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Must List: 6 Things to Do in Seattle This Week

Holiday trains, seasonal brews, jazzy celebrations

By Sarah Stackhouse December 19, 2024

Three people in colorful clothing stand close together, smiling and embracing in front of a wooden building—a perfect capture of friendship and joy in Seattle this week.
Photo courtesy of Seattle Children's Theatre

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.

 

Poster for "The Dina Martina Christmas Show" on the December 2024 Must List, featuring a person in red attire with decorative snowflakes and a quote stating "Comic genius" from The Atlantic.

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. 

A woman in colorful winter clothing stands with a deer and bird illustration against a blue background. Text reads, "Not your typical fairy tale." "The Snow Queen" and "SCT" are prominently displayed. Be sure to add this enchanting tale to your Must List for December 2024!.

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.

 

Must List: Winter Beer Fest 2024 features two beer glasses skiing on an orange backdrop. Mark your calendars for December 20th and 21st—it's an event you won't want to miss!.

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!

 


Check out the must-see 28th Annual Model Train Festival at the Washington State History Museum! Running from December 20, 2024, to January 1, 2025 (closed December 24 and 25), this event is a highlight in every rail enthusiast's must list. Don't miss it!.

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.

 

Text "Home for the Holidays" over a night cityscape with the Space Needle, snowflakes drifting down, and "The Royal Room" elegantly written below. Mark your calendars for 12-19-2024—this event is on everyone's Must List!.

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.


Woman in a red beanie and black t-shirt holds a phone to her ear. Background features yellow scribbles and the text "Postmortem Tour." This 2024 event is a must-list for fans, capturing the essence of creativity and intrigue.

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.

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