Must List: Seattle Center’s New Year’s Eve Celebration, Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony, Milkshake Pop-Up
Your weekly guide to Seattle's hottest events.
By Beau Iverson December 27, 2018
Love the Must List? Get it right in your inbox. Subscribe.
MUST PARTY
Seattle Center’s New Year’s Eve Celebration
(12/31) There are plenty of places to ring in the new year around Seattle, so don’t fret that T-Mobile’s New Year’s at the Needle Party is already sold out. If you’re looking to get close the Space Needle’s fireworks, head to the Seattle Center for its New Year’s Eve Celebration. A part of the Center’s Winterfest program, this party will feature live music, DJs and a video projection show. 8 p.m.—midnight. Free. Seattle Center Armory, Queen Anne, 305 Harrison St.; 206.684.7200; seattlecenter.com
Photo by Angela Ciccu
MUST CUP
Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony
(12/29) Experience the ceremony surrounding Ethiopia’s coffee culture at Kaffa Coffee in Rainier Beach. Owner Milen Medhane has partnered with Atlas Obscura Society and Christopher Blado to bring Seattleites a taste of where it all started. Perfect for the coffee enthusiast looking to learn while they sip. 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. $30. Kaffa Coffee and Wine Bar, Rainier Beach, 8136 Rainier Ave. S; 206.453.3558; Facebook “The Original Coffee Break: Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony”
MUST HOP
The Velveteen Rabbit
(Through 12/30) After four successful runs at the London-based Unicorn Theatre, this special adaptation of Margery Williams’ heart-warming classic comes to Seattle, directed by the UK theater group’s Purni Morell and narrated by Seattle actor Peter Crook, making for a special experience for both adults and children. As one reviewer wrote, “It seems, in this bleak world, that magic and wonder are still alive at [Seattle Children’s Theatre].” Times and prices vary. Seattle Children’s Theatre, Queen Anne, 201 Thomas St.; 206.441.3322; sct.org
Photo by Grahm Doughty
MUST SHAKE
Milkshake Pop-Up
(12/29) Treat yourself to a shake from Late Shake, the Portland-based Dapper & Wise Coffee Roasters’ side project specializing in artisan milkshakes. Using unique, local ingredients (natch) including local bee honey, fresh ginger root and Jacobson sea salt, they’re all the rage in Portland, we hear. And no need to be weary of dairy—non-dairy options will also be available using cashew ice cream. 2–6 p.m. Free entry. La Marzocco Café, Queen Anne, 472 1st Ave. N; 206.388.3500; lateshake.com
MUST BELIEVE
The Polar Express™ Train Ride
(Through 12/31) Step into the pages of The Polar Express, Chris Van Allsburg’s beloved Christmas tale (and inspiration for the 2004 film) on this 90-minute train ride. Listen to a reading of The Polar Express, enjoy entertainment, hot chocolate and cookies from the train’s chefs, and look out for a special visit from Santa himself. Experience the wonder of Christmas all while staying cozy—pajamas are encouraged. Times and prices vary. Mt. Rainier Railroad Depot, Elbe, 54124 Mountain Hwy E; 360.492.6000; visitrainier.com
Follow Us
Studio Sessions: Jo Cosme
The Seattle-based multimedia artist and 2026 Neddy Award winner challenges the postcard version of Puerto Rico and centers the persistence of its people.
Jo Cosme knows how seductive a postcard can be. The Seattle-based Boricua (Puerto Rican) multimedia artist works across photography, installation, video, sound, and interactive elements to examine and pull apart how Puerto Rico is seen, sold, and misunderstood from the outside. Trained in photojournalism, with a BFA in photography from Puerto Rico School of Fine…
Seattle’s Drag Brunch Has History
The city’s Sunday shows started long before the mimosas got bottomless.
There was a time not too long ago, when drag performances—now a mainstay of Seattle’s queer scene—were kept under wraps. And when brunches, complete with singing and dancing queens dressed in dazzling drag as you sipped mimosas, weren’t a Sunday staple. During the 1940s and ‘50s, an era largely shaped by restrictive laws and bias…
Studio Sessions: Sangram Majumdar
Working at the confluence of history, culture, and various painting traditions, UW associate professor Sangram Majumdar is one of this year’s Neddy Artist Award winners.
Discover the art of UW professor Sangram Majumdar, a 2026 Neddy Artist Award winner. Learn about his inspiration and upcoming Seattle exhibition at Cornish.
Rearview Mirror: A Georgian Dinner, Sidewalk Sips, and One-of-a-Kind Clothing
Things I did, saw, ate, learned, or read in the past week (or so).
A new life for old clothes To celebrate one year in its current studio, the FXRY—a clothing repair service available via in-person appointments, home pickup, or mail-in drop off—is dropping its first collection. A small batch of reworked pieces, Second Mark will feature 13 vintage barn jackets, cropped, chain-stitched, and renewed into a completely unique, one-of-one…