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Holiday Shows and Performances for Seattle Families

ParentMap’s annual December arts guide is here

Published on: November 29, 2023

Holiday Shows and Performances for Seattle Families

Men dressed at Christmas trees. Seattle Men’s Chorus performing “A TREEmendous Holiday”
Photo:
Seattle Men’s Chorus performs “A TREEmendous Holiday.”

Holiday music

The Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition
Join thousands of others in kicking off the holiday season on Dec. 1 with the Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition. In this fundraiser for the Pike Market Senior Center and Food Bank, dozens of caroling teams will compete to outsing each other under the Market clock and sign. Kids will relish being out after dark while families do their holiday shopping and enjoy seasonal drinks and treats at the Market, all accompanied by carols. Dec. 1. Free, but consider donating to a good cause. Pike Place Market, Seattle.

“A TREEmendous Holiday”
Seattle Men’s Chorus brings its annual holiday concert to Seattle (Dec. 9–23), Tacoma (Dec. 1) and Everett (Dec. 3) with holiday fun and cheer, and an opportunity for audience members to join in the Pacific Northwest’s gayest sing-along. Pantages Theater, Tacoma: Dec. 1; $43 and up. Everett Civic Auditorium, Everett: Dec. 3; $34 and up. Benaroya Hall, Seattle: Dec. 9–23; $44–$104.

“The Snowman”
At Seattle Symphony’s Family Concert, designed for kids ages 6–12, kids can watch the classic film about a snowman who takes a little boy to the North Pole, with live musical accompaniment. The program also includes pieces like Leroy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride” and Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 1, performed by teenage piano prodigy Jonathan Zheng. Dec. 2. $20–$25. Benaroya Hall, Seattle.

For King & Country
Grammy-winning duo For King & Country presents “A Drummer Boy Christmas Tour: The 2023 Tour Experience” in Everett. It’s a high-spirited performance of songs from the duo’s “A Drummer Boy” album and other hits, including “Love Me Like I Am.” Dec. 2. $48 and up. Angel of the Winds Arena, Everett.

Masterworks Choral Ensemble: “Making Spirits Bright”
Join Masterworks Choral Ensemble for a festive family-friendly evening of delightful carols and seasonal works. Audience members are encouraged to sing along. Dec. 2. $24. Washington Center for the Performing Arts, Olympia.

Symphony Tacoma: “Winter Wonderland”
The first of Symphony Tacoma’s holiday performances is a matinee of its annual chorale concert of holiday pops at Pantages Theater. It will feature both the Symphony Tacoma Voices and Tacoma Youth Chorus. Dec. 3. $28–$91 and $35–$53. Pantages Theater, Tacoma.

Six13 Hanukkah Concert
Six-man a cappella group Six13 juxtaposes traditional and contemporary Jewish music, including favorites such as “Elton Johnukah,” “West Side Chanukah” and “Feliz Chanukah.” Sing along in English, Hebrew, Yiddish, Spanish and Ladino. There will be crafts and a Six13-led beatbox workshop before the show. Dec. 3. $30. Stroum Jewish Community Center, Mercer Island.

Jenny Oaks Baker & Family Four in “Joy to the World!”
Violinist Jenny Oaks Baker and her children, musical group Family Four, present an inspiring Christ-centered show of sacred music and beloved Christmas carols. They are joined by soprano Alex Sharpe of Celtic Woman and the Seattle Ensign Choir, and by dancers from the Allegro Performing Arts Academy and the Haley Prendergast School of Irish Dance. Dec. 4. $25 and up. The Moore Theatre, Seattle.

Mark O’Connor’s “An Appalachian Christmas”
Three-time Grammy winner Mark O’Connor presents original songs and playful takes on traditional ones performed in bluegrass and Americana styles. Fiddler Mark and his wife, Maggie, also a fiddler, will be joined by a variety of musical guests. Dec. 4. $35–$65. Edmonds Center for the Arts, Edmonds.

Seattle Opera Holiday Chorus Concert
For a holiday concert unlike any other in the region, Seattle Opera’s holiday concert program includes music by Ralph Vaughan Williams, Verdi, Menotti and P.D.Q. Bach. Enjoy seasonal tunes, traditional carols, hidden gems from the opera and choral repertoire, and, to end the performance, an audience sing-along featuring beloved holiday classics. But act fast — seating is limited and tickets were already disappearing at press time. Dec. 6–10. $65. Tagney Jones Hall at the Opera Center, Seattle.

The Klezmatics – Hanukkah Dance Party
Globally renowned klezmer superstars The Klezmatics will perform their unique blend of Eastern European Jewish tradition, contemporary themes and diverse musical influences on the first night of Hanukkah at Town Hall Seattle. Dec. 7. $20–$25. Town Hall Seattle.

Celtic Christmas with the Gothard Sisters
Celtic folksters the Gothard Sisters celebrate the season with a blend of Christmas carols, Celtic music, Irish dancing and more. Dec. 7. $20–$30. Edmonds Center for the Arts, Edmonds.

“Hometown Holiday”
The music may not be entirely holiday themed, but 100.7 The Wolf’s “Hometown Holiday” is arguably Seattle’s country music event of the year, and it is certainly festive. This year, the lineup includes Brothers Osborne, Elle King, Nate Smith, Riley Green, Ian Munsick, Bryan Martin and others. Dec. 7. $30–$150. Accesso ShoWare Center, Kent.

The Strings: “Holiday String-Along”
Perfect for families with small children, this 35-minute interactive program of musical games, stories and songs is performed by musicians of the symphony’s string section and includes your favorite holiday music. Pre-concert activities begin 30 minutes before each show. Don’t wait — these tickets sell out fast! Dec. 8–9. $12. Benaroya Hall, Seattle.

Holiday Pops
This year for its annual Holiday Pops concert, Seattle Symphony features conductor Stuart Chafetz and vocalist/trombonist Aubrey Logan (you may have seen her perform with Postmodern Jukebox) for a lighthearted, joyful concert. Dec. 8–10. $45–$102. Benaroya Hall, Seattle.

“A Festival of Lessons and Carols”
This 75-member choir, bringing together members of Northwest Boychoir and Vocalpoint! Seattle, continues its 45-year tradition based on the Christmas Eve observance at King’s College in Cambridge, England. The 90-minute classical performance consists of nine Christmas readings, each followed by traditional carols performed by the choir and audience. Dec. 8–20. $25–$83. Multiple venues in Lynnwood, Kirkland and Seattle.

Bainbridge Chorale Family Holiday Concert
The Bainbridge Chorale’s family concert includes a range of holiday works selected to appeal to all ages. At only one hour long, it’s perfect for families with smaller children or anyone who doesn’t want to sit still for a long concert. Dec. 9. $18. Rolling Bay Presbyterian Church, Bainbridge Island.

“A Pacific Northwest Christmas”
For a truly Northwest Christmas concert, the Vashon Island Chorale will perform 10 works by local composers, including Reginald Unterseher’s ebullient “Christmas Joy,” Jessica French’s nostalgic “The Oxen,” Giselle Wyers’ “After the Winter” and a world premiere by Calvin Rice. Dec. 9–10. $25 (younger than 18 free). Vashon Center for the Arts, Vashon Island.

Sing-Along with Santa
If your kids would rather sing with Santa than take pictures with him, this is the Saturday-morning holiday event for you. Dec. 9. $10. Tacoma Musical Playhouse, Tacoma.

“A Clear View of the Holidays” – Brass Choir Holiday Show
For those of you who like your music loud, enjoy a brassy concert by the horn section of the Student Orchestras of Greater Olympia. Selections include both the traditional and the not so traditional. Dec. 9. $8–$35. Westminster Presbyterian, Olympia.

“Christmas Around the World”
The spiritually focused Ensign Symphony & Chorus explores Christmas music from countries around the world in this musical journey. Dec. 11. $25–$45. Benaroya Hall, Seattle.

The Midtown Men
Specializing in 1960s hits, The Midtown Men (best known as the original cast of the Broadway hit “Jersey Boys”) present an energetic performance of holiday favorites. Dec. 13. $86. Kirkland Performance Center, Kirkland.

Symphony Tacoma: “Hallelujah!”
Symphony Tacoma’s second holiday concert is a performance of Handel’s “Messiah,” with its uplifting oratorio performed by Symphony Tacoma Voices. Dec. 15. $35–$53. St. Charles Borromeo Church, Tacoma.

Handel’s “Messiah” by Seattle Symphony
Many Northwest families never miss Seattle Symphony’s annual performance of Handel’s “Messiah.” But every family should hear it performed live with a full chorus and talented soloists at least once. Dec. 15–17. $25–$85. Benaroya Hall, Seattle. 

The Coats
In what has become a holiday tradition at Benaroya Hall, The Coats perform another uplifting holiday concert of catchy, danceable songs while demonstrating their impressive vocal ranges and harmonies. Dec. 16–17. $50. Benaroya Hall, Seattle.

“Caroling! Caroling! An A Cappella Christmas!”
This joint performance of A Cappella Northwest, Northwest Sound Men’s Chorus and Northwest Mix Chorus is inspired by the tradition of door-to-door carolers and presents a program ranging from the sacred to the standards. Dec. 17. $25–$35. Kirkland Performance Center, Kirkland.

“Messiah” Sing-Along
If you have a hard time staying quiet when the chorus really gets going, you’re in luck. At Student Orchestras of Greater Olympia’s “Messiah” concert, you are invited to sing along (though you don’t have to, if you’d rather listen). If you do want to sing, concert programs and recordings are available on the SOGO website so you can practice ahead of time. Dec. 18. Free. Washington Center for the Performing Arts, Olympia.

The Journey’s Annual Christmas Concert
Folk harpist Bronn Journey will be joined by the Breath of Aire choir and a small ensemble featuring strings, flutes, clarinet, piano and percussion to present a Christmas concert of inspired music and gentle humor. Dec. 19. $30. Kirkland Performance Center, Kirkland.

Portland Cello Project: “Under the Mistletoe with Saeeda Wright”
Vocalist Saeeda Wright joins the nationally recognized Portland Cello Project to present an evening of cello-centered arrangements of much-loved holiday music. Dec. 21. $44. Kirkland Performance Center, Kirkland.

Seattle Symphony presents Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony and a New Year’s Eve Party
Alternately awe-inspiring and uplifting, and with its “Ode to Joy” chorus, Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony is a wonderful way to stride joyously into the new year. After the concert, enjoy dancing, champagne and revelry in the lobby. If the party runs too late for your kids, but you still want that “Ode to Joy,” Seattle Symphony will have earlier performances (sans after-party) of the Ninth for the three days leading up to New Year’s Eve. Dec. 28–31. $29–$156. Benaroya Hall, Seattle.

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