💰 Where the money’s going

• 50% to existing cultural organizations
• 15% to public school programming
• 15% to reimbursing organizations that offer free tickets and/or rides to shows
• 10% to Building for Equity, which helps BIPOC-led groups purchase cultural spaces
• 3% to help start new organizations
• ~3% for admin costs

❤️ Who will benefit?

• The Northwest African American Museum
• Issaquah Salmon Hatchery
• The Auburn Symphony Orchestra
• Lake City’s Refugee Artisan Initiative
• Seattle Theatre Group (STG)

• Nordic Stories | Thursday, Dec. 7 | 10-10:30 a.m. | National Nordic Museum, 2655 NW Market St., Seattle | Free | Bring the kiddos to hear classic storybook tales from various Nordic countries paired with fun craft projects.
• Pier 62 Fire Pit | Thursday, Dec. 7 | 3-6 p.m. | Waterfront Park, 1401 Alaskan Way, Seattle | Free | Get cozy by an open fire while gazing out at beautiful Puget Sound views — good date night activity.

• Holiday Pops | Friday, Dec. 8-Sunday, Dec. 10 | Times vary | Benaroya Hall, 200 University St., Seattle | $45-$128 | Conductor Stuart Chafetz and vocalist-trombonist Aubrey Logan lead the festive program of holiday favorites.
• Christmas Ship Parade of Boats | Friday, Dec. 8 | 8-9:30 p.m. | Evanston Plaza, Evanston Ave. N. + Nortlake Way, Seattle | Free | Join the annual tradition in the Montlake Cut on your own decked-out boat or gather at the official onshore viewing party in Fremont.

• Oyster Class at Elliott’s | Saturday, Dec. 9 | 3-4 p.m. | Elliott’s Oyster House, 1201 Alaskan Way, Seattle | $90 | Awww, shucks — learn how to handle precious bivalves while enjoying bubbly and a wine flight.
• GLOWS: Glorious Lights of West Seattle | Saturday, Dec. 9 | 4-8 p.m. | Junction Plaza Park, 4200 SW Alaska St., Seattle | Free | Check out West Seattle’s big holiday fest with a light-up costume contest, night market, beer + hot wine garden, music, and more.
• UW Men’s Basketball vs. Gonzaga | Saturday, Dec. 9 | 8 p.m. | Alaska Airlines Arena, 3870 Montlake Blvd. NE, Seattle | $39-$503 | When Spokane’s perennial powerhouse comes into town, you know the joint’s going to be hopping.

• Gnome Alone | Sunday, Dec. 10 | 2-4 p.m. | The Heart Gallery Paint and Sip, 625 SW 153rd St., Burien | $40 | Get instructions on crafting a masterwork of gnomish glory while grabbing a beverage of your choice.
• Chanukah at the Kraken | Sunday, Dec. 10 | 4:15-6 p.m. | Kraken Community Iceplex, 10601 Fifth Ave. NE, Seattle | $0-$20 | The annual event celebrates the Festival of Lights with skating, latkes, and community cheer.

1. Sport Hoodie: This top-seller is almost sold out.
2. The Anson performance polo: It’s rated five stars by 99% of customers.
3. The Sully quarter zip: Many of these colors match up with The Anson colors for a coordinated, layered look.

• A big condo project in Bellevue is taking shape. Bosa Development recently filed plans for three, 27-story apartment towers at Main Street and Bellevue Way Northeast. The project will have 455 residential units, ground-level retail, and underground parking. (Puget Sound Business Journal)

• Mayor Bruce Harrell and the Consul General of Japan revealed a commemorative plaque near downtown’s newly planted cherry blossom trees. The plaque shares the trees’ significance in Japanese culture and highlights that Japanese American farmers were once the majority of vendors at nearby Pike Place Market.

• If you’re looking to give to organizations that assist people facing housing insecurity, this list is a good place to start. The Seattle Times compiles donation needs for nonprofits like Chief Seattle Club, Compass Housing Alliance, and Mary’s Place. (Seattle Times)

• Let’s taco ‘bout it — Bellevue’s Mexican food truck La Chingon Taqueria has opened a new restaurant in Seattle. The location at 2940 SW Avalon Way serves loaded chilaquiles dishes, tamales, pozole, and more than 40 varieties of tacos + burritos.

• This evening marks the beginning of Hanukkah — the Jewish Festival of Lights. Celebrate with the Grand Menorah Lighting at Volunteer Park tonight or the Klezmatics concert at Town Hall that includes crafts-making.

• A four-bedroom house that Jeff Bezos purchased in 2019 is on the market. The Bellevue pad is one of three properties on the Eastside that were used by the now-former Seattelite’s personal staff. This one in Yarrow Point is listed by Compass for $4.4 million. (Puget Sound Business Journal)

• Any “Broad City” fans out there? Comedian and actress Ilana Glazer — who co-starred in the hit Comedy Central Show — is coming to the Moore Theatre on February 8, 2024. You can register for ticket presale now.

• Looks like Microsoft will reduce the number of permanent desks and offices available for some hybrid employees in the company’s Redmond headquarters. As part of the changes, those who work at the Azure Edge and Platform division will be consolidated into four buildings in February. (Puget Sound Business Journal)

• The Pac-12 All Conference teams were just announced — and 14 UW stars made the cut. Among the “first team” players were Huskies edge rusher Bralen Trice, linebacker Edefuan Ulofoshio, tackle Troy Fautanu, and wide receiver Rome Odunze. Kalen DeBoer also won Pac-12 Coach of the Year. (UW Dawg Pound)

• Have a favorite local holiday treat? Let us know which cookies, pastries, and other desserts you’re craving this season that are made by Seattle shops. We’ll compile the top ones in a mini advent-like calendar later this month.

• Take care of all of your holiday shopping at once at the Seattle Restored Winter Market, happening Saturday, Dec. 9, 12-6 p.m. at 5th + Pike. With 24+ local makers selling unique finds, you’ll be able to find something special for everyone. Entry is free, but an RSVP is encouraged. Happy shopping, Seattle.*

• Step one of your dog’s wellness journey: Nom Nom. The vet nutritionist-developed meals are perfectly portioned for a vibrant, joyful life. Get 50% off your first order.*

FedEx deadlines

• Wednesday, Dec. 13 | Ground economy
• Friday, Dec. 15 | 5-Day shipping
• Monday, Dec. 18 | 4-Day shipping
• Tuesday, Dec. 19 | 3-Day shipping (ground) + express saver
• Wednesday, Dec. 20 | 3-Day shipping (home) + 2-Day shipping (ground)
• Thursday, Dec. 21 | 2-Day shipping (home) + 1-day shipping (ground)
• Friday, Dec. 22 | 1-Day home delivery + same day

UPS deadlines

• Tuesday, Dec. 19 | UPS 3-Day Select
• Wednesday, Dec. 20 | UPS 2nd Day Air
• Thursday, Dec. 21 | UPS Next Day Air

United States Postal Service deadlines

• Saturday, Dec. 16 | USPS Ground Advantage + First-Class Mail
• Monday, Dec. 18 | Priority Mail
• Wednesday, Dec. 20 | Priority Mail Express