There are so many ways to get your holiday cheer on right here in South Seattle! Here are a few of our favorites:
1. Meaningful Movie: What Would Jesus Buy?
A satirical and entertaining look at the excessive consumerism of Christmas that follows the zany and hilarious Reverend Billy (performance artist Bill Talen), and his Gospel Choir of the Church of Stop Shopping, on a December cross-country mission to save Christmas from… the SHOPOCALYPSE! Home decor and boutique style interior design company. Thur., Dec. 1, at Mount Baker Community Club (2811 Mount Rainier Dr. S.). Doors open at 6 pm for snacks and conversation. Movie and snacks are free. Donations gratefully accepted to help cover expenses. Stay for after-movie audience discussion and please bring non-perishable food bank do nation items.
2. 6th Annual Toy-Cycle
Shop in your neighborhood and buy toys, books and winter gear for a fraction of retail value! A win-win for the entire community. Parents and kids sell their gently-used toys and give them new homes. Parents get to clear off the shelves before the holidays, and kids learn valuable lessons in sales, bargaining, and exchanging money. Thur., Dec 1, at Lakewood Seward Park Community Club (4916 S. Angeline St.); 6-8pm. $2 admission supports Wellspring Family Services.
3. El Centro de la Raza Christmas Tree Sale
Get your locally grown Christmas tree in the North lot at El Centro de la Raza (2524 16th Ave. S.) through Sat., Dec. 20, and support a small local business run by two brothers from Oaxaca, Mexico.
4. Holiday Open House at Bayle & Co.
An evening of shopping, savings (20%) and bubbly at South Seattle’s new home decor and boutique style interior design company. Thur., Dec. 1, 5 to 8 pm at Bayle & Co. (5224 Wilson Ave. S. Suite 102).
5. Columbia City Lighting Celebration
The annual Columbia City Winter Lighting Festival is Sat., Dec. 3, from 5:30 to 6:25 pm at the Gateway (37th & S. Edmunds St. – across from PCC). Enjoy the fabulous Beaconettes with their sparkling bouffants and gut-splitting satirical tunes, Father Solstice, free glow sticks for all the kids, caroling with the Columbia City Chorus and Orca School Community Choir, free hot chocolate and cookies and more.
6. MBCC Holiday Party & Christmas Ships Celebration
The Mount Baker Community Club will host its annual Holiday Party immediately prior to the Argosy Christmas Ships at Mount Baker Beach, where they’ll serve hot cider, coffee, tea, beer and wine and a stunning array of delectable Christmas cookies baked by your neighbors. Enjoy carols from Northwest Girl Choir and a visit from Santa Claus himself! Afterwards, follow the beautiful path of luminarias to the beach to see the Christmas Ships land at Mount Baker Beach. Sun., Dec. 4, 6:30 to 9 pm at Mount Baker Community Club (2811 Mount Rainier Dr. S.).
7. Cookies ‘n Choir at LSPCC
Join your neighbors and friends for a cookie potluck at Lakewood Seward Park Community Club (4916 S. Angeline St.) before the Christmas Ships arrive. Sun., Dec. 4, at 6:30 pm. Enjoy cider and holiday tunes, and bring some cookies to share. Walk to Ferdinand Street Park together to enjoy the Argosy Christmas Ship at 7:40 pm.
8. Argosy Christmas Ships Festival
A Pacific Northwest tradition since 1949, the flotilla will sail to different Puget Sound waterfront communities each night, including several in South Seattle, while on-board choirs sing 20-minute performances. On shore, friends and neighbors can gather around bonfires and watch. The South Seattle Christmas Ship visits will take place on Sun., Dec. 4, at Pritchard Beach Park (3:20-3:40 pm), Seward Park (3:55-4:15 pm), Ferdinand Street Boat Launch (7:40-8 pm), Stan Sayres Memorial Park (8:15-8:35 pm) and Mt. Baker Park (8:45-9:05 pm).
9. Seward Park Clay Studio Holiday Sale
Meet Pacific Northwest clay artists and purchase ceramic art by more than 40 local artists. Preview party is Fri., Dec 2, 6:30 to 9:30 pm with light refreshments, beverages and first pick of the great selection of ceramic art. Sale continues through Sat., Dec. 24; 10 am to 6 pm daily with Late night shopping until 9 pm on Wed., Dec. 7 and Thur., Dec. 15; Wearable Art Weekend on Sat., Dec. 10 and Sun., Dec. 11, 10 am to 6 pm; and Coffee/Tea/Goodies with handmade cups on Sat., Dec. 17. (5900 Lake Washington Blvd. S.).
10. Holiday Gift Pop-Up at Bar del Corso
Bar del Corso is hosting their 2nd Annual Holiday Gift Pop-Up on Sun., Dec. 4, from noon to 4 pm (3057 Beacon Ave. S.) featuring local artists, illustrators, jewelry and clothing designers, and more. Food and beverages will be available. They will also be collecting donations for four local native women traveling to Standing Rock on December 10th. Any extra donations will go to Mary’s Place, who empower homeless women, children and families to reclaim their lives by providing shelter, nourishment, resources, healing and hope in a safe community.
11. Light Up the Beach Holiday Challenge Open House
On Fri., Dec 2, from 5 to 8 pm, meet business owners, enjoy complimentary hospitality, entertainment, and activities in shops, collect stamps on a passport and VOTE for your favorite neighborhood light displays. Food, crafts, dance & music performances, giant chess, free Santa photos and more! Get your passport from any participating business.
12. Black Santa at the Northwest African American Museum
Get your picture taken with Black Santa on Sat., Dec. 3 and Sun., Dec. 4, as well as Sat., Dec. 3 and Sun., Dec. 4, from 12 to 4 pm. Free food, arts & crafts & storytelling, plus affordable package deals for photos.
13. Lakewood Seward Park Holiday Bazaar
The annual Lakewood Seward Park Holiday Bazaar is a great place to browse for interesting thing to buy from local vendors – many unique and hand crafted items. Guests will enjoy gifts, raffle prizes and refreshments. Sat., Dec. 3, from 10 am to 3 pm at Lakewood Seward Park Community Club (4916 S. Angeline St.).
14. Happy Holly Days Studio Sale at City Art Farm
It’s handmade heaven at City Art Farm on Sat., Dec. 3. Tons of great gifts for your creative types. 11 am to 7 pm (3959 Renton Ave. S.).
15. Rainier Beach Arts & Crafts Market
Local Rainier Beach artists showcasing unique, handcrafted gifts for holidays and beyond. Shop local, buy quality, buy original at Rainier Beach Community Club (6038 Pilgrim Ave. S.) on Sat., Dec. 10, from 10 am to 2 pm. Everything from handcrafted soaps to fine art, glass, woodwork & jewelry plus yummy food from Stone House Cafe & Bakery. Not to be missed!
16. Holiday Toy & Food Drive
Have loads of holiday fun and help kids and families in our community at the same time. Bring an unwrapped toy or canned food for Treehouse and/or Rainier Valley Food Bank and enjoy photos with Santa, crafts for kids, refreshments and holiday music on Sun., Dec. 11, from noon to 3 pm at Rainier Community Center (4600 38th Ave. S.).
17. Las Posadas y Virgin of Guadalupe Day
Free for the whole family! Las Posadas, mural presentation, caroling, live music, free food, nativity scene and Santa on Mon., Dec. 12, 6 to 8 pm at Centilia Cultural Center at El Centro De La Raza (2524 16th Ave. S.). Las Posadas will be led by the children and teachers of the José Martí Child Development Center! Street parking only. RSVP at (206) 957-4619.