Animal events

Cool City Pets

SAT Rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, rats, birds, reptiles, ferrets for adoption, 1 p.m. Saturday, Seattle Animal Shelter, 2061 15th Ave. W., Seattle; adoption fees $5-$25 (206-386-7387 or www.seattleanimalshelter.org).

The Reptile Man

SAT All-ages show to meet and learn about reptiles, 10:30 a.m. Saturday, High Point Community Center and Field, 6920 34th Ave. S.W., Seattle; $3-$5/person (206-684-7422).

Santa Paws

SAT-SUN Pet photos with Santa, proceeds benefit Seattle Humane Society, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, PetSmart, 17845 Garden Way N.E., Woodinville; $9.95 (425-424-2099 or www.seattlehumane.org).

Skagit River Bald Eagle Interpretive Center

SAT-SUN Eagle-viewing information, educational displays on eagles, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays through January, call to verify. Guided walks, 11 a.m., speakers, 1 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Skagit River Bald Eagle Interpretive Center, 52809 Rockport Park Road, Rockport; free, donations appreciated (360-853-7626 or www.skagiteagle.org).

Canine Christmas Extravaganza Adoption Event

SUN Adoptable dogs from 15 rescue groups, fees $100-$350, noon Sunday, Paws-Abilities Total Dog Center, 7338 26th St. E., Fife (206-486-4738 or www.pawsitivealliance.org/a-canine-christmas-extraganza-adoption-event.html).

Adopt a cat or critter

ONGOING Adoption fees waived on all cats over a year old and small animals including bunnies, hamsters and guinea pigs, through December, Seattle Humane Society, 13212 S.E. Eastgate Way, Bellevue (425-541-0080 or seattlehumane.org).

Issaquah Reindeer Festival

ONGOING Santa and his reindeer, story times, animal exhibits, gift shop, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. through Dec. 23, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 26-30, Cougar Mountain Zoo, 19525 S.E. 54th St., Issaquah; $10.50-$12.50 (www.cougarmountainzoo.org).

Biking

Tour de Poinsettias

SUN Cascade Bicycle Club 20-mile, leisurely paced ride with some hills and stop at Molbak’s; rain, ice, snow cancels, 11 a.m. Sunday, Sammamish River Park, 17995 102nd Ave N.E., Bothell (www.cascade.org).

Birding

Lake Sammamish State Park birding walk

WED Eastside Audubon 2-3-mile walk to see birds and habitats, 8 a.m. Wednesday, Lake Sammamish State Park, 20606 S.E. 56th St., Issaquah; free, no registration required; Discover Pass required to park (eastsideaudubon.org).

Dance

Sno-King International Folk Dance Club

SAT International folk dancing, holiday party, bring finger food to share, ethnic costumes encouraged, 7:30-10 p.m. Saturday, Cedar Valley Grange, 20526 52nd Ave. W., Lynnwood; $5-$7 (425-385-2088 or sno-king.org).

Festivals

Seattle Center Winterfest

ONGOING Winter Train and Village display, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, entertainment including Balladores de Bronce Mexican folkloric dancers, 12:30 p.m. Saturday; Klez Kids world Jewish music, 12:30 Sunday, Armory/Center House, Seattle Center, Seattle; free; indoor ice skating, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays, Fisher Pavilion; $2-$7 includes skate rental, cash only (206-684-7200 or www.seattlecenter.com).

Bellevue Magic Season

ONGOING Snowflake Lane snowfall, live toy soldiers and winter characters, music, light show, 7 p.m. daily, downtown Bellevue; free; outdoor ice skating, 3-11 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday; 3-9 p.m. Monday-Tuesday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Wednesday through Dec. 23, Bellevue Downtown Park, 10201 N.E. Fourth St., Bellevue; $10 includes skate rental (www.magicseason.com).

Food events

Champagne tasting

SAT Tasting 15 Champagnes, 3 p.m. Saturday, Fremont Avenue Cellars, 3601 Fremont Ave. N., Seattle; $20-$25 (206-632-1110 or fremontavenuecellars.com).

Pancake breakfast, Bothell

SAT Pancakes, eggs, ham or sausage, 8-11 a.m. Saturday, Northshore Senior Center, 10201 E. Riverside Drive, Bothell; $4-$5 (425-487-2441 or www.northshoreseniorcenter.org).

Traditional Santa Breakfasts

SUN In the tradition of events at Frederick & Nelson department store, benefits Arthritis Foundation, with Strolling Minstrels, Olympic Ballet Dancers abridged version of the Nutcracker Ballet, Santa, Sunday and Dec. 22-23, Seattle Hotel and Towers, 1400 Sixth Ave., Seattle; $25-$55 by reservation (206-547-1290 or SantaBreakfasts.kintera.org).

Chocolate Holiday Buffet

SUN Chocolate cake, cheesecake, tiramisu, candy, 3 p.m. Sunday, ART Restaurant & Lounge, 99 Union St., Four Seasons Hotel, Seattle; $12-$20, reservations required (206-749-7070 or www.artrestaurantseattle.com).

Steamer Virginia V Holiday Dinner Cruise

SUN Dinner cruise and follow the Christmas Ships around Lake Washington, 5 p.m. Sunday, $65-$75 by reservation; dessert cruise joins the Christmas Ships, 3 p.m. Dec. 23, $39-$49, by reservation, Seattle (206-624-9119 or virginiav.org/events).

The Everyday Science of Cooking

MON Chris Young, co-author of “Modernist Cuisine: The Art and Science of Cooking,” and chef Grant Crilly explore the science of cooking through virtual tour of Pike Place Market, 7:30 p.m. Monday, Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave., Seattle; $10 (888-377-4510 or townhallseattle.org/upcoming).

The Georgian Holiday Tea

DAILY Tea, sweets, finger sandwiches, noon daily, Fairmont Olympic Hotel, 411 University St., Seattle; $25-$55 by reservation (206-621-7889 or www.fairmont.com/seattle/dining/thegeorgiantea).

Hiking/walks

Issaquah Alps Trail Club

FRI-SAT Dogs-welcome easy 4-6-mile hike with up to 1,200-foot elevation gain, 10 a.m. Friday; Rattlesnake Mountain easy 5 miles to overlook, 1,000-foot gain, Discover Pass needed, 9:30 a.m. Saturday; water, food, daypack, rain gear, warm clothes, hiking shoes/boots required, Issaquah Alps Trail Club clubhouse, First and Bush Streets, Issaquah (www.issaquahalps.org).

Wet Walk in the Woods

SAT Exploration of the woods for families with kids of all ages followed by warm beverages and a story by the fire, 10 a.m. Saturday, Brightwater Education & Community Center at Clean-Water Treatment Facility, 22505 State Route 9 Southeast, Woodinville; free, preregister; donations suggested to support IslandWood environmental education programs (206-263-8862 or wetwalkbrightwaterevent.eventbrite.com).

Hobbies

International Motorcycle Show

FRI-SUN Traveling show with hundreds of the newest sport bikes, dirt bikes, cruisers, scooters, customs, ATVs, gear and aftermarket accessories, seminars, interactive entertainment, Pit Stop Challenge, Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Competition showcasing hundreds of the hottest custom motorcycles, appearances by motorcycle racers and celebrities; 3-8 p.m. Friday, 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Washington State Convention Center, 800 Convention Place, Seattle; $6-$15 (www.motorcycleshows.com).

Historical Redmond exhibit

SAT Historical miniature display of Redmond, 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Redmond United Methodist Church, 16540 N.E. 80th St., Redmond; free (425-883-7553).

The Great Train Expo

SAT-SUN Traveling train show with operating model trains, vendors, exhibits, demonstrations, workshops, kids’ riding train and play area, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Puyallup Fair and Events Center, 110 Ninth Ave. S.W., Puyallup; $9, ages 11 and younger free (253-841-5045 or www.greattrainexpo.com).

Museum events

Wright Spirit Celebration

SAT Celebrate the Wright brothers’ first flight and the spirit of the season; Santa arrives by aircraft, 10 a.m., then he and Mrs. Claus greet children until 2 p.m., holiday music, activities, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Museum of Flight, 9404 E. Marginal Way S., Seattle; $9-$17 (206-764-5720 or www.museumofflight.org).

Hands-on Day and Santa Visit

SAT Make a traditional folded box, visit with Santa, 11 a.m. Saturday, Shoreline Historical Museum, 18501 Linden Ave. N., Shoreline; free (206-542-7111 or shorelinehistoricalmuseum.org).

Historic Holiday Celebration

SAT Holiday decorations, petting zoo, pony rides, music, hayride, noon Saturday, Washington State Capital Museum, 211 W. 21st Ave., Olympia; $7/person or $25/family of four (washingtonhistory.org).

Weekend Activities @ the Burke — Toys and Games

SAT-SUN Special activities, explore toys and games, crafts, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays through December, guided exhibit tours 1 p.m. Saturdays, Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, University of Washington, Seattle; $7.50-$10 (206-543-5590 or www.burkemuseum.org/events/browse/weekend_activities_dec12).

Duwamish Christmas Concert

SUN “Epic of the North Wind” with local Native storyteller Roger Fernandes, all ages invited to join in song and dance; 2 p.m. Sunday, Duwamish Longhouse & Cultural Center, 4705 W. Marginal Way S.W., Seattle; free (206-431-1582 or www.duwamishtribe.org).

Movies @ the Museum: Polar Express

WED Movie on the big screen, a magical train to the North Pole and Santa Claus’s home, 6 p.m. Wednesday, KidsQuest Children’s Museum, 4089 Factoria Blvd. S.E., Bellevue; $5-$8 (425-637-8100 or www.kidsquestmuseum.org).

Snacks with Santa

DEC. 20, 22 Santa joins families for snacks and craft time, by appointment, 1:30, 2 and 2:30 p.m. Dec. 20 and 22, The Children’s Museum, Seattle Center House, Seattle; $7/person, reservations required (206-576-2322 or www.thechildrensmuseum.org/santa).

Festivals of Light, Seattle Children’s Museum

ONGOING Explore winter holiday celebrations around the world; Los Posadas, through Monday; Christmas Around the World, Dec. 18-22; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays, Seattle Children’s Museum, Seattle Center Armory, Seattle; $6-$7.50 (www.thechildrensmuseum.org/fol).

Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs

ONGOING Display of more than 100 objects from King Tut’s tomb and treasures from 2,000 years of ancient Egyptian history, hours vary, through Jan. 6, 2013, 10 a.m. Friday-Monday, Pacific Science Center, 200 Second Ave. N, Seattle; $15.50-$32.50 timed ticket entry, reservations strongly recommended (800-664-8775 or www.pacificsciencecenter.org).

EMP Museum

ONGOING Exhibits include “Hear My Train a Comin’: Hendrix Hits London,” “Worn to Be Wild: The Black Leather Jacket,” “Icons of Science Fiction,” “Can’t Look Away: The Lure of Horror Film” and “Nirvana: Taking Punk to The Masses;” 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily, EMP Museum, 325 Fifth Ave. N., Seattle; $14-$20 (206-770-2700 or empmuseum.org).

Paddle sports

Experience dragonboating

SAT-SUN Hourlong excursion to experience the team sport, no experience or reservations required, all equipment provided, for ages 18 and older or ages 12 and older with parent; 8 a.m. Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays, 6 p.m. Mondays/Wednesdays, South Lake Union Park, next to Kenmore Air, 950 Westlake Ave. N., Seattle; free (206-523-4518 or www.seattleflyingdragons.org).

Park events

Nighttime at the Beach

FRI Explore the beach at low tide by flashlight, for adults and families with children ages 6 and older, 9 p.m. Friday, Discovery Park, 3801 W. Government Way, Seattle; $5 (206-386-4236 or www.seattle.gov/parks).

Winter Wonderland Family Saturdays

SAT Hot chocolate and cider, make nature-inspired holiday arts, crafts, and gifts, learn about plants, animals, and birds in winter, shop at Nature Gift Store, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays through Dec. 22, Seward Park Audubon Center, 5902 Lake Washington Blvd. S., Seattle; free (206-652-2444 or sewardpark.audubon.org).

Nighttime at the Beach

SAT Explore the beach at low tide by flashlight, 9 p.m. Saturday, Me Kwa Mooks beach, Southwest Jacobsen Road and Southwest Beach Drive, Seattle; free, preregister (206-684-7435 or www.seattle.gov/parks).

Performances

Celebration of Chinese Culture

SAT Traditional and modern Chinese songs, folk dances, fashion show, 2 p.m. Saturday, Seattle Central Library, 1000 Fourth Ave., Seattle; free (206-684-0849 or www.spl.org).

The Heavens are Singing Concert

SAT Rainier Youth Choirs concert, 3 p.m. Saturday, First Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 19800 108th Ave. S.E., Renton; $10-$15 (253-347-0180 or www.rainieryouthchoirs.org).

DASSdance’s Santa Breakfast & Mini-Nutcracker

SAT-SUN Meet Santa Claus, DASSdance professionals and kids perform the story of The Nutcracker, continental breakfast, 11 a.m. Saturday-Sunday, Washington Hall, 153 14th Ave., Seattle; $15-$20 (206-860-6020 or www.dassdance.org/mini-nutcracker.html).

Sales/Shopping Holiday Sale

FRI-SAT Sale by 35 local artists, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, Schack Art Center, 2921 Hoyt Ave., Everett (425-259-5050 or www.schack.org).

Black Dog Forge Open House and Sale

FRI-SUN Functional and decorate ironwork display and sale, 5-9 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, noon-3 p.m. Sunday, Black Dog Forge, 2316 Second Ave., Seattle (206-443-9413 or blackdogforge.com).

Teen studio night and Holiday Art Show

DEC. 20 Teens learn about youth art programs and make ornaments, exhibit of paintings by Women Painters of Washington, variety of glass, pottery, ornaments and jewelry for sale, 6 p.m. Dec. 20, Schack Art Center, 2921 Hoyt Ave., Everett; free (www.schack.org).

Seasonal

Super Secret Gift Craft

FRI Kids make a present for a grown-up with help of a teen volunteer, 3:30 p.m. Friday, Mountlake Terrace Library, 23300 58th Ave. W., Mountlake Terrace; free (425-776-8722).

KidsQuest Children’s Museum Gingerbread Lane

FRI-SUN Gingerbread sculptures by local architecture firms and bakeries on display Friday-Sunday, Bellevue Hilton, 300 112th Ave. S.E., Bellevue (www.kidsquestmuseum.org).

Live Christmas Trees for Rent

SAT Selection of 200 live trees to be returned after the holidays and planted near local salmon streams, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. or while supplies last Saturday, NW Stream Center, 600 128th St. S.E., Everett; $35 (425-316-8592 or www.streamkeeper.org).

Fun with Frosty

SAT-SUN Kids meet Frosty the Snowman, magic show, craft project, pony rides (weather permitting), noon-3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Country Village, 23732 Bothell-Everett Highway, Bothell (www.countryvillagebothell.com).

Santa Visits Smith Tower for Make-A-Wish

SUN Have your picture taken with Santa in the 35th floor Chinese Room, portion of proceeds benefits Make-A-Wish Alaska and Washington, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, Smith Tower, 506 Second Ave., Seattle; $5/children, $10/adults (206-622-4004 or www.facebook.com/thesmithtower).

Christmas Caroling

SUN Join in caroling in east Capitol Hill neighborhood, 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Prospect United Church of Christ, 1919 E. Prospect St., Seattle; free (206-322-6030 or www.prospectseattle.org).

Christmas Sing-Along

SUN Cookies and carols, 3 p.m. Sunday, St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, 3604 N.E. 10th Court, Renton; free (425-954-7521 or www.standrewpc.org).

Holiday Carousel

ONGOING Holiday carousel, proceeds benefit Downtown Seattle Association and Treehouse for foster kids, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Dec. 20; subject to change due to inclement weather and other conditions, Westlake Park, 401 Pine St., Seattle; $2 (www.holidaysinseattle.com).

Teddy Bear Suite

ONGOING Holiday teddy bears, festive décor, storybooks, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Fridays-Sundays through Dec. 24, Fairmont Olympic Hotel, 411 University St., Seattle; free, donations to Seattle Children’s Hospital suggested (www.holidaysinseattle.com).

WildLights at Woodland Park Zoo

ONGOING Light sculptures of wild animals and exotic destinations around the world, carousel, reindeer visits, 5:30-8:30 p.m. daily through Dec. 23 and Dec. 26-Jan. 1, Woodland Park Zoo, 5500 Phinney Ave. N., Seattle; $6.50-$9.50 online advance purchase, night of event sale if space available; ages 2 and younger free (www.zoo.org/wildlights).

Candy Cane Lane

ONGOING Neighborhood Christmas display, lights and music from 4:30-10 p.m. daily, Northeast Park Road, off Ravenna Boulevard, Seattle; free donations for Northwest Harvest collected.

Garden d’Lights

ONGOING Winter wonderland of half a million lights in flowers, shrubs, and vines, animal characters, 5-10 p.m. daily through Dec. 31, Bellevue Botanical Garden, 12001 Main St., Bellevue; $5, ages 10 and younger free; advance ticket purchase recommended (425-452-6844 or www.gardendlights.org).

Festival of Poinsettias

ONGOING Display and sale of 25 varieties of poinsettias, 14-foot high poinsettia tree daily, live music and Santa visits Saturdays-Sundays; Molbak’s, 13625 N.E. 175th St., Woodinville (425-483-5000 or molbaks.com).

Clam Lights

ONGOING Holiday light display nightly through Dec. 31, Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park, 1201 Lake Washington Blvd., Renton; free (www.ivars.com).

Cut your own Christmas tree, Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

ONGOING Permits available to cut a tree in national forest lands in Pierce, King, Snohomish, Skagit and Whatcom counties, maps, information and permits available at REI, Seattle and Lynnwood; and at Forest Service offices and Ranger Stations in Sedro-Woolley, Glacier, Darrington; Granite Falls; Skykomish; North Bend and Enumclaw, hours vary, weekends only at some locations; $10-$20, credit cards accepted at Alderwood REI only; Sno-Park parking permit required if parking in designated lot (www.fs.usda.gov/mbs).

Wild Waves Holiday With Lights

ONGOING Light displays, rides, holiday shows, Toyland activities for ages 12 and younger including Santa visits through Dec. 23; 6-11 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 6-10 p.m. Sunday through Dec. 20 and Dec. 23, 26-27, 30-31; special events, Military Appreciation Night Friday, free for military with ID, half price for immediate family members; foster kids toy drive, half-price admission Saturday with donation of new, unwrapped toy; Wild Waves and Enchanted Village, 36201 Enchanted Parkway S., Federal Way; $12.99-$14.99, parking $5-$10 (wildwaves.com).

Zoolights at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

ONGOING Lights and light sculptures, South Pacific Aquarium, camel rides, antique carousel, 5-9 p.m. daily through Jan. 1 (closed Dec. 24), Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, 5400 N. Pearl St., Tacoma; $7.25-$15.75 (253-591-5337 or www.pdza.org).

The Lights of Christmas

ONGOING Light displays, entertainment, train rides, pony rides, nativity, petting farm, vendors, 5-10 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Tuesday through Dec. 23 and Dec. 26-29; overnight accommodations available, Warm Beach Christian Camps & Conference Center, 20800 Marine Drive, Stanwood; $9-$15 (www.warmbeach.com/index.php/lights-of-christmas).

Tours

Seattle Holiday Walk

SAT Guided walk through four downtown districts to see holiday lights, window displays, 6 p.m. Saturdays and Dec. 20-23, Pacific Place Mall, 600 Pine St., Seattle; $14-$18 (206-508-7017 or seattlebyfoot.com/seattle-holiday-walk).

Travel events

Gutsy women

SAT Informal gathering for women to learn from each others’ travel experiences, 9 a.m. Saturday, Wide World Books & Maps, 4411 Wallingford Ave. N., Seattle; free (206-634-3453).

Europe Through the Back Door

SAT Packing Light and Right, 10 a.m. Saturday, Edmonds Theater, 415 Main St., Edmonds; free, reservations required (425-771-8303, ext. 298 or www.ricksteves.com).