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Must List: The Buttcracker, Handel’s Messiah and Holiday Gifts Galore

What to do this weekend in Seattle

By Seattle magazine staff December 18, 2015

buttcracker2_0

Must Cruise
The Argosy Christmas Ship Festival

(Through 12/22, times vary) Cruise into Christmas on a sparkling boat, while enjoying choral performances, seasonal cocktails and a special reading of ’Twas the Night Before Christmas by Santa himself. Landlubbers can enjoy the spectacle, warmed by a bonfire, at one of the cruise’s many stops along Puget Sound, where the choir’s 20-minute performances will be broadcast via speaker to the shore.

Must Rock
The Buttcracker Takes Over the Erikson Theatre

(12/18 to 12/20, times vary) “Hair metal” songs ratchet up a bizarre holiday package very loosely based on the classic. Party on, Clara.

Must See
William Kentridge at Greg Kucera Gallery

(Through 12/24, times vary) The famed South African artist, known for his expressive, socially conscious animated films of his sooty drawings and erasures, shows a series of volatile collage etchings, large and small.

Must Shop
Seattle magazine’s 2015 Holiday Gift Guide

‘Tis the season for giving. Browse our top local finds for him, for her, for home…for everyone.

Must Listen
Seattle Symphony Performs Handel’s Messiah

(12/18 to 12/20, times vary) A centuries-old December tradition, this venerated masterpiece is performed by the Seattle Symphony.

Must Go
Great Seats Left for Late-Night Showings of Land of the Sweets: The Burlesque Nutcracker
It’s the 10th anniversary for this provocative holiday performance and we’re told there are two 10 p.m. shows next week on December 21 and 22 that still have stellar seats left. Nab tickets here and get thee to the The Triple Door, stat.

 

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