There’s even more festive fun to discover in the U District this holiday season! From lively concerts and laugh-out-loud comedy and improv sets, to the magical glow of Candy Cane Lane and inspiring art walks. See below for our lineup of December events in the U District!
December 23
Ivars @ 5:35pm, Fritz Hedges @ 8:30pm
Watch the parade of brightly-lighted boats as they cruise from Puget Sound out to Lake Washington. On December 23, the ships will stop at U District waterfront locations, with the lead ship hosting an onboard chorus of Christmas carols for neighbors and community to watch for free from shore.
December 30 | 6:00pm
Laughs Comedy Club
The countdown starts early at Laughs! Bring the whole family for a high-energy, clean, and hilarious comedy kickoff celebrating the New Year.
Join us for a special 6:00 PM show featuring the funniest comedians in the city performing All Ages sets focused on resolutions, predictions, and the past year’s biggest laughs. Enjoy a Faux Countdown at the end of the show complete with party favors and a sparkling cider toast! Kids 16 & under are free!
Ring in the new year above the city at The Mountaineering Club’s “Fresh Tracks” celebration, get tickets before they sell out! VIP access begins at 9 PM with complimentary passed appetizers and early entry to stunning skyline views. General admission opens at 10 PM, and the party kicks into gear with a live DJ spinning from 9 PM to 1 AM.
December 31 | 7pm & 10pm
Laughs Comedy Club
Ring in the New Year with Matt O’Brien—Because Your Resolutions Can Wait, But Your Laughs Can’t!
With a toast of champagne and awkward midnight kisses—this New Year’s Eve, treat yourself to the only thing guaranteed to make you snort-laugh into 2026: Matt O’Brien live on stage!
December 20 | 6:00pm
Seattle Bouldering Project, U District
Slow down, restore, and listen. Ease into holiday resting mode with a sound bath. You will be “bathed” (fully clothed) in meditative sounds played live on crystal singing bowls and other instruments.
December 19, 20, 21 | Various times
Loft on the Ave
Introduction to Sewing: Holiday Edition
Learn the basics, master your machine, and sew your first handmade piece—a holiday stocking!
Register for a festive beginner-friendly sewing class designed to give you confidence at the machine while creating something special for the season. In this intimate, hands-on workshop, you’ll learn:
December 18 | 6:30pm
Fancy Plants Seattle
Come learn how to make your very own terrarium! All experience welcome. Bring your own glass or purchase one in-store–plants, substrate, and tools provided to create a little plant world, complete with little springtails to help keep the terrarium happy. Workshop is all ages.
December 18 | 6:30pm
Burke Museum of Natural History
The December Burke Book Club book is The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World by Robin Wall Kimmerer.
Polly Olsen, Burke Museum Tribal Liaison, will discuss The Serviceberry and illustrate the book’s core concept, the gift economy. After the conversation, explore the museum on your own and see examples of lessons from The Serviceberry in the galleries.
December 12-14
Neptune Theatre
Seattle, REJOICE! Your beloved holigay tradition returns to the Pacific Northwest for THREE NIGHTS ONLY! After 15 years at West Hall, Kitten N’ Lou ushered in a bombastic new chapter of this iconic production at the glorious and historic Neptune Theatre last year…and are thrilled to return this December!
December 10 | 6:00pm
Ladd & Lass Brewing
Join Sip & Script
for a Night of Learning Calligraphy! Ticketed Event. Workshop will cover all the basics and prepare you to add unique lettered details to your snail mail, wedding paper goods, home decor, and more! The perfect crafty night out!
Class includes 1.5 hours of instruction and demonstration, beginner’s calligraphy kit, and all materials to write on. Everything is yours to keep at the end of the workshop!
December 10 | 6:00pm
Graduate Hotel Lobby
Silent Book Club Seattle presents White Elephant Holiday Book Exchange 2025!
Gift wrap a book that you determine will bring joy and happiness to someone and bring it to the gift pile at the meetup. 🐘 White Elephant rules apply! Anticipate legalized book theft!
Please note, you can still attend even if you do not want to participate in the exchange.
December 4 | 7:00pm
Nook & Cranny Books
Join Nook & Cranny Books for its bimonthly open mic! Every 1st and 3rd Thursday meet for an evening of storytelling, poetry, and community. Each session has a loose theme. Use the prompt “The Gift of Giving” as inspiration or don’t!
December 5 | 5pm-8pm
Danaca Design
Anniversary Student Show & Sale runs through December 28 — Join Danaca Design Studio on December 5 for the opening reception celebrating a special exhibition featuring jewelry created by students from the studio. This event celebrates the creativity, skill, and dedication of our learning community, giving students the opportunity to showcase and sell their work in the gallery alongside established artists.
December 6 | 7:30pm
The Drama Room @ U Heights Center
Get ready for a night of laughter, lyrics, and a little holiday harmony! This fast-paced short-form musical improv show features games, songs, and scenes set to music — from heartfelt ballads to ridiculous jingles.
December 6 | 8:00pm
Neptune Theatre
Matt Rogers is a Los Angeles based actor, comedian, writer, podcaster and television host. Named one of Variety’s Comics To Watch in 2021, he is co-host of the popular podcast “Las Culturistas” alongside SNL’s Bowen Yang. The songs from his 2022 Christmas special were released by Capitol Records for the 2023 holiday season and have surpassed 6 million streams, solidifying his crown as The Prince of Christmas.
December 7 | 7:30pm
Meany Center for the Performing Arts
Cantus weaves together three holiday stories with time-honored carols and new classics. Blending narration and song, the program features Margery Williams’ The Velveteen Rabbit and The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg alongside an abridged romp through Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker.
