The Neptune Hits 100
Happy 100th birthday to The Neptune Theatre! Originally named the U-Neptune, the University District venue opened with the silent movie “Serenade” on Nov. 16, 1921. Hardly silent since, the Neptune has been home to thousands of film screenings, as well as live performances, dances and educational programs. Only a block north from the new UDistrict light rail station, why not revisit this recently renovated venue (and official city landmark) for a performance soon.
Nordic Holiday Fest, Nov. 20-21
The National Nordic Museum in Ballard will host Julefest. (The J is pronounced like a Y.) The annual Nordic holiday festival celebrates the season with art, dance, food and drink. Support the cultural arts! 10am-5pm
Thanksgiving Day Runs, Nov. 25
Get your exercise in before enjoying Thanksgiving dinner by participating in a run. There are Thanksgiving Day events in Snohomish, Tacoma and Maple Valley, plus Seattle hosts 5K, 10K and 15K jaunts in the annual Turkey Trot.
Tree lightings, Nov. 26
Every Friday after Thanksgiving, Seattle kicks off the holiday season with a tree- and star-lighting ceremony at Westlake Center. Join thousands of shoppers, locals and tourists for the holiday event. 5-6pm And, Eastsiders can view the tree-lighting at Snowflake Lane, Bellevue Way Northeast, between Lincoln Square and Bellevue Square.
Seattle Center Holiday Fun, through Dec. 31
This is the time of year to congregate (safely!) with friends and family for fun around the fountain and food court at Seattle Center. And there is so much “new” to see. The International Fountain was renewed with fortified super shooters and colorful LED lighting. The Armory Food & Event Hall has been refreshed, improvements were made to the Monorail and of course there’s a new arena! Come one, come all!
Nutcracker, Nov. 26-Dec. 28
After a year off, The Nutcracker returns to McCaw Hall (Seattle Center). George Balanchine’s ballet includes a classic score, fine dance, beautiful costumes and a magical story. In-person and virtual showings. Various times.
North Pole in Issaquah, Dec. 1-30
Cougar Mountain Zoo is converted this time of year into the North Pole. Welcome Santa, his reindeer and sleigh at the Issaquah Reindeer Festival.
Emerald City Comicon, Dec. 2-5
Comicon returns! This massive comic book, game and pop-culture event attracts thousands to the Washington State Convention Center. Tickets go quickly.
A Christmas Carol, Dec. 7-26
Charles Dickens’ holiday classic, A Christmas Carol, about the amazing transformation of miserly Scrooge, hits the boards at ACT Theatre. Various times.
Please check with the venue to confirm times and dates of any in-person events.
In case you missed it….
Easily the highlight of the past four weeks on my Living the Dream blog was the great response to a video walk-through tour of Spire, the grandest of condo grand openings in Seattle this year. Here is the blog post with video for all to see and share.
The blog also touched on the cost of maintenance and lifespans of home items (a popular topic), as well as tips for homeowners concerned about appraisals below contract price, and a look at the growing appeal of cohousing communities among seniors.
Thanks for reading!
Will