Wow, things got weird this year, huh? Chances are you want to tuck under a stack of weighted blankets and sleep until 2028. Us, too! We have to push forward, but there will be plenty of time to fight in 2025. For now, we party! Seattle is one of the only cities in America that got shit right on November 5, so let’s rejoice and celebrate the fact that We! Are! Great! Chug festive cocktails! Get happy and weird with Scott Shoemaker’s War on Christmas! Fall into a trance at a gaudy light display! (If you stare long enough you might be able to fool your brain into thinking the sun didn’t set at 4 pm.) Find many more good things to do at everout.com/seattle.

Illustrations by Michael Mergenthaler; Design by Corianton Hale

Click the image above (or click here) to download a printable PDF of the Gladvent Calendar!

 

December 1 

MUSIC 

Cyndi Lauper at Climate Pledge Arena

“She bop, he bop, we bop / I bop, you bop, they bop / Be bop, be bop, a lu bop.” (That song is about masturbation!) 

 

December 2

FOOD & DRINK 

The Stranger’s Holiday Drink Week!

Read more about the festive $12 drink specials available at participating bars all over the city here! 

 

December 3 

AUTHOR TALK 

Hsiao-Ching Chou and Meilee Chou Riddle at Book Larder

Local chef and author Hsiao-Ching Chou wrote a cookbook of family recipes with her daughter, Meilee! Dumplings for everyone! 

 

December 4

COMEDY

A John Waters Christmas at Neptune Theatre

The Prince of Puke is back with his annual holiday show December 3–4 at the Neptune. 

 

December 5

VISUAL ART

December First Thursday Art Walk in Pioneer Square

Don’t be a grinch, support local artists! 

 

December 6

SHOPPING

Urban Craft Uprising Winter Show at Seattle Center

UCU’s preview night is kid-free and less crowded than the general event, so you can leisurely shop more than 150 vendors and food trucks. 

 

December 7

MUSIC

Medieval Woman’s Choir at St. James Cathedral

These women will make your brain burst in the best way. Read more about them here. 

 

December 8

FILM

The Muppet Christmas Carol at SIFF Cinema Uptown

“Light the lamp, not the rat! LIGHT THE LAMP, NOT THE RAT!” 

 

December 9

AUTHOR TALK

Robin Wall Kimmerer at Town Hall

Kimmerer, a member of Citizen Potawatomi Nation, is an award-winning nature writer and botanist. 

 

December 10

FOOD & DRINK

Eat a Cookie

We’re featuring a cookie on Slog every day in December! Check out thestranger.com/cookiecountdown and treat yourself! 

 

December 11

DANCE

The Nutcracker at Pacific Northwest Ballet

Did you know they use everclear to clean those intricate costumes?

 

December 12

HOLIDAY LIGHTS

Astra Lumina at the Seattle Chinese Garden

This illuminated “celestial pathway” is approximately one mile long and features 10 light displays. 

 

December 13

PERFORMANCE

Betty Wetter’s Blue Xmas at Clock-Out Lounge

It’s Betty Wetter’s Christmas party, and she can cry if she wants to! 

 

December 14

MUSIC

Smooch at the Showbox

A benefit for Seattle Children’s Hospital with Sebadoh! (Please wear a Santa costume, Lou Barlow.) 

 

December 15

VISUAL ART

Fischersund: Faux Flora at National Nordic Museum

Read our interview with Jónsi and his Fischersund art collective here! 

 

December 16

PERFORMANCE

Scott Shoemaker’s War on Christmas! at Theater Off Jackson

This might just be the weirdest and best holiday tradition in all of Seattle. 

 

December 17

HOLIDAY LIGHTS

Fiesta Navideña Night at Enchant Christmas at T-Mobile Park

Hard to be S.A.D. when surrounded by more than FOUR MILLION lights! 

 

December 18

FOOD & DRINK

Miracle on 2nd at Rob Roy

This annual holiday pop-up runs through December 25. 

 

December 19

COMEDY

Matt Rogers at Neptune Theatre

Celebrate the holidays with everyone’s favorite Las Culturistas host! (Sorry, Bowen.) 

 

December 20

THEATER

A Very Die Hard Christmas at Seattle Public Theater

“The quarterback is toast!” 

 

December 21

MUSIC

Thunderpussy at the Crocodile

Rock out with your Thunderpussy out! 

 

December 22

SHOPPING

United Indians Native Art Market at the Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center

Because no one wants something you purchased in a panic at Target.

 

December 23

COMEDY

The Dina Martina Christmas Show at ACT Contemporary Theatre

It simply isn’t Christmas until the brilliant Dina Martina delivers her unhinged rendition of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. 

 

December 24

COMEDY

The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show at Moore Theatre

Jinkx Monsoon and BenDeLaCreme hold holiday court at the Moore December 21–24. 

 

December 25

CHRISTMAS & THE FIRST NIGHT OF HANUKKAH

Get Naked, Play Zelda

Learn how to find your own happiness for the holidays on page 15 of our winter issue.

 

December 26

BOXING DAY

Go Hit Something

It’s been a hell of a year. 

 

December 27

VISUAL ART

Keith Haring: A Radiant Legacy at MoPOP

Read about how this almost made Charles Mudede cry here! 

 

December 28

MUSIC

Dancer and Prancer at Winterfest

They’re the holiday-themed surf band you didn’t know you needed! 

 

December 29

COMMUNITY

Do Some Good Before Things Get Bad

Learn about volunteer opportunities for introverts on page 19 of our winter issue! 

 

December 30

HOLIDAY LIGHTS

WildLanterns at Woodland Park Zoo

Don’t want to deal with other people’s screaming, pee-covered children? The zoo’s 21+ nights are December 5 and January 2. 

 

December 31

MUSIC

Artist Home’s New Year’s Eve at Tractor Tavern

With members of Smokey Brights, Black Ends, Wild Powwers, and more! Find more NYE party suggestions at everout.com/seattle!Â