Here is this week’s list of family-friendly free or frugal events for around the Northwest, as well as some events going on around the country.
We’ve put together a big list of Pacific Northwest Christmas Events, Tree Farms, and Bazaars.
Don’t forget to check out Goldstar for Discount Tickets on many local activities and events, if you are looking for a specific event and want to save some money!
ComedySportz: Fast and Funny Improv Comedy Competition (Seattle; 11/29 – 12/21 Fridays & Saturdays; tickets as low as $7.00 plus service fee)
Fly With Peter Pan in a Musical Adventure (Portland; 12/7 – 12/22 select days; tickets as low as $11 plus service fee)
It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play (Seattle; 12/13; tickets as low as Free plus service fee)
Frogz: A Spectacle of Acrobatics, Mime & More (Portland; 12/13 & 12/20; tickets as low as $8.00 plus service fee)
Disney Musical Beauty and the Beast (Portland; 12/14 – 12/28 select days; tickets as low as $19.13 plus service fee)
If you see a fun, frugal event that’s not listed, feel free to leave a comment so we can add that event to our list.
PUGET SOUND AREA::
Friday, December 6th:
*Gingerbread Village – Seattle; 12/6 – 1/1; Seattle architectural firms, trade associations and Sheraton Seattle culinary staff team up to design, bake and build fantastic gingerbread creations. 24 hours daily Nov. 25 through Jan. 1. FREE, donations accepted for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
*Marriott Merry-Go-Round – Redmond; 12/6 – 1/1; Enjoy a magical ride on our holiday carousel sponsored by the Redmond Marriott Town Center! Your $3 donation will help support Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center, a non-profit which offer equine-assisted therapy to kids with disabilities. Open during mall hours.
Gifts & Greens Galore - Fri Dec 6th & Sat Dec 7th – 10am – 4pm; DIY demos & craft activities, free refreshments, chance to browse the Arboretum’s selection of greenery & more.
*Reindeer Festival – Seattle; 12/6 – 12/24; 9:00am – 6:00pm; Visit reindeer Dasher and Blitzen, and Curly the camel at Swanson’s Nursery, plus see a model train layout. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Dec. 24. Special photo opportunities with the reindeer and a sleigh 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 9-10. and Nov. 30 through Dec. 1.
*Nativity Exhibit – Seattle; 12/6 – 12/8; See the 22nd annual exhibit of more than 800 nativities from at least 96 countries. Free parking is available. Free drawing for children who bring their parents. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 6-7, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 8.
*Holiday Carousel – Seattle; 12/6 – 1/1; Ride the Holiday Carousel at Westlake. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Nov. 29 and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays through Jan. 1, plus 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 8, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 24, closed Dec. 25, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 1. Suggested donation $3, benefits Downtown Seattle Association and Treehouse.
*Winter Train & Village – Seattle; 12/6 – 12/31; 10:00am – 6:00pm; A Winterfest favorite, a magnificent, turn-of-the-century village in miniature size, with garlanded homes and buildings, snowy streets and a moving model train. Visit and take a turn controlling the train from 10:30 a.m. to noon, 1 to 2:30 p.m., and 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. daily. FREE, $2 suggested donation. Cash only. Special hours: closes at 4 p.m. Dec. 24, closed Dec. 25. Seattle Center Armory
*Merry Musical Story Time with Mr. Brian – Seattle; 12/6; 10:30am; The fun starts at 10:30 a.m. at the north side of the Santa set inside Northgate Mall. As a bonus, the first 50 Kidgits members there will receive a special reindeer ornament. Not a Kidgits member yet? Not to worry – sign up at Guest Services in Northgate Mall or online.
*Vintage Model Train Display – Seattle; 12/6 – 1/5; 11:00am – 3:00pm; See a holiday display of a vintage model train at the conservatory at Volunteer Park. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, Dec. 6 through Jan. 5. $4, $2 ages 13 to 17, free ages 12 and younger. 1400 E. Galer St., Seattle.
*Teddy Bear Suite – Seattle; 12/6 – 12/24; Visit a festively decorated suite filled with teddy bears of all sizes. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays through Sundays, through Dec. 24. Admission by suggested donation, benefiting Seattle Children’s Hospital.
*Winterfest Ice Rink at Fisher Pavilion – Seattle; 12/6 – 12/31; opens daily 11:00am; Admission includes skate rental: $7 for adults, $5 for children ages 6 to 12, and $2 children ages 5 and younger. Cash only. FREE admission to watch. FREE skate day is Dec. 22, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sundays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Special hours: closes at 4 p.m. on Dec. 24; closed on Dec. 25; closes at 11:30 p.m. on Dec. 31.
*Story Time at Lewis Creek – Bellevue; 12/6; 11:00am – 12:00pm; Look, listen and create during an hour of stories and crafts with a park ranger on the first Friday of every month. Parents and children will explore together the diverse natural world with animated fiction and fun. All children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Registration is required by calling 425-452-6885 . Cost: $2.50 to $3 per person.
*Free Tête-à-têter At Frye Museum – Seattle; 12/6; 11:00am to 5:00pm; Frye Museum entrance and parking are free all the time. You can check their events page here, for a list of weekly events. On the first Friday of the month Children’s stories are brought to life with movement and play in the Frye Art Museum galleries by Frye educators or librarians from The Seattle Public Library. Ages 3 to 5 with adult. Both museum entrance and story time are free
*Free Entrance To Bellevue Art Museum – Bellevue; 12/6; 11:00am to 8:00pm. First Friday of the month Bellevue Art Museum offers free admission.
*Kids’ Holiday Express Train – Redmond; 11/29 – 12/24; Ride the Holiday Express Train, available noon to 9 p.m. Fridays through Sundays, Nov. 29 through Dec. 15 (no train Dec. 13), then daily Dec. 16-24. Hours for Dec. 24 are10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $3 per person.
*Pay-What-You-Can at Seattle Symphony’s “Soundbridge”- Seattle, Beneroya Hall; 1/18; 12:00pm to 4:00pm; Soundbridge is a music discovery center and Friday afternoons are “Pay What You Can” entrance- suggested donation $5 – $15 per family; Ages 2-5, 30 minute interactive storytelling with song & rhythm, dance & musical instruments at 1:45pm.
*Lenin Lighting – Seattle; 12/6; 5:00pm; The 20-foot-tall Fremont statue of Lenin is lit for the season, in conjunction with the First Friday Art Walk. Kids are welcome to participate.
*Free Entrance to the Hands-on Children’s Museum – Olympia; 12/6; 5pm to 9pm; First Friday has free entrance in the evenings. The new museum gets pretty packed (we had to wait a little while last time to get in), but it’s worth it!
* Half Off Admission To KidsQuest Children’s Musuem – Factoria; 12/6; 5:00pm to 8:00pm; First Friday evening of the month offers free admission.
*Great Figgy Pudding Street Corner Caroling Competition – Seattle; 12/6; 5:00pm – 8:30pm; Zany annual event involves more than 40 teams of carolers competing in various categories, in and around Westlake Center. 5 to 8:30 p.m. (entertainment 5 to 6 p.m. features Dancer & Prancer and cast members from 5th Avenue Theatre’s Oliver!l; 7:15 p.m. Seahawks Blue Thunder Drumline). FREE, $10 suggested donation.
*Mercer Island Holiday Tree Lighting and Firehouse Munch – Mercer Island; 12/6; 5:30pm – 8:30pm; Gather with your family, friends and neighbors for an evening of holiday merriment at the community tree lighting ceremony and caroling. Disney Radio will also be there with a fun holiday music performance. Santa photos, treats and children’s entertainment will follow at the North Fire Station, 3030 S.E. 78th. Bring an unwrapped toy for the Toys for Tots drive.
*Snow Show – Seattle; 12/6 – 12/24; It snows nightly in the four-story atrium of Pacific Place. 6 p.m. through Dec. 31 (no show Dec. 25). See Santa on the second level. Free performances noon to 2 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 22, plus Dec. 23-24.
*Bellevue Festival of the Nativity – Bellevue; 12/6 – 12/8; See more than 500 crèche displays from 44 countries, plus Live musical performance each evening, Live Nativity, Life of Christ display, Christian-themed art displays, Children’s activities, Family and friends nativity photo booth. They are collecting new, unwrapped presents for toddlers to young teenagers to support the Bellevue Fire Department annual holiday toy drive. 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 5, noon to 9 p.m. Dec. 6-8.
*Garden D’Lights – Bellevue; 12/6 – 1/4; 5:00pm – 10:00pm; Bellevue Botanical Garden creates a winter garden with hundreds of thousands of mini-lights in three-dimensional plant and critter shapes. No pets. 5 to 10 p.m. through Jan. 4. $5, free ages 10 and younger, tickets available online (pre-purchase recommended). Free parking nearby. FREE nights are Dec. 2-5 and 9-12 (first come, first served).
*Tree Lighting – Mountlake Terrace; 12/6; 6:30pm; The Mountlake Terrace ‘tree’ sits atop the city’s water tower. Includes music, refreshments and Santa. Dress for the weather.
*Signing Santa – Lacey; 12/6; 6:30pm – 9:00pm; Santa visit for deaf and hard of hearing children, and their families and friends.
*Columbia City BeatWalk – Columbia City /Seattle; 12/6; 7:00pm to 10:00pm; BeatWalk always features a diverse line-up of first-rate, local musicians hosted by neighborhood businesses for audiences of all ages. $7 for adults. Free ages 14 and under.
Saturday, December 7th :
*Ice Sculpting – Seattle; 12/7 – 12/28 Saturdays; Outside Fisher Pavilion, FREE. Artistry and ice unite in a glorious and temporal expression of the season. Watch internationally acclaimed, award-winning artists at work as they create seasonal sculptures – or stop by later to see the glistening result. Each Saturday an ice master carves a different design.
*KidsQuest’s Gingerbread Lane – Bellevue; 12/7 – 12/20; Gingerbread houses made by local chefs, architects and businesses are on view at Hilton Hotel Bellevue Dec. 7-20. At 11 a.m. on Dec. 14, hear a performance by Newcastle Elementary Chorus, plus local celebrity judges will announce the gingerbread house award winners. Benefits KidsQuest Children’s Museum.
*Breakfast with Santa - Shoreline; 12/7; 9:00am – 12:00pm; Bring the whole family for a delicious breakfast with Santa. Games, music and activities will provide entertainment for everyone. Have your picture taken with Santa and take home a photo and holiday gift bag. Seatings at 9 or 10:45 a.m. $8, $5 children. Pre-register.
*Stanwood Old-Fashioned Christmas – Stanwood; 12/7; 10:00am – 2:00pm; Free pictures with Santa, gift bags, crafts, treats, museum tours and entertainment.
*Winter Wonderland Saturdays – Seattle; 12/7, 12/14 & 12/21; 10:00am – 3:00pm; Sip some hot cocoa or cider while you indulge in snowflakes and sparkles, make a holiday card, and even learn about the birds, native plants, and animals of the Pacific Flyway. Family fun for all ages, including a truck-drawn hay wagon ($5). Saturdays through Dec. 21.
*Winter Wonderland Hayrides – Seattle; 12/7, 12/14 & 12/21; 10:00am – 3:00pm; Look at Seward Park through an Audubon naturalist’s eyes as you learn about the magnificent old growth forest and our beautiful Lake Washington. Guided hayrides leave from the front of the center hourly, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dress for the weather. Advance purchase recommended. $5.
*Railroad Association Holiday Open House – Edmonds; 12/7; 10:00am – 3:00pm; See a model railroad layout by Swamp Creek and Western Railroad Club of a historically fictional, HO Scale (1/87th) layout over White Pass.
*Victorian Holiday Celebration – Tacoma; 12/7; 10:00am – 3:00pm; Santa photos, plus Volunteers in Victorian costumes answer questions, serve refreshments and tell children’s stories. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. $3, free ages 11 and younger, $15 photos.
*Santa’s Arrival at Country Village – Bothell; 12/7; 10:00am – 8:00pm; Holiday light displays, entertainment, roasted chestnuts (4 p.m.), kids’ train rides, pony rides (noon to 4 p.m.) and Santa’s arrival by sleigh from the sky (7 p.m.) followed by a tree lighting. FREE, nominal fee for some activities.
*Saturday Stories – Seattle; 12/7; 10:30am – 11:15am; Stories and activities that celebrate gardens, plants and nature. Ages 3 to 8 and their families.
*Salmon Watching – Seattle; 12/7 – 12/8 Saturdays & Sundays; 11:00am – 2:00pm; Salmon Stewards are on hand to point out spawning salmon in Piper’s Creek. All ages. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays Nov. 9 through Dec. 8.
*Free Family Days At Seattle Asian Art Museum – Seattle; 12/7; 11:00am to 2:00pm; Admission to the Seattle Asian Art Museum is free on the first Saturday of each month for families.
*Holiday on the Bay - Everett; 12/7; 12:00pm – 8:00pm; Cookie decorating, ornament-making and holiday movies (3 to 6 p.m., crafts market, live music (4:30 to 6:30 p.m.), tree lighting and lighted boat parade (6 p.m.). FREE, toy donations accepted.
*Seattle Girls’ Choir – Seattle; 12/7; 12:30pm – 1:30pm; The Winterfest performance features the DolcineChoir, the Allegra Choir (grades 5 and 6) and the Vivissimi Choir (grades 3 and 4).
*Bellevue Art Museums Get Crafty Saturday – Bellevue; 12/7; 1:00pm to 3:00pm; Free craft time for kids each Saturday. $2 material fee or free with admission.
*Wellspring Giving Together Concert – Seattle; 12/7; 1:00pm – 3:30pm; Treats, crafts and entertainment from Caspar Babypants. Ideal for Kids Helping Kids participants and those who’d like to be involved. FREE, pre-register.
*Festival of Trees Open House – Everett; 12/7; 1:00pm – 6:00pm; View beautifully decorated trees, plus enjoy crafts, entertainment, treats and visits with Santa.
*Nature Walk at Lake Hills Greenbelt – Bellevue; 12/7; 2:00pm; Explore Lake Hills Greenbelt with a park ranger. Learn the history of the park, tour community gardens, and learn about local wildlife. All ages. 2 p.m. Saturdays. $1 suggested donation per person.
*Auburn Holiday Events – Auburn; 12/7; 2:00pm; A festive and fun children’s parade (4:30 p.m.), which is followed by a community caroling and the lighting of the City Hall Christmas tree. Pre-parade entertainment starts at 4 p.m. in front of City Hall. Join us before the parade at the Snack and Craft event from 2 to 4 p.m. at Washington Elementary ($3 to $5).
*Mercer Slough Nature Walk – Bellevue; 12/7; 2:00pm-3:00pm; Meet a Mercer Slough park ranger at the visitor center for a free guided tour and learn about the fascinating flora, fauna and history of the Mercer Slough Nature Park. Please dress for weather. No registration is required. FREE.
*Holiday Open House and Tree Lighting – Mukilteo; 12/7; 3:00pm – 6:00pm; Cookie decorating, crafts, Santa (bring a camera) and refreshments.
*Parade and Tree Lighting – Mill Creek; 12/7; 3:30pm – 5:00pm; Holiday parade with Santa down Main Street, tree lighting, music and activities.
*Lighted Santa Parade – Puyallup; 12/7; 5:00pm; Parade includes Santa arriving on a fire engine, followed by the tree lighting ceremony.
*Tree Lighting – Gig Harbor; 12/7; 5:00pm; Santa arrives by fire truck, plus a live reindeer, refreshments and live music.
*Tree Lighting – Seattle; 12/7; 5:00pm – 6:00pm; The Junction presents our 10th Annual Tree Lighting Event. It’s a community event for family, friends and neighbors.
*Tree Lighting – Renton; 12/7; 5:00pm – 7:00pm; Tree lighting, Santa, food and entertainment.
*Kirkland Tree Lighting – Kirkland; 12/7; 5:00pm – 8:00pm; See the holiday tree lit for the season at 7 p.m., plus enjoy caroling and live music in downtown Kirkland.http://www.thriftynorthwestmom.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=104825&action=edit&message=10
*Pajama Party with Santa - Mercer Island; 12/7; 6:00pm – 9:00pm; Wear your PJ’s and enjoy refreshments, crafts, a holiday movie and visits with Santa. $5. Pre-register.
*25th Annual Merrysville for the Holidays – Marysville; 12/7; 6:30pm; 25th Annual Merrysville for the Holidays. Electric Light parade (6:30 p.m.) followed by family activities and outdoor concert, water tower lighting and fireworks.
Sunday, December 8th:
*Snowman Pancake Breakfast - Seattle; 12/8; 9:00am – 12:00pm; Enjoy snowman-shaped pancakes, french toast, veggie sausage, ham, beverages and more. $5, $3 kids. Space is limited; pre-register.
*Let It Snow- Tacoma; 12/8; 10:00am – 4:00pm; Community festival includes holiday activities, crafts and more.
*Cornish Jazz Ensembles – Seattle; 12/8; 12:30pm – 1:30pm; Jazz forms the foundation of a reputation at Cornish College of the Arts as one of the most respected collegiate improvised music progr ams in the nation.
*Children’s Christmas in Scandinavia – Seattle; 12/8; 1:00pm – 3:00pm; Santa Lucia pageant (1 p.m.), dancing led by kids, Santa visit and Nordic crafts. FREE, fee for museum exhibits.
*Children’s Nature Movies – Seattle; 12/8; 2:00pm – 2:30pm; Join us for fun, educational nature movies at Lewis Creek. Popcorn provided. Drop-in; no registration required. Kids younger than age 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Call 425-452-4195 for more information. FREE.
*Family Sundays at the Henry – Seattle; 12/8; 2:00pm – 3:30pm; Family Sundays at the Henry are every second Sunday and are especially for adults and children to learn and create together. $10 family, free for members. Space is limited, pre-register.
*Santa Story Time – Kirkland; 12/8; 2:00pm – 4:00pm; First Book Seattle has teamed up with Parkplace Books in Kirkland for a Santa story time. Santa will be reading holiday favorites to children and is even happy to sign any books purchased!
*Hark the Harbor - Gig Harbor; 12/8; 5;30pm; Sing carols by candlelight starting at 5:30 p.m. The Argosy Christmas Ship is due to arrive at 6:30 p.m.
Monday, December 9th:
*PJ Library Story and Song Time with Erik Lawson – Seattle; 12/9; 9:00am; Enjoy Jewish songs and stories with Musikal Magik’s Betsy Dischel. Everyone is welcome to these free events! R.S.V.P. to community@sjcs.net.
*Masterpiece Monday - Bellevue; 12/9; 10:00am – 10:45am; Create a special art project each week to take home during this fun drop-in class. Activities vary from painting to collage and mosaics. Ages 3 and older. Most Mondays 10 to 10:45 a.m. $2 supply fee per class. Please check website for current schedules. No registration required.
*Story Time with Mrs. Claus – Seattle; 12/9; 11:00am; Hear your favorite Christmas tales read by Mrs. Claus during this interactive story time, plus enjoy crafts and hot cocoa. Meet on Level 3 in the Westfield Sky Terrace.
*Free Skate Mondays compliments of Bank of America – Bellevue; 12/9; 3:00pm – 9:00pm; Simply present your Bank of America or Merrill Lynch debit or credit card at the ice arena along with photo ID to receive two free skate admissions and skate rentals at the Chaplin’s Bellevue Subaru Ice Arena brought to you by Bank of America (a $24 value). Limit of two admissions per person and limited to skate availability.
Tuesday, December 10th:
*Village Playdays – Seattle; 12/10; 10:00am – 11:00am; Kid-friendly storytime, crafts and activities at a different University Village store or restaurant each Tuesday. Parents receive discounts and offers for that day. Check website for details.
*After-School Special Activities – Seattle; 12/10; 4:00pm – 5:30pm; Kids ages 6 to 10 are invited to free, drop-in activities at Magnuson Community Center every Tuesday through Dec. 10.
Dec. 10: Holiday Craft Extravaganza
Wednesday, December 11th:
*Tales & Trails for Little Tykes – Seattle; 12/11; 10:00am-11:00am; Introduce your toddler to nature with story time, songs, and fun activities inside, followed by exploration along the trails of Seward Park. Walks are easy and less than one mile in length. Pre-register, space is limited. Recommended for ages birth to 3. Cost: $2 per person.
*FREE Drop-In Playgroup – Seattle; 12/11 & 12/12; 10:00am – 12:00pm; Join kids ages birth to 5 and their parents/caregivers every Wednesday and Friday for a drop-in playgroup! Have fun playing with other families, reading, and singing. First-time families will be asked to fill out a registration form. FREE
*Story Hour at the Conservatory - Tacoma; 12/11; 11:00am – 12:00pm; Enjoy a story plus art and science activities on the second Wednesday of each month at the conservatory (no January story time). Free to $3.
*Students Get Free Admission To The Bellevue Art Museum – Bellevue; 12/11; 1:00pm to 5:00pm; Students of all ages can explore the Bellevue Arts Museum after school FREE with printable coupon.
Thursday, December 12th :
*Tugboat Storytime – Seattle; 12/12; 11:00am – 12:00pm; Listen to stories about boats and the sea aboard the Arthur Foss, a 100-year-old tugboat. After stories, there is time to explore the boat. This is an indoor/outdoor activity; dress accordingly. Ages 2 to 5. 11 a.m. to noon Dec. 12 and 26. Not intended for preschool groups.
*Free Admission To NAAM - Seattle; 12/12; 11:00am – 7:00pm; The Northwest African American Museum is free on the second Thursday of each month.
*Half Priced Admission Imagine Childrens Museum – Everett; 12/12; Thursday 3:00pm – 5:00 p.m. is half priced ( $3.88)
*Capital Hill Art Walk Blitz – Seattle; 12/12; 5:00pm – 8:00pm; On the second Thursday of every month in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood, 5pm – 8pm and later. Events include visual arts, musical performances, food and beverage specials, and more. Pick up a printed map at a participating venue and explore Capitol Hill. Art is everywhere! Get FREE admission to the Seattle Asian Art Museum during this time too.
*Late Play Date - Auburn; 12/12; 6:00pm – 8:00pm; Holiday fun for the kids with themed crafts throughout the museum and a chance to visit with Santa Claus! Admission is FREE and no registration is required.
For more lists of local events in WA check out these websites::
*Sounds Fun Mom - Maegen always has a great list of events local to the South Sound area of WA
*Grays Harbor Deals - Annaliese lists some great events each weekend for Grays Harbor county (Long Beach, Hoquiam, Aberdeen, Moclips, Ocean Shores, Raymond, Elma & more!)
PORTLAND AREA:
Here’s our list of weekly events for the Portland area.
Friday, December 6th:
*$2 First Fridays at Art ala Carte PDX sponsored by PDX Kids Calendar – Portland; 12/6; Every First Friday of the month you pay only $2 per child for unlimited art! PDX Kids Calendar picked up the bill for the rest! Better yet…if you bring in a bag of recycled goods, toys and trinkets…you get in FREE!
*Reindeer Magic – Santa and his Reindeer at Dennis’ 7 Dees; 12/6 – 12/8; 10:00am – 5:00pm; Bring the whole family to visit Santa’s reindeer and create magical holiday memories. Kids will enjoy festive make-n-take activities, cookies, hot cocoa & cider while enjoying the magical company of Santa’s Reindeer and listening to holiday tunes. Don’t forget to bring your camera for a festive photo opportunity with Santa and his reindeer! Lake Oswego on Friday, December 6th; SE Powell on Saturday, December 7th; Cedar Hills on Sunday, December 8th
*Weekly Storytime + Craft at Craft Factory – Portland; 12/6; 10:30am – 11:00am; Friday morning storytimes are free. We offer a storytime craft special: $5 for any two ornamental crafts. If your child would like to do something other than the ornamental craft, they are welcome to choose a regularly-priced ($12) base. Storytime books are on loan from Annie Bloom’s Books, right next door.
*Music From Mr. Hoo from The Alphabeticians – Portland; 12/6; 11:00am to 12:00pm; Mr. Hoo will be singing songs with and for kids. He’ll play his guitar and sing some original songs, some Alphabeticians songs, some classic kid songs and Hoo knows what else? $3 suggested donation pp.
*Story and Stroll at Tryon Creek – Portland; 12/6; 1:00pm-2:15pm; This program integrates nature exploration, art, literature, music, movement, and outdoor play. It is geared toward families with young children (preferably ages 2-6 but all are welcome.) For more specific information, call (503) 636-9886 ext. 225. FREE.
*Alpenrose Christmas in Dairyville - Portland; 12/6 – 12/22 weekends; Christmas in Dairyville is a winter wonderland filled with 300+ flocked trees, live animals that make up the various scenes in Storybook Lane, modular train displays, old holiday movie screenings in the Opera House, carolers and choirs singing the nostalgic sounds of the Christmas season and holiday dance performances. Stop by and say hi to Santa and have a professional photo taken with your family. Christmas in Dairyville will be open Fridays 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays & Sundays 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.: December 6 – 8, December 13 – 15, December 20 – 22.
*Free Admission To The Children’s Museum - Portland; 12/6; 4:00pm to 8:00pm; The first Friday of the month you Target sponsors free admission to the Childrens Museum. This month you can make a book.
*Beaverton Tree Lighting and Holiday Open House at City Park – Beaverton; 12/6; 5:00pm – 7:00pm; Come join in the festivities at the City of Beaverton Tree Lighting and Holiday Open House. Celebrate with music and activities the whole family will love! Stroll down holiday lane with a visit to Santa and Mrs. Claus, along with a few of their elves, and don’t miss out on the Tree Lighting ceremony at City Park.
*Vancouver First Friday Art Walk - Vancouver; 12/6; 5:00pm – 7:00pm; Join us for a fresh spring evening with refreshments, stimulating conversation and inspiring art! Walking maps will be provided to all attendees. This event is free to attend, but an RSVP is requested by replying to this email at firstfriday.artwalk@yahoo.com.
* Camas First Friday - Portland; 12/6; 5:00pm to 8:00pm; Come and join us for January’s First Friday- Game, Craft & Cocoa Night! Enjoy family friendly games and crafts throughout participating downtown merchants. Have fun and the chance to win prizes!
*Starry Nights and Holiday Lights – Tualatin; 12/6; 6:00pm; Watch the tree lighting ceremony while marveling at the holiday lights around the lake. Crowds enjoy carolers, refreshments, activities for the kids and holiday cheer. At 6:30 p.m. the countdown to the lighting of the floating tree starts.
*Shu Ren’s annual Dumpling Festival at Woodstock Elementary – Portland; 12/6; 6:00pm – 8:30pm; Mark your calendars and attend this family event filled with fun, celebration and food! Take the whole family and invite your friends and neighbors.
*First Friday Art Walk - SE Portland; 12/6; 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm; Hosted by Portland’s Eastside art galleries and alternative art venues, First Friday provides arts enthusiasts the opportunity to wander from gallery to gallery for artist receptions and openings during extended hours on the First Friday of every month
*Family Park Night at East Portland Community Center - Portland; 12/6; 6:30pm – 8:30pm; Low cost night out with the family. Indoor Park toys, sports and trampoline. 1st and 3rd Fridays. Cost: $1.25/child.
Saturday, December 7th :
*Meet Peter Pan & Captain Hook at Child’s Play – Portland; 12/7; 10:00am – 11:00am; Peter Pan & Captain Hook are visiting their friends at Child’s Play and would love to meet you! Don’t forget your camera! This event is inconjunction with NW Children’s Theater and Willamette Week’s Give Guide. Make a donation to NW Children’s Theater during the month of December and receive a gift from Child’s Play.
*Guided Nature Walks at Tryon Creek – Portland; 12/7; 10:00am-11:30am; Free guided nature hikes exploring the forest and stream ecosystems and natural history at Tryon Creek State Natural Area. Topics will vary from week to week but will be appropriate for all ages. Parents must accompany kids on all hikes.
*Holiday Art Making at CHAP – Portland; 12/7 – 12/22; For $5, you can come into the studio and have unlimited supply of paint, paper, glitter and collage materials. For an additional $5 artists can create an additional project such as a stocking, cancle holder, ornament or picture frame. There will also be $10 raffle tickets. Wed-Sat 10 am-6 pm Sundays 11 am-5 pm Nove 30-Dec. 22. This event supports children in crisis and their families.
*Storytime with Mrs. Claus at Al’s – Woodburn; 12/7; 10:30am; Mrs. Claus reads some of her favorite Christmas stories. Children receive a holiday treat while listening to some classic Christmas adventures. Don’t forget to bring your camera.
*Ruckus in the Lobby at Artists Rep Theatre – Portland; 12/7; 10:30am – 11:15am; Traveling Lantern Theatre Company presents “Ruckus in the Lobby”. A series of plays for children, in the lobby at Artists Rep. All performances are interactive and geared for the K-6th grade age group and their families. Tickets can be purchased at the door or at: www.artistsrep.org. Cost: $5
* Kids Saturday Morning Skate Session At Oaks Park – Portland; 12/7; 10:30am to 12:00pm; For $6 children 10 and under can skate (skates included). Parents free with paid child admission.
*Storytime with The Grinch at Powell’s Cedar Hills – Beaverton; 12/7; 11:00am; Head to Powell’s for a special appearance by Dr. Seuss’s The Grinch and stick around for a reading of How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
*Christmas in the Country at Philip Foster Farm – Eagle Creek; 12/7 – 12/8; 11:00am – 4:00pm; Cookie, cider, traditional music and Santa. Dec. 7, 8 at historic Philip Foster Farm.
*Once Upon a Time Family Theatre at Metro Arts – Portland; 12/7; 12:00pm; The Shoemaker’s Elves – Just in time for the holidays we have a tale of the rewards of a giving heart. Once Upon a Time Family Theatre is a magical mix of theatrical simplicity and grand storytelling for kids and their families. There’s always a slight twist to the traditional story that keeps these productions fresh. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets are available online. Cost: $2/adults, $1/child
*Susan Blackaby Reading & Kids Craft Activity at Green Bean Books – Portland; 12/7; 1:00pm – 1:30pm; Local author Susan Blackaby brings back her lovable characters in the wonderful winter tale, Brownie Groundhog and the Wintry Surprise! Reading, meet the author and then we will have an ornament making kid’s craft activity!
*Holiday Gathering at Champoeg State Heritage Area – St. Paul; 12/7; 1:00pm – 4:00pm; Listen to holiday storytelling and music, decorate cookies, crafts. Cost: $5 to park.
*Piano Santa Foundation Recital – Portland; 12/7; 1:30pm; Please join us to ring in the holiday season with the PSF students as they perform a wide variety of pieces. This event is open to PSF students, family, friends and the general public. Reception to follow.
*Jam Fest – All Around This World at PSU – Portland; 12/7; 2:00pm – 5:00pm; Join us for a 3-hr Jam Fest, as we join All Around This World founder Jay Sands, streaming live from Philadelphia for his 24-hour Jam Fest. Free music classes, cultural dance lessons, live African drumming and streaming with kids from around the world. Cost: $5 suggested donation.
*Umbrella Parade and Tree Lighting – Milwaukie; 12/7; 3:30pm; Umbrella Parade & Tree Lighting: Decorate an umbrella in the theme of your choice and join us for the Milwaukie Umbrella Parade and Tree Lighting at 4 pm. Convene in the Waldorf School School parking lot by 3:30 p.m. (21st and Monroe). Parade will march at 4:00pm. The festivities will be capped with the Tree Lighting and refreshments at about 4:30 pm.
* Free Family Swim At Marshall Community Center - Vancouver; 12/7; 4:45pm to 6:30pm; Bauman Chiropractic is sponsoring free family swims at Marshall Pool Saturday evenings.
*Free Holiday Magic Show with Santa at Clark County Historical Museum – Vancouver; 12/7; Legendary Dave from Dave’s Killer Magic shop will be performing his hilarious all ages “holiday” magic show featuring his famous finale of making Santa magically appear from the North Pole! Meet with Santa after show from 5:45-6:00 pm. Magic show is part of Uptown Village Association’s “Christmas in the Village” in Vancouver.
Sunday December 8th:
*$2 Days at OMSI – Portland; 12/8; 9:30am to 7:00pm; Explore the museum for $2 on the first Sunday of each month.
*Curious Garden at the Curious Comedy Theater – Portland; 12/8; 10:30am – 11:30am; The Curious Garden is back! Come see our old friends Razzie the Fairy, Daisy the Flower and Jojo the Lawnjockey – and meet our new garden friends Ribbit the Frog, Dottie the Ladybug and Flappy the Chicken! The Curious Garden is a show for all ages – especially kids 0-8. Every month on the second Sunday at 10:30am. And remember each episode ends with an open mic where you can sing, dance, tell a joke and show off your talent at the Curious Garden. $5 suggested donation.
*Family Fun Time at Unplugged Games – Portland; 12/8; 12:00pm – 4:00pm; Let’s play! Whether your family likes classic board games, card games, or is looking to learn something new, Unplugged Games has lots of great ideas to make family game time fun. Try one of the games from our library, or bring one from home to play with new friends. h you. Unplugged Games lives up to its name by offering non-electronic games of all types, with a focus on role-playing games, board games, and card games.
*Family tour of the Portland Art Museum – Portland; 12/8; 12:30pm – 1:30pm; Take a tour of the art museum with a docent skilled at engaging visitors of all ages. Tour is free with admission and free for kids 17 and under. Cost: $15 (adults), Free (kids under 18).
*The David Show! at Rain City Coffee – Portland; 12/8; 1:00pm – 2:00pm; Musical variety show for children of all ages and their families, now on Sundays. Free, donations accepted.
*Kids Karaoke at Pink Feather Restaurant and Lodge – Portland; 12/8; 1:00pm – 4:00pm; The Pink Feather Restaurant and Lounge is now hosting the Emma Rose Kids’ Karaoke Hour every other Sunday from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Emma Rose, nine years old, is an extraordinarily talented singer herself and will be emceeing the event. Kids Menu, as well as Happy Hour appetizer prices for parents, available for the full three hours.
*Trading Card Games For Tweens at Unplugged Games – Portland; 12/8; 2:00pm – 4:00pm; Is your child interested in Pokemon, Magic, or Yugioh? Kids to come play their favorite card games in a casual, non-competitive environment. We also have sample decks to play with for kids just getting into the hobby.Recommended for families with children aged 8-12.
Monday, December 9th:
*Music Class with Johnny Keener at The Treehouse – Portland; 12/9; 10:00am; He will craft music for kids that is exciting and fun, as well as artistically satisfying. He is committed to inviting kids into the musical process providing them with a musical experience they won’t forget! Best for ages 0-6. Cost: $5 per child
*Storytime with Olive Rootbeer and Dingo at Laurelhurst Cafe – Portland; 12/9; 10:00am – 11:00am; Join Olive and Dingo for stories, balloons and songs at Laurelhurst Cafe, a quaint restaurant serving organic local high quality meals. (Gluten free and kids menu options too.). $5 suggested donation.
*Tallulah’s Daddy at Rain City Coffee – Portland; 12/9; 10:00am – 11:00am; Come sing, dance and play with Tallulah’s Daddy as he plays guitar, bass and cajon. Tallulah’s Daddy plays fun, energetic acoustic music for your little ones, and you can grab some coffee, tea or a snack. We start with musical storytime, then sing songs, and we leave a little bit of extra time for the kids to get their hands on some percussion instruments! No cover charge, donations appreciated.
*Washington County Museum Free Admission – Portland; 12/9; 10:00am to 4:30pm; Admission is free to this museum every Monday.
*Besaws Crafty Happy Hour – Portland; 12/9; 5:00pm – 7:00pm; Children’s Healing Art Project is overseeing a “Crafty Hour” for the kids to make snowflake decorations & other holiday crafts on our cozy heated patio. Besaw’s: “Happy Hour” with free tasty bites & full bar available for purchase. We’ll also have space for adults to wrap gifts while enjoying a glass of wine or holiday cocktail.
*Mondays On The Mall – Portland – Downtown Central Transit Mall; 12/9; Various Times; Free events all day including Wii play, caricatures, the original photo booth and entertainment.
Tuesday, December 10th:
*Second Tuesday at the Oregon Zoo – Portland; 12/10; 9:00am – 4:00pm; The second Tuesday of each month, enjoy $4 admission to the Oregon Zoo. Kids under 3 admitted free.
*Preschool Play and Skate at Oaks Park – Portland; 12/10; 10:00am – 11:30am; This special roller skating session is just for your littlest skaters. Children 6 and under enjoy games, songs, blals, a 15 minute group lesson, snack time, and more. Conventional skate rental included. Shoes and strollers welcome on the skating floor. Adults free with paid children’s admission. Cost: $6.00
*Tuesday Art Time at the Treehouse Children’s Boutique – Portland; 12/10; 10:30am – 11:15am; Join us at 10:30 every TUESDAY for an an hour of art, music, stories, bubbles, chalk, and messes at the Treehouse Children’s Boutique! We have a wonderful new auditorium space! $6.00/child.
*Storytime at Green Bean Books – Portland; 12/10; 11:00am – 11:30am; Get ready to get immersed in the world of books! FREE
*Mommy Matinee at the Kennedy School – Portland; 12/10 & 12/11; 2:30pm – 4:30pm; Tuesdays & Wednesdays moms, dads, grandparents, nannies and their babies are welcome. Let the kids fuss – we don’t mind! Click here for today’s movie. Cost: $3 pp
*Holiday Musical Review at NWCT – Portland; 12/10 – 12/11; 7:00pm; Northwest Children’s Theater’s students perform holiday music old and new.
*’The New History Minstrels’ Quartet, and Nutcracker Children’s Ballet Review – Oregon City; 7:00pm – 8:00pm; Barbershop-style a cappella harmony teaches regional history through stories-in-song. This is also the Clackamas County Historical Society quarterly meeting, which open to the public and free for all ages. Dessert served.
Wednesday, December 11th:
*Visit the Historic Belmont Firehouse – Portland; 12/11; 9:00am – 3:00pm; Drop in any Wednesday to see the exhibits and learn about safety for you and your family. No appointment is necessary.
*Music Class at the Treehouse with Mr. Ben – Portland; 12/11; 10:00am; Enjoy music with kindie favorite Mr. Ben. Cost: $5 per child
*Honeybee Hikess at Leach Botanical Gardens – Portland; 12/11; 10:00am – 11:00am; Weekly nature-related activities for young children and their adult caregivers. Discover the secrets of the Garden and its critters through stories and outdoor explorations. Dress for the weather and wear good walking shoes for unpaved, uneven walkways that could be muddy. Strollers limit where we can explore, so carriers are ideal for little ones. No pre-registration required. Best for ages 1-6. Cost: $2 per child
*African World Music at Rain City Coffee – Portland; 12/11; 10:00am – 11:00am; Please join us every Wednesday, Neindow and friends bring the rhythms of Africa to Rain City Coffee. Kids of all ages and adults are welcome to join this fun, upbeat music hour of drumming, singing and jamming. Bring your children and come and dance and play along with us and try some of our handmade African kids drums while playing along to the African rhythms. Everyone is welcome to bring their drums. Suggested donation.
*Winter We Play Wednesdays! – Gladstone; 12/11; 10:00am – 11:30am; These free December playgroups offer children great stories, fun games, cute crafts, and tasty snacks. Parents and children are encouraged to come, learn, and play together. Each week is based on a different story.
December 11, 2013 – The Biggest Best Snowman By Margery Cuyler
December 18, 2013 – The Snowy Day By Ezra Jack Keats
*Mommy Matinee at the St Johns Theater- Portland; 12/11 ; 1:00pm – 2:30pm; Parents, nannies, grandparents and caregivers, bring your babies to these films, from G to R ratings. Let the wee ones fuss, they don’t mind. Every Wednesday, first showing, unless an event has been booked. Check movie listings for showtimes or call 503-249-7474 . Cost $3.00
*Mo Phillips at Oregon Public House – Portland; 12/11; 5:00pm – 6:00pm; Mo performs interactive shows for kids and parents alike! He rocks a fine, distilled blend of Americana, soul and blues. Cost: $3 – $5 donation
*Student Music Groups at Pioneer Courthouse Sq. – Portland; 12/11 – 12/18; The Square rings with the sounds of school music groups.
12/11 Veritas School Choir | 5:00pm – 6:00pm
12/12 Centennial High School Choir | 5:00pm – 6:00pm
12/13 Holy Cross Choir | 5:00pm – 6:00pm
12/15 Animate Voice Studio Concert | 11:00am – 12:00pm
12/15 Dance Fusion NW |12:00pm – 1:00pm
12/16 Laurelhurst School Choir | 12:00pm – 1:00pm
12/17 Sellwood Middle School Choir | 12:00pm – 1:00pm
12/17 Without Apology | 5:00 – 6:00pm
12/18 Beverly Cleary School Choirs | 5:00pm – 6:00pm
Thursday, December 12th :
*Red Yarn at TreeHouse Boutique – Portland; 12/5; 10:00am – 10:45am; Red Yarn is a dynamic Portland family performer. Weaving together energetic live music, puppetry and storytelling, he teaches positive values while reviving American folklore for a younger generation. $5/child (adults are free)
*St Johns Swap n play Playspace Open Play - Portland; 12/12; 10:00am – 12:00pm; Free to all! This is a chance to come learn, play and grow. Free toddler/preschooler art class from 10-11. First come first served as we run out of materials after 15 students. Open Play is an open time for non-members to enjoy the space.
*Storytime at A Children’s Place Bookstore – Portland; 12/12; 10:30am – 11:00am; Enjoy this free weekly storytime at the lovely A Children’s Place Bookstore. A variety of books for different age ranges will be read. FREE.
*Play in the Clay at Art ala Carte PDX - Portland; 12/12; 12:00pm – 2:00pm; The Cubbin family will be offering “Play in the Clay” days at Art ala Carte PDX. They will bring clay, a slab roller, cookie cutters, stamps and various pottery tools for members to use. Bring any cookie cutters stamps, etc.. from home to help you with your creations. The masterpieces will be fired and glazed. A suggested cash donation to the Cubbin Family for their time and supplies. $5 for pound of clay, glaze and firing. $1 for just make and take. (Clay, with no firing).
For more lists of local events in western OR check out::
* PDX Kids Calendar - this is a comprehensive events-based website for families in the Portland area.
NATIONAL EVENTS:
*Free Craft Activities at Lakeshore Learning Stores– Sat. ; 11am to 3pm; Kids can come to this free craft time each week for a new craft (plus print a $5 off $25 coupon).
*Bank Of America Museums On Us Free Entrance – ; Bank Of America card holders can get free entrance to Museums Nationwide. Check website for participating museums in your area.
*Home Depot Kids Workshop – ; 9:00am to 12:00pm; Kids can participate in free building projects the first Sat. of the month. This week they will build a picture frame.
*Lego Stores Mini Models Build – Tues. ; 5:00pm; Monthly model build event, one free for kids 6-14 while supplies last. 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm
* Michaels Make It Take It Event - 1:00pm to 3:00pm; Make-It Take-It Free Ornament Event. Ages 3 & up. While supplies last.
*Barnes and Noble Free Storytime - Times and events vary by location. Check your location for specific story’s available this weekend.
Fun & Frugal Family Events 12/6 – 12/12 is a post from: Thrifty NW Mom
The post Fun & Frugal Family Events 12/6 – 12/12 appeared first on Thrifty NW Mom.