Bounce to: Friday | Saturday | Sunday | Multi-Day
LIVE MUSIC
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In case you did not hear, beloved West Seattle membership the Skylark is being compelled to relocate as a result of growth of the Sound Transit gentle rail. Within the giving spirit of the vacations, native bands together with digital indie pop favourite Tomo Nakayama, energy pop outfit the Loveless Constructing, and Radon Radar will rock the home to boost funds for the upcoming transfer. AV
(Skylark Cafe & Membership, West Seattle, $10)
PARTIES & NIGHTLIFE
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This weekend, Seattle’s ’60s dance night time will commerce go-go boots for snowboots throughout this North Pole-themed vacation hop. Look out for festive go-go dancers, retro vacation tunes, and a stay efficiency from the self-identified “world’s biggest Christmas surf band,” Dancer and Prancer. Costume on theme in your finest yuletide glam—c’mon, I higher see some Christmas tree beehives within the crowd! AV
(Sundown Tavern, Ballard, $15)
PERFORMANCE
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The “longest-running drag present in Washington State historical past” has a brand new house, and it solely is smart that the Unicorn would host the who’s-who of Seattle’s drag scene. This weekly present will host a number of the metropolis’s largest drag names, together with Ladie Chablis, Londyn Bradshaw, Miss Texas 1988, Amora Namor, and LüChi. LC
(Unicorn, Capitol Hill, free)
SHOPPING
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Add a bit extra sparkle to the vacation season by dressing to the nines and heading right down to Cyclops—one in all my favourite Belltown dive bars—the place you will discover a pop-up market elevating funds for the Northwest Immigrants Rights Mission and GLAAD. You’ll be able to seize last-minute presents from native distributors like artwork prints, jewellery, and clothes, and perhaps even snag a bit tattoo for your self. The occasion’s aim is to foster neighborhood by way of artwork and vogue to struggle the fascist this nation has elected as our subsequent president. SL
(Cyclops, Belltown, free)
WINTER HOLIDAYS
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Constructing a gingerbread home is enjoyable, however gathering all the components can get costly and go away your kitchen in fairly a large number. For simply $5, Seattle Parks & Rec is providing development kits and can even clear up, which I contemplate a Christmas miracle. The spirit of the season shall be excessive at this occasion, which will even characteristic vacation tunes, a sizzling chocolate bar, and extra themed crafts. You may have to indicate as much as discover out what precisely the “snowball zone” is; I am imagining extra of a fluffy artwork challenge than an icy struggle, however I may very well be unsuitable. SL
(Ballard Group Heart, Ballard, $5)
FILM
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The anti-Christmas candle ritual within the woods: Botched. The three ’80s-era teen witches who by chance awaken a dormant, murderous elf: Whole screw-ups. Now that I’ve set the scene, think about a bloodthirsty elf hellbent on killing a mall Santa (and a coinciding attractive sleepover social gathering, as all low-budget movies should have) and you have a common concept of VHS Uber Alles’s vacation programming. This type of mayhem is par for the course at VHS Uber Alles, the place three bucks will land you a ticket to a hush-hush flick that you have most likely by no means heard of, anyway. The screening sequence is at all times supplied at an ultra-low worth aligned with the so-bad-it’s-good high quality of its programming. (That is what makes it enjoyable.) LC
(Grand Phantasm, College District, $3)
FOOD & DRINK
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Cozy up with mulled wine and complimentary vegan doughnut holes from Dough Pleasure at this festive gathering at Pine Lake Cellars. Indoor heaters and an out of doors hearth pit will assure a hygge vacation second wherever you determine to chill, and well-behaved leashed pets are welcome to affix the enjoyable. JB
(Pine Lake Cellars, West Seattle, free)
LIVE MUSIC
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Native pop-punk trio King Sheim will rejoice the chilliest time of yr at this ice goth-themed bash alongside fellow rockers Dejalo, Vulture Queen, and the Maya Expertise. King Sheim is thought for his or her unabashedly girly model of indie rock that harnesses the seething wrath of ’90s riot grrrl whereas sustaining a pop-centric, radio-friendly sound. I can even hear inspiration from ’70s post-punk icons Younger Marble Giants within the trio’s melodic electrical guitars and jazzy, stripped-down percussion—hearken to their 2022 single “1-877-HEARTBREAK” to see what I imply. AV
(Baba Yaga, Pioneer Sq., $10)
PARTIES & NIGHTLIFE
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Emerald Metropolis Soul Membership’s Soul Nite gives a much-needed respite from the bass-heavy EDM tunes that fill most of Seattle’s nightclubs. Hop and bop to a silky-smooth mix of soul and funk (together with some lesser-known Christmas tunes) full with the occasional snap, crackle, and pop of classic vinyl. AV
(Black Lodge, South Lake Union, $13.35)
SHOPPING
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Saturday is the shortest day of the yr, which implies we’ll begin getting extra hours of daylight—actually one thing to rejoice. Spend the solstice at this troll-themed market with tunes from “DJ Buttnaked” and a photograph sales space inside a 70’s Volkswagen bus. You’ll be able to store from over 100 native distributors and luxuriate in snacks and sweets from a wide range of meals vans. They’ve additionally bought patio heaters on the prepared in case the climate is extra frightful than festive. SL
(Fremont Bridge, Fremont, free)
SPORTS & RECREATION
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Take advantage of the shortest day of the yr by bundling up and absorbing vitamin D in neighborhood on this laidback social bike journey, open to cyclists of all ranges. Convey a useful bicycle and a helmet and meet at Cycle & Espresso for warm drinks and a hearty breakfast, then pedal your manner across the metropolis for a 16.5-mile loop with occasional breaks to relaxation and refuel, returning again at Cycle & Espresso. JB
(Cycle & Espresso, Fremont, free)
VISUAL ART
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I am intrigued by the calming, contemplative framework of Mark Templeton’s A GUIDE TO INNER LIGHT—the solo present pairs lo-fi risograph pictures with repetitive tape loops pulled from ’70s- and ’80s-era meditation cassettes the Canadian media artist present in a library. I like to recommend testing the subtleties of the work in individual; subsequent yr, Templeton will publish the sequence as a photobook and restricted version tape. LC
(Solas Gallery, Pioneer Sq., free; closing)
LIVE MUSIC
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Native rappers Travis Thompson, charlieonnafriday, Oblé Reed, Laza, and extra will cross the mic in assist of Arts Corps, a Seattle-based group that works to shut race- and income-based alternative gaps in entry to arts schooling. Plus, particular visitor SANTA CLAUS shall be in attendance for photograph ops. Who knew ol’ Nick was a fan of native hip-hop?! AV
(The Crocodile, Belltown, $15-$45)
WINTER HOLIDAYS
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Vacation gentle shows make any winter night higher. This lane of Twenties-era Tudor houses in Ravenna has been lighting up our chilly, darkish nights with vacation spirit since 1949. Verify the schedule for pedestrian-only nights that includes carolers and stay performances. Even on common nights, Sweet Cane Lane gives an excuse to stretch your legs, get the children out of the home, stroll the canine, or finish a date with some seasonal enjoyable. In the event you’re in a position, deliver a non-perishable good for the College District Meals Financial institution; donation bins are stationed on the exit. SL
(Sweet Cane Lane, Northeast Seattle, free, Friday–Sunday)
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Whimsical flora, birds, animals, and cascading waterfalls get the flicker remedy at Bellevue Botanical Backyard’s vacation show once more this yr. (To be clear, precise birds and animals will not be strung with lights.) I like to recommend a wander across the magical grounds—you will glimpse over half one million twinkling lights, which is purpose sufficient for a selfie or 20. LC
(Bellevue Botanical Backyard, Bellevue, $5-$8, Friday–Sunday)
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Yearly, diabetes analysis middle JDRF Northwest invitations native structure corporations to make use of their expertise to craft elaborate gingerbread buildings for this vacation custom that’s displayed on the Sheraton. These aren’t your common gingerbread homes; some buildings can tower as much as six ft, making them an excellent reference level to surreptitiously see in case your Hinge date is mendacity about their top. Plus, it is a festive exercise to tack onto the usual “let’s get drinks” date. SL
(Sheraton Resort, Downtown, Donations inspired, Friday–Sunday)
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As gimmicky because it sounds, this Christmas-themed nightly parade between Bellevue’s primary buying facilities is definitely fairly magical (and completely free). Whatever the climate forecast, it snows. Dazzling lights and vacation floats that includes wintertime princesses, elves, and Santa himself cruise down the road amongst rows of dancers and toy drummers (taking part in actual drums). We advocate being in your finest conduct—Santa’s watching. SL
(Bellevue Assortment, Bellevue, free, Friday–Sunday)
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You’ll be able to take a look at Seattle Heart’s annual winter competition all month lengthy. To my excessive pleasure, the winter prepare and village show I keep 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 Higher 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 buying. I did not go final yr due to the value, however I peered over the excessive partitions and was tickled to see an enormous 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, Friday–Sunday)
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 prepare automotive à la Hercule Poirot. (Simply me?) Take pleasure in some prepare magic at this mannequin prepare competition, 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 you recognize trains, perhaps you will know what meaning) and the Mount Rainier N-Scale structure, which options miniature Washington surroundings. Practice operators will float across the competition to reply your urgent train-related questions. LC
(Washington State Historical past Museum, Tacoma, $0-$14, Friday–Sunday)
FILM
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I might take or go away Jesse Eisenberg, however really feel strongly that Kieran Culkin is one in all our best up to date 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 possibility 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, $14.50-$15.50, Friday–Sunday)
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You may love this film should you’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 must,” he mentioned. “It is stunning. Stunning!” (I really feel it is necessary to notice that he merely circled and began speaking to me about this, to my delight.) All We Think about as Gentle, Payal Kapadia’s narrative characteristic debut and the 2024 Cannes Grand Prix winner, follows Mumbai roommates/hospital staff who navigate challenges inside their organized marriages and spiritual traditions. LC
(SIFF Cinema Uptown, Uptown, $14.50-$15.50, Friday–Sunday)
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As a result of I am in possession of a soul, my curiosity is piqued by Circulation‘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 hen, and a canine alongside the best way, navigating a “newly aquatic” planet aboard a wood 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, should you want much more convincing. LC
(SIFF Cinema Uptown, Uptown, $12.50-$15.50, Friday–Sunday)
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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 really classic expertise. This screening shall be one in all 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, $9-$12, Friday–Sunday)
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Say what you’ll about Paul Schrader (and there is, uh, lots to say—I am a diehard fan of this Twitter account that tracks the cinema auteur’s batshit Fb posts), however the dude is aware of how one can inform a narrative in an unflinching, exact, and perhaps even transcendental model. In the event you noticed Schrader’s god-tier movie First Reformed, you are already acquainted with his austere model of spiritualism. Hopefully, Oh, Canada continues the thread. The movie follows Richard Gere as Leonard Fife, an getting old leftist filmmaker who dodged Vietnam service by fleeing to Canada a long time earlier. When his former scholar (Michael Imperioli) sits him down for an interview, Fife shares myth-busting tales of his youthful self (Jacob Elordi) and his spouse/inventive companion (Uma Thurman). I might be seated for the forged alone, however Schrader’s path makes this one a stable guess. LC
(Grand Phantasm, College District, $9-$12, Saturday–Sunday)
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Love him or not, Luca Guadagnino and his psychosexual model are kinda unstoppable. The director of Name Me By Your Title and the cannibalistic highway journey Bones and All is releasing not one, however two movies this yr. (I am certain you keep 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, $14.50-$15.50, Friday–Sunday)
FOOD & DRINK
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Everybody’s favourite Capitol Hill dive bar is again with their vacation gentle present! Bait Store at all times goes complete hog with vacation decorations, and their epic musical gentle present kicks off each hour on the hour(ish). The workers members manually flip the sunshine switches so be sure you tip them additional for his or her onerous work. We love the little particulars just like the decked out loos, dick-covered wrapping paper, and tiny Santa hats on each animal. SL
(Bait Store, Capitol Hill, free, Friday–Sunday)
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Darkish winter days name for equally darkish brews. At this four-day fan-favorite occasion, Flying Lion will provide over 40 such beers, together with “cellared favorites, particular releases, multi-year verticals, and loads of restricted availability brews.” Highlights this yr embrace a particular Dunkelweizen collab with Seapine Brewing with regionally commissioned can art work and even a darkish cider created solely for the occasion by Greenwood Cider. Plus, in case you want one more reason to tug your self off the bed, a restricted provide of free doughnuts shall be obtainable every morning starting at 10 am. Be sure you deliver a growler to fill. JB
(Flying Lion Brewing, Rainier Valley, Saturday–Sunday)
SHOPPING
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Japantown Jingle is an annual vacation custom celebrating the C-ID neighborhood’s companies with photograph ops, cookie and libation pop-ups, twinkly lights, prizes, and particular buying offers by way of December 23. Drop by this weekend to mingle, be merry, and snag some last-minute presents. Professional tip: Entrance to the Wing Luke Museum reward store—the place you will discover loads of distinctive vacation presents—is free. LC
(Numerous places, Japantown, free, Friday–Sunday)
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Put your cash the place your land acknowledgment is and assist the Indigenous neighborhood at this curated market and exhibition that includes items from native Native artists. You’ll be able to select from a variety of presents, together with clothes, jewellery, artwork prints, woodworks, and devices. Already completed together with your vacation buying? That is superb—these high-quality creations shall be in model all yr spherical, and also you’ve earned a bit one thing for your self, don’t you assume? SL
(Dawn Star Indian Cultural Heart, Magnolia, free, Saturday–Sunday)
VISUAL ART
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Russian-born studio e gallery artist Polina Bertou and Portland-based creator Jess Perlitz come collectively on this curious exhibition, which senses “the perimeters of their proprioceptive subject” with reflections on containers, portals, and the physique. I am stoked to see Perlitz’s 16-foot fabric-and-sand arm sculpture paired with Bartou’s Flashe work, with figures that curve like banana bunches. Perlitz’s Rain Rainbow is particularly stunning, a stone-like kind streaked with rainbow hues. “Even what appears stable can spill,” the gallery explains. Right here, not all inventive expression may be neatly contained. LC
(studio e, Georgetown, free, Friday–Saturday; closing)
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Koplin Del Rio’s stylish annual winter salon facilities items from the woman-led classic boutique Casa Patina this yr. The gallery shall be outfitted with a spread of the store’s treasures—assume trendy antiques, classic furnishings, and moody work—positioned alongside up to date 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, free, Friday–Saturday)
