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Neighborhood celebrations to take place at Seattle parks throughout December

Seattle Parks and Recreation is pleased to announce a series of wintertime events in city parks. The Arts in Parks initiative, funded by the Seattle Park District, invites everyone to enjoy neighborhood celebrations that are free and open to the public.

The Arts in Parks program supports new and established community festivals, art happenings, and music concerts that enliven Seattle parks by promoting arts and culture, celebrating diversity, building community connections, and energizing parks while connecting with rich cultural traditions. For more information, contact artsinparks@seattle.gov.

Saturday, December 1

  • Wintertime Drumming and Song Workshop: Pratt Park; noon to 2 p.m.

Come learn and share cultural drumming and songs. This workshop will be facilitated by Afua Kouyate and taught by Boka Kouyate of Kouyate Arts in Seattle. Drums will be provided and/or you may bring any drum of your own. Snacks will be provided. Families are encouraged to attend! kouyatearts.com

  • Ballard Holiday Fest: Bergen Place Park; 3 to 6 p.m.

Bring the whole family for some festive fun in the heart of Ballard! Enjoy live music, complimentary photos with Santa, popcorn, treats, hot chocolate and cider, and find out the winners of the Tomte Trail adventure at this free event celebrating the holidays in Ballard. visitballard.com/holidayfest

  • West Seattle Tree Lighting and Holiday Show: Junction Plaza Park; 3-7 p.m.

Come to the Holiday Night Market where you’ll find local handmade goods from over 40 local artisans. Get your picture taken with Santa from 4-7 p.m. in the Holiday Night Market Santa House. Make an ornament to hang on the tree and enjoy a full music and entertainment line-up with the finale, the tree lighting.

Sunday, December 2

  • Holiday Jazz on Ballard Ave: Marvin’s Garden; Noon-1 p.m.

Join saxophonist Steve Griggs, organist Scott Lytle, and drummer Milo Petersen for a 60-minute free concert of holiday music.

Saturday, December 8

  • Hot Apple Cider Bean Bag Toss: Ballard Commons Park; 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Stop by to toss a bean bag in this artist-created winter scene and enjoy a cup of hot cider.

  • Holiday Jazz on Ballard Ave: Marvin’s Garden; 6-7 p.m.

Join saxophonist Steve Griggs, organist Scott Lytle, and drummer Milo Petersen for a 60-minute free concert of holiday music.

Saturday, December 15

  • Afro-Brazilian Dance: Jimi Hendrix Park; 2-4 p.m.

Enjoy a dance demonstration by world class artist Elisio Pitta and colleagues. Then join in for an Afro-Brazilian dance class with live drumming.

  • First Hill Photo Booth and Donation Drive: First Hill Park; 1-3 p.m.

Join First Hill Improvement Association for an afternoon with a photo booth, warm beverages, and snacks. Donations being collected for Compass Housing include twin size bedding (sheets and blankets), towels, and hygiene items including shampoos, conditioner, lotion, razors and shaving cream.

  • Mixteco Nature Gathering: Powell Barnett Park; 1-3 p.m.

An intergenerational gathering of people interested in playing drums and singing music in the Afro-Cuban tradition, including youth who would like to learn, elder drummers, dance instructors, and traditional food.

  • Tis the Season: Card Making & Holiday Drive: Mineral Springs Park; 1-4 p.m.

Come enjoy a free holiday event including live music, holiday card-making activities, festive games, hot beverages and snacks. Food and clothing items will be collected for local non-profits. All are welcome!

  • Lake City Winter Festival: Albert Davis Park. 6:30-8 p.m.

The Lake City Community is continuing their tradition of an outdoor winter time celebration with a tree lighting, pictures with Santa, holiday treats and live entertainment from local artists.

Sunday, December 16

  • Yemaya Gathering: Lincoln Park; 2:00-4:00 p.m.

Come out to Lincoln Park to enjoy this artistic gathering for Yemaya at the beach. Learn about this Afro-Cuban art form, watch demonstrations, and participate in a combined drum and dance class. The gathering is family-friendly and provides a wonderful opportunity for children and youth to learn from seasoned artists and elders.

  • Winter Wonderland in the Park: Salmon Bay Park; 5-7 p.m.

Enjoy a special evening set to the sounds of Ballard High School’s outstanding Vocal Jazz choir. While their songs warm your heart, the park will be lit up with luminarios. Hot cider and hot chocolate will be served and artists of all ages will be able to participate in a variety of winter-themed crafts. sbpstewards@gmail.com

Sunday, December 23

  • Spirit of Kwanzaa Drum and Dance-a-thon; Beer Sheva Park; 1-4 p.m.

Celebrate family, community, and culture, and experience the 7 principles of Kwanzaa through dancing, drumming, art, and community.

  • Wintertime Mokojumbies: Jimi Hendrix Park; 2:00-4:00 p.m.

The Caribbean Sea Fest Mokojumbies (Stilt Dancers) will dance to Soca Music at Jimmy Hendrix Park. Come out to learn about this Caribbean art form with roots in West Africa. This event will include a demonstration and dance class for calypso and soca dance from the Caribbean island nation of Trinidad and Tobago. We will keep you moving to the beat. All experience levels are welcome!