Happy Friday, Seattle. In today’s edition: New Seattle–London route, Seattle Christmas Market, Parade of Boats viewing party, and more. Let’s get to it!

— Cait Baker

📰 In the news

Quick-build plan faces pushback: Beacon Hill neighbors say Seattle’s sidewalk boost bypasses them as SDOT chooses an asphalt walkway on 21st Avenue S over concrete, citing cost as residents raise safety and equity concerns — see what’s planned for 21st.

A gentle four-legged ally: Seattle Police spotlighted comfort dog Ryan, a five-year-old Lab who has supported 115 sexual assault and child abuse survivors during interviews, with recent cases showing his calming impact on children — learn how Ryan supports survivors.

New transatlantic route announced: Alaska Airlines has announced nonstop Seattle flights to London Heathrow beginning May 2026 on a 787 Dreamliner, its fifth intercontinental destination. Fares start at $699 round-trip — get all the details.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Identity theft is up 25%: Last year, Americans lost $12.5 billion to ID theft & fraud, and the stories behind those numbers are brutal. My friend just told me his dad’s on his fourth replacement credit card. Other folks have woken up to empty bank accounts or their personal info dumped online after a breach. Aura catches these kinds of attacks early by monitoring for new accounts, weird money movements, leaked data, and other red flags so you’re alerted before things blow up — learn more about it here.

Highlights this week

• Celebrate season at Seattle Center Winterfest
• Sip, shop, and sing with Santa
• Holiday pop sing-along benefits food justice
• Help restore Jackson Park Trail forest
• Share warmth at Cinderella holiday party
• This pet insurance plan reimburses up to 90%
• A tiny hearing aid is taking the US by storm

🫶 We got your back

Storybook magic comes alive: Elf The Musical brings a glitter-bomb of holiday cheer to Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theatre, powered by an all-local cast. Eric Ankrim’s Buddy is a total riot, driving eye-popping sets and showstoppers like Sparklejollytwinklejingley. Expect heart, big laughs, and even lobby photos with Santa for an extra dose of Christmas spirit. Read the full review.

Joyful choral lineup unveiled: Tickets are on sale for Seattle Men’s Chorus and Seattle Women’s Chorus 2025–26 season, spanning Seattle and select PNW cities. Expect holiday sparkle (including a cheeky NOTcracker Suite), an SWC concert on legacy featuring Moira Smiley’s We Are Timeless, an Oz mashup blowout, and Pride-month shows. Streaming passes available. Check out the full lineup.

Hair day, sorted: Whether you’re after richer color or a cut that finally behaves, Bowie Salon and Spa brings 30+ years of Seattle know-how to Capitol Hill. Think Goldwell and Redken color, plus Kérastase and Shu Uemura care… for hair that looks good on Monday, not just in the chair.

Thinning hair? Same: I’ve been shedding a lot, and recently noticed my ponytail feeling thinner. After way too much panic-Googling, I decided to take Hers’ online quiz. They recommended a Biotin + Minoxidil green-apple gummy for regrowth and overall hair health. The whole thing was surprisingly easy: just verify who you are and a licensed provider signs off. Here’s the quiz if you want to check it out.

Makeup that actually works: My sister and I were talking the other day about how the makeup we used in our 20s… just doesn’t work now that we’re in our 30s and 40s. Laura Geller’s entire makeup line addresses this shift, with formulas that smooth, brighten, and actually stay put. If you’re in the same boat, their curated kits are worth a look.

📆 Around town this weekend

All events are subject to change without notice. This is entirely outside our control. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.

Today

✨ Pines on Pike Christmas Tree Lot @ First & Pike | Friday (12/12) at 10:00am – A festive new tree lot lands right next to Pike Place, stocked with mini evergreens and greenery galore. Swing through for a little holiday décor boost and stay for the perfect photo opp. It’s the merriest errand you’ll run all week.

🚤 Parade of Boats On-Shore Viewing Party @ Evanston Plaza | Friday (12/12) at 8:00pm – Think your neighbor’s yard is festive? Try a whole flotilla. The 10th annual on-shore viewing in Fremont lines the Cut with brightly decked boats led by the Spirit of Seattle, plus panoramic views, live tunes, and seasonal bites and sips. Free, family-friendly, and delightfully Seattle.

This weekend

🎶 SMooCH Concert @ The Showbox | Saturday (12/13) at 7:30pm – Nothing beats live music that actually does some good, so grab tickets to the 14th Annual SMooCH concert benefiting Seattle Children’s uncompensated care. Bob Mould and Blondshell headline, 100% of proceeds help kids. GA $50, VIP $250 with early entry, tickets at smoochforkids.com.

⛪ Mysteries of St. Nicholas @ St. James Cathedral | Saturday (12/13) at 8:00pm – Think you know St. Nick? The Medieval Women’s Choir peels back the myth and serves the real bishop, complete with centuries-old carols, luminous harmonies, and zero mall-Santa nonsense. It is a calm, candlelit antidote to holiday noise, and frankly, your ears deserve it.

🛍️ Aqui Mercado @ Pier 66 | Saturday (12/13) at 12:00pm – Grab your scarf and wander this winter market with 40-plus local makers, good food, drinks, and music. It’s the kind of stroll where you swear you’re just browsing, then somehow leave with jam, earrings, and a perfectly unnecessary candle.

🏃 41st Jingle Bell Run Seattle @ Gas Works Park | Sunday (12/14) at 8:00am – Gas Works Park becomes a holiday cardio parade as the Jingle Bell Run returns, raising funds for arthritis with 12K, 5K, 1-mile, and a kids run. Wear your finest ugly sweater, gather the crew, and earn a long-sleeve, a medal, and smug seasonal cheer.

🌳 Forest Restoration@ Longfellow Creek | Sunday (12/14) at 10:00am – Swap screen time for shovel time and help tidy up Longfellow Creek by Graham Street in Delridge. Weeding, mulching, and fending off blackberries with your neighbors, then leave with a smug, civic glow. No need to register, just bring shoes, water, and a can-do attitude.

🎷 One Seattle Soul Holiday Event @ Moore Theatre | Sunday (12/14) at 3:00pm – Seattle winter calls for soul, community, and that extra coat gathering dust in the hall closet. This free concert brings neighborhoods together, with live soul and a coat or blanket drive supporting DESC and our unhoused neighbors. Come for the groove, stay for the good.

Next week

🎄 Seattle Christmas Market @ Seattle Center | Monday (12/15) at 11:30am – Take a break from the drizzle and wander a proper Christmas market with European and local vendors, festive drinks, and actual Santa sightings. Shop for ornaments, sip glühwein, then embarrass yourself at holiday karaoke, or just clap politely like a seasoned Seattleite.

✨ An Enchanted Night Walk Amongst the Stars @ Seattle Chinese Garden | Monday (12/15) at 5:00pm – Trade binge-watching for a starlit stroll through the Seattle Chinese Garden, where Moment Factory turns the paths into glittering galaxies, cosmic soundscapes, and just enough mystery to make you forget your email. It’s art, nature, and a nightlight for your inner kid.

🎹 Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox @ McCaw Hall | Tuesday (12/16) at 8:00pm – Postmodern Jukebox is ushering in holiday magic with vintage swing versions of modern hits, moonlight vibes, and just enough mistletoe to keep things interesting. Think Christmas cheer without the mall playlist, just cocktails, velvet, and talent. Dress up, book the sitter, and revel.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🎶 Live music & entertainment

• 12/12 Zepparella @ The Crocodile – 6 pm
• 12/13 Megan Diana and more @ Conor Byrne – 5 pm
• 12/14 The Lumberjax @ Tinte Cellars – 3 pm
• 12/15 Ambré @ The Showbox – 8 pm
• 12/16 John Val @ Neumos – 12 pm
• 12/17 A Sherlock Carol @ Taproot Theatre – 2 pm
• 12/18 Holiday Thumpday Pop Sing-A-Long @ The Royal Room – 5:30 pm
• 12/19 Adam Ray @ Moore Theatre – 7 pm
• 12/20 The Big Dark Fest @ Blackbird Manor – 6 pm
• 12/21 The Haunt @ Hidden Hall – 7:30 pm

🏠️ Price is right – Seattle edition

How it works: We’re going to give you some facts about a home for sale, including a picture of the outside, the kitchen, and one additional room. Your job? Guess how much it’s listed for (preferably before you click to find out).

Listed by: Aaron Hendon (eXp Realty)

Reimagined modern on Capitol Hill with a complete studs-out redo, new systems, mini splits, and off-street parking, a Capitol Hill unicorn. 5 bedrooms plus an office span 2,700+ square feet across three flexible levels.

The light soaked main level brings a custom fireplace, open dining, and a designer kitchen with a party sized island plus walk-in pantry. Luxe primary suite with walk-in closet and spa-like bath. Lower level offers a large bedroom, full bath, office or den, and private entry, while the upper level adds three more bedrooms. Blocks from Madison Valley eats, parks, and everything Seattle.

Make your guess, then (and only then)… see how much it costs →