News Magazine of the UW Department of Communication
By Nicole Ciridon
To enjoy the holidays doesn’t mean you have to spend money. For the money-saving individual here are a few suggestions for inexpensive outings.
Seattle Center Winterfest: Now – Dec. 31
Come together with family and friends by stopping by Seattle Center this holiday season. Enjoy the festival’s five weeks of free and low-cost events that range from taking a spin on the Starbucks Ice Rink, watching award-winning artists create ice sculptures and seeing how other countries celebrate the holidays through music and dance in Winter Worldfest.
“Dealing with this tough time and the recession, everything that can help minimize cost is good,” Dukeshier said. “Right now everything depends on what you can afford, and the free events give people the opportunity to enjoy the holidays without spending much.”
Garden d’Lights at the Bellevue Botanical Garden: Now – Jan. 3 from 5 to 10 p.m.
Visitors to the Eastside should check out Garden d’Lights. Sponsored by the Bellevue Botanical Garden, the colorful displays and animal characters have become a favorite staple among children.
“I’m visiting from San Francisco to see friends and family,” said Charnine Sarmiento, a former Everett resident. “The Seattle weather and the holiday activities here make it seem more like Christmas since in California the weather is still warm and everyone has a fake tree.”
For more information and addition events click here.
Musical Performances at Pacific Place: Now – Dec. 28
Take a break from your Christmas shopping to enjoy the musical performances at Pacific Place. There, you’ll be treated to the talents of numerous artists, including the St. Therese Gospel Choirs, Jovino Santos Neto - a Brazilian jazz pianist - and the Pacific Island Band.
“It is nice to be able to come here after a long and stressful day of shopping and listen to the performers,” Parrill said. “You just feel relaxed, and it is a great way to end your day.”
For a complete list of performers go to: http://pacificplaceseattle.com/holiday2008_cal.aspx
Washington offers a wide-range of innovating and exciting events that everyone can participate in, so bundle up and get ready for a very eventful holiday season.
