It’s the most wonderful time of the year… and here’s some of the most wonderful events happening in Renton leading up to Christmas.
K9 Candy Cane 5K
9:15 a.m., Dec. 4
Renton Community Center, 1715 SE Maple Valley Hwy.
The 5K run/walk will travel along the Cedar River Trail before looping back to the center. Competitive runners, fun runners, walkers, junior athletes, families, and dogs are all invited. Participants will also enjoy random prize giveaways, post-race refreshments, pictures with Santa, and a fun holiday atmosphere. Also, a pet food drive will be on site. Bring a can/bag of pet food to benefit the Seattle Human Society for Seattle/King County.
A Christmas Carol
7 p.m., Dec 1, 2, 3, 9 and 10
Hazen High School, 1101 Hoquiam Ave. NE
Hazen High Players present their unique take on the holiday classic play “A Christmas Carol.” Tickets can be purchased at the Hazen High School box office, and cost $6 for students with ASB, honored citizens and veterans, and $8 for students without ASB and adults.
Winter Wonderland
4 p.m., Dec. 2
Renton Library, 100 Mill Ave. S.
Kids form grades 3-12 can make their own snow globes. Supplies and light snacks will be provided.
Winter Solstice Arts and Crafts
5 p.m., Dec. 3
SHAWDOW Lake Nature Preserve, 21656 184th Ave. SE
Don your most outrageous holiday sweater and join us for an afternoon of holiday crafts. Featuring hot coco and holiday cheer! The event is open to all ages.
The Elves and the Toymaker
11 a.m., Dec. 3
Carco Theater, 1717 SE Maple Valley Hwy
Join the the Toymaker and his wife trying to save Christmas. This holiday musical is appropriate for all ages. Tickets are $18 and can be purchased at http://storybooktheater.org/tickets/2016-17-storybook-season/the-elves-the-toymaker/.
Free Pics with Santa
5 p.m., Dec. 9, 16; 1 p.m., Dec. 10, 17
227 Wells Ave. S.
Want a photo with Santa? He’ll be in downtown Renton for two weekends in December. Download pictures at www.Facebook.com/downtownrenton or bring your own camera.
Renton City Concert Band
2 p.m., Dec. 11
IKEA Performing Arts Center, 400 S. Second St.
Enjoy the sounds of the season with this 65-member band under the direction of Mike Simpson. Tickets are $10 for adults, and $7 for students and seniors. Tickets can be purchased at Renton Community Center, 1715 SE Maple Valley Hwy.
The Nutcracker Ballet
Dec. 17, 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 18, 1:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
IKEA Performing Arts Center, 400 S. Second St.
The Evergreen City Ballet, based in Renton, continues its holiday tradition of hosting performances of “The Nutcracker Ballet.” Full-length and one-hour performances will be held at the Renton IKEA Performing Arts Center, as well as Auburn Performing Arts Center and the Theater at Meydenbauer.
Renton Youth Symphony Orchestra
3 p.m., Dec. 18
Carco Theater, 1717 SE Maple Valley Hwy.
Music performed by the Youth Symphony Orchestra and the Debut Orchestra. Tickets are $10 for adults, $7 for students and seniors, and $5 for children. Tickets can be purchased at Renton Community Center, 1715 SE Maple Valley Hwy.
Dickens Carolers Holiday Concert
3:30 p.m., Dec. 18
Fairwood Library, 17009 140th Ave. SE
Join the beloved Dickens Carolers for a holiday concert. This a cappella quartet will begin with a musical stroll through the library before regaling us with holiday favorites, both traditional and contemporary, in beautiful four-part harmony. Light refreshments served.
Happy Huladays with Harmonica Pocket
10:30 a.m., Dec. 20
Highlands Library, 2801 NE 10th St.
Seasonal books, songs and holiday cheer mixed up with all the usual Harmonica Pocket shenanigans get audiences singing, laughing and moving in their seats to holiday favorites like Frosty the Snowman, Let It Snow as well as songs from Frozen.
