Holiday Calendar 2003

ANNUAL HOLIDAY SHOW AT BEROZKINA GALLERY

The gallery's monthlong holiday expo features paintings, glass, ceramics, and other media from artists near and far. Expect a nice assortment of local creators as well as a national and overseas contingent. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tues.-Thurs.; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Fri.-Sat.; noon-5 p.m. Sun. Through Sun., Dec. 7. Free admission. Berozkina Gallery, 9 Lake St., 425-803-5032. KIRKLAND

If you think one Christmas tree lot is like the next, you're living in a dream world. Luckily, the Pacific Northwest Christmas Tree Association (who knew?) has assembled a scarily authoritative list of U-Cut tree farms in our lovely state. Now you can flex some muscle and use the money you save (by cutting down your own tree) to purchase a nice wreath. Needless to say, hot chocolate is provided at many of these tree farms, but check to make sure before you go. Through Thurs., Dec. 25. Hours and prices vary. PNWCTA, www.nwtrees.com, 503-364-2942. WASHINGTON STATE

Despite its status as the Holy Roman Empire of coffeehouse franchises, Starbucks is still in touch with the little peopleliterally, since its Holiday Angels Toy Drive benefits children with critical illnesses (through the Starlight Children's Foundation). At any Starbucks location, customers may choose "gift tags" representing toyslike books, movies, and video gamesand donate accordingly to provide hospitalized young people with a welcome distraction from the business of being sick. Also, 10 cents from every peppermint mocha purchase will help the kids. Various donation levels. Through Thurs., Dec. 25. Starbucks locations across North America, 425-861-7827 (for more information). NORTH AMERICA

Giving pets as presents can be risky business. Just make sure your family is ready for the responsibility of a furry compadre who may not always do what he's told. With that in mind, consider Seattle Animal Shelter's holiday adoption campaign as a possible source of canine or feline companionship. Last year "Home" sent over 20,000 animals barking or purring into the exuberant arms of petless people, and this year could be even more successful. All adoption packages include vaccinations, a free exam, and all the other basics (spaying or neutering, licensing, etc.). Open noon-6 p.m. Tues.-Sat.; noon-4 p.m. Sun. Through Wed., Dec. 31. $72-$115. Seattle Animal Shelter, 2061 15th Ave. W., 206-386-PETS. BALLARD

Wallingford's Community Psychiatric Clinic serves the mentally ill, many of whom lack money. Donating to the CPC means enabling your underprivileged fellow citizens to enjoy at least a few of the basic comforts between Thanksgiving and Christmas, including food, warm clothing, and toiletries. Tax-deductible contributions may be sent to the clinic at its address through Wednesday, Dec. 31and beyond, of course, though the Holiday Helpers campaign focuses on the holiday season. CPC, 4319 Stone Way N., 206-545-2345. WALLINGFORD

With few exceptions, a gallery owner named Moose is unlikely to play by the rules. Such is the case with Jeffrey Moose, whose gallery offers a highly eclectic mélange of prints, glass, photography, jewelry, and cards "with value in mind, to reflect the realities of today's economy." When's the last time a gallery got pragmatic during the holidays? See, we told you Moose is different. 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Fri.; noon-5 p.m. Sat. Through January. Free admission. Jeffrey Moose Gallery, 1333 Fifth Ave., 206-467-6951. RAINIER SQUARE

"Are you itching to do something?" the press release asks. For us, the answer is an unqualified "Yes!" South Seattle Community College's one-day culinary workshop offers step-by-step guidance in the construction of edible holiday architecture. (One adult and one child is the desired combo.) 9 a.m.-noon Sat., Nov. 22. $89 (for two). SSCC Pastry Lab, 6000 16th Ave. S.W., 206-764-5339. WEST SEATTLE

Cross-cultural learning and figures from popular children's books will make cold, possibly snowy bedfellows at the big-time bank's celebration of all things winter. Along with "holiday traditions from Thailand to Africa," the festival will spotlight Captain Smartypants and Clifford the Big Red Dog. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sat., Nov. 22-Wed., Dec. 31. Free admission. Seattle Center, 206-684-7200. SEATTLE CENTER

The artists at Gallery 110 seem to offer all the normal art artifacts: photos, etchings, ceramics, cement doorknobs, flammable and edible paintings. . . . Wait a second: cement doorknobs? Flammable and edible paintings? Though advertised as a run-of-the-mill three-day holiday sale, these unusual artworks hint at something special. Plus, there is a "holiday bash" on Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m. with food, a raffle, and live music. Sale hours: noon-6 p.m. Fri., Nov. 28-Sun., Nov. 30. Free admission. Gallery 110, 110 S. Washington St., 206-624-9336. DOWNTOWN

Everyone seems to love this yearly salute to multicultural holiday cheer, so far be it from us to deride ArtsWest Playhouse's yuletide ménage à "songs, skits, and personal stories" that help make the season just a little bit brighter (or louder, at least). Now in its 20th year, Voices might well be your best bet for a quick fix of holiday cheer. 7:30 p.m. Tues.-Fri.; 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Fri., Nov. 28-Wed., Dec. 24. $10-$30. ArtsWest Playhouse and Gallery, 4711 California Ave. S.W., 206-938-0339. WEST SEATTLE