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CONTACT THE ENTERPRISE Jocelyn Robinson, News editor jrobinson@heraldnet.com

Holiday Lightings & Santa Sightings

Kick off the holiday season at these festive community events

Enterprise staff

There are plenty of opportunities in the next few weeks to catch a glimpse of Santa Claus before his Christmas Eve trek across the globe. You can also celebrate the arrival of the holiday season at one of the many tree lighting events in local communities. Here's a rundown of what's coming up:

Bothell

Tree Lighting & Santa's Arrival: 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, a traditional Christmas tree lighting and Santa's magical arrival from the sky, at Country Village, 23732 Bothell-Everett Hwy. Train rides all day. Info: 425-483-2250 or www.countryvillagebothell.com.

Festival of Lights & Cookies with Mrs. Claus: Noon-3 p.m. Saturday & Sunday, Dec. 12 & 13, thousands of twinkling white lights outline and light whimsical displays at Country Village, 23732 Bothell-Everett Hwy. Children can meet Mrs. Claus and sample cookies. Info: 425-483-2250 or www.countryvillagebothell.com.

Bothell Winterfest: 5:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, annual lighting of the tree, the arrival of Santa and hayrides through the Park at Bothell Landing, 9919 NE 180th St. Children can visit with Santa and parents are encouraged to bring their cameras. Hayrides begin at 5:30 p.m., tree lighting is a 6:30 p.m. Info: 425-486-7430.

Brier

Tree Lighting: 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive to help light the tree at Brier Park, 2903 228th St. SW. The Brier Elementary Choir will lead carols, and hot chocolate, cookies and candy canes will be served. Donations accepted to benefit Concern for Neighbors Food Bank. Info: 425-775-5440.

Edmonds

Edmonds Tree Lighting Ceremony: 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, Santa arrives for the lighting at Centennial Plaza in front of City Hall, 5th & Bell. Free cookies & hot cider; musical entertainment & caroling, plus photos with Santa at the Edmonds. Info: 425-776-6711.

Christmas Ships: 7-9 p.m. Monday, Dec. 7, depart from the Edmonds Marina on the Argosy Christmas ships for a tour of Edmonds and Richmond Beach waterfronts (Tickets: $25 adults, $22.50 seniors, $12 children, ages 5-12, free ages 5 & under). The Everett Chorale performs aboard the lead Christmas ship as they visit Edmonds from 7:10-7:30 p.m. and Richmond Beach from 8:20-8:40 p.m. Info: 206-623-1445 or argosycruises.com.

Holiday Open House: 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, the Swamp Creek Model Railroad Association hosts this annual open house featuring the group's extensive model railroad diorama, at the Edmonds Amtrak station, 211 Railroad Ave., Edmonds. Info: swamp.cccrow.com.

Lynnwood

Lynnwood Lights Winter Celebration: 6-9 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1, annual holiday season opener features tree lighting, photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus, live music, dance & entertainment, special performance by children's performer, Eric Ode, Wii skiing, speed pitch and other activities, at the Lynnwood Convention Center, 3711 196th St. SW, Lynnwood. Donations for the Lynnwood Food Bank will be accepted. Admission: Free. Info: 425-670-5732, www.ci.lynnwood.wa.us.

Olympic Ballet Theatre Santa Breakfast: 10 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 20: OBT combines breakfast, a “Mini-Nutcracker” performance, and a visit from Santa Claus and his elves at the Embassy Suites, 20610 44th Ave. W., Lynnwood. Tickets available through OBT at 425-774-7570 or through Ticketmaster at 206-292-ARTS.

Santa Events at Alderwood: at Alderwood mall, 3000 184th Street SW, Suite 145, Lynnwood. Info: 425-771-1121.

• Through Dec. 24: Have your photo taken with the real Santa, in the Center Court. Cost: Prices vary.

• 8-10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, Santa Breakfast and sing-along time at The Terraces Fireplace in the Food Court. Cost: $5 donation per person, all proceeds go to charity.

Mill Creek

“Deck the (City) Halls!”: 6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 30, music and special entertainment from Jackson High School Band & Mill Creek Elementary students, Santa's arrival and tree lighting ceremony, at Mill Creek City Hall, 15728 Mill Creek Blvd. Youth Advisory Board members (Elves) will be providing cookies for children to decorate. Bring a camera. Admission: Free; donations of non perishable foods items for the local Food Bank accepted. Info: 425-745-1891.

Mountlake Terrace

Mountlake Terrace Tree Lighting Ceremony: 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, music, refreshments, a visit from Santa Claus and the lighting of the tree on top of the city's water tower, at Evergreen Playfield, 22205 56th Ave. W, Mountlake Terrace. Info: 425-776-9173.

Breakfast with Santa: 8 a.m.-noon Saturday, Dec. 12, the Mountlake Terrace High School Music Boosters host this annual event in the MTHS HUB, 21801 44th Ave. W., with all- pancakes, eggs, sausage and more, plus Santa photos for a nominal fee, musical entertainment by MTHS music groups and other local schools. Cost: $4-6 for breakfast, $6-8 for photos, proceeds benefit student music groups. Info: www.mthsbands.org or 425-775-7013.