twinkly lights, prizes, and particular purchasing offers by means of December 23. Drop by to mingle, be merry, and snag some last-minute presents. Professional tip: Entrance to the Wing Luke Museum reward store—the place you may discover loads of distinctive vacation items—is free. LC
(Numerous places, Japantown)
FILM
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The BBC’s A Ghost Story for Christmas collection broadcasted slow-burn, ethereal chillers every Christmas Eve all through the ’60s and ’70s, so after a full evening of yuletide festivities, Brits might snuggle up for an hour of unusual atmospheres and creepy characters. (If this sounds extremely interesting to you, I agree. I am imagining a live-action model of Edward Gorey’s animated intros for Thriller!) The Beacon will display two of the collection’ finest movies: The Signalman, tailored from a Charles Dickens story, and Whistle and I am going to Come to You, tailored from an M.R. James ghost story. LC
(The Beacon, Columbia Metropolis)
PERFORMANCE
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Seattle’s personal “Second Girl of Leisure” will return to the stage in December with some Christmassy razzle-dazzle. Alongside Stranger Genius Award-winning composer and musician Chris Jeffries, Dina Martina will ship the surreal comedy and festive tunes for which she’s been recognized and beloved for over 25 years. Buckle in for a vacation fever dream: Martina’s present was described by former Stranger editor Chase Burns as “cozy however disorienting,” and John Waters calls her act “some new sort of twisted artwork.” LC
(ACT – A Modern Theatre, Downtown)
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Prime dancers from the Nationwide Opera and Ballet of Ukraine will convey the traditional Hans Christian Andersen fairy story The Snow Queento life, full with musical motifs by Edvard Grieg, Jules Massenet, Mozart, and Vivaldi. Whereas the manufacturing sounds very swish and magical, I am significantly pumped to see the “humorous snowman and fabulous trolls” on stage. Followers of movies like Labyrinth and Valerie and Her Week of Wonders will seemingly dig this frosty ballet—the story follows a nightmarish queen in an icy, surreal realm. LC
(Paramount Theatre, Downtown)
COMEDY
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There comes a time on Christmas Day that I reluctantly name “tinsel fatigue.” Presents have been ripped open, trash is strewn all over the place, and decorations all of a sudden seem to be a multitude to untangle and file away, slightly than beacons of twinkly hope. Tinsel fatigue is kinda just like the Sunday scaries; as soon as it units in, it is onerous to push back. That is why I attempt to have a plan. Surprising Productions’ Improv Blissful Hour is nearly as good as any—stuff your loved ones into the automotive and head downtown for spontaneous, audience-suggested comedy. LC
(Surprising Productions’ Market Theater, Pike Place Market)
FILM
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Inform the world what you’d do “if you happen to have been a wealthy man” at this eighth evening of Hanukkah (and Christmas Day) screening of Fiddler on the Roof, which invitations of us to sing alongside to the American Jewish musical’s festive hits. Orkestyr Farfeleh will fill the air with playful klezmer music, and Leah’s Kosher Catering will likely be on website with free veggie noodle fare. LC
(SIFF Cinema Uptown, Uptown)
PARTIES & NIGHTLIFE
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The social gathering does not have to finish on Christmas morning. This Wednesday evening, Monkey Loft will take over the reins of Re-bar’s epic vacation dance social gathering of yore. The thirteenth annual Miracle on 1st Ave will maintain the season jolly as Nick Valentine steps into Santa’s boots and also you dance to tunes from DJs Reverend Riz Rollins, Dane Garfield, b.lakepeterson, Yamanaka, and Ana-Lucid. AV
(Monkey Loft, SoDo)
LIVE MUSIC
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Canadian neo-disco duo Chromeo will publish up behind the decks for an evening of slinky electrofunk, reprising what’s develop into considerably of a December custom (they took over the Nectar final winter, in addition to again in 2019). They are going to be joined by native funk selector Max Achieve. As Stranger contributor Gregory Scruggs wrote of the DJ evening, “I promise higher tunes than your organization vacation social gathering.” AV
(Nectar Lounge, Fremont)
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Las Rolas (which means “the rolls,” or slang for “songs”) is a brand new showcase celebrating native and international Latin artists. Latin lure artist Zully will make his Seattle debut throughout the inaugural occasion, showing alongside native rapper Angie Staxx, alt-R&B gem BRUJITA XO, and DJ Tremenda Diosa. Remember to browse the youth artwork showcase and a mini mercado that includes a photograph sales space, tooth gem station, and streetwear from Good Youngsters Membership. AV
(Vera Undertaking, Uptown)
FILM
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Like many stylish and creative improvements, cinema was born within the basement of a Paris café. (I prefer to assume that existentialism, surrealism, the Beat Technology, and the French New Wave could’ve additionally discovered their footing in these areas.) On December 28, 1895, 33 folks witnessed projected “shifting pictures” on the first public screening of movies by the Lumière brothers on the Grand Café in Paris. The Sprocket Society will have fun the legendary occasion with this particular program, which honors cinema’s earliest origins with picks from Edison Kinetoscopes, Lumière actualities, early movies by Georges Méliès, and loops by Max Skladanowaky. The uncommon 16mm prints will likely be supplemented by dwell narration and lecture by Sprocket Society co-founder and lead programmer Spencer Sundell. LC
(Grand Phantasm, College District)
VISUAL ART
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I am a long-time fan of Gretchen Frances Bennett’s deceptively easy coloured pencil compositions, which mix natural components (flora, pure phenomena) to consider human emotion, interiority, and the way we is perhaps extra like flowers than we expect. Though Bennett’s flora-inspired works are alluring, I am significantly pulled towards this drawing impressed by Wong Kar-wai’s Blissful Collectively. The picture’s hazy, blended shade discipline seems as if it has been rained on; nonetheless, there is a potent sense of relationship and tactile reminiscence right here. Bennett’s drawings really feel like well-loved pictures: smudged, folded up, and stored protected in a pockets. LC
(Veronica, Mount Baker, by appointment; closing)
LIVE MUSIC
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The metal-tinged indie rock of Portland-based four-piece Spoon Benders is paying homage to 2010s shredders just like the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Warpaint. Be part of them for this high-energy present alongside native psych-rock trio Monsterwatch and punk outfit karōshi. AV
(Tractor Tavern, Ballard)
FESTIVALS
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Trains appear to symbolize all issues wintry and magical–perhaps it is the soothing chugga-chugga sounds, the plumes of smoke, or the romantic notion of snuggling up in a classic practice automotive à la Hercule Poirot. (Simply me?) Take pleasure in some practice magic at this mannequin practice pageant, the place regional railroad golf equipment will share their intricate room-sized layouts all through the Washington State Historical past Museum. Each ground of the museum will “come alive with trains,” together with “Kitsap Dwell Steamers 7.5-inch gauge railroad engines” (if trains, perhaps you may know what which means) and the Mount Rainier N-Scale format, which options miniature Washington surroundings. Practice operators will float across the pageant to reply your urgent train-related questions. LC
(Washington State Historical past Museum, Tacoma, Monday–Sunday; closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)
FILM
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I am going to begin this blurb with some brutal honesty: I discover the trailer for A Full Unknown to be corny, annoying, and positively angling to snag Tiny Tim an Oscar nod. Is that this partially as a result of after I was a young person, a boy “broke up” with me by copy-pasting the lyrics to Bob Dylan’s “Do not Suppose Twice, It is All Proper” into his AIM away message, thus cementing my everlasting and near-lifelong disdain for the grumpy troubadour? Perhaps!! However perhaps you like Bob Dylan, during which case A Full Unknown would possibly enchantment to you. The biopic is ready in NYC’s ’60s music scene and follows Chalamet because the snarky, mysterious Dylan. LC
(SIFF Cinema Uptown, Uptown, Tuesday–Sunday)
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Now that the hazy pink mushroom cloud is much behind us, I can admit that I did not take care of the cultural frenzy that was “Barbenheimer.” However hear me out. I might prefer to suggest a brand new cinema mash-up. It is known as “Babyatu,” or “Nosfergirl,” or perhaps simply “Nicole Kidman being sizzling with a facet of vampiric dread.” I assume what I am saying is that this: You possibly can go see each Babygirl and Nosferatu on Christmas Day, or New 12 months’s Eve, or actually anytime you’d prefer to witness two very completely different interpretations of the phrase “psychosexual.” I like to recommend it. LC
(SIFF Cinema Uptown, Uptown, Wednesday–Sunday)
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As a result of I am in possession of a soul, my curiosity is piqued by Movement‘s premise. The animated movie follows a kitty who goes on a mystical journey after his house is destroyed in a flood; he meets a capybara, a lemur, a chicken, and a canine alongside the best way, navigating a “newly aquatic” planet aboard a picket boat. One Letterboxd reviewer reported that his five-year-old son was “completely enraptured—I am speaking full Nicole Kidman AMC pre-roll ‘We come to this place for magic’ locked IN. [He] raved to me afterward that it was ‘even higher than Moana 2,‘ so take that for what it is value.” This is a candy interview with director Gints Zilbalodis, if you happen to want much more convincing. LC
(SIFF Cinema Uptown, Uptown, Monday–Tuesday)
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In want of some dependable Christmas cheer? Head to the historic Grand Phantasm for its 54th annual screening of vacation traditional It is A Great Life, screened in lush 35mm for a very classic expertise. This screening will likely be one in every of your final alternatives to go to the volunteer-run cinema at its present location—the Grand Phantasm plans to relocate after its lease ends in February 2025. LC
(Grand Phantasm, College District, Monday–Thursday)
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For those who requested me what my plans are for December 25, you would possibly anticipate my reply to be “Christmas stuff.” And you would be partially proper. Like, I am going to most likely do Christmas stuff within the morning. However come afternoon, I am going to have one aim. Any notions of tinsel and mistletoe will fade from my consciousness like so many ephemeral snowflakes. The sky will darken. A fanged creature will launch untold terrors upon nepo child Lily-Rose Depp. And I, expensive reader, will likely be seated for Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu. Contemplate such a plan for your self. When has Eggers ever disillusioned us? LC
(SIFF Cinema Uptown, Uptown, Wednesday–Sunday)
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Love him or not, Luca Guadagnino and his freaky-deaky model are kinda unstoppable. The director of Name Me By Your Title and the cannibalistic street journey Bones and All is releasing not one, however two movies this 12 months. (I am certain you bear in mind Challengers, everybody’s favourite attractive tennis romp, from again in spring.) Queer adapts a William S. Burroughs novella and follows an American expat in ’50s-era Mexico Metropolis (performed by Daniel Craig) who meets a cold, trendy youthful man. LC
(SIFF Cinema Uptown, Uptown, Monday–Tuesday)
FOOD & DRINK
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Cannot select between the exaggerated cheeriness of a Hallmark Christmas film and the trashy delight of a dive bar? Now you do not have to—this seasonal cocktail pop-up positioned at The Woods will present a “festive and unpretentious vacation expertise.” Get pleasure from kitsch-tastic decor (together with classic Christmas lights, quirky ornaments, and a photograph wall adorned with actually 1000’s of bows) and a playlist with all of the Christmas requirements, plus a menu of drinks like spiked sizzling cocoa and retro snacks like Beanie Weenies and popcorn in vacation tins. Additionally, maintain your eyes peeled for upcoming occasions reminiscent of ugly sweater events, an après-ski-themed social gathering, and “Soiled Santa” picture ops. JB
(The Woods, Capitol Hill, Monday–Sunday)
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In 2014, New York bar proprietor Greg Boehm briefly reworked his area right into a kitschy Christmas wonderland replete with gewgaws and tchotchkes galore. Now, the pop-up has expanded to greater than 100 places all around the world and has returned to Belltown’s Rob Roy. Drinks are housed in tacky-tastic vessels, bedecked with fanciful garnishes like peppers and dried pineapple, and christened with irreverent, pop-culture-referencing names just like the “Dangerous Santa,” the “Yippie Ki Yay Mom F****r” (their asterisks, not ours) and the “You’ll Shoot Your Rye Out.” JB
(Rob Roy, Belltown, Monday–Wednesday)
LIVE MUSIC
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Seattle’s curly-haired son (and Franklin Excessive graduate) will takeover Jazz Alley for a five-night stint along with his attractive—or shall I say saxy—easy jazz that has remained persistently widespread since 1986. Brush up in your information of the hometown hero by watching Penny Lane’s critically acclaimed HBO documentary, Listening to Kenny G, which seems on the backlash he is confronted from the jazz world. AV
(Jazz Alley, Belltown, Friday–Sunday)
PERFORMANCE
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If the approaching vacation season elicits your well-deserved “Bah, humbug,” I like to recommend taking this reliable Yuletide delight for a spin. ACT’s A Christmas Carol, returning for its forty ninth 12 months(!!!), will provide up just a little Dickensian magic with a bunch of intrusive ghosts and a notably grumpy outdated dude. What might be extra Christmassy than that? LC
(ACT – A Modern Theatre, Downtown, Monday–Friday; no present Christmas Day)
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Written by progressive playwright, poet, and social activist Langston Hughes, Black Nativity first premiered in 1961 and was one of many first off-Broadway performs composed by an African American individual. This interpretation of the gospel play, offered in partnership with the Hansberry Undertaking, blends nativity storytelling, dance, and conventional Christmas carols with contemporary songs. LC
(Broadway Efficiency Corridor, Capitol Hill, Thursday–Sunday)
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It is The Nutcracker—you already know the premise, however it by no means actually will get outdated, does it? Tchaikovsky’s enchanting rating will spring to life once more on this sugar plum-packed rendition of the longstanding vacation custom, full with mice, tin troopers, and a timeless journey to the Land of Sweets. (Scrumptious tip: They promote matching sweets within the foyer throughout intermission, must you get a craving.) For instance you are all Nutcrackered out, although. Listed below are some little-known info that may entice you: The manufacturing’s eight Polichinelle costumes are decked out with 640 black pom-poms, and there are 154 costumes within the present, not counting duplicates. The surroundings is made up of 3,000 sq. yards of material, and 98 yards of fake fur have been used to create the mice. (Personally, there’s nothing like 98 yards of fake fur to get me into the vacation spirit.) LC
(McCaw Corridor, Uptown, Monday–Saturday; no present Christmas Day)
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Jinkx Monsoon, the “internationally tolerated Jewish narcoleptic drag queen,” and BenDeLaCreme, the sugary candy RuPaul’s Drag Race icon, will convey their distinctive mix of bubbly effervescence and quirky realness to the stage for this vacation dragstravaganza. The pair plan to maximise their joint sleigh and share why they’re the true queens of Christmas cheer, which already appears undebatable. The present will return to city after a wildly profitable run final 12 months; anticipate brand-new songs and a wholesome sprint of spectacle, plus “grownup themes and language.” LC
(Moore Theatre, Belltown, Monday–Tuesday)
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This showy burlesque spectacle invitations you to journey to the lascivious Land of the Sweets, which can return for its 18th season with extra sugar plum sexiness and swinging tunes by The Nutcracker Nonette. Anticipate numerous “light-juggling,” plus jazz, ballet, striptease, and songs swirling collectively in a single infectious confection. Yum. (Professional tip for the grown and attractive folks on the market: All exhibits scheduled after 9 pm are for attendees 21 and over.) LC
(Triple Door, Downtown, Tuesday–Sunday; no present Christmas Day)
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Scott Shoemaker (aka Ms. Pak-Man) will lead a gaggle of Seattle’s most Yuletide-lovin’ burlesque, music, and comedy stars on this subversive celebration of Christmas. Count on track and dance, utter hilarity, and partial nudity from this forged of cheery queerdos. LC
(Theatre Off Jackson, Chinatown-Worldwide District, Thursday–Saturday)
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Offered in collaboration with the Nationwide Nordic Museum and Western Washington College, this kid-centric interpretation of a traditional Hans Christian Andersen fairy story (it impressed Disney’s Frozen) comes full with leaping reindeer and singing flora. Adults will discover one thing to like right here, too—if you happen to’re a fan of movies like Labyrinth or Valerie and Her Week of Wonders, this frosty ballet’s nightmarish queen and icy, surreal realm will seemingly enchantment. LC
(Seattle Kids’s Theatre, Uptown, Friday–Sunday)
SHOPPING
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Recently, I have been jealously poring over YouTube movies of German Christmas markets aglow with twinkly lights and filled with bustling customers bundled up of their puffy winter coats, buying every little thing from handmade items to glühwein. I have been daydreaming of a Yuletide escape to expertise one in every of these idyllic bazaars for myself, however since that is not going within the playing cards, my subsequent most suitable choice is Seattle’s Christmas Market, the native tackle this Outdated-World European custom. The occasion options dwell leisure, over 60 artisan distributors, a lineup of German beers, candy and savory treats, and naturally, the requisite mulled wine to cup in your gloved arms as you peruse the cubicles. Plus, trip a Christmas carousel, embark on a scavenger hunt, and snap selfies with the festive mascots Holly and Jolly. JB
(Seattle Heart, Uptown, Monday–Tuesday)
VISUAL ART
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Koplin Del Rio’s stylish annual winter salon facilities items from the woman-led classic boutique Casa Patina this 12 months. The gallery will likely be outfitted with a spread of the store’s treasures—assume trendy antiques, classic furnishings, and moody work—positioned alongside modern artworks that sometimes occupy the area. The salon goals to assemble distinctive new dialogues between objects; I am pondering it’s going to have a soothing impact throughout a busy time. LC
(Koplin Del Rio Gallery, Georgetown, Thursday–Saturday)
WINTER HOLIDAYS
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Seize some sizzling cocoa and get cozy with your mates, household, or Hinge date at this wintertime immersive expertise filled with big glowing lanterns, every formed like natural world from across the globe. Youngsters and people of us who’re youngsters at coronary heart will get pleasure from a magical world with a forest practice, tree fairies, and illuminated unicorns (good luck explaining that these do not exist after your youngsters see this show) alongside brilliantly lit peacocks and different winged creatures within the Birds of Paradise zone and monkeys hiding within the Underneath the Jungle Cover. WildLanterns’ 2024 season consists of nightly conventional Chinese language cultural performances reminiscent of lion dances, umbrella juggling, face altering, chair balancing, and extra. This 12 months, the zoo has added two adults-only nights on December 5 and January 2 with specialty cocktails and interactive video games. SL
(Woodland Park Zoo, Phinney Ridge, Monday–Sunday; closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)
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You may take a look at Seattle Heart’s annual winter pageant all month lengthy. To my excessive pleasure, the winter practice and village show I bear in mind from my childhood remains to be arrange contained in the Armory, which additionally hosts a world bazaar for all of your gifting wants and on-stage leisure all through the month from the likes of the Dickens Carolers, Xmas Maximus, and Better Seattle Tubachristmas. Subsequent door on the Fisher Pavilion and adjoining garden, attend the second installment of the Seattle Christmas Market, which echoes the favored European custom with glühwein, bratwurst, and purchasing. I did not go final 12 months due to the worth, however I peered over the excessive partitions and was tickled to see a large weihnachtspyramide or German Christmas pyramid, which is successfully an ornamental carousel that spins from the warmth of candles. (Though this one wasn’t powered by real-life flames, which might be for one of the best.) SL
(Seattle Heart, Uptown, Monday–Sunday; closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)
