Much to see and do this holiday season in and around Kent

December is a busy month in and around Kent with lots of holiday happenings, including holiday cruises, holiday concerts, holiday bazaars, tree lightings, open houses, Santa photos, Seattle Thunderbirds hockey games, Tacoma Stars indoor soccer and more. Here are some highlights you might want to check out this month:

Last updated 12/26/16, 9:33 AM
–CORRECTED: Kent City Council meeting is Dec. 13–
–Added more events.–

Throughout December:
Santa Photos (til Dec. 23) and Hooliday Owls (til Jan. 2) at Kent Station.
Ivar’s Clam Lights, Gene Coulon Park, nightly, 5 PM – 9 PM
Kent Firefighters collect toys through mid-December.
Kent HomeStreet Bank collects toys til December 9.

Mon., Dec. 19 – Mon., Jan. 2

No School – Kent School District

Thursday, Dec. 1

A Christmas Story: The Musical
by Kentlake HS Drama
Kentlake High School Performing Arts Center
21401 SE Falcon Way, Kent, WA
7 PM – 9 PM

A Year with Frog and Toad
by Kentridge Players
Kentridge High School Performing Arts Center
12430 SE 208th St., Kent, WA
7 PM – 9 PM

Friday, Dec. 2

Kent Commons Holiday Bazaar – FREE ADMISSION
Kent Commons (525 4th Ave. N., Kent, WA)
10 AM – 5 PM

Kent Firefighters Foundation Christmas Luncheon
Kent Senior Center (600 E. Smith St., Kent, WA)
11:45 AM – 1 PM

Destination Des Moines Holiday Tree Lighting – FREE
Big Catch Plaza (corner of 216th and Marine View Dr., Des Moines)
6 PM – 7 PM

Annual Ivar’s Clam Lights – Official Lighting
Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park (1201 Lake Washington Blvd. N., Renton WA)
6:15 PM- 8:20 PM

A Christmas Story: The Musical
by Kentlake HS Drama
Kentlake High School Performing Arts Center
21401 SE Falcon Way, Kent, WA
7 PM – 9 PM

A Year with Frog and Toad
by Kentridge Players
Kentridge High School Performing Arts Center
12430 SE 208th St., Kent, WA
7 PM – 9 PM

Seattle Thunderbirds vs. Kootenay Ice
ShoWare Center
7:35 PM

Covington Hollydaze Event: Float-In Movies
Covington Aquatic Center
(18230 SE 240th St, Covington, WA)
8 PM – 10 PM

Saturday, Dec. 3

Covington Hollydaze: Reindeer Dash 5K for Food
Valley Medical Center North Parking Lot
Check-in: 8 AM
Race start: 8:30 AM

Covington Hollydaze: Pancake Breakfast* and Santa Photos
City Hall Community Room
(16720 SE 271st St., Covington, WA)
9 AM – Noon
Breakfast is free but food or cash donations for area food banks are appreciated.

Covington Hollydaze: Craft Bazaar
(26915 186th Ave. SE, Covington, WA)
Jenkins Creek Elementary School
9 AM – 4 PM

Kent Commons Holiday Bazaar – FREE ADMISSION
Kent Commons (525 4th Ave. N., Kent, WA)
9 AM – 4 PM

Scenic Hill PTA Winter Craft Bazaar — FREE ADMISSION
Scenic Hill Elementary School Gym
26025 Woodland Way S., Kent, WA
9 AM – 2 PM

First Saturday Kids’ Art Project – FREE
Rusty Raven Art Studio (212 First Ave. S., Kent, WA)
10 AM – 1 PM

Find Your Fur-Ever Friend Dog Adoption
Green Dog Grooming (229 First Ave. S., Kent, WA)
10 AM – 2 PM

Greater Maple Valley Community Center Holiday Bazaar – FREE ADMISSION
Greater Maple Valley Community Center
(22010 SE 248th St, Maple Valley, WA)
10 AM – 3 PM

Farmhouse Christmas Celebration
Neely Mansion
(12303 SE Auburn-Black Diamond Rd, Auburn, WA)
12:30 PM – 4:30 PM

A Christmas Story: The Musical
by Kentlake HS Drama
Kentlake High School Performing Arts Center
21401 SE Falcon Way, Kent, WA
2:00 PM – 4 PM

Kent Winterfest hosted by Kent Lions – FREE
Town Square Plaza
3 PM – 6:15 PM

Holiday Story Time (part of Winterfest)
Kent Library (212 2nd Ave. N., Kent, WA)
3:30 PM – 4:30 PM

Covington Hollydaze: Community Tree Lighting Event – FREE
(168th Pl. SE, Covington, WA)
4 PM – 6 PM

Winter Solstice Arts & Crafts
SHADOW Lake Nature Preserve
(21656 184th Ave SE, Renton, WA)
5 PM – 8 PM

A Christmas Story: The Musical
by Kentlake HS Drama
Kentlake High School Performing Arts Center
21401 SE Falcon Way, Kent, WA
7 PM – 9 PM

A Year with Frog and Toad
by Kentridge Players
Kentridge High School Performing Arts Center
12430 SE 208th St., Kent, WA
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Seattle Thunderbirds vs. Medicine Hat Tigers
ShoWare Center
7:05 PM

Sunday, Dec. 4

K9 Candy Cane 5K Fun Run and Walk
Renton Community Center (1715 SE Maple Valley Hwy., Renton, WA)
9:15 AM – 10:15 AM

Kent Historical Museum Annual Christmas Open House – FREE
Kent Historical Museum (855 E. Smith St., Kent, WA)
1 PM – 4 PM

The Enchanted Book Workshop – FREE
Kent Library (212 2nd Ave. N., Kent, WA)
2 PM – 3 PM

Kent Spotlight Series: Magical Strings 30th Annual Celtic Yuletide Concert
Kent-Meridian Performing Arts Center
(10020 SE 256th St., Kent, WA)
3 PM

Monday, Dec. 5

Kent4Health ShoWalk Free Indoor Walking
ShoWare Center
9 AM – 11 AM

Pineapple Express Ukulele Jam & Hula Luncheon
Kent Senior Center (600 E. Smith St., Kent, WA)
1 PM – 2 PM

Wednesday, Dec. 7

Argosy Christmas Cruise Ship and Bonfire
Des Moines Beach Park
6:45 PM

100.7 The Wolf – Hometown Holiday
ShoWare Center (625 W. James St., Kent, WA)
8 PM – 10 PM (doors open at 6:30 PM)

Thursday, Dec. 8

Kent Chronicles: Conversations about the Vietnam Conflict
Kent Historical Museum (855 E. Smith St., Kent, WA)
11 AM – Noon

SpiritFest Community Supper
Pyung An Presbyterian Church (526 12th St., Auburn, WA)
5 PM – 6:30 PM

A Christmas Story: The Musical
by Kentlake HS Drama
Kentlake High School Performing Arts Center
21401 SE Falcon Way, Kent, WA
7 PM – 9 PM

Friday, Dec. 9

Stuffed Animal Sleepover
Auburn Library (1102 Auburn Way S., Auburn, WA)
4 PM

Kent Spotlight Series: Windham Hill Winter Solstice
30th Anniversary Concert with Will Ackerman, Barbara Higbie & Alex DeGrassi
Kent-Meridian Performing Arts Center (10020 SE 256th St., Kent, WA)
7:30 PM

A Christmas Story: The Musical
by Kentlake HS Drama
Kentlake High School Performing Arts Center
21401 SE Falcon Way, Kent, WA
7 PM – 9 PM

The Ultimate Christmas Show (abridged)
Burien Actors Theatre (14501 4th Ave. SW, Burien, WA)
8 PM

Float-In Movies
Covington Aquatic Center
(18230 SE 240th St, Covington, WA)
8 PM – 10 PM

Saturday, Dec. 10

Santa Breakfast
Auburn Community & Events Center (910 9th St. SE, Auburn, WA)
8:30 AM – 11 AM

Photos with Santa Paws
AVHS Shelter (4910 S St. SE, Auburn, WA)
9 AM – 2 PM

Kent-Meridian Co-Op Preschool Vendor Market
KM Co-Op Preschool (9425 S. 248th St., Kent, WA)
9 AM – 3 PM

Christmas Rush 5K Fun Run/Walk
Hogan Park (24400 Russell Rd., Kent, WA)
9 AM – Noon

Des Moines Parks and Recreation
Breakfast with Santa
Des Moines Activity Center
9 AM – 1 PM
Call 206-870-6527 for reservations.

Grinch Photo Shoot
Green Dog Grooming (229 First Ave. S., Kent, WA)
9 AM – 5 PM

4th Annual Food Drive for FREE SANTA PHOTOS
Maple Valley Community Center
(22010 SE 248th St, Maple Valley, Washington 98038)
10 AM – 3 PM

Teddy Bear Tea
Auburn Library (1102 Auburn Way S., Auburn, WA)
11 AM

Fun by the Fireside Sing-Along Show
Algona-Pacific Library (255 Ellingson Rd., Pacific, WA)
11 AM

Kent Chronicles: Conversations about the Vietnam Conflict
Kent Historical Museum (855 E. Smith St., Kent, WA)
11 AM – Noon

The Nutcracker (1-hour version)
Auburn Performing Arts Center (702 4th St. NE, Auburn, WA)
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM

Pet Santa Photos
Mud Bay – Kent (10457 SE 240th St., Kent, WA)
1 PM – 3:30 PM
$20 for 5×7″ print + digital copy
All proceeds benefit Forgotten Dogs Rescue.

A Kid’s Life Performing Arts Showcase
Carco Theatre (1717 SE Maple Valley Hwy., Renton, WA)
2 PM

A Christmas Story: The Musical
by Kentlake HS Drama
Kentlake High School Performing Arts Center
21401 SE Falcon Way, Kent, WA
2 PM – 4 PM

Historical Society of Federal Way
Holiday Open House
Steel Lake Annex Museum
Steel Lake Park, 2645 S. 312th St., Federal Way, WA
2 PM – 4 PM

Parent’s Night Out
Les Gove Park Gym (910 9th St. SE, Auburn, WA)
5 PM – 10 PM

A Christmas Story: The Musical
by Kentlake HS Drama
Kentlake High School Performing Arts Center
21401 SE Falcon Way, Kent, WA
7 PM – 9 PM

The Nutcracker
Auburn Performing Arts Center (702 4th St. NE, Auburn, WA)
7:30 PM

Rainier Chorale “Winter Solstice” Holiday Concert
Kent United Methodist Church (11010 SE 248th St., Kent, WA)
7:30 PM

Tacoma Stars vs. Ontario Fury
Youth Soccer Night

ShoWare Center
7:35 PM  (Note: New start time!)

The Ultimate Christmas Show (abridged)
Burien Actors Theatre (14501 4th Ave. SW, Burien, WA)
8 PM

Sunday, Dec. 11

Photos with Santa Paws
AVHS Shelter (4910 S St. SE, Auburn, WA)
9 AM – 2 PM

Free Tours of Pacific Bonsai Museum
2515 S. 336th St., Federal Way, WA
1 PM – 2 PM

The Nutcracker (1-hour version)
Auburn Performing Arts Center (702 4th St. NE, Auburn, WA)
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM

Rainier Chorale “Winter Solstice” Holiday Concert
Kent United Methodist Church
2 PM

WinterLights – ChoralSounds Northwest
Highline Performing Arts Center (401 S. 152nd St., Burien, WA)
2 PM – 4 PM

The Ultimate Christmas Show (abridged)
Burien Actors Theatre (14501 4th Ave. SW, Burien, WA)
8 PM

Home Alone Winter Show
Carco Theatre (1717 SE Maple Valley Hwy., Renton, WA)
2 PM and 4 PM

The Nutcracker
Auburn Performing Arts Center (702 4th St. NE, Auburn, WA)
5:30 PM

Monday, Dec. 12

Kent4Health ShoWalk Free Indoor Walking
ShoWare Center
9 AM – 11 AM

Tuesday, Dec. 13

Kent City Council
Council Chambers (City Hall, 220 Fourth Ave. S., Kent, WA)
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Seattle Thunderbirds vs. Spokane Chiefs
ShoWare Center
7:05 PM

Wednesday, Dec. 14

Kent4Health ShoWalk Free Indoor Walking
ShoWare Center
9 AM – 11 AM

Thursday, Dec. 15

Third Thursday Art Night
Rusty Raven Art Studio (212 First Ave. S., Kent, WA)
4 PM – 7 PM

A Christmas Story – The Musical
Auburn Ave. Theatre (10 Auburn Ave., Auburn, WA)
7 PM – 9 PM

Argosy Christmas Cruise Ship and Bonfire
Redondo
8:15 PM

Friday, Dec. 16

Smooth Tones A Capella Concert
Kent Senior Center (600 E. Smith St., Kent, WA)
1 PM – 2 PM

Highline Public Schools Winter Job Fair
Highline Public Schools Central Office
15675 Ambaum Blvd. SW, Burien, WA
3 PM – 5 PM

East Indian Connections Holiday Bash
Kent Memorial Park (850 Central Ave. N., Kent, WA)
6 PM – 9 PM

A Christmas Story – The Musical
Auburn Ave. Theatre (10 Auburn Ave., Auburn, WA)
7 PM – 9 PM

Seattle Thunderbirds vs. Prince George Cougars
ShoWare Center
7:35 PM

Float-In Movies
Covington Aquatic Center
(18230 SE 240th St, Covington, WA)
8 PM – 10 PM

Saturday, Dec. 17

Wreaths Across America
Tahoma National Cemetery (18600 SE 240th St., Kent, WA)
9 AM – 10 AM

Country Christmas at Reber Ranch
Reber Ranch (28606 132nd Ave SE, Kent, WA 98042)
10 AM – 2 PM

Eric Ode Winter Concert
Kent Regional Library (212 2nd Ave N, Kent, WA 98032)
10:30 AM – 11:15 AM

Communities in Schools of Kent Fundraiser
Chipotle Mexican Grill (512 Ramsay Way #101, Kent, WA 98031)
10:45 AM – 9 PM

Holiday Open House with Santa – FREE
Marketplace at Lake Meridian
12916 SE Kent-Kangley Rd., Kent, WA 98030
11 AM – 2 PM

Holiday Drop & Shop
Des Moines Field House (1000 S 220th Pl, Des Moines, WA 98198)
12 PM – 4 PM

Trip to the North Pole – Allegro’s 2016 Holiday Showcase
Auburn Performing Arts Center
702 Fourth Street NE, Auburn, WA
Shows at 2 PM and 6 PM

Seattle Thunderbirds vs. Tri-City Americans
ShoWare Center
7:05 PM

Sunday, Dec. 18

Trip to the North Pole – Allegro’s 2016 Holiday Showcase
Auburn Performing Arts Center
702 Fourth Street NE, Auburn, WA
Shows at 2 PM and 6 PM

A Christmas Story – The Musical
Auburn Ave. Theatre (10 Auburn Ave., Auburn, WA)
2 PM – 4 PM

Renton Youth Symphony Orchestra
Carco Theatre (1717 SE Maple Valley Hwy., Renton, WA)
3 PM – 4 PM

Sounds of the Season – Rainier Symphony
Foster Performing Arts Center
4242 S 144th Street, Tukwila, WA, 98168
3 PM – 5 PM

Tacoma Stars vs. San Diego Sockers
ShoWare Center
3:05 PM

Dickens Carolers Holiday Concert – FREE
Fairwood Library (7009 140th Ave SE, Renton, WA, 98058)
3:30 PM – 4:30 PM

A Bonsai Solstice
Pacific Bonsai Museum (2515 S 336th Street , Federal Way, WA, 98003)
4 PM – 7 PM

Christmas Concert – FREE
Wabash Church (18325 SE 384th St., Auburn, WA)
5:30 PM – 7 PM

Monday, Dec. 19

Kent4Health ShoWalk Free Indoor Walking
ShoWare Center
9 AM – 11 AM

Wednesday, Dec. 21

Kent4Health ShoWalk Free Indoor Walking
ShoWare Center
9 AM – 11 AM

Saturday, Dec. 24

Christmas Eve

Sunday, Dec. 25

Christmas Day

Monday, Dec. 26

Boxing Day

Tuesday, Dec. 27

Seattle Thunderbirds vs. Spokane Chiefs
ShoWare Center
7:35 PM

Wednesday, Dec. 28

Kent4Health ShoWalk Free Indoor Walking
ShoWare Center
9 AM – 11 AM
(tentative)

Thursday, Dec. 29

Coloring and Cookies (Kids 6 and younger) — FREE
Kent Regional Library (212 2nd Ave. N, Kent, WA 98032)
2 PM – 4 PM

Friday, Dec. 30

Northern Lights – Wine and Canvas Event
Golden Steer Steak & Rib House (23826 104th Ave. SE, Kent, WA 98031)
7 PM – 10 PM

Saturday, Dec. 31

Noon Year’s Eve Singing Celebration with Nancy Stewart — FREE
Kent Regional Library (212 2nd Ave. N, Kent, WA 98032)
11 AM – 12 PM

Pajamas and a Vision
Kent Commons (525 Fourth Ave. N., Kent, WA 98032)
Noon – 3 PM

New Year’s Eve Party
Reds Wine Bar
6 PM

Celtic Club New Year’s Eve Celebration
with Billy Stoops & the Dirt Angels
Celtic Club (623 Central Ave. S., Kent, WA)
9 PM

We do our best to provide the most current information available, but sometimes we make mistakes or a business’s or organization’s plans change. We encourage you to check directly with them to be sure you have all the latest details before making your plans.

See a mistake or know of an event we should add? Please email us or comment below. Thank you and Happy Holidays from iLoveKent!

 

Dana Neuts

I am a full-time freelance writer, editor, marketing pro and the publisher of iLoveKent.net.

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