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
A MIGHTY, MERRY WURLITZER CHRISTMAS
This cheerily named event will feature an appearance by none other than Professor Hokum W. Jeebs. The real star of the show, however, will be the “authentic 1929 Wurlitzer Pipe Organ,” through which “mighty, merry” melodies will course like the blood through our veins. $10-$15. 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat.; 3 p.m. Sun. Through Sat., Dec. 28. Hokum Hall, 7904 35th Ave. S.W., 206-937-3613. WHITE CENTER
CHRISTMAS IN ROME
Let the well-heeled Tudor Choir transport you to a simpler, more Italian time. “Renaissance and Baroque holiday music” from the Boot will tickle your ears just in time for 2003. This year, the Tudors are taking their show on the road, playing St. Mark’s one night and St. Thomas the next. $15-$22. 8 p.m. Sat., Dec. 28. St. Mark’s Cathedral, 1245 10th Ave. E. CAPITOL HILL. 3 p.m. Sun., Dec. 29. St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 8398 N.E. 12th St. MEDINA. (Call 206-323-9415 for tickets to either performance.)
FIELD OF LIGHTS CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION
“Celebrate the magic of electric imagination” at Safeco Field, where “half a million lights and numerous light exhibits” will make things positively luminescent for you and your darling children. Crafts, music, and sundry “goodies” await you at the home of our perpetually lachrymose baseball team. $5 ($3 for children). 4-9 p.m. Fri.-Sun. Through Sun., Dec. 29. 83 King Street, 206-346-4000. DOWNTOWN SEATTLE
HOLIDAY DANCE CAMP
Thanks to the well-intentioned folks at Cameo Dance, your little Billy and Susie can learn musical theater, hip-hop cheer, ballet, and tumbling. $75 per day or $130 for both days. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Mon., Dec. 30-Tues., Dec. 31. 6560 Latona Ave. N.E., 206-528-8183. GREENLAKE
ADOPT-A-FAMILY
Amidst all the holiday receiving, maybe some serious giving would be in order. Overlake Service League is organizing an “adopt-a-family” program whereby “companies and individuals can help local families in need this holiday season through food, clothing, or gift donations.” Any questions? Through Tues., Dec. 31. For information, call 425-451-1175. BELLEVUE
CANDY CANE LANE
Christmas in Seattle would be infinitely less pleasant without Candy Cane Lane, where the lights will be a-shinin’ and the nonperishable food donations will be aboundin’ until New Year’s Day. What you donate goes directly to Northwest Harvest, a local clearinghouse supporting hunger programs across the state. Free. 4-10 p.m. Through Wed., Jan. 1. Park Road N.E., 206-625-0755. UNIVERSITY DISTRICT
MYSTICAL CHANT FROM CHRISTMAS TO EPIPHANY
Just call it “My Big Fat Greek Christmas.” Cappella Romana, a chorale of singin’ studs with a penchant for Medieval Roman and Byzantine chant, will lift up their mesmerizing voices in song with a little help from renowned Greek musical dynamo Ioannis Arvanitis. One critic described the experience as “a highly sonorous and melismatic evening.” $18/$15. 8 p.m. Sat., Jan. 4. Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 42nd Ave. S.W. and Genesee St., 206-938-0339. WEST SEATTLE
