Must List
Must List: 6 Things to Do in Seattle This Week
Holiday trains, seasonal brews, jazzy celebrations
By Sarah Stackhouse December 19, 2024

Hey, how’s it going? It’s cold and it gets dark so early but the twinkling lights help. I love walking the neighborhood this time of year — bundled up, hands in pockets, enjoying all the pretty decorations. We’ve been cozy in the evenings with a fire and last night we watched Hot Frosty, which was wonderfully fun and silly.
I’m loving the buzz about downtown Seattle — could it really be on its way back? Amazon’s latest trick is selling cars, because of course you can buy just about anything online now.
There’s a California crispy chicken chain heading to Washington, and it sounds like the kind of comfort food you’ll crave on a rainy day. And did you catch the one about Alissa Leinonen, who turned her tiny Pike Place café into a thriving business by refusing to give up — ever.
The Dina Christmas Show
Now-Dec. 24
ACT Theatre
$39+
Dina Martina is back with her delightfully unhinged Christmas extravaganza. Expect campy humor, hilarious storytelling, and holiday chaos that defies description. My sister and her friends make a tradition of it, and they swear it’s the highlight of their holiday season.
STC’s The Snow Queen
Now-Jan. 5, 2025
Charlotte Martin Theatre
$20+
Seattle Children’s Theatre has reimagined Hans Christian Andersen’s The Snow Queen with music and magic. A great pick for families or anyone who loves a good fairy tale.
Winter Beer Fest 2024
Dec. 20-21
Victory Hall at The Boxyard
$20+
Seattle beer lovers, this one’s for you. Sip stouts, porters, and barrel-aged beauties from local breweries at this annual event celebrating all things cozy and boozy. Cheers!
The 28th Annual Model Train Festival
Dec. 20-Jan. 1, 2025
Washington State History Museum
$14+
The ultimate holiday fun if you have train enthusiasts in your house — or just want to feel like a kid again. Model trains will wind through miniature holiday scenes at the Washington State History Museum in Tacoma.
Home for the Holidays
Monday, Dec. 23, 7 p.m.
The Royal Room
$20
Seattle jazz musicians home for the holidays? Count me in. This annual show brings together some of the city’s rising stars for a night of jazzy, festive tunes.
Sarah Silverman
Thursday, Dec. 26, 7:30 p.m.
Paramount Theatre
$49.50+
There’s no one like Sarah Silverman. She’s fearless, hilarious, and relatable. She always manages to turn the darkest topics into comedy gold. Seeing her live is always a reminder of why she’s one of the best.
Visit our events calendar for more ideas.