On Fridays, we post the gems that are on our radar for family fun over the weekend -- always keeping your pocketbook in mind. Chime in with yours!
Today's events, December 23
- Attend a 1 p.m. performance of Medieval Christmas music at Town Hall in Seattle by kids in period costume and local musicians.
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Drop by Swanson's Nursery in Ballard for one of the last days of their holiday festival, including reindeer and camels and a truly amazing model train set-up -- plus the other kiddie enticements always on hand (fish pond, red wagons).
- Drop the kids off at Moonpaper Tent in Ravenna for a four-hour Parents Night Out, and do some last-minute shopping or -- dare we say it -- take in a movie.
- Put on a wig or a Santa outfit and head to a costume skating party at the Capitol Hill Ice Rink -- those dressed up get half off the price of admission!
The Christmas Ships are wrapping everything up today with afternoon and evening stops at Matthews Beach and Kirkland. And if you can stay out a wee bit late, head to Gasworks Park for the free grand finale at 9:45 p.m.
Saturday, December 24
- Watch ingenious ice sculpting from noon - 2 p.m. at the Seattle Center, outside of Fisher Pavilion.
- Attend a free Christmas Eve family jam session at noon at Jamtown in Lake City. No experience or musical talent required.
- Take a horse-drawn carriag
e ride through Seward Park -- part of the Winter Wonderland event.
- Skate all day at Highland Ice Arena or Bellevue's Magic Season Arena, the region's only outdoors rink.
- See how the PNB shakes things up at this year's Nutty Nutcracker at 4 p.m., a once-a-year performance where everyone gets a little loopy.
- Take a drive through the sparkling light displays at Spanaway Park or Point Defiance Zoo.
- Enjoy the last night of Bellevue's Snowflake Lane show at 7 p.m., with music, lights, live toy soldiers (!) and snow flurries.
Sunday, December 25
- Lace up your skates and glide through a Christmas skate session at Highland Ice Arena, Bellevue's Magic Season Arena, or -- if you're in Tacoma -- the Polar Plaza rink.
- Take your Christmas-light-crazy toddler and indulge in a drive or walk through our region's famed light displays, such as Candy Cane Lane in Ravenna, Ivar's Clam Lights in Renton (open 6:30-9:30 p.m. on Christmas) or Bellevue's lovely Garden D'Lights (open 5- 10 p.m.).
