6 Holiday Things to Do This Weekend in Seattle: Dec 1 – 4

Runs December 1 – 4

The Nightmare Before Christmas has been a holiday staple since its release in 1993. What could be more enticing than a mash-up of two seemingly contradictory holidays, Halloween and Christmas? Although filmmaker Tim Burton couldn’t direct the movie, his distinctive, quirky fingerprints are nonetheless all over it. In addition to serving as producer, the film’s story is based on a poem he’d written in 1982 and had been trying to bring to the screen ever since. He also brought in his longtime collaborator, composer Danny Elfman (the two first worked together on Pee-wee’s Big Adventure) to write the film’s songs and score (Elfman’s also the singing voice of Jake Skellington, the Pumpkin King), making the movie as much of an audio treat as a visual one.

Which is where the Seattle Symphony comes in. Why settle for watching this magnificence on the small screen when you can experience it in full-size format and accompanied by live symphonic accompaniment to boot? Then hasten down to the sonically superb setting of Benaroya Hall, where Susie Benchasil Seiter will conduct the Seattle Symphony through the delights of “This Is Halloween,” “Kidnap the Sandy Claws,” and “Oogie Boogie’s Song.” (Tip: If the drinks line on the main floor is too long, try the stands on the upper levels. Bonus tip: Cash-only lines are always shorter.) GILLIAN G. GAAR

Runs December 2 – 24

Most local theatres have a holiday ritual, with shows geared explicitly toward audiences they’ve cultivated over years and even decades. The 140-seat Theatre Off Jackson in the Chinatown-International District? They have whatever Scott Shoemaker and Freddy Molitch of Shoe and Pants Productions have cooked up with Scott Shoemaker’s War on Christmas, a raunchy and gut-busting variety show that caters to a rowdier, late-night crowd.

“I love that we have a point of view that’s different than all the other shows in Seattle’s Christmas Industrial Complex,” Shoemaker told The Ticket. “Even though the variety show format is something people have seen a lot, I think people are constantly surprised at the audacity of the things we’ll put on the stage. I can’t think of a show that’s as twisted as ours, and if there is one, it should be shut down immediately because it’s clearly gone too far.”

Previously staged at the Re-Bar (🪦), War on Christmas is a mix of song, dance, “partial nudity,” and holiday cheer co-starring other weirdos Mandy Price, Faggedy Randy, and Adé. New to the cast this year is Major Scales, known for his work with two-time Drag Race winner Jinkx Monsoon (The Vaudevillians, The Ginger Snapped) and in the BenDeLaCreme Halloween extravaganza Beware the Terror of Gaylord Manor. MARCUS GORMAN

Runs until January 8

While I’m no Grinch, it does take some coaxing to get me in the holiday mood. Baking, light displays, and ice skating seem to do the trick. Bellevue’s Downtown Ice Rink, in particular, helps pave my way into the festivities. A 25-year tradition, Bellevue’s rink boasts being the region’s largest open-air rink (at 10,000 square feet). It runs until January 8, rain or shine, and ticket prices include skate rental. (For those too scared to skate, there’s a viewing area where you can sit and snack.)

Open almost every day of the week, with free parking nearby, the rink is the right place to hit for a mid-week happy hour. I recommend getting your hot chocolate at the on-site concession stand, then heading to Snowflake Lane for a free nightly holiday parade. (Held every night at 7 pm with music, lights, dancers, drummers, and falling snow.)

While Bellevue isn’t the only rink around—you can skate at the Kraken Iceplex, Pacific Ice Rink in Everett, and even a 3-day pop-up rink in Occidental Square (December 9 to 11)—this seasonal rink is worth a trip to the Eastside. Get in on its fun events like Ugly Sweater Skates and Free Skating Lessons. Film a Blades of Glory-style TikTok. Go wild.

Tip: Buy tickets online in advance, especially for busy weekends. Hit the nearby Rouge Cocktail Lounge for their Cutty Nog, a drink where orange creamsicle meets boozy eggnog—or splurge on a Spiked Apple Cider. PATHERESA WELLS