Here’s the My MI 2018 Guide to holiday events and activities happening around Mercer Island. From the City’s annual Tree Lighting and Firehouse Munch to Island Youth Ballet’s Nutcracker performance, there’s lots of festive fun in store on Mercer Island.
Mercer Island Christmas Tree Sale
Former Tully’s Coffee location, 7810 SE 27th St
Thursdays & Fridays 1 – 7 pm; Saturdays & Sundays 10 am – 5 pm
Buy a quality tree and give back to our local community! Choose from Noble, Nordmann, and Douglas Firs (available from 5 ft to 10 ft tall). Be sure to get your mixed green wreaths and cedar garlands as well. Products are sourced from Hunter Christmas Trees, a family farm dedicated to quality and service since 1948. All proceeds support Mercer Island Youth & Family Services and Mercer Island Lions Club charitable giving.
MIVAL Holiday Show
Daily through December 14
Mercer Island Community & Event Center, 8236 SE 24th St
The Mercer Island Visual Arts League (MIVAL) is hosting its annual Holiday Show through Friday, December 14th, at the Mercer Island Community and Event Center during regular business hours. The exhibit showcases the work of more than 40 artists – stop by and discover holiday decor, painting, photography, jewelry, scarves, textiles, wreaths, and more.
Glassybaby Holiday Collection Happy Hour
Thursday, November 29, 4 – 7 pm
Caruccio’s, 2441 76th Ave SE
Enjoy a delicious complimentary happy hour with beverage purchase and get your Christmas shopping done early. Glassbaby will be unveiling their new 2018 Holiday collection of unique hand-blown glass votives. 10% of all sales from this event will be donated to Boys and Girls Clubs of King County for the benefit of Mercer Island. No ticket needed, just come on in!
St. Monica’s Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration
Friday, November 30, 5:30 – 8:30 pm
St. Monica Catholic Church, 4301 88th Ave SE
Invite your family and friends for a festive evening of Christmas caroling, competing in the Gingerbread House contest, taking pictures with Santa, and more!
Children’s Craft Workshop
Saturday, December 1, 9 am – 1 pm
Evergreen Covenant Church, 3200 78th Ave SE
This is a fun event for kids ages 3 to 13. Children can make handmade gifts for the special people in their lives. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
The Gingerbread Man Puppet Show
Saturday, December 1, 2 – 3 pm
Mercer Island Library, 4400 88th Ave SE
The gingerbread man longs for fun and escapes from Granny’s kitchen to have an adventure. Will he find a safe place for his heart? This is a family program, all ages welcome. Space is limited – first come, first seated.
Island Choral Experience Annual Holiday Performances
Mercer Island High School, 9100 SE 42nd St
Island Girls & Prep Choir presents “Candycane Lane”
Saturday, December 1, 7 pm | Sunday, December 2, 2 pm and 7 pm
Mercer Island girls’ choirs, Prep (2nd through 4th graders) and Island Girls (4th through 6th graders), will delight audiences with these festive performances.
Emmanuel Festival
Sunday, December 2, after 9:30 am service
Emmanuel Church, 4400 86th Ave SE
Join Emmanuel Church after the 9:30 am service as we make advent wreaths, have treats, and work together on a family friendly service project.
The Dickens Carolers
Sunday, December 2, 1:30 – 2:15 pm
Mercer Island Library, 4400 88th Ave SE
For almost 40 years, The Dickens Carolers has been a local holiday tradition. Your holiday favorites, both traditional and contemporary, will be sung in beautiful four-part harmony. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Mercer Island Library.
“Light Up – Mercer Island” Hanukkah event at New Seasons
Thursday, December 6, 5:45 – 8 pm
New Seasons Market, 2755 77th Ave SE
Join in the fun at the “Light Up – Mercer Island” Hanukkah Celebration at New Seasons. Get a bite from the Kosher Food Truck (first time on the island!); be part of the grand menorah lighting with a six-foot menorah; and enjoy our special presentation on how we make fresh olive oil.
SZ: Annual Holiday Party in the Persian Garden
Friday, December 7, 5 – 8 pm
SZ Gallery, 2441 76th Ave SE, Suite 160
On December 7th, the SZ Gallery will host our Annual Holiday Party in the PERSIAN GARDEN, featuring ceramic artistry by Monir & Mehdi Ghanbeigy (back by popular demand), during our First Friday Art & Wine Reception. PERSIAN GARDEN is an exhibit that tells culturally rich stories of Persian culture through contemporary and classically-influenced pieces. Monir and Mehdi Ghanbeigy from Iran have created multimedia artwork together since 1970, combining Mehdi’s detailed work with Persian miniatures and painting, Monir’s background in ceramics and pottery, and their mutual love and appreciation for the history of Persian art. Handcrafting their own clay, glaze, and even their kilns all from scratch, their ceramic pieces have a distinct quality that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Join us for vibrant art, engaging conversation, along with sparkling refreshments and seasonal bites. This holiday evening of art and wine is not to be missed. This event is free, though please register, so we can have a proper headcount.
Tree Lighting at Mercerdale Park & Firehouse Munch
Friday, December 7, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Mercerdale Park, 77th Avenue SE and SE 32nd Street
Gather with your family, friends, and neighbors for an evening of holiday merriment at the community tree lighting ceremony and caroling at Mercerdale Park. Arts and crafts, Santa photos, treats, and musical entertainment will follow at the North Fire Station. Bring a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots drive to help a child in need have a better holiday season. The tree lighting and caroling at Mercerdale Park will take place from 6:30 to 7pm, and the Firehouse Munch and festive activities will take place at the North Fire Station from 7 to 8:30 pm.
Island Youth Ballet presents: “Excerpts from the Nutcracker”
Saturday, December 7, 7 pm
Friday, December 14, 7 pm | Saturday, December 15, 1 pm & 5 pm | Sunday, December 16, 1 pm & 5 pm
Stroum Jewish Community Center, 3801 East Mercer Way
Island Youth’s Ballet “Excerpts from the Nutcracker” has become a cherished Mercer Island tradition and must-see for all who wish to experience the holiday magic of one of ballet’s most cherished classics. Whether this is a family tradition or you are experiencing it for the first time, this holiday offering will delight your spirit and imagination. Beautiful costumes, theatrical lighting and sets, and spirited dancing transport you to magical places where mice and soldiers battle, snowflakes dance, and a beautiful sugar plum fairy reigns.
SeaJAM Family Hanukkah Event & Concert
Sunday, December 9
Noon – Doors open for Hanukkah games & art, food trucks, and candle lighting
1 pm – Show
SJCC, 3801 East Mercer Way
A concert full of rocking and rolling Hanukkah songs? It’s a Hanukkah miracle! Indie-pop band The LeeVees’ (Adam Gardner of the band Guster and Dave Schneider from the Zambonis) have taken up the important task of writing a bunch of rockin’ Hanukkah songs. Their debut album, “Hanukkah Rocks,” features humorous songs like “How Do You Spell Chanukkahh?” and the classic punk tune “Gelt Melts,” that ask tough questions set to fun, catchy music. There’s plenty of fist-pumping sing-along action and fun, kitsch factor for all kids, teens, and parents alike!
Holiday Charity Craft Fair benefiting Room Circus Medical Clowning
Sunday, December 9, 10:30 am – 4:30 pm
VFW Hall, 1836 72nd Ave SE
Visit Santa and shop the marketplace featuring gifts handmade with love by local indie crafters. Special entertainment provided by Room Circus Clown Doctors and Youth Theatre Northwest, plus children’s activities, gift basket raffle, and more. Over 30 crafters, artists, and artisans participating with 10-20% of vendor proceeds donated to Room Circus.
The Dickens Carolers
Sunday, December 9, 1:30 – 2:15 pm
Mercer Island Library, 4400 88th Ave SE
For almost 40 years, The Dickens Carolers has been a local holiday tradition. Your holiday favorites, both traditional and contemporary, will be sung in beautiful four-part harmony. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Mercer Island Library.
Argosy Holiday Ship Festival
Friday, December 21, 7:30 pm
Luther Burbank Park Swim Beach, 2040 84th Ave SW
The Argosy Holiday Ship is heading to Luther Burbank Park! Join us on the beach to enjoy their onboard choir that will be singing carols from the boat. Attendees will be cozy on the shore, feeling the warmth of a beach bonfire, and warm drinks. Come one, come all, and join us for some holiday fun!
