NEW YEAR'S EVE CONCERT AND GALA
God bless Americana: Gerard Schwartz leads the Seattle Symphony in a performance of Gershwin's Concerto in F and selections from Bernstein's West Side Story. Benaroya Hall, 200 University St., 206-215-4747, www.seattlesymphony.org. $65–$150 (includes dinner, cocktails, and postconcert dance). 9 p.m. Sat., Dec. 31.
Community Events
CELEBRITY CHESTNUT ROASTING
It ain't Dancing With the Stars, but the Fairmont Olympic's annual roundup of local celebs is always good fun. This year's gang includes KING-TV's Jean Enersen, KMTT ("The Mountain") DJs Fisher & West, the Sea Gals (the Seahawks cheerleading squad), and the Mariner Moose. 411 University St., 206-621-1700. $3/cone of chestnuts. 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. weekdays. Through Fri., Dec. 23.
ISSAQUAH REINDEER FESTIVAL
Did you know that Issaquah's Cougar Mountain Zoo has the largest Siberian reindeer herd of any U.S. zoo? Now that you do, take a trip to the Eastside to get chummy with the antlered, shaggy creatures of Christmas Eve lore. 19525 S.E. 54th St. (Issaquah), 425-391-5508, www.cougarmountainzoo.org. $9.50 ($8 seniors, $6.50 children 2 to 12). 10 a.m.–7 p.m. daily. Through Fri., Dec. 23.
DUNSHEE HOUSE TREE LOT
Buy a fine-looking pine to support Capitol Hill's non-profit HIV/AIDS support center. 303 17th Ave. E., 206-322-2437, www.dunsheehouse.org. Tree prices vary. Noon–9 p.m. Mon.–Fri.; 9 a.m.–9 p.m. Sat.–Sun. Through Sat., Dec. 24.
TEDDY BEAR SUITE
Created by local interior decorator Kevin Bradford, the Fairmont Olympic's gathering of stuffed bears large and small will eventually be donated to Children's Hospital, as will any cash you care to give. (Also on display: a gingerbread castle.) 411 University St., 206-621-1700. Free. 11 a.m.–6 p.m. daily. Through Sun., Dec. 25.
WINTERFEST
This annual Seattle Center festival features an ice rink, a "holiday train," dozens of free performances, and, more than likely, a giant snow globe. Seattle Center, 206-684-7200, www.seattlecenter.com. 10 a.m.–7 p.m. daily (10 a.m.–4 p.m. Christmas Eve; closed on Christmas, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day). Through Mon., Jan. 2.
GINGERBREAD VILLAGE AT CITY CENTRE
1,200 pounds of dough, 500 pounds of candy, and heaven knows how many nuts take over the downtown mall, formed into structural marvels by Sheraton Hotel chefs and reps from local architecture firms. Donations for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation will be accepted daily. 1420 Fifth Ave., 206-624-8800. Free. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Mon.–Sat.; noon–5 p.m. Sun. Through Tues., Jan. 3.
NUTCRACKER MARCH
Don't do a macchiato spit-take when you see 50 "decorated nutcrackers" occupying Seattle's downtown this holiday season. The giant intruders are part of Pacific Northwest Ballet's annual promotion for Nutcracker; when 2006 arrives, they'll be auctioned off online to benefit Northwest Center, a local nonprofit that supports the disabled. Throughout downtown Seattle, from Seattle Center to Pioneer Square. Visit www.nutcrackermarch.com for more information. Through Thurs., Jan. 5.
HOLIDAY HAYRIDES
Put on your mittens and hat as a horse-drawn wagon carries you over the river and through the woods (actually, through Seward Park and around part of Lake Washington). Wagons depart from the entrance to Seward Park, 5902 Lake Washington Blvd. S., 206-684-7434. $10 ($5 children 4 to 12). 4:30–9:30 p.m. (rides begin every 45 minutes). Fri., Dec. 16–Sun., Dec. 18; Wed., Dec. 21–Thurs., Dec. 22.
