Bellevue

Bellevue Study Zone

Ongoing Homework help for elementary, middle and high school students, 3-5 p.m. Sundays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays; 4-8 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays, Bellevue Regional Library, 1111 110th Ave. N.E. (425-450-1765 or www.kcls.org/studyzone)

“How the Penguins Saved Santa Claus”

Thru Dec. 3 Santa crashes on Antarctica, 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays Nov. 24-Dec. 2, 1 p.m. Nov. 25, 2 p.m. Dec. 3; Bellevue Youth Theatre, 16661 Northup Way. Tickets: $8. (425-452-7155)

Design in Light

Thru Jan. 1 Architectural light sculptures designed by regional architects and engineers open nightly at dusk Nov. 24-Jan. 1, along the Northeast Sixth Street pedestrian corridor in downtown Bellevue. (425-453-1223 or www.magicseason.com)

Late Night Music at Crossroads

Ongoing Live music, 7:30-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Crossroads Bellevue, 15600 N.E. Eighth St. Nov. 24: The Nudie Suit Stardusters. Nov. 25: Ocho Pies, Afro Caribbean sounds. Dec. 1: Michael Powers. Dec. 2: First Saturday Big Band Dance with the Moonlight Swing Orchestra. Dec. 8: Kim & Tana’s Holiday Show, 7:30 p.m.; Sammamish High School Jazz Band, 9 p.m. Dec. 9: Interlake High School Jazz Band. (Thur) Dec. 14: International School Jazz Band, 6-7 p.m. Dec. 15: Mercer Island Jazz Band & Jazz Choirs. Dec. 16: Reilly & Maloney. Dec. 22: Greta Matassa’s Holiday Show. Dec. 23: Taylor Jay & Doug Bright’s Holiday Swing Show, 4:30 p.m.; Uptown Swing & Jazz Band, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 29: Guitar Slim. Dec. 30: Jon Pugh Quartet. (425-644-1111 or www.crossroadsbellevue.com)

Magic Season Ice Arena

Thru Jan. 1 Covered open air skating rink with a view of the park’s lighted waterfall, open daily, hours vary (closed Dec. 25), Bellevue Downtown Park, 10201 N.E. Fourth St. Cost: $6-$8. (425-453-1223 or www.magicseason.com)

Snowflake Lane

Thru Dec. 31 Live toy soldiers, snow, music and light show, 7 p.m. daily; outside Bellevue Square, Bellevue Place and Lincoln Square, Bellevue Way Northeast and Northeast Eighth Street. Free parking available during show. (425-454-8096 or www.bellevuesquare.com)

Garden d’Lights

Thru Dec. 31 The Bellevue Botanical Garden Society presents its annual flower garden of light sculpture, 5-9:30 p.m. daily, through Dec. 31, Bellevue Botanical Garden, 12001 Main St. Cost: $5 for on-site parking; other parking available. (425-451-3755 or www.bellevuebotanical.org)

Christmas Home & Gift Show

Wed-Sat Handcrafted folkart, gifts, home funishings, clothing and accessories by Northwest artists and craftspeople, 3-9 p.m. Wednesday; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29-Dec. 2, Vasa Park, 3549 W. Lake Sammamish Parkway S.E. (425-888-1798 or www.country-craft.com)

Food Science 101: Myth-busting in the Kitchen

Thur Put cooking folklore to the test and find out what does and doesn’t work in the kitchen; well-behaved children welcome, 6 p.m. Nov. 30, Whole Foods Market, 888 116th Ave. N.E. Cost: $25. (register: 425-462-1400)

Singer-Songwriter Showcase

Thur Duo En, 6:30 p.m. Nov. 30, Crossroads Bellevue, 15600 N.E. Eighth St. (425-644-1111or www.crossroadsbellevue.com)

“Watching Two Worlds Collide”

Fri Comedian Keith Wann’s one-man show about growing up as the child of deaf parents; performed in ASL with voice interpretation, 7 p.m. Dec. 1, Carlson Theatre, Bellevue Community College, 3000 Landerholm Circle. Tickets: $8. (425-564-6150 or www.bcc.ctc.edu)

Symphonic Sounds of the Season Concert

Fri Bellevue Community College’s concert choir performance features the Hispanic-American Mass “Misa Criolla,” 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1, First Presbyterian Church of Bellevue, 1717 Bellevue Way N.E. Tickets: $7. (425-564-3114 or www.bcc.ctc.edu)

Christmas and All That Jazz

Sun Community sing-along of jazzy holiday music, short comedy sketches and refreshments, 6 p.m. Dec. 3, Newport Covenant Church, 12800 S.E. Coal Creek Parkway, Bellevue. (425-747-0515 or www.newportcov.org)

Annual Holiday Pottery Sale

Plan Ahead A variety of items made by student artists and alumni, including bowls, plates, teapots, vases and casseroles; proceeds benefit the BCC ceramics program, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Dec. 6, Bellevue Community College, room C-157, 3000 Landerholm Circle. (425-564-6177 or www.bcc.ctc.edu)

Open Mike Night

Ongoing Opportunity for acoustic musicians to perform, 6-9 p.m. with 5:30 p.m. sign-up, first and third Thursdays, Crossroads Bellevue, 15600 N.E. Eighth St. (425-644-1111 or www.victorymusic.org)

“Babes in Toyland”

Plan Ahead Classic holiday musical performed by Bellevue Youth Theatre, 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8-10, Theatre at Meydenbauer Center, 11100 N.E. Sixth St. Tickets: $10. (425-452-7155)

Holiday Ball

Plan Ahead An evening of ballroom dancing for developmentally disabled teens and adults; ages 16 and up, 7-9:30 p.m. Dec. 8, Highland Community Center, 14224 Bel-Red Road. Tickets: $6-$7; bring a non-perishable food donation. (register: 425-452-7686 or http://parksreg.cityofbellevue.org)

Winter Wishes: An Evening of Warm Seasonal Melodies

Plan Ahead Lake Washington Singers concert choir, 7:30.p.m. Dec. 9, Unity of Bellevue Church, 16330 N.E. Fourth St., Bellevue. Tickets: $5-$8. (425-458-4521)

The Magic of Mistletoe

Plan Ahead Bellevue Youth Symphony Orchestra concert, 7 p.m. Dec. 10, Meydenbauer Center, 11100 N.E. Sixth St. Tickets: $6.50-$9. (425-467-5604 or www.byso.org)

Eastside Jazz Club

Plan Ahead The Bill Anschell Quartet plays; refreshments and a CD/book/tape exchange, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12, Sherman Clay Pianos, 1000 Bellevue Way N.E. Tickets: $6-$12. (425-828-9104)

Infant CPR Training

Plan Ahead American Heart Association curriculum for aiding victims under a year old, 7-10 p.m. Dec. 14, Public Safety Training Center, 1838 116th Ave. N.E. Cost: $25. (register: 425-452-7673 or http://parksreg.cityofbellevue.org)

“The Nutcracker”

Dec. 15-23 International Ballet Theatre, 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 15-23; 7:30 Dec. 21, Meydenbauer Center, 11100 N.E. Sixth St. Tickets: $15-$35. (425-284-0444 or www.interballettheatre.org)

Lessons and Carols

Plan Ahead Dramatic readings, costumed pageant and sacred music for the season, 7 p.m. Dec. 16, Newport Covenant Church, 12800 S.E. Coal Creek Parkway, Bellevue. (425-747-0515 or www.newportcov.org)

Bothell

Bothell Study Zone

Ongoing Homework help for elementary, middle and high school students, 5-7 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays, Bothell Library, 18215 98th Ave. N.E. (425-486-7811 or www.kcls.org/studyzone)

“The Nutcracker”

Thru Dec. 3 Ballet Bellevue performs accompanied by a live orchestra, 7 p.m. Nov. 25 and Dec. 2; 2 p.m. Nov. 25-26 and Dec. 3, Northshore Performing Arts Center, 18125 92nd Ave. N.E. Tickets: $29.50-$44.50. (425-489-6018 or www.npacf.org)

Winterfest

Fri Children’s hay rides, tree lighting, Santa’s arrival and holiday caroling, 5:30 p.m. Dec. 1, Park at Bothell Landing, 9919 N.E. 180th St. Bring a camera for photos with Santa. (425-486-3256 or www.ci.bothell.wa.us)

Holiday Pops and Dessert

Tues The Boeing Band plays tradidtional holiday music followed by a dessert of cookies and brownies, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5, Northshore Senior Center, 10201 E. Riverside Drive. (425-487-2441)

December Christmas Classics

Plan Ahead One act versions of Christmas favoires, 8 p.m. Dec. 8; 5:30 p.m. Dec. 10, Northshore Senior Center, 10201 E. Riverside Drive. Tickets: $8-$10. (425-487-2441)

“It’s a Wonderful Life: the Musical”

Plan Ahead A small town banker finds out how different things would be if he had never been born, 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Dec. 9-23; 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sundays Dec. 10 and 17; 3 p.m. Saturdays, Dec. 16 and 23; 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21, Northshore Performing Arts Center, 18125 92nd Ave. N.E. Tickets: $12-$20. (425-985-8608 or www.theattictheatre.org)

AAPR Defensive Drivers Safety Program

Plan Ahead Two session course, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 12 and 19, Northshore Senior Center, Northshore Senior Center, 10201 E. Riverside Drive. Cost: $10. (register: 425-487-2441)

Songsters’ Christmas Program

Plan Ahead The Northshore Songsters lead a holiday sing-along, 2 p.m. Dec. 12, Northshore Senior Center, 10201 E. Riverside Drive. (register: 425-487-2441)

Carnation

Swil Kanim

Sat Storytelling, poetry and music with Native American violinist Swil Kanim, 8 p.m. Dec. 2, Miller’s Community & Arts Center, 4597 Tolt Ave. (425-333-5007 or www.millersarts.com)

Yuletide Feasts

Starts Sat Three-course 14th-century winter banquet and entertainment; medieval attire encouraged, 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 2- 24, Dec. 30 and Jan. 6, Camlann Medieval Village, 10320 Kelly Road N.E. Tickets: $40 per person; costume rentals available. (reservations: 425-788-8624 or www.camlann.org)

Duvall

Duvall Farmers Market Christmas Craft Fair

Fri-Sat Crafts, holiday foods, holiday wreaths and greenery, children’s activities, gift wrapping and refreshments, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1-2, Cherry Valley Dairy Barn, 26990 N.E. Cherry Valley Road. (425-788-1185 ext.402)

Issaquah

“Bye Bye Birdie”

Thru Dec. 31 A pop idol stages a last publicity stunt before enlisting in the army; musical comedy, Wednesdays-Sundays and selected Tuesdays, through Dec. 31 Francis J. Gaudette Theatre, 303 Front St. N. Tickets: $25-$49 (425-392-2202 or www.villagetheatre.org)

District-wide Middle School Dance

Fri DJ music, dancing and refreshments for youth in grades 6-8, 7 p.m. Dec. 1, Issaquah Community Center, 301 Rainier Blvd. S. Dress code enforced; no backpacks or skateboards; unescorted youth not permitted to leave before 10 p.m. Cost: $5; photo ID required. (425-837-3317)

O Magnum Mysterium

Fri-Sat A festival for Advent, 7:30.p.m. Dec. 1-2, Trinity Lutheran College, 4221 228th Ave. S.E., Issaquah. (425-392-0400 or www.tlc.edu)

Reindeer Festival

Starts Fri Santa photos, stories read by elves, visits with the reindeer, arts and crafts, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily Dec.1-23, Cougar Mountain Zoo, 19525 SE 54th. Cost: $7.50-$10. (425-391-5508 or www.cougarmountainzoo.org)

Holiday Open House

Sat Issaquah Historical Society hosts visits and photos with Santa, a craft fair, refreshments and children’s art activities, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 2, Issaquah Train Depot, 50 Rainier Blvd. N. (register for art activities: 425-392-3500 or www.issaquahhistory.org)

Dive-In Movie Night

Plan Ahead Float in the deep end and watch a family-friendly feature film or play in the shallow end; bring air mattress or inner tube, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Dec. 15, Julius Boehm Pool, 50 S.E. Clark St. Cost: $3-$10. (425-837-3350)

Kenmore

Celtic Holiday Concert

Sat Irish and Scottish music and dance for the holidays, 7 p.m. Dec. 2, Bastyr University, 14500 Juanita Drive N.E. Tickets: $12-$15. (425-602-3272 or www.bastyr.edu)

Holiday Community Concert

Plan Ahead Northwest regional choir Breath of Aire, 7 p.m. Dec. 7, Bastyr University, 14500 Juanita Drive N.E. (425-602-3107 or www.bastyr.edu)

Kirkland

Kingsgate Study Zone

Ongoing Homework help for elementary, middle and high school students, 4-6 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays; 6-8 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays; 2-4 p.m. Sundays, Kingsgate Library, 12315 N.E. 143rd St. (425-821-7686 or www.kcls.org/studyzone)

Life Drawing Open Studio

Ongoing 1-4 p.m. Sundays, Kirkland Arts Center, 620 Market St. Cost: $8 model fee per session. (425-822-7161 or www.kirklandartscenter.org)

“‘Twas the Night”

Thru Dec. 17 Musical comedy based on the classic poem, 7 p.m. Fridays; 10 a.m., 1, 4 and 7 p.m. Saturdays; 1 and 4 p.m. Sundays, Nov. 25-Dec. 17, Studio East, 402 Sixth St. S., Kirkland. Tickets: $11. (425-827-3123 or www.studio-east.org)

Pet Photos with Santa

Thru Dec. 2 Pet owners can have photos taken of their dogs or cats with Santa; benefits Pasado’s Safe Haven, Nov. 25 and Dec. 2 by appointment, Dooley’s Dog House, 1421 Market St. Cost: $20. (appointments: 425-889-2200 or www.dooleysdoghouse.com)

John Muir Elementary Book Fair

Thur Benefit event with previews of new fall titles and author appearances including Ken Mozichuchi with “Be Water, My Friend: Early Years of Bruce Lee” and Anjali Banerjee with “Looking for Bapu,” 6:30-8:30 p.m. Nov. 30, Parkplace Books, 348 Parkplace Center. (425-828-6546)

“Messiah”

Fri Bellevue Philharmonic Orchestra with the Bellevue Chamber Chorus, 7:30.p.m. Dec. 1, Kirkland Performance Center, 350 Kirkland Ave. Tickets: $11-$31. (425-893-9900 or www.bellevuephil.org)

Birding on Green Lake

Sat Audubon field trip to walk Green Lake with expert birder Martin Muller. Meet by 7:25 a.m. Dec. 2 at the South Kirkland Park & Ride, 3801 108th Ave. N.E. Cost: $2. (425-746-6351 or www.elwas.org)

Holiday Arts Sale

Starts Sat Features ceramics, sculpture, glass work, prints, jewelry, paintings, photography, toys and candles created by instructors, resident artists and members, 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays, Dec. 2-21; 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Dec. 14, Kirkland Arts Center, 620 Market St. (425-822-7161 or www.kirklandartscenter.org)

The Forgotten Carols

Sat Folk singer Glenn Yarbrough’s holiday concert, 2 and 8 p.m. Dec. 2, Kirkland Performance Center, 350 Kirkland Ave. Tickets: $15-$34. (425-893-9900 or www.kpcenter.org)

Light Up a Life

Plan Ahead Holiday event honoring those who have died with a tree of remembrance of messages and ornaments dedicated to loved ones, 7 p.m. Dec. 6 with tree lighting at 7:30 p.m., Evergreen Hospital Medical Center Galleria, 12040 N.E. 128th St. (425-899-1900)

“The Nutcracker”

Dec. 8-10 International Ballet Theatre, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8-9, 2 p.m. Dec. 9-10, Kirkland Performance Center, 350 Kirkland Ave. Tickets: $15-$35. (425-284-0444 or www.interballettheatre.org)

Parkplace Books 20th Anniversary Celebration

Plan Ahead Mingle with local authors and enjoy holiday wassail and treats; benefits Kirkland Interfaith Transitional Housing (KITH), 7 p.m. Dec. 8, Parkplace Books, 348 Parkplace Center. (425-828-6546)

Teen Concerts

Ongoing All-ages venue with local perfomers, 8 p.m.; doors open at 7:30 p.m., Kirkland Teen Union Building, 348 Kirkland Ave. Dec. 8: A Chance Without, The Formal, Breaking The Sky and Minus My Thoughts; $6. Dec. 9: My Sleeping Telephone, Cavity, Soundview and War of Another Kind; $5. Dec. 15: The Eliss Armor, Gift Of Prophecy, ZeroYear and Eu Gean; $6. Dec. 23: Holiday Hip Hop Show at noon with D Dweller, Q and E.A.P.; $8. (425-822-3088 or www.ktub.org)

Bronn Journey Christmas Concert

Plan Ahead Bronn and Katherine Journey perform music from the British Isles for harp and voice, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11, Kirkland Performance Center, 350 Kirkland Ave. Tickets: $15-$17.50. (425-893-9900 or www.kpcenter.org)

“Woody Guthrie’s Happy Joyous Hannukkah Tour”

Plan Ahead The Klezmatics perform the folk singer’s recently discovered songs of celebration, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12, Kirkland Performance Center, 350 Kirkland Ave. Tickets: $15-$36. (425-893-9900 or www.kpcenter.org)

Kirkland Art Walk

Plan Ahead 18 downtown Kirkland galleries have extended hours with artists’ receptions at some galleries, 6-9 p.m. Dec. 14. Maps available at the galleries. (425-889-8212)

“Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka”

Plan Ahead 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15; 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Dec. 16, Kirkland Performance Center, 350 Kirkland Ave. $15-$20. (425-893-9900 or www.kpcenter.org)

Mercer Island

Holiday Tree Lighting and Firehouse Munch

Fri Tree lighting and sing-along caroling at 7 p.m. Dec. 1 in Mercerdale Park, Southeast 32nd Street and 77th Avenue Southeast, followed by the Mercer Island Fire Department chili feed, visits with Santa and music, 7-9 p.m. at the North Fire Station, 3030 S.E. 78th St. Donations collected for Toys for Tots. (206-236-3545 or www.miparks.net)

North Bend

“A Christmas Carol”

Starts Fri Charles Dickens’ classic holiday tale, 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Dec. 1-23, Unity Theater, 119 1/2 North Bend Way. Tickets: $10-$15. (425-831-5667 or www.unitytheater.org)

Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair

Sat Unique and handcrafted items by 30 local and regional artists, entertainment, free raffle and refreshements, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 2, Si View Community Center, 400 S.E. Orchard Drive. (425-831-1900 or www.siviewpark.org)

Town of Snoqualmie Falls Video

Sat Viewing and discussion of this Snoqualmie Valley Historical Society video on the history of the Snoqualmie Falls Lumber Company mill its mill town, 10 a.m. Dec. 2, Meadowbrook Farm Interpretive Center, 1711 Boalch Ave. (register: 425-831-1900)

Build-a-Toy Workshop

Plan Ahead Family Night dinner by toy building with master toymaker and children’s entertainer Rick Hartman, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 15, Si View Community Center, 400 S.E. Orchard Drive. (425-831-1900 or www.siviewpark.org)

Redmond

Redmond Study Zone

Ongoing Homework help for elementary, middle and high school students, 6-8 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays, Redmond Regional Library, 15990 N.E. 85th St. (425-885-1861 or www.kcls.org/studyzone)

“Anything Goes”

Ends Sat A failing Wall Street broker stows away aboard an ocean liner to prevent his love from marrying another man; musical. 8:15 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 2; 2:15 p.m. Nov. 19 and 26. SecondStory Repertory, 16587 N.E. 74th St. Tickets: $20-$26. (425-881-6777 or www.secondstoryrep.org)

Holiday Light Train

Thru Dec. 24 Train ride to view light displays, Nov. 24-Dec. 24, hours vary, leaving from Kids Row, Redmond Town Center, 16495 N.E. 74th St. Cost: $2. (425-867-0808)

Santa Visits & Photos

Thru Dec. 24 Daily Nov. 24-Dec. 24, Redmond Town Center, 16495 N.E. 74th St. Hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sundays. Cost: $19-$42 for photos. (425-867-0808 or www.redmondtowncenter.com)

Sounds of the Season

Thru Dec. 24 Daily musical entertainment for the season by local and regional performers, daily, hours vary, Nov. 24-Dec. 24, Center Street Plaza, Redmond Town Center, 16495 N.E. 74th St. (425-869-2640 or www.redmondtowncenter.com)

Internet: a Beginner’s Guide

Fri Learn about internet providers, e-mail accounts and how to find information on the World Wide Web; for ages 50 and over, basic knowledge of Window required, 12:30-3:30 p.m. Dec. 1, Redmond Senior Center, 8703 160th Ave. N.E. (register: 425-556-2314)

Marymoor Park Bird Walk

Fri Watch for birds along the nature trail; bring binoculars, 8 a.m. Dec. 1. Meet in the Southwest corner of parking lot D, 6046 W. Lake Sammamish Parkway N.E. Cost: $1 parking fee. (425-576-8805 or www.elwas.org)

Deck the Halls

Sun Help decorate for the holiday season, 9 a.m.-noon Dec. 3, Redmond Senior Center, 8703 160th Ave. N.E. (425-556-2314)

RedmondLights Celebration

Sun Tree lighting and music at City Hall followed by the Holiday RiverWalk along the Sammamish River to Redmond Town Center for live entertainment, refreshments and craft activities, 4-8 p.m. Dec. 3, beginning at City Hall Campus, 15670 N.E. 85th St. A free shuttle will run between City Hall and Redmond Town Center, 3:30-8:30 p.m. (425-556-2352 or www.redmond.gov)

“An O. Henry Holiday”

Plan Ahead Classic tale of “The Gift of the Magi,” 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Sundays; 8:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Dec. 8-23, SecondStory Repertory, 16587 N.E. 74th St. Tickets: $18-$24. (425-881-6777 or www.secondstoryrep.org)

Eastside Symphony

Plan Ahead Concert features classical and holiday music, 3 p.m. Dec. 10, Redmond Senior Center, 8703 160th Ave. N.E. (425-462-5231 or www.eastsidesymphony.org)

Scenic Drive: Holiday Lights

Plan Ahead A tour of Redmond-area holiday lights after an early supper at a local restaurant, 4:30-10 p.m. Dec. 12 and 19. Meet at Redmond Senior Center, 8703 160th Ave. N.E. Cost: $10. (register: 425-556-2314)

Holiday Lunch

Plan Ahead Celebrate the season with food, friends and music, 11:30 a.m. Dec. 13, Redmond Senior Center, 8703 160th Ave. N.E. Cost: $4-$7. (Reservations: 425-556-2314)

Poetry and Open Mic Night

Plan Ahead Kelli Russell Agodon and Ann Batchelor Hursey, 7 p.m. Dec. 14, SoulFood Books, 15748 Redmond Way. (425-881-5309 or www.soulfoodbooks.com)

Sophisticated Swing Big Band

Plan Ahead Dancing to the music of the 1930’s, ’40s and ’50s, 1-3:30 p.m. Dec. 15, Redmond Senior Center, 8703 160th Ave. N.E. Cost. $3. (425-556-2314)

Annual Christmas Bird Count

Plan Ahead Participate in the Audubon’s nationwide count of birds to help track avian distribution and population trends. Meet before 8 a.m. Dec. 16 near the windmill in the west parking lot at Marymoor Park, 6046 W. Lake Sammamish Parkway and carpool to locations in the Sammamish and Snoqualmie Vallies, Beaver and Pine Lakes and Issaquah area. Followed by a dinner at 6 p.m. at Northlake Unitarian Universalist Church, 308 Fourth Ave. S. in Kirkland. Cost: $5 for bird count. $1 parking at Marymoor. $6.50 dinner. (dinner reservations: 425-576-8805 or www.elwas.org)

Renton

Fairwood Study Zone

Ongoing Homework help for elementary, middle and high school students, 5-7 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, Fairwood Library, 17009 140th Ave. S.E. (425-226-0522 or www.kcls.org/studyzone)

“Arsenic and Old Lace”

Thru Dec. 3 Valley Community Players present a comedy about two elder ladies running a boarding house and doing away with the roomers, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Nov. 17-Dec. 2; 7:30 p.m. Nov. 30 and 2 p.m. Dec. 3, Renton Carco Theatre, 1717 Maple Valley Highway. Tickets: $13-$15. (425-226-5190 or www.valleycommunityplayers.org)

“Arsenic and Old Lace”

Starts Fri Valley Community Players present this classic comedy about two dotty old ladies running a boarding house, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 2; 7:30 p.m. Nov. 30 and 2 p.m. Dec. 3, Renton Carco Theatre, 1717 Maple Valley Highway, Renton. Tickets: $13-$15. (425-226-5190 or www.valleycommunityplayers.org)

“Deck the Halls with the Broads of Broadway”

Starts Fri 7:30 p.m. Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays, Dec. 1-17, Renton Civic Theater, 507 S. Third St. Tickets: $15-$20. (425-226-5529 or www.rentoncivictheatre.org)

Clam Lights

Starts Fri Opening night with musical entertainment, lights illumination, parade of lighted boats, 6:30. p.m. Dec. 1; parade of lighted boats, 7:30.p.m. Dec. 2; light display 5-9.p.m. daily through Jan. 1. Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park, 1201 Lake Washington Blvd. (425-430-6700 or www.ci.renton.wa.us)

Sankta Lucia Celebration

Sat Swedish tradition of Sankta Lucia crowning with traditional Scandinavian holiday music, 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. Dec. 2, Ikea, 600 S.W. 43rd St. (425-656-2980 or www.ikea-usa.com/Seattle)

“The Nutcracker”

Sat-Sun Ensemble Ballet Theatre, 2:30 and 7:30.p.m. Dec. 2; 2:30.p.m. Dec. 3, Ikea Performing Arts Center, 400 S. Second St. Tickets: $8-$12. (425-432-9685)

Rainier Symphony Holiday Concert

Plan Ahead 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9; 3 p.m. Dec. 10, Ikea Performing Arts Center, 400 S. Second St. Tickets: $12-$17. (206-781-5618 or www.rainiersymphony.org)

“The Nutcracker”

Plan Ahead Eastside Dance Theatre, 1 and 5 p.m. Dec. 16-17, Ikea Performing Arts Center, 400 S. Second St. Tickets: $10-$14 (425-204-3455 or www.eastsidedancetheatre.org)

Sammamish

Sammamish Study Zone

Ongoing Homework help for elementary, middle and high school students, 4-6 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, Sammamish Library, 825 228th Ave. N.E. (425-836-8793 or www.kcls.org/studyzone)

Sammamish Symphony Holiday Pops

Plan Ahead Classical favorites for the season, 8 p.m. Dec. 9; 2 p.m. Dec. 10, Eastlake Performing Arts Center, 400 228th Ave. N.E. Tickets: $10-$30. (206-517-7777 or www.sammamishsymphony.org)

Snoqualmie

Comfort & Joy

Plan Ahead Accoustic duo Tingstad and Rumbel’s holiday concert, 3 p.m. Dec. 10, 8651 Meadowbrook Way. S.E. Tickets: $5-$15. (425-888-1514 or http://home.comcast.net/7/8artslive/)

Woodinville

Woodinville Study Zone

Ongoing Homework help for elementary, middle and high school students, 3:30-5:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Woodinville Library, 17105 Avondale Road N.E. (425-788-0733 or www.kcls.org/studyzone)

Poinsettia Festival

Thru Dec. 24 Fifty varieties of poinsettias in many colors, Garden Cafe, trees, wreaths, decorations, holiday photo backdrops, plant seminars, children’s activities and weekend visits with Santa, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturdays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 24. Molbak’s, 13625 N.E. 175th St. (425-483-5000)

Poetry Reading and Open Mike

Wed Lyn Coffin, Michael Johnson, Jack McCarthy, R.D. Shadowbyrd followed by open mike readings, 7 p.m. Nov. 29, Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 18025 Garden Way N.E. Dec. 27: J. Glenn Evans, David Fewster, Karen Havnaer and Karen Konrad. Jan. 31: Gerry McFarland, Geoff Pope, James Rodgers, Len Tews. (206-682-1268 or www.poetswest.com/venues.htm)

Woodinville Light Festival

Starts Fri Santa’s workshop, puppet show, holiday light displays, music and model trains, 5:30-9 p.m. Dec. 1 with displays illumintated 6-9 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays through Dec. 23, Carol Edwards Community Center, 17401 133rd Ave. N.E. (425-984-2346 or www.ci.woodinville.wa.us)

Games Galore!

Tues Bring your favorite game or join in plaing board and card games, 1-3 p.m. Dec. 5, Woodinville Senior Center, 17401 133rd Ave. N.E. suite A-03. (425-488-4289)

An Evening of Wine & Cheese

Plan Ahead Sample Chateau Ste. Michelle wines paired with gourmet cheeses, 4:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 12, Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery, 14111 N.E. 145th St. Cost: $20 at the door. (800-267-6793 or www.ste-michelle.com)

Compiled by Nyssa Rogers

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