Here’s my weekly round-up of upcoming events for the week of December 7th – 12th for Mercer Island:
STARS: Talking to Parents about Limiting Technology Use
Monday, December 7th, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Mercer Island Library, 4400 88th Ave SE
Talking to parents about their kids’ use of technology can be touchy. How do you approach parents when you believe their child is spending too much time on screens or perhaps viewing inappropriate things? How do you set expectations for parents around their own technology use when dropping their kids off or picking them up? We’ll discuss these questions and more! Please register for this program.
The Big Chanukah Show
Monday, December 7, 7 – 9 pm
Stroum Jewish Community Center, 3801 East Mercer Way
The entire Seattle community is invited to attend The Big Chanukah Show, a free musical variety show featuring Jewish Chanukah-related music and other entertainment during the winter holiday season. This year’s show features the Shalom Klezmer Band featuring Chava Mirel, Hazzan Isaac Azose, and other local Jewish artists. Seattle Rabbi James Mirel, who is organizing the show, will lead the lighting of the Chanukah candles and Kenny Alhadeff will spearhead an appeal for MAZON “A Jewish Response to Hunger.” For more information, contact Rabbi James Mirel [email protected] or 206-234-7600.
Learn more >>
Story Times at the Library
Thursday, December 10
Mercer Island Library, 4400 88th Ave SE
Join the Mercer Island Children’s Librarian for stories, songs, rhymes and fun in these 30 to 45-minute programs designed especially for you and your young child.
Young Toddlers (12 – 24 months) – 10:15 – 10:45 am
Toddlers (2 – 3 years) – 11:15 – 11:45 am
Preschoolers (3 – 6 years) – 1 – 1:45 pm
Grand Menorah Lighting Celebration
Thursday, December 10, 5:30 pm
QFC (North End), SE 28th St
Celebrate Chanukah with Chabad Mercer Island. Free fun event for the whole family. Hot Latkes! Sufganiyot (doughnuts)! Dreidels!
Learn more >>
“Soup and Sound” Advent Concert Series
Friday, December 11 | Soup served at 11:30 am; Performance begins at 12:15 pm
Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 4400 86th Ave
Emmanuel Episcopal Church invites you to their “Soup and Sound” Advent Concert series with Advent and Christmas music, to take place three Fridays: December 4, 11, & 18. The event begins with a lunch of homemade soup and bread at 11:30 am followed by music in the church from 12:15 to 1 pm. This Friday, Douglas Cleveland will perform on the organ.
Island Choral Experience Annual Holiday Performances
Mercer Island High School, 9100 SE 42nd St
Island Sound presents “Calendar Girls”
Saturday, December 12, 7 pm | Sunday, December 13, 2 pm and 7 pm
Mercer Island girls’ choirs, Prep (2nd through 4th graders), Island Girls (4th through 6th graders), and Island Sound (7th through 12th gradesr) will delight audiences with these festive performances.
Learn more >>
Island Youth Ballet presents: “Excerpts from the Nutcracker”
Saturday, December 12, 1 pm | Sunday December 13, 1 pm & 5 pm
Saturday, December 19, 2 pm | Sunday, December 20, 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.
Islander Middle School Concert Choir
Saturday, December 12, 1 – 1:30 pm
Mercer Island Library, 4400 88th Ave SE
Come to the library to hear our local middle school mixed choir! The Islander Middle School Concert Choir will perform holiday favorites on the main floor of the library.
Hanukkah Under the Stars
Saturday, December 12, 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Stroum Jewish Community Center, 3801 East Mercer Way
A festive and fun Hanukkah party, you’ll be entertained by an acrobatics celebration from SANCA Circus, a musical performance by Shul of Rock, and science experiment demonstrations from Pacific Science Center. Plus we’ll have games, crafts, and face painting for the younger kids, and The Museum of Flight will host a planetarium experience for older kids. Buy dinner from food trucks on site, participate in a community service project, and join us for a community candle lighting to celebrate the seventh night of Hanukkah.
Learn more >>
“Bells of the Sound” Holiday Concert at MIPC
Saturday, December 12, 7 – 9 pm
Mercer Island Presbyterian Church, 3605 84th Ave SE
Join Bells of the Sound this Holiday Season for a magical program filled with the delightful klingelingeling of handbells. Bells little and large joyfully sounding traditional favorites and contemporary expressions will have you ringing with Christmas spirit in no time!
MIPC website >>
Gingerbread House Contest
Sunday, December 13
Evergreen Covenant Church, 3200 78th Ave SE
Evergreen Covenant Church is having a Gingerbread House Contest this Christmas. Pick up your Gingerbread Box for $15 in the church lobby during the next two weeks and go to town creating your very own gingerbread house. All houses will be on display December 13th for everyone to judge. The three contest categories include: Most Creative, Most Colorful, and ALL KIDS (no adults)! There are great prizes and lots of fun for all. Pick up a box and the rules on Sunday, November 29th or December 6th.
Learn more >>
Live Nativity at Redeemer Lutheran Church – Drive Through
Sunday, December 13, 5 – 7 pm
6001 Island Crest Way
Drive through and enjoy the nativity scene complete with some live animals! Enjoy a cup of hot cocoa, and all proceeds will benefit Mercer Island Youth & Family Services. Follow the signs on Island Crest Way, just south of the ball fields.
Redeemer Lutheran Church website >>
