Community Calendar

Slow Burn is a new high point in a remarkable career that now spans more than three decades and includes a long list of accolades; four GRAMMY nominations, three NAACP Image Award nominations, a Soul Train Award for Best Jazz Album and four RIAA Gold Record certifications. In 2009, Billboard named James one of the Top 3 Contemporary Jazz Artists of the decade. In 2024 year Boney became the first ever artist to score 20 number one singles on the Billboard Smooth Jazz chart.

But Boney James has never been one to look backwards and Slow Burn, which the artist produced, marks several firsts. Beginning with the album's opening track, 'Arcadia.' The very first notes on the album are the acoustic bass playing of the legendary Marcus Miller. It's one of the few times that Miller, known for his electric bass guitar work, has committed his standup bass playing to a recording and the first time that James has incorporated an upright bass into his own music.

Experience the wild wonder of the holiday season as you traverse through the Mystical Forest where stunning creatures gleam brightly! Here, behold the magical forest train, mystical tree fairies and fantastical unicorns. Embark on a Journey on a Bright Desert Highway and see desert flora and fauna before discovering Marvelous Mammals where spectacular Northwest animals are vividly portrayed in lantern form. Family-favorite Interactive Lanterns are spread throughout the WildLanterns spaces. Let your imagination take flight in the Birds of Paradise zone, swan into this area where magnificent peacocks flaunt their flamboyant plumes and birds of a feather perch on enchanted branches. Finally, embark on a journey Under the Jungle Canopy and spot all the mischievous monkeys hiding in the foliage!

The Seattle Men’s Chorus rings in everyone’s favorite holiday tradition: seasonal classics, Christmas comedy, costumes, dancing and the gayest sing-along in Seattle. We premiere NOTcracker Suite…our very own four-minute rendition of the holiday staple featuring hilarious lyrics, props, and antics you expect from the Men’s Chorus. It’s the holliest, jolliest time of the year!

Schedule:

Friday, December 5, 2025 7:30pm Pantages Theatre, Tacoma
Sunday, December 7, 2025 2:00pm Everett Civic Auditorium, Everett
Saturday, December 13, 2025 1:00pm Benaroya Hall, Seattle
Friday, December 19, 2025 7:30pm Benaroya Hall, Seattle
Saturday, December 20, 2025 11:00am 1-hr Kids Show, Benaroya Hall, Seattle
Saturday, December 20, 2025 2:00pm Benaroya Hall, Seattle
Tuesday, December 23, 2025 7:30pm Benaroya Hall, Seattle (Video On Demand available through January 6, 2026)

Stroll through a magical world with over 1.5 million sparkling lights. A classic holiday tradition, Zoolights has dazzled our community for 38 years. Online timed tickets are required. Our aquariums are closed and animals are sleeping during Zoolights. Visit during the day to see your favorite animals. Closed Dec. 24 & 25.

See the zoo transform into a colorful winter wonderland with over 1.5 million lights. From the giant Pacific octopus to the Narrows Bridges, the Flame Tree to the Seahawks tree, and a magical tunnel of lights, come find your favorite displays... and don’t forget to hunt for Sasquatch!

Meet our magnificent herd of goats! During this one-of-a-kind holiday-themed private animal encounter, you’ll get up close and personal with our playful goats. Give the goats festive enrichment and then head into the zoo to enjoy all the sparkling lights. Space is limited.

For the first time ever, you can bring your dog to Zoolights! Mark your calendars for select Dog Nights on Dec. 1, 3, 9, 10 and Jan. 4. It’s a magical way to enjoy the lights with your furry friend by your side.

Sponsored by KNKX. Bundle up in your favorite sweater, put on a cozy hat, tie on your skates, and celebrate the season at the annual Oly on Ice, a pop-up ice skating rink in Olympia. As the days grow colder and holiday season begins residents and visitors of Olympia will see a large white tent pop up in Isthmus Park. Enter the tent and prepare to have a blast as you join the group of ice skaters making their way around the rink. The annual Oly on Ice event brings together people of all ages and skill levels for a memorable winter experience.

The stars are descending from the night sky. Set off across mysterious grounds to discover a celestial pathway of lustrous light, cosmic visions, and astral song. Immerse yourself in illuminating encounters of lighting, projection and sound, and connect with the stars before they return to the sky above.

Astra Lumina at Chinese Garden is the 21st experience in the Lumina Enchanted Night Walk series.

Astra Lumina welcomes you to an extraordinary place, a garden right here on earth that shares a special connection with the sky above. Come nightfall, the garden sets the stage for a phenomenal event: a visit from the stars.

Santa Limited - Saturdays & Sundays November 29-30, December 6-7, 13-14, & 20-21
Ring in the holidays with a 2-hour excursion that begins out of North Bend Depot with a ride to the Railway History Campus. There you will have an hour to enjoy cookies and hot chocolate, seasonal crafts, photo opportunities, and visit with Santa in the restored Chapel Car 5 where all children receive a gift from him. Afterward you will hop back aboard and return to North Bend.

Yuletide Express - Fridays December 5, 12, & 19; Saturdays November 29, December 6, 13, & 20
A shorter experience still perfect for making holiday memories! This round-trip train ride will take you from Snoqualmie Depot to the top of Snoqualmie Falls for a gorgeous winter view of the Snoqualmie River Valley. Santa rides aboard the train and visits with every family during the ride. All children receive a gift from Santa and all passengers receive a peppermint treat upon returning to Snoqualmie.

You’d better watch out. You’d better not pout. Santa Claus is coming to Downtown. He’ll see you when you’re at Historic Shell and knows when you’re shopping downtown.

GlimmerGlass Photography will provide one photo free! Not into Santa? Photo opportunities with different backgrounds will be available!

Santa sightings throughout the day, including at the Historically Hip Artisan Market, Farm Fresh Market, and the Shell Holiday Shop. So much to do.

Check out flurries of fun in Historically Hip Downtown Issaquah

Self Portraits – use your own camera
*GlimmerGlass Photography – Professional photos:
There are opportunities for photos with Glimmerglass Photography – a professional photographer (1 complementary photo with additional for purchase) or with your own camera.
* Professional Photographer – see dates below

Santa and Mrs Claus will be strolling Front Street in the heart of the Creative District on Front Street in downtown Issaquah and sitting for photos on various days and times.

November 28, 10 am – 5 pm, Santa and Mrs Claus will be strolling Front Street in the heart of the Creative District on Front Street in downtown Issaquah

November 29, 10 am – noon Historic Shell Station 232 Front Street N.

November 29, noon – 5 pm – strolling Front Street in the heart of the Creative District on Front Street in downtown Issaquah

November 30, 11 am – 2 pm Historic Shell Station 232 Front Street N.
*Professional Photographer

November 30, 2 pm – 5 pm – strolling Front Street in the heart of the Creative District on Front Street in downtown Issaquah

December 4, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm Caroling at the Depot 2025 – Downtown Issaquah
*Professional Photographer

December 6, 9:30 am – 11 am Historic Shell Station

December 6, 11:30 am – 2:30 pm Grange Supply Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus! Tickets, Sat, Dec 6, 2025 at 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM| Eventbrite
*Professional Photographer

December 13 and December 20, 11 am – 2 pm Gilman Village Specialty Shopping Center; followed by Gilman Village Boardwalk

December 14, 11 am – 1 pm Historic Shell 232 Front Street N.

December 14, 1 am – 5 pm – strolling Front Street in the heart of the Creative District on Front Street in downtown Issaquah until 5 pm

December 21, 1:30 pm – 7 pm Yuletide on Front – Downtown Issaquah Santa and Mrs Claus will be strolling Front Street in the heart of the Creative District on Front Street in downtown Issaquah on Saturday, December 21, during the Yuletide on Front Street celebration.

Childhood's End Gallery presents "Animal Dreams", a solo exhibition of Olympia artist Kristen Etmund. Known for her work bridging the precision of traditional relief printmaking with the organic textures of nature, Kristen draws her inspiration from the flora, fauna, and shifting atmospheres of the Puget Sound region.

November 21, 2025 – January 11, 2026
Artist Reception: November 22, 2026 3-5pm

childhoods-end-gallery.com

Childhood’s End Gallery
222 4th Ave W
Olympia WA 98501

FREE

Echoes of the Floating World features a striking collection of 18th, 19th and early 20th-century Japanese woodblock prints from the Tacoma Art Museum and others, displayed alongside works by contemporary Northwest artists. This exhibition honors the rich legacy of ukiyo-e while exploring its cultural impact on today’s artistic expressions.

Hours-

Monday CLOSED
Tuesday CLOSED
Wednesday 10 am – 5 pm
Thursday 10 am – 8 pm
Friday 10 am – 5 pm
Saturday 10 am – 5 pm
Sunday 10 am – 5 pm