'A Very Drunken Christmas Carol,' holiday markets, more Seattle events this weekend

While the weather outside might be frightful, the holiday fun will be delightful in Seattle this weekend.

Shopping for gifts at Waterfront Park, enjoying Christmas music at Benaroya Hall or eating cookies in Pioneer Square are just some of the ideas we have for you. Keep reading to see what else is happening around Seattle this weekend. 

Music: Traditional music and drunken antics

The Seattle Opera will be offering a comedic take on a familiar Dicken’s tale Friday and Sunday. “A Very Drunken Christmas Carol” stars Rob McPherson who plays a professional tenor preparing for a holiday concert when he gets hit on the head and awakens in another reality. “Along the way, he is joined by three spirits (not just bourbon, tequila, and whiskey),” says the Seattle Opera.

The Seattle Symphony opens their festive Holiday Pops concerts this weekend. Taking place at Benaroya Hall for a Friday concert and two matinees on Saturday and Sunday, Conductor Stuart Chafetz and Broadway star N'Kenge offers a Christmas stocking show stuffed with holiday favorites, traditional carols and plenty of yuletide cheer.

After a successful two weeks in Everett, Village Theatre has begun round two of  its performances of “Welcome Home: A Holiday Concert." Performing now through Dec. 26 in Issaquah, the show features some of Village Theatre’s favorite cast members presenting holiday-themed songs from “This Christmas” to “Santa Baby” and from “Let it Go” (from “Frozen”) to “Ma’oz Tzur/Rock of Ages." Evening and matinee tickets are still available.

Ukulele master and self-described “jolly ambassador of aloha,” Jake Shimabukuro will present his new holiday show, “Christmas in Hawaii” at the Pantages Theater in Tacoma on Friday. With only four strings, Shimabukuro is a humble master with a wish to connect with and inspire his audience. This special presentation also includes unique takes on Christmas classics and selections from his “Jake & Friends” album which was just released last month.

Shopping: Christmas gift markets

Africatown Community Land Trust is partnering with Friends of Waterfront Seattle to bring its Soul Holiday Market to Waterfront Park on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. This open-air market will feature dozens of local Black-owned businesses selling a variety of products including food gifts, beauty products, home goods, clothing, keepsakes and art. Food options at the market include tasty bites from Chick’n Fix, Po’Boys & Tings, and Swagg-N-Wagon. A full lineup of musicians will also be on hand to keep you moving.

Seattle Made members will continue to offer their authentically made artisan products at a Maker’s Market Pop Up this weekend located at Occidental Square and Pioneer Park in Pioneer Square. Can’t make it this weekend? Don’t worry. They’ll be around until Jan. 1.

Pike Place Market is also a great place to pick up gifts. On Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., it will be offering a free Market wrapping paper kit when you spend $50 or more at any Market business (while supplies last).  In addition, Santa will be hanging out for free photos from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Dance: Bellevue’s Nutcracker

The International Ballet Theatre’s production of “The Nutcracker” begins its performances Friday at Meydenbauer Theatre. Perfect for the whole family, this distinctly European show features a large cast of 80 professional dancers and performance artists all wearing hand-sewn costumes. Performances will be held through Dec. 23.

Theatre: Sugar Plum Gary is back

Making his fifth appearance at 18th & Union, Sugar Plum Gary presents an interactive, one-man show. Wearing footy pajamas, the bearded man explains how he is a “Santanist” possessed by the Holiday Spirit and for him, every day is Christmas. From ancient truths to tips on how to survive the night, Gary’s here to answer all of your questions. Performances will be held through Dec. 24.

Good Eats: Holiday cheer at Drinks & Eats

Pioneer Square’s Drinks & Eats is holding a holiday celebration on Friday complete with a photo booth, outdoor fire pit and drink specials. The restaurant will also be handing out holiday cheer in the form of free cookies, coffee and hot apple cider all day while supplies last. Need an easy dinner idea? Until the end of the month, Drinks & Eats will be celebrating its third anniversary with prix fixe dinner specials.

Tickets: Upcoming events 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

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