A Christmas Carol—It’s A Contemporary Theater’s 25th annual presentation of Charles Dickens’ classic, and once again, Ebenezer Scrooge, the stingiest man in London, discovers the true spirit of Christmas. A Contemporary Theater, 700 Union, 292-7660. $16-$3/$13.50-$29 seniors and children. Thu 11/30-Sun 12/24, call 292-7676 or visit www.act theatre.org for times.

Nordys Giving Trees—Select a gift card from a Giving Tree at any Washington Nordstrom store and purchase the requested item for local charities to distribute. Each store selects a local charity in their community to support. For more info, call your local store: downtown Seattle (628-2111), Northgate (364-8800), Bellevue (425-455-5800), Southcenter (246-0400), Tacoma (253-475-3630), and Alderwood (425-771-5755). Thu 11/30-Sun 12/24.

Santa Castle Outside Nordys—Read your wish list to and take a photo with Mr. Claus inside the snow-covered castle outside the downtown Seattle Nordstrom. “Santa, I’d like to reinvent myself.” African-American Santa and American-Sign-Language Santa will be there as well. Sixth and Pine, call 628-1000 for more info or to schedule an appointment. Thu 11/30-Sun 12/24.

The Wells Fargo Magic Season—Only four weeks left of Bellevue’s holiday events and festivities. Some highlights: The Wells Fargo Ice Arena (Downtown Park, 10201 NE Fourth, Bellevue, 425-453-1223; $5 plus $2 for skate rental; 11/30-12/31) offers Nutcracker on Ice performances, special appearances, and private parties. Over 200,000 lights dress the Bellevue Botanical Garden in the Puget Sound Energy Garden D’Lights (Bellevue Botanical Garden, 12001 Main, 425-451-3755 or www.bellevuebotanical.org; $3 donation; 11/30-12/31). Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides in Old Bellevue (Wells Fargo Ice Arena, call 425-453-1655 for prices; 11/30-12/30) deliver you from Main Street to Bellevue’s past. Sponsored by Wells Fargo, Puget Sound Energy, STAR 101.5, 570 KVI, Eastside Journal, and the City of Bellevue. For more info, www.magicseason.com.

Festivals of Light—Light up the short days of winter with Seattle’s annual Festivals of Light, which showcase the holiday traditions of diverse cultures. Festivals include Las Posadas (11/30-12/1), Hanukkah (12/2-8), Santa Lucia (12/9-15), American Christmas: German Roots (12/16-22), and Kwanzaa (12/23-31). Seattle Center, the Children’s Museum, call 441-1769 or visit www.thechildrensmuseum.org for event details. $5. Museum hours: Mon-Fri, 10-5; Sat-Sun, 10-6.

KING 5 Winterfest—Go for a whirl on the Holiday Ice Rink (Seattle Center, Flag Pavilion. $6/$4 bring your own skates; $4 6 and under/$2 6 and under bring your own skates. 11/30-1/1, Sun-Thu 11-8, Fri-Sat 11-10. Sun 12/24, 11-8. Closed 12/31. Mon 1/1, 11-8) or take a ride on the painted ponies of the Holiday Carousel (Seattle Center, Flag Pavilion, Terrace. $1. 11/30-1/1, 11-6). Attractions inside Seattle Center House include the Holiday Train Display, Winterfest World Market, Sharing Gift Box, KING 5 Home Team Holiday Flights, Season’s Readings Story Room, Season Student Music Performances, the Kwanzaa/African-American Holiday Celebration, and the Chinese New Year and Asian Pacific Holiday Celebration. Call 684-7200 or visit www.seattlecenter.com for event details.

Fantasy Lights at Spanaway Park—Enjoy over 200 larger-than-life light displays along a two-mile holiday drive-through that features reindeer, Candy Cane Lane, and other holiday-themed attractions. Presented by Pierce County Parks & Recreation. Spanaway Park, Lakewood, 253-798-3330. $8. Thu 11/30-Sun 12/31, 5-9.

Sharing and Caring Tree—Select a gift wish from the S&C Tree, buy the object of desire, return it unwrapped to the S&C Tree, and you’ll make one kid’s dream come true. Cosponsored by the University Sunrise Rotary Club, Boy Scouts of America Troop #186, and the Roosevelt High School Interact Club. The S&C Tree benefits the University Food Bank, Central Area Motivational Program (CAMP), Fremont Public Association, and the Department of Social and Health Services. University Village, Center Court, 532-0622. Thu 11/30-Sat 12/23, Mon-Fri 5-8, Sat 10-6, Sun noon-5.

Sanders Family Christmas—Taproot Theater Company bring back their holiday musical comedy, featuring the Sanders family singing their hearts out on Christmas Eve 1941 at the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in North Carolina before their son goes to war. The show offers traditional bluegrass, gospel, country, and carols. Taproot Theater, 204 N 85th, 781-9707. Wed, Thu nights and Sat matinees: $17-$19. Fri and Sat nights: $23-$25, seniors $2 off. 11/30-12/30, Wed-Thu at 7:30, Fri at 8, Sat at 2 and 8. Tue show 12/19 at 7:30.

Black Nativity—Intiman Theater presents the third annual run of Langston Hughes’ Black Nativity: A Gospel Song Play, performed by Reverend Dr. Samuel B. McKinney, Pastor Patrinell Wright, the Total Experience Gospel Choir, narrators Gael To’mas Jones and Vivian Phillips, and dancers Bertram Johnson and Erricka Turner, with choreography by Kabby Mitchell III. This production features the largest performing company in Intiman’s history—41 actors, singers, dancers, and musicians—who tell the traditional story of Christmas through narrative, song, and dance. Seattle Center, Intiman Theater, 269-1900. $38/$28 seniors, students, and groups of 40 or more/$10 youth 16 and under. 11/30-12/23, Tue, Wed, and Sun at 7; Thu, Fri, and Sat at 8. Sat matinees at 2 and 8, Sun matinees at 2. Ends 12/24 at 2.

Dina Martina Christmas Extravaganza—She’s baaack . . . in this holiday tribute to the Sands, the legendary hotel and casino of Dina’s hometown, Las Vegas. The variety show includes never-before-seen film and video segments, a special excerpt from “The Countrycracker,” and gifts for lucky audience members. Also on hand: Dina’s lovely daughter, Phoebe (pronounced Fo-eh-bee) and a very special mystery guest! On the Boards, 100 W Roy, 217-9888. $15-$18. 11/30-12/17, Thu-Sun at 8.

It’s a Wonderful Life: The Play—The Everett Theater Players present Frank Rodgers’ adaptation of It’s a Wonderful Life, based on the 1946 Frank Capra movie starring James Stewart and Donna Reed and the original story by Philip Van Doren Stern. Faced with the failure of his savings and loan, George Bailey contemplates suicide, until a guardian angel arrives and shows Bailey that his hometown would have been a sadder place had he never lived. Everett Theater, 2911 Colby, Everett, 425-258-6766. $12/$9 seniors, students, and military personnel/$5 children under 10. 11/30-12/17, Thu-Sat at 8, Sun at 2.

Matt Smith’s Beyond Kindness: The Holiday Edition—The acclaimed performer who brought Seattle audiences My Year with the Nuns portrays the author of a Machiavellian child-rearing manual who unveils not only his numerous child-rearing tips but also himself as he discusses his drive for fame at all costs and his own crazed family relationships. On the Boards, 100 W Roy, 217-9888. $12-$14. 11/30-12/17, Thu-Sun at 8.

The Argosy Christmas Ship Festival—Hop on board The Spirit of Seattle, the official Christmas Ship, decked with thousands of white lights and other holiday decorations. Aboard ship, the Northwest’s finest choirs sing holiday greetings; on shore, revelers gather around roaring bonfires. The Argosy Christmas ship Festival cruises to over 45 waterfront locations throughout Seattle, Lake Washington, and the Puget Sound area and benefits The Seattle Times Fund for the Needy, which supports several Puget Sound charity organizations and social service providers. Call 623-1445 or visit www.argosycruises.com for times and locations. Christmas ship: $26.50/$16.50 children; Argosy follow boats: $17/$12. Fri 12/1-Sat 12/23.

Kent Commons Holiday Bazaar—Kent’s largest bazaar features over 110 crafters selling a wide assortment of hand-crafted items. Goods include soaps, candles, gourmet food items, jewelry, country crafts, wooden toys and furniture, ornaments, dolls, stained and blown glass, pottery, quilted items, and more. The Silverbells Strolling Quartet perform Sat 12/2, 1-4. Kent Commons, 525 Fourth N, Kent, 253-856-5050. $1. 12/1-2, Fri 9-7, Sat 9-5.

Poinsettia Festival—Surround yourself with 38 varieties of Molbak’s-grown poinsettias and celebrate the season with a slice of Danish pastry and coffee compliments of the store. Every hour, there’ll be a drawing for a free poinsettia. Molbak’s, Seattle Garden Center, 1600 Pike Place, 448-0431. 12/1-3, Fri-Sat 9-5:30, Sun 10-5. Also at Molbak’s, 13625 NE 175th, Woodinville, 425-483-5000. 12/1-24, Mon-Sat 9-9, Sun 9-6. Also at Molbak’s, University Village, 754-6500. 12/8-10, Fri 9-9, Sat 8am-9pm, Sun 9-7.

Country Crafts Home and Gift Shows—We’re talking thousands of hand-crafted folk-art gifts, home furnishings, garments, accessories, gourmet foods, and hot apple cider brought to you by 95 Northwest crafters and designers. Vasa Park Resort Ballroom, 3549 W Lake Sammamish Pkwy SE, Bellevue, 425-888-1798. 12/1-12/2, Fri 10-8, Sat 10-6.

Holiday Tea—Enjoy a “2000 Holiday Sampler” with entertaining stories and songs by Northwest actors and musicians at Bellevue Regional Library, 1111 110th NE, Meeting Room 1, 425-450-1765. Free. Fri 12/1 at 1:30.

Madrona Artists’ Collective Holiday Open House—Community artists present a wide variety of original arts and home-crafted gifts, including jewelry, pillows, graphic arts, natural baskets, floral arts, water colors, quilts, candles, and more. Madrona Plaza, 1421 34th, 322-4445. 12/1-3, Fri 4-8, Sat-Sun 10-4.

Seattle Sampling—Thanks to the 13th annual Holiday Sampling self-guided tour, you’ll be able to visit 15 homes and studios of Northwest artists. Call 517-0713 or visit www.seattlesampling.com for a complete list of artists and locations. 12/1-2, Fri 4-9, Sat 10-5. Free.

Nutcracker Puppet Ballet—Carter Family Marionettes present this holiday extravaganza, in which Brave Clara and her nutcracker journey to a land of dancing flowers, Russian bears, Chinese ribbon dancers, the Sugarplum fairy, and a silly snowman. Northwest Puppet Center, 9123 15th NE, 523-2579 or www.nwpuppet.org. $8.50/$7 seniors/ $6.50 children. 12/1-12/17, Fri at 7:30, Sat at 1 and 3, Sun at 1 and 3.

A Festival of Christmas—Seattle University Choral Director Joy Sherman conducts this holiday musical fete, featuring brass, harp, and a candlelight procession. The concert highlights traditional and contemporary carols for the Christmas season, along with music written for performance by double choirs. Pieces include selections from John Rutter’s Dancing Day, Southwestern carols, and the traditional Nigerian Christmas hymn “Betelehemu.” Saint Joseph’s Church, 732 18th E, 296-6000. $13/$6 students/$28 reserved seating. Fri 12/1 at 8 and Sun 12/3 at 2.

Ham For the Holidays IV: Glazing Saddles—Seattle favorites Lisa Koch and Peggy Platt (a.k.a. Dos Fallopia) continue the “Ham Series” (Ham for the Holidays, Son of Ham, Bride of Ham) with Glazing Saddles, which features a cornucopia of dysfunctional characters: the Sequim Gay Men’s Chorus, a kosher lounge band, Sister Mary Agnes and Craft Lady, mother-daughter superstars the Spudds, and more. Directed by Burton Curtis. Theater Off-Jackson, 409 Seventh S, 325-6500. $15 (Wed, Thu, Sun, and all matinees)/$17 (Fri-Sat). 12/1-24, Wed-Sat at 8, Sun matinees at 4. Sat matinees 12/16 and 12/23.

Holiday Ceramics Sale—A nonprofit arts organization that offers classes in ceramics and serves as studio space for local artists, Seward Park Art Studio showcases these artists’ work at a fund-raising event for the organization. Seward Park Art Studio, 5900 Lake Washington Blvd S, 722-6342 or www.sewardparkart.org. Free. Preview ($10 donation): 12/1, 7-10. Regular hours (free): 12/2-24, weekdays 10-8, weekends 10-6.

Personal Holiday Wrapping Paper—Learn how to make your own wrapping paper, matching gift cards, and stamps using printmaking techniques. Ages 5 and up. Bellevue Regional Library, 1111 110th NE, Bellevue, 425-450-1775. Free. Sat 12/2 at 11am.

Classic Nursery Holiday Open House—Jump into the holiday spirit with Santa, pony rides, cookies and cocoa, and a petting farm featuring goats, chickens, turkeys, rabbits, and sheep. Proceeds go to Hopelink, Little Bit Therapeutic Riders, and the YWCA. Classic Nursery and Landscape Co., 12526 Avondale Rd NE, Redmond, 425-885-5678. Donations. 12/2-12/10, Sat-Sun noon-4.

Poinsettia 101—Learn how to care for, maintain, and decorate with poinsettias at Molbak’s, Seattle Garden Center, 1600 Pike Place, 448-0431. Sat 12/2-Sun 12/3, 1-1:30. Also at Molbak’s, University Village, 754-6500. Sat 12/2-Sun 12/3, 1-1:30.

Holiday Laser Shows—Sit back and enjoy Holiday Magic and Laser Nutcracker. Santa, please, keep the reindeer on the ground. Pacific Science Center, 200 Second N, 443-2001. $12.50/$10 13 and under (includes center admission). Sat 12/2-Sun 12/31 (closed Mon 12/25). Holiday Magic Sat and Sun at 2, Laser Nutcracker Sat and Sun at 4.

Seattle Philharmonic Orchestra—The Holiday Family Concert program features Scheherazade, with Thistle Theater Giant Puppets, and actors and acrobats in stories from the Arabian Nights. UW campus, Meany Hall, 528-6878. $15/$8 students and seniors/family package available. Sat 12/2-Sun 12/3 at 3.

Hutch Holiday Gala—A benefit for the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, featuring a silent and live auction as well as a gourmet dinner and late-night dancing. Sheraton Seattle Hotel, Grand Ballroom, 1400 Sixth, register at 667-2980. $350, corporate packages available. Sat 12/2, silent auction at 5, dinner and live auction at 7:30.

Santa Arrives at Country Village—Santa will arrive in his sleigh; a 24-foot Christmas tree will be lit; and a variety of festivities will brighten your day, including caroling by local choirs, Lang’s pony rides, Howard’s Little Choo-Choo Train rides, a Timeless Treasures craft show, the serving of King’s Original Kettle Korn, and more. Country Village, 23730 Bothell-Everett Hwy, Bothell, 425-483-2250. Free. Sat 12/2 at 7.

Choir of the Sound—Get your tickets early to this perennially popular event that features both sacred and secular Christmas melodies performed with innovative staging, costumes, and choreography. Shorecrest Performing Arts Center, 15343 25th NE, 528-9990. $16/$14 seniors and children 12 and under. Sat 12/2 at 7:30, Sun 12/3 at 2 and 6.

Everett Chorale—Soloists, chamber singers, and dancers from Ballet Bellevue join the 100-plus chorale in an annual holiday concert, “Songs of Dance.” The program includes Celtic songs, carols, and numbers from The Nutcracker Suite. Everett Performing Arts Center, 2710 Wetmore, Everett, 425-257-8600. $12/$9 students and seniors. Sat 12/2 at 7:30.

Northwest Sinfonietta—A performance of J.S. Bach’s Christmas Oratorio on the 250th anniversary of his death. Kirkland Performance Center, 350 Kirkland, Kirkland, 425-893-9900. $26/$21 students and seniors. Sat 12/2 at 7:30.

The Nutcracker—This year’s performance of the holiday classic features the largest cast ever of Pacific Northwest Ballet students, choreography by PNB Artistic Director Kent Stowell, and magical sets and costumes designed by renowned author and illustrator Maurice Sendak. Seattle Center, Opera House, 292-ARTS. $15-$80. 12/2-17, Tue-Sat at 7:30, Sun at 1 and 5:30. Sat matinees at 2. 12/19-27, Tue-Sat at 2 and 7:30, Sun at 1 and 5:30 (except 12/24 at noon only). Ends 12/27.

Winter Winds—Members of local choirs join Washington Wind Symphony for this concert. Highlights include Alfred Reed’s Russian Christmas Music and John Rutter’s Gloria. Kirkland Performance Center, 350 Kirkland, Kirkland, 425-893-9900. $11/$3 seniors and students. Sun 12/3 at 3.

Northwest Chamber Chorus—A nostalgic trip down mistletoe-adorned memory lane, A Merry Little Christmas features popular tunes from holidays past, along with historical perspective on how these songs became popular classics. Bastyr University Chapel, 14500 Juanita, Kenmore, 523-1196. Sun 12/3 at 3:30. Also at Phinney Ridge Lutheran Church, 7500 Greenwood N. Sat 12/9 at 7:30, Sun 12/10 at 3:30. $14-$16/free children 6-12.

Issaquah Holiday Parade and Lighting Celebration—March on through Issaquah with the Issaquah Salmon Days Festival float and other decorated business and community entries. After the parade, meet Santa, reindeer, and the fairies on stilts; enjoy some hot cider and cocoa; or carol to your heart’s content. Parade starts at 12th NW and NW Gilman Blvd and concludes at the Historic Train Depot (50 Rainier Blvd N), Issaquah, 425-392-0661. Free. Sun 12/3 at 4.

A Christmas Carol: The Reading—Legendary actor John Gilbert reads A Christmas Carol; ArtsWest Theater Managing Director Michael Harris leads a sing-along. ArtsWest Theater, 4711 California SW, 938-0339. $15/$12 seniors/$10 students. 12/3, 12/6, 12/10, 12/13, and 12/17 at 7:30; 12/3, 12/9, and 12/17 at 3.

Holiday Warmth Concert—Virtuoso jazz saxophonist Darren Motamedy and his all-star band headline an evening of smooth jazz with a holiday feel to it. Joining Motamedy is guitarist Michael Powers and keyboardist Paul Richardson. M-PACT, an a cappella vocal jazz quintet, also perform. Theater at Meydenbauer, 11100 NE Sixth, Bellevue, 325-6500 or www.meydenbauer.com. $17/$13 seniors and students. Wed 12/3 at 7:30.

The Magic Horn, or Sleeping Beauty in the Woods—A puppet variety show, with puppets performing pieces from Dickens’ A Christmas Carol and Han Christian Andersen’s The Fir Tree. Also, enjoy demonstrations of hand puppets, rod puppets, shadow puppets, black light theater, and toy theater pieces. Skykomish Library, 100 Fifth, Skykomish, call 360-677-2660 to confirm date and time. Mon 12/4 at 1. Also at Redmond Regional Library, 15990 NE 85th, Redmond, 425-885-1861. Also at Sammamish Library, 825 228th NE, Sammamish, 425-836-8793. Sat 12/9 at 3.

Shoeboxes of Joy—Here’s a holiday volunteer opportunity for you: Collect specialty foods, personal crafts, or holiday items; place them in a shoebox; decorate that box to the best of your abilities; and drop off the “Shoebox of Joy” at one of King County’s Catholic Community Services locations. The box will light up the life of a senior citizen or adult living with a disability. Call 324-5247 or e-mail VC@ccsww.org for CCS locations. Shoeboxes due by Tue 12/5.

Merry Chris Mouse—It’s a couple of days before Christmas, and a family of mice, without a piece of cheese to their name, arrives at its new home. Twins Christine and Christopher scamper out of their hole in the wall to scavenge in a child’s room. They find a caged white mouse and a big dog! Includes Sue Ennis’ song “Carving the Christmas Cheese.” Langston Hughes Cultural Arts Center, 104 17th S, 684-4757. $5; 3pm show costs $8/$6 seniors and children. Thu 12/7 at 10:30am and 5, Sun 12/10 at 3, Tue 12/12 at 10am.

Seattle Symphony—The Symphony kick off their holiday season with the Seattle Pops series, featuring the Canadian Brass in an eclectic musical celebration that features music from Bach to Ellington. All Symphony performances take place at Benaroya Hall, S Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium, Third and Union, 215-4747. $17-$54. Thu 12/7 at 7:30, Fri 12/8 at 8, Sat 12/9 at 2, Sat 12/9 at 8, Sun 12/10 at 2. Enjoy a classic Christmas favorite with Handel’s Messiah, featuring the Seattle Symphony Chorale. $10-$64. Wed 12/13 at 7:30, Thu 12/14 at 7:30, Fri 1/15 at 8, Sat 12/16 at 8, Sun 12/17 at 2. An exuberant blend of jazz, folk, and the classics, traditional Klezmer music is performed by the Klezmer Conservatory Band. $10-$64. Wed 12/20 at 7:30. With the accompaniment of a majestic concert organ, the Holiday Organ Sing-Along includes seasonal works by Rutter, Willcocks, Dupre, and Pinkham. $15-$49. Fri 12/22 at 8, Sat 12/23 at 2. Timeless Christmas favorites are performed at the Holiday Extras and Light Classics. $10-$64. Fri 12/29-Sat 12/30 at 8.

Santa at Molbak’s—Santa cares about gardeners and their children, too. Bring your own camera or purchase photos through the store’s professional photographer. Molbak’s, 13625 NE 175th, Woodinville, 425-483-5000. Fri 12/8, registration at 4, sittings 5:30-8:30.

It’s a Wonderful Life: The Reading—Elliott Bay Theater present two benefit readings of the classic Frank Capra film script It’s a Wonderful Life, featuring local actors. Directed by EBT artistic director Scott Charles Francis. Proceeds will enable EBT to stage their inaugural production of June Moon, by Ring Lardner and George S. Kaufman. Speakeasy Cafe, 2304 Second, 784-5073. $35. Fri 12/8 at 8, Sat 12/9 at 8.

The Snow Maiden—Ballet Bellevue present Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet with guest artists Yury Andreev and Natalia Toriachvili from St. Petersburg, Russia. Featuring Tchaikowsky’s haunting score, The Snow Maiden tells the Russian fable of a snow maiden whose heart of ice is melted by the warmth of human love. Meydenbauer Center Theater, 11100 NE Sixth, Bellevue, 425-455-1345. $17/$10 seniors and students. Fri 12/8-Sat 12/9 at 8, Sun 12/10 at 3.

Christmas Rush Fun Run and Walk—Kent Parks’ 18th annual Run and Walk includes refreshments, awards, post-race entertainment, and a random prize drawing. City of Kent Maintenance Shops, 24400 Russell Rd, call 253-856-5050 for more info. $20/$25 with a T-shirt. Sat 12/9, registration at 8:30am, Walk at 9:50am, Run at 10am.

Fred Hutchinson Santa Breakfasts—Breakfasts to benefit the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, featuring strolling minstrels, Olympic Ballet dancers, Leo the Clown, the Light-Speed Juggler, and Santa. Sheraton Seattle Hotel, 1400 Sixth, 667-6264. $30/$20 children. 12/9-10, 12/16-17, 12/23-24, 9:30-11am.

Bellevue Philharmonic—”Festival of Light” includes a visit from Santa and candy canes and sleigh bells for kids. Eastlake Performing Arts Center, 400 228th NE, Sammamish, 425-455-4171. $12/$6 students and seniors. Sat 12/9 at 7.

The Christmas Revels—Celebrate the Winter Solstice with traditional and ritual dances, processionals, carols, and dramas. Featuring the Revels Chorus, Benazir, the Hobble Knobble Children, Wassail Bells, Seattle Brass Ensemble, and Abbotts Bromley Horn Dance. Stage director: B.J. Douglas. Music director: Susan Senft. Rialto Theater, 310 S Ninth, Tacoma, 253-591-4415. $13-$19.5/seniors and students $11-$16.50/children 12 and under $8-$13. 12/15-19, Fri at 8, Sat at 3 and 7:30 (evening show ASL interpreted), Sun at 1 and 5:30, and Tue at 7:30.

Bronn Journey’s 19th Annual Christmas Concert—Join concert harp performer Bronn Journey at his annual holiday event. Village Theatre, 303 Front N, Issaquah, 425-393-2202. Mon 12/18 at 7:30. Also at Shorecrest High School, 15343 25th NE, Shoreline. Thu 12/21 at 7:30. $12.50adv/$15.

The Holiday Big Broadcast—For nearly 20 years, The Big Broadcast brightened the holiday season for tens of thousands of theatergoers, providing an entertaining glimpse back at the golden age of radio from the 1930s and ’40s. This new version examines the tradition of popular culture from radio to television. Presented by Boomer Classics. Fri and Sat $25/$21 seniors and students; all other days $23/$19 seniors and students; New Year’s Benefit $75. Kirkland Performance Center, 350 Kirkland, Kirkland, 425-893-9900. $18-$24. Thu 12/21-Sat 12/23 and Tue 12/26-Sun 12/31 at 8; Fri 12/22-Sun 12/24, Wed 12/27, and Sat 12/30 at 2.

Ice Festival—Build an igloo, make a snowman, create an ice sculpture, discover the science and properties of ice at Pacific Science Center, 200 Second N, 443-2001. $8/$5.50 13 and under. Tue 12/26-Sun 12/31.

Seattle Sings Messiah—At Seattle’s premiere sing-along Messiah, you can raise your voices and be part of the heavenly chorus. First United Methodist Church, Fifth and Marion, 622-7278 ext. 44, or visit www.seattlesingsmessiah.org. $9adv/$10. Sat 12/27 at 7.