Besa's Holiday Event Picks: Your Guide to Celebration The Season in Seattle
Besa Gordon poses with the lights at WildLanterns at Woodland Park Zoo in 2023.
While the approaching winter months are all about staying warm and cozy, that doesn’t mean you can’t fill your calendar with spirited holiday events across the Emerald City! Besa Gordon shared a few of her favorite productions, activities, and holiday hotspots that make this time of year in the greater Seattle area so special. These are the experiences that turn you back into a kid and remind you what the season is all about.
Intiman Theatre’s “Black Nativity”
Intiman Theatre’s production of “Black Nativity” is Langston Hughes' gospel production that tells the Nativity story through the lens of the African American experience, incorporating his poetry, narration, and re-conceived versions of traditional carols. Through the glorious sounds of gospel, “Black Nativity” is a celebration of culture, and a generous offering of Black Joy that stirs the soul and lifts the spirits.
The show features spectacular gospel harmonies, and the music is set to inventive arrangements that incorporate soul, jazz, R&B, and the rhythms of African drums. Regardless of your religious background, this is a non-secular event that aims to move people and connect with a deeper, spiritual side, inviting everyone to share in communal joy and celebration.
The show only lasts until Dec. 28, so get your tickets here before they sell out!
WildLanterns at Woodland Park Zoo
This is a non-negotiable holiday favorite that literally lights up the city. The artistry and detail of the displays are breathtaking, making it feel like "walking through a dream,” according to Besa. It’s an immersive experience with top-notch music, colors, and artistry perfect for making memories with the people you love.
Visit the lights on selected dates until January 18. Get your tickets here.
Pacific Northwest Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”
It’s back again! The Pacific Northwest Ballet (PNB) production of George Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker” is a beloved holiday tradition in the Pacific Northwest for many reasons. We’re talking world-class choreography, stunning costumes and set design, and the classic holiday melodies that you’ll be humming all season long!
The show only lasts until Dec. 28, so go get your tickets here.
Winterfest at Seattle Center
Seattle Center has already blown up with holiday spirit, and it’s only getting jollier! Winterfest at Seattle Center is the ultimate holiday destination because it’s jam-packed with family-friendly activities. Every weekend until December 28 features delicious food, live entertainment, ice sculpting at the Mural Amphitheatre, and Friday movie nights featuring a new holiday movie each week!
In the center of the Armory, the elaborate Train and Village is set up where kids can operate the train and families can participate in a scavenger hunt. The Winterfest World Bazaar, also inside the Armory, features Black and Indigenous-owned shops and aims to highlight small vendors city-wide.
Check out more details here.
5th Avenue Theatre’s “Elf - The Musical”
Last but not least, how could you miss out on “Elf - The Musical”? This beloved holiday story from the classic Will Ferrell movie is flipped into a hilarious musical telling the same classic tale of Buddy the Elf on the search for his real dad in the concrete jungle itself: New York City. If you need a good laugh to escape the holiday stress, this is definitely the show for you.
“Elf - The Musical” is performing until Dec. 28. Get your tickets here.
Wishing you a wonderful holiday season filled with joy, warmth, and cheer!
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