Holiday Calendar

SANTA DAY AT NORTHWEST HARVEST

This event, organized by the good people at Northwest Harvest, pretty much defies our penchant for sarcasm. What can we say about giving food, clothing, and pictures of Santa to needy kids? Bring nonperishables and winter apparel and make a difference (sniff) in the life of a cold, hungry kid. 9-11 a.m. Thurs., Dec. 19. 711 Cherry St., 206-625-0755. DOWNTOWN SEATTLE

ANGEL'S GARDEN CANDLE LIGHTING FOR CHILDREN

Hot wax and Jesus to the max: "The Angel's Garden gives the children a quiet, reflective moment during the holiday season in which to internalize what Jesus' birth means for all of Earth." (Hint: It means lots of cool toys.) Free. 7 p.m. Sat., Dec. 21. 2908 Meridian Ave. E., 253-446-1000. EDGEWOOD

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE

Some press releases simply cannot be improved upon: "[This] musical pageant enacts a fictional meeting between Eleanor of Aquitaine and Hildegard of Bingen[;] two of the most influential women of the Middle Ages meet to discuss the virtues of a monastic versus a court education for young women." This one is sure to be a real kid favorite, right up there with John Cusack's street- corner puppet shows in Being John Malkovich. Free. 11 a.m. Sat., Dec. 21. Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave., (206) 652-4255. DOWNTOWN SEATTLE

HOLIDAY CLASSICS AT THE FRYE

Since we at the Holiday Calendar are of German descent, we're always pleased to announce a musical offering that would make our Mutterland proud. In this case, the Ladies Musical Club is gracing us with a fragrant bouquet of Germanic masters: Bach, Mozart, and Brahms. Tunes like Bereite Dich Zion and Geistliches Wiegenlied will ring out, gladdening the hearts of those whose hearts need gladdening. Free. 2 p.m. Sun., Dec. 22. Frye Art Museum, 704 Terry Ave., 206-622-9250. FIRST HILL

GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN

St. Mark's is such a beautiful place. Have you been there? It's the only cathedral in Seattle that can be considered truly breathtaking. Check out this annual musical pageant and see how the pious half lives. Free. 4 p.m. Sun., Dec. 22. St. Mark's Cathedral, 1245 10th Ave. E., 206-323-0300. CAPITOL HILL

SANTA PIG

Celebrate the piggiest season of the year at Pike Place Market, where Santa Pig ("a sitting version of Rachel the piggybank dressed in red velvet, hat, and beard") will grant your every porcine wish. Free. 3-6 p.m. Fri.; 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Through Sun., Dec. 22. PIKE PLACE MARKET

THE BOBS

According to inside sources, the Bobs are "the unclassifiable a cappella antidote to modern technology." In short, they're kind of like Rockapella, but with a sorely needed sense of humor, as illustrated in the title of their Christmas CD, Too Many Santas! $16.50-$20.50. 8 p.m. Tues.- Sat.; 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Sun. Through Sun., Dec. 22. 2033 Sixth Ave., 206-441-9729. DOWNTOWN SEATTLE

OWEN MEANY'S CHRISTMAS PAGEANT

As one of several holiday shows with the words "Christmas pageant" in the title, this Book-It production, "back by popular demand," boasts a lofty literary pedigree (courtesy of John Irving, who authored the original novel), and is directed by Jane Jones, whose name could not be more generic. $15-$22. Through Sun., Dec. 22. North Seattle Community College, 9600 College Way, 206-325-6500. LICTON SPRINGS

TWELVE DRINKS OF CHRISTMAS

The true meaning of Christmas: Brandy-soaked chestnuts roasting on an open fire, tipsy strangers nipping at your nose. Enjoy these holiday pleasures and more at this insidious event hosted by the Sorrento Hotel. As the P.R. machine so daintily puts it: "Available daily—all day." Indeed. Through Tues., Dec. 24. 900 Madison St., 206-622-6400. DOWNTOWN SEATTLE

CHRISTMAS DINNER

It sucks to be old. Especially at Christmas. The Northshore Senior Center knows the anguish our antiquated friends must endure when their families forsake them during the holiday season. That's why they're serving ham this year. Ham "with all the fixings." Ham to make the elderly feel young again. Ham to make the world a better place. Ham. $6. 2 p.m. Wed., Dec. 25. 10201 E. Riverside Dr., 425-487-2441. BOTHELL

CHRISTMAS DAY AT ST. MARK'S

Once again we plug St. Mark's, in part because it's just so lovely there, and partly because Dec. 25 is Christmas. The least you can do is get yourself some Eucharist, preferably of the Holy variety. Two female reverends (Janet Campbell and Ann Holmes Redding) will preside. Free. 10 a.m. Wed., Dec. 25. St. Mark's Cathedral, 1245 10th Ave. E., 206-323-0300. CAPITOL HILL

GINGERBREAD VILLAGE

Gingerbread villages come and go, but the Sheraton's annual display puts the rest to shame. A virtual architectural Expo of sweet cookie treats made to look like buildings, this much-celebrated event benefits the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (ironic, no?) and is organized by Sheraton pastry chef Wally Walberg, who wins the 2002 "Marky Mark" Name Alliteration Award. Free (donations accepted). Through Thurs., Dec. 26. 1400 Sixth Ave., 206-447-5547. DOWNTOWN SEATTLE

MESSIAH SING-AND-PLAY-ALONG

What sounds like a Christian children's toy is actually a chance for you to drag out that dusty old accordion (or perhaps that attic-dwelling cello) and participate in a performance of Handel's instant classic. "The entire oratorio will be performed under conductor Karen P. Thomas," who also directs a little thing called Seattle Pro Musica. Be there or be blasphemous. $10/$7. 7 p.m. Thurs., Dec. 26. University Unitarian Church, 6556 35th Ave. N.E., 206-525-8400. WEDGWOOD