It’s officially frost season. Gloves are back in rotation, mornings are taking a little longer as we wait for the car to warm up, and the slopes are open. Is anyone skiing this weekend? I’m more of a lodge person myself.

It’s crunch time here as we wrap up the next print edition of the magazine, featuring Seattle’s Most Influential people. They are incredible individuals, working to make this city better every day. We’re excited to share their stories with you.

Tacoma Mall is stepping things up with new upscale shops and dining options. And in grocery store news, the Kroger-Albertsons merger hit a legal snag and was laid to rest.

This week we remember David Bonderman, the founding owner of the Seattle Kraken, who passed away at 82. Our editor interviewed him earlier in his career and shares some stories of his sharp business mind and dedication to the community.

Seattle’s Queen Anne baker wowed Food Network’s Christmas Cookie Challenge, taking home the Golden Ornament. And Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour just wrapped up, but while it was here last year, it sparked a major economic boost for the city.

Finally, our chat with a reformed Nigerian scammer might make you rethink your spam folder.

 

A Very Drunken Christmas Carol

Now-Dec. 21
Opera Center
$55+

Forget everything you thought you knew about Dickens. This irreverent take on A Christmas Carol is packed with over-the-top antics, cheeky humor, and a good, strong drink (or three). It looks like a fun way to shake up your Christmas traditions.

Jingle All the Gay

Dec. 13-15, 7 p.m.
Neptune Theatre
$30+

Kitten N’ Lou are bringing their queer, glitter-covered, and unapologetically joyful holiday show to the Neptune after 15 years at West Hall. Think campy costumes, fun little dance numbers, and a whole lot of cheer. Friends who go every year say they’re in tears from laughing by the end of the night.

 

Home Alone in Concert

Dec. 13-15, 8 p.m., 2 p.m.
Benaroya Hall
$52+

The Seattle Symphony brings John Williams’ iconic score to life while 8-year-old Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) defends his turf against the Wet Bandits. My family watches Home Alone every year, but hearing the music played live by a symphony might be a game-changer. I think we’ll grab a hot chocolate on our way home from the show.

 

Winter Bonsai Solstice

Saturday, Dec. 14, 4-7 p.m.
Pacific Bonsai Museum
Free ($12 donations encouraged)

This one’s magical in the simplest way — bonsai trees glowing with soft, twinkling lights. After soaking in the beauty, take a stroll through the market for handmade gifts. It’s the peaceful holiday moment you definitely need. My husband and I stumbled across this last year, and now it’s on our winter must-do list.

 

The Moondoggies Holiday Show

Dec. 13-14, 8:30 p.m.
Tractor Tavern
$17

The Moondoggies have been a Seattle staple for years, known for their three-part harmonies and the woodsy sound they honed at Blue Moon Tavern. Ever since hearing “Good Old-Fashioned Christmas” on A Garfield Christmas, I’ve been chasing that twangy holiday feeling. This show comes pretty close. With KEXP sponsoring the two-night event, you know it’s going to be good. Honestly, $17 is a steal for this much folksy holiday spirit.

 

Matt Rogers: The Prince of Christmas

Thursday, Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m.
The Neptune Theatre
$42.50

Matt Rogers is hitting Seattle with his hilarious Christmas tour, and if his podcast Las Culturistas is any indication, it’s going to be a filled with sharp humor and silly, over-the-top festive flair. This one’s perfect for a date night or a solo treat-yourself outing.

Visit our events calendar for more ideas.