By Erin Russell, Sales Coordinator

1. Swansons
When my partner Forrest and I went to Swansons, I have to admit that I had the perfect Martha Stewart tree in mind. The living trees couldn't be missed though. We fell in love with a little bit above a Charlie Brown tree and what really sold us was that we can donate the tree back to Swanson's in January to be planted as part of a restoration effort at Carkeek Park.

2. Goodwill
In lieu of wrapping paper this year, I went on a search to find some reusable wrapping alternatives. More...

2nd Annual Fremont Gingerbread House Build Off
Logan's Hammer, a local building and renovation company, leads the charge on unimaginable structures alongside other local companies. On display at Theo Chocolate and you can vote for your favorite there or here.
Through Dec 17, 10-6pm
3400 Phinney Ave N, Fremont, Seattle

7th Annual Double Album Christmas Benefit Show for MUSICARES
MusiCares supports musicians in times on need. This event will feature Sir Elton John's Goodbye Yellow Brick Road and will be played in its entirety with local Seattle bands each playing a song. Cost is $10/$12.
Sat, Dec 19, 9:30 pm
5213 Ballard Ave NW, Ballard, Seattle
 More...

The A.W.A.R.D. Show
Twelve artists from the Northwest will present 15 minute performances to compete for a $10,000 prize. Audiences will vote on their favorite act each evening and finalists will compete on the 4th night to win. Cost is $15.
Thu-Sun, Dec 10-13, 8pm
On the Boards 100 W Roy, Lower Queen Anne, Seattle

Green Lake Pathway of Lights
In its 33rd year, the 2.8 mile path around Green Lake will be lit by luminaries. There will be several musical stops along the way.
Sat, Dec 12, 5:30-8:30pm
7201 Green Lake Dr N, Seattle
 More...

Agent Green: The Red Door
This Agent Green organized mob will help take Fremont's already eco-conscious Red Door to a whole new level. In an effort to reduce their energy use and carbon footprint, 25% of the evenings proceeds will go to possibilities like solar energy, updated refrigeration, etc.
Thu, Dec 3, 6-10pm
3401 Evanston Ave N, Fremont, Seattle

Volunteer Park Conservatory After Hours
This is a tropical oasis in the middle of Seattle and the only time during the year that it is open in the evening.
Fri, Dec 4, 5-8pm
Volunteer Park, 15th Ave E & E Galer St, Capitol Hill, Seattle
 More...

Tribute to the Spirit - Little Big Band
The Burke Museum provides this opportunity to experience Native American story telling, music and dance. Over seven First Nations will be represented in this evening are coming together to commemorate the end of the 100th year anniversary of the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition. Cost is $20 and available here.
Fri, Nov 20, 7:30pm
Meany Hall on the UW campus, U District, Seattle
 More...

BAM-O-WEEN! - Free Family Day
The Bellevue Art Museum is offering free admission to the galleries as well as Halloween art activities, scavenger hunt and shadow puppets in the auditorium.
Sat, Oct 31, 1-4pm
Bellevue Art Museum, 510 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue

Halloween at the Symphony
A Halloween-filled day at Benaroya Hall. The Seattle Symphony is putting on two, 35 minute performances for little ghosts and goblins. Later that evening, Alfred Hitchcock's film "Psycho" will be shown with the Seattle Symphony playing as a live soundtrack. Cost varies.
Sat, Oct 31, Kids: 10am & 11am, Pyscho: 8pm
200 University St, Downtown, Seattle

 More...