Must List: Julefest, Thanksgiving Night Market, ‘Bite Sized’

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MUST NORD-OUT

Julefest 
(11/23-11/24) No need to be a Swede to enjoy the second annual Nordic Christmas celebration, with traditional sounds and flavors, handmade wares and performances by local Scandinavian groups. While this Christmas fest typically lasts a month in Europe, this weekend event packs in plenty, with enough hot glögg, roasted pork and spiced cabbage to fuel the way. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Prices vary. National Nordic Museum, Ballard; nordicmuseum.org

MUST TRY THIS PIE

Thanksgiving Night Market
(11/26) Catch a preview of Café Flora’s new wholesale bakehouse, which will be filling the Flora family’s pastry cases come spring 2020. The Flora Bakehouse is popping up at Café Flora’s upcoming Thanksgiving Night Market, selling pies (pre-order yours here) and other sweet and savory baked goods. The bakehouse is joined by other local vendors, selling Thanksgiving necessities such as flower arrangements, local produce, tableware and artisan bread. Supplies are limited, so make sure to pre-order your bakehouse treats before November 22. 3 p.m.-7 p.m. Free to attend. Café Flora, Madison Valley; Facebook: ‘Thanksgiving Night Market’

MUST WARM HEARTS

Indian Ink Theatre Company – Mrs. Krishnan’s Party
(Through 11/24) Follow the life of Mrs. Krishnan, convenience store owner and jubilant host, as she entertains the many personalities that populate the back room of her store. There’s always something cooking as the laughter sounds and the music plays, bringing the spirits up and the community together as the drama comes and goes in this unpredictable party. Kalyani Nagarajan and Justin Rogers take the spotlight for a night of dance, laughs and eats. Times and prices vary. Erickson Theatre, Capitol Hill; stgpresents.org

MUST IMMERSE

Seattle Turkish Film Festival
(11/21-11/24) Seattle’s seventh annual Turkish film festival reappears briefly, with the showing of eight full length films at SIFF Uptown. Plus, catch the marathon of ten short films selected from more than 200 submissions, with a Q&A session featuring Tunahan Kurt, director of the grand-prize-winning film, Bed Bug. Vote on your favorite short film to help decide which one wins the Seattle Audience Award. Kick off the weekend of films with the opening night gala at Pacific Science Center, kicking off the event with appearances from actors, along with director Cem Kaya. Times, prices and locations vary; stff.org

MUST CONSUME

Christopher Boffoli: Bite Sized
(Through 12/21) Seattle-based artist Christopher Boffoli is taking a miniature approach to food photography. His exhibit, Bite Sized, takes an uncanny look at the very practicalities of food when seen from the eyes of bite sized people. Photographs of tiny, painted figurines in precarious situations depict the imaginative nature of the artist, all with a lighthearted approach. Times vary. Free. Winston Wächter Fine Art, South Lake Union; seattle.winstonwachter.com

MUST SHOP LOCAL

Gobble Up
(11/23) Support locally-made products at this market featuring over 75 food, beverage and kitchenware makers. The event showcases vendors peddling baked goods, chocolates, spreads, spices, preserves, oils, ceramics and other holiday gifts. Stop by for the food trucks on-site, along with book signings from local cookbook authors every hour. The event is free but a ticket is required to account for capacity. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Hangar 30, Magnuson Park; gobbleupnorthwest.com

Coming up:
These events are weeks away, but are bound to sell out—get your tickets now.

MUST SIP & SEE

DeLille Cellars Grand Preview Taste & Tour Weekend
(11/29-12/1) Celebrating the completion of its new tasting room and retail tower at Hollywood Station, DeLille Cellars is hosting a weekend of wine tasting, cheese pairings and live music. Experience views of Mt. Rainier from the new space’s third-floor rooftop deck or step out on the mezzanine to glance at the winemaking facility and barrel room; guests will also take home a commemorative glass from this unique weekend. Times vary. $30. Hollywood Station, Woodinville, WA; delillecellars.com/GrandPreview

MUST SEE

Howl’s Moving Castle 
(11/29-12/29) Based on the book by Diana Wynne Jones (and made popular by Hayao Miyazaki’s 2004 animated film), Book-It Repertory Theatre brings an adaptation of the 1980’s tale of Sophie, an unconfident girl who endures a curse that changes her into an old woman. Sophie must find the strength to change her destiny in this story of learning, friendship and taking control of your own fate; watch Sophie find her autonomy, with a little help from the friends she meets along the way. Times and prices vary. Book-It Repertory Theatre, Seattle Center; book-it.org

MUST LAUGH

Scott Shoemaker’s War on Christmas!
(12/5-12/22) Back for its second year, this show features the same cheeky cast, with an all-new set of parodied and original songs, dances, comedy and of course, partial nudity. Co-written by and starring Scott Shoemaker, the variety show encases the true absurdity of the holidays in a mirage of symbolism, carnality and humor. Times and prices vary. Re-bar, 1114 Howell St; Facebook: ‘Scott Shoemaker’s War On Christmas’