Friday, Dec. 9
Battle of the Badges at Renton Community Center: From 6-8 p.m., cruise through this free drive-through holiday light display and vote for your favorite light displays from 20 different Public Safety personnel departments. This includes the Renton Police Department, the Port of Seattle Fire Department, the U.S. Army and more! Categories include “Use of Lights”, “Overall Design” and “Holiday Spirit.” Battle of the Badges will also accept winter wear donations to benefit local youth. For more information, email shynes@rentonwa.gov.
Saturday, Dec. 10
King County Fire Chiefs Association Diversity and Recruitment Workshop at Renton Technical College: This year’s free Fire and EMS workshop will be geared towards members of the BIPOC community, women, limited-English-speaking community members, and those with no prior fire service experience. From 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., the workshop will feature speakers, breakout classes and two free catered meals. Register at https://www.kingcountyfirechiefs.org/event-details/kcfca-diversity-and-recruitment-workshop.
Saturdays, Dec. 10 & 17
Downtown Renton Santa House at Renton Civic Theatre: Take free photos with your kids and your four-legged pets with Santa Claus himself for the first three Saturdays (and one Sunday) of December. Open from 1-4 p.m., the Renton Civic Theatre is located at 507 South 3rd Street.
Photos will be available for free download on the event’s Facebook page and prints are available for purchase with a suggested donation.
For more information, visit https://rentondown town.com/happenings/santahouse/.
Sunday, Dec. 11
Renton City Concert Band Winter Concert at Renton IKEA Performing Arts Center: From 2-4 p.m., this winter concert will delight all with some holiday cheer, with Michael Simpson as conductor.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students and seniors 50 and up. Tickets can be purchased at Renton Community Center, Renton Senior Activity Center or at the door on performance day.
Thursday, Dec. 15
Live Reindeer and Santa Photos at Weatherly Inn Renton: Along with complimentary photos with Santa Claus himself, you get the chance to meet Dasher, Dancer and the whole reindeer gang at this free holiday event from 3-7 p.m. at 4550 Talbot Road South.
Friday, Dec. 16
“Effie’s Friendsgiving” Children’s Book Signing at Sparkle Gifts and Whatnots: Local children’s book author Jennifer Morhaime is doing a book signing for her latest installment of her Effie’s Adventures book series from 5-7 p.m. at Sparkle Gifts and Whatnots, which is at 824 South 3rd Street in Renton.
Saturday, Dec. 17
Christmas with Aretha and Elvis at Carco Theatre: The Soul Searching Band comes to town with an Elvis Presley and Aretha Franklin tribute concert from 7-9 p.m. Tickets are $30, with $5 being donated to Kandelia.org, and can be purchased online at https://soul searchingband.com/event/4768997/608856272/ aretha-elvis-christmas- with-soul-searching-band
Tuesday, Dec. 20
Winter Break City Skate at Sno-King Ice Arena: Presented by the Renton Chamber of Commerce and Sno-King Ice Arenas, this free community ice skating event will be from 7-8:45 p.m. There will be holiday treats, special giveaways, selfies with Santa and all who attend are encouraged to dress for holidays. Don’t forget to bring an unwrapped toy to support Toys4Tots. Ages 3 and up are welcome, skate rentals are provided and the event is free but registration is required, which can be found at https://chamber.gorenton.com/events/details/winter-break-city-skate-13646. Located at 16260 164th Avenue Southeast.
Sunday, Jan. 1
Polar Bear Plunge at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park South Beach: At exactly 10 a.m., join the other polar bears as they plunge into the freezing cold waters of Lake Washington to celebrate the new year. Participants are encouraged to bring a towel and dry clothes to help warm up afterwards.
Have a Renton-related event coming up? Email editor@rentonreporter.com to submit a public event to be included in the weekly events calendar.
