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Jim Gaffigan, Model Train Festival, more things to do in Seattle this weekend

By Jeffrey Totey, Special to the SeattlePI

|Updated
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 08: Jim Gaffigan performs onstage during the 15th Annual Stand Up For Heroes benefit at Alice Tully Hall presented by Bob Woodruff Foundation and NY Comedy Festival on November 08, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for SUFH)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 08: Jim Gaffigan performs onstage during the 15th Annual Stand Up For Heroes benefit at Alice Tully Hall presented by Bob Woodruff Foundation and NY Comedy Festival on November 08, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for SUFH)

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for SUFH

It’s not only the season for ho ho ho but also for ha ha ha as four new comedy shows open in Seattle this weekend.

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Some big names are also visiting the Emerald City and a couple of milestone events will be taking place. 

Keep reading for a roundup of things to see and do around Seattle Dec. 17-19. 

Comedy: Jim Gaffigan, Mystery Science Theater, more

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Need a good laugh? Comedian, actor, writer and two-time New York Times best-selling author Jim Gaffigan is performing at the Paramount Theatre this weekend. The Fun Tour begins at 7 and 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 7 p.m. on Sunday.

Each week, the Small Town Murder podcast duo investigates a small town, and learns about its different quirks and a murder that took place there. The guys are in town with a show at The Neptune Theatre at 8 p.m. Friday. Then on Saturday, The Neptune welcomes comedian Todd Barry to the stage. Known for his latest special, "Spicy Honey" on Netflix and appearing in a number of TV series, Barry’s show begins at 8 p.m.

On Saturday, The Moore Theatre will be welcoming Mystery Science Theater 3000 Live providing commentary on the film "Making Contact." Emily Connor serves as the host of the Time Bubble Tour alongside riffing robots Tom Servo, Crow and GPC.

(Original Caption) Left to right are; Actor Bing Crosby, Actresses Rosemary Clooney and Vera Ellen, and Actor Danny Kaye, dressed in Christmas colors as they sing during the 1954 Paramount production of "White Christmas." Undated movie still. (Photo by George Rinhart/Corbis via Getty Images)

(Original Caption) Left to right are; Actor Bing Crosby, Actresses Rosemary Clooney and Vera Ellen, and Actor Danny Kaye, dressed in Christmas colors as they sing during the 1954 Paramount production of "White Christmas." Undated movie still. (Photo by George Rinhart/Corbis via Getty Images)

George Rinhart/Corbis via Getty Images

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Film: "White Christmas" sing-along

If you’re a fan of the 1954 Irving Berlin’s musical "White Christmas", then you don’t want to miss Seattle International Film Festival's special sing-along event. The afternoon performances begin with a pre-film music video sing-along. Free jingle bells will be given out before the 12:30 p.m. showings on Saturday and Sunday at the Uptown Theater.

Dick's burgers: Not the juiciest patty ever, but a burger, shake and limp, salty fries at this orange drive-in is a quintessential Seattle experience. Or Edmonds, pictured, site of the newest Dick's.
Dick's burgers: Not the juiciest patty ever, but a burger, shake and limp, salty fries at this orange drive-in is a quintessential Seattle experience. Or Edmonds, pictured, site of the newest Dick's.JOSHUA TRUJILLO/SEATTLEPI.COM

Good eats: Dinner and a show

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The 8th Dick’s Drive-In location just opened at Crossroads Mall in Bellevue. You can read all about it here.

Café Nordo. known for its live theater, original music and innovative cuisine, reinvented itself when COVID-19 shut down its dinner theater shows. The theater created Nordo’s Room Service which hand delivers unique experiences to customers’ homes. Now that the theater is open and running again, its delivery service is coming to an end at the end of the month. Right now, the theater is offering $20 off any Room Service package with escape-room-like challenges for parties of two or four.

Bruce Cockburn performs on stage at the Aladdin Theater in Portland, Oregon, USA on 30th January, 2018. (Photo by Anthony Pidgeon/Redferns)

Bruce Cockburn performs on stage at the Aladdin Theater in Portland, Oregon, USA on 30th January, 2018. (Photo by Anthony Pidgeon/Redferns)

Anthony Pidgeon/Redferns

Music: Bruce Cockburn’s second try with an anniversary

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In 1970, folksinger Bruce Cockburn released his first self-titled album. Since then, he has released 32 others including his most recent, "Greatest Hits: 1970-2020." He had planned a 50th anniversary concert tour which had to be shelved due to COVID-19. However, he’s in town this Sunday for his second attempt at the Neptune Theatre.

Fleurs de Villes - Lady in Red

Fleurs de Villes - Lady in Red

Fleurs de Villes

Flowers at Pacific Place

Supported by the Northwest Flower & Garden Festival, Pacific Place is hosting Fleurs de Villes NOËL, an impressive floral art exhibit taking place now through Dec. 27. Stroll through unique floral pop-ups, including signature floral mannequins and other eye-popping installations, or book a floral workshop. The self-guided exhibit is free, and a flower market will be held during the exhibit's opening weekend.

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Model Train Festival

Model Train Festival

Washington State Historical Society, Tacoma, WA

Festivals: 25 years of model train history

A favorite event for those young and old, the Washington State Historical Society is hosting its 25th Annual Model Train Festival where every floor of the museum will showcase mini railroads and model scenery to match. This is in addition to the largest permanent model train layout in the state which is always on display. Free with your admission to the museum, the festival runs Dec. 17 through Jan. 2. WSHS recommends that you purchase your timed tickets before you visit.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 13: Kane Brown performs during Q102's iHeartRadio Jingle Ball 2021 at Wells Fargo Center on December 13, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Astrida Valigorsky/WireImage)

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 13: Kane Brown performs during Q102's iHeartRadio Jingle Ball 2021 at Wells Fargo Center on December 13, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Astrida Valigorsky/WireImage)

Astrida Valigorsky/WireImage

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Tickets: Upcoming shows to plan for now

"My Fair Lady": Dec. 28–Jan. 2 at the Paramount Theatre

"Cirque Du Soleil - Alegria": Jan. 18-Feb. 13 at Marymoor Park

Jo Koy: Jan. 22 at Climate Pledge Arena

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Harlem Globetrotters: Jan. 27-29 in Kent, Everett and Seattle

Kane Brown: Jan. 28 at Climate Pledge Arena

War 50th Anniversary Tour: Jan. 29 at the Pantages Theater

Jeffrey Totey is a freelance entertainment and pop culture writer for the SeattlePI.