It's an excellent time to support local businesses with your holiday shopping patronage, AND to take a break from retail to imbibe (say, at Montana or Linda's). And don't forget the Volunteer Park Cafe Pop-up Shop, about which I am incredibly enthused.
Volunteer Park Café Pop-up shop
Volunteer Park Cafe is easily one of my favorite places in Seattle. It hits the mark on charm, friendliness and coziness, while making arguably the best cookies, scones and strata in the entire city. This year, they're home to a pop-up shop featuring specialty preserves, smoked trout roe, plenty of VPC gear and more. A one-stop stocking stuffer and brunch destination! Look here for other places on the hill to shop.
Art Up Phinneywood
Phinney Ridge and Greenwood, Friday 12/13 from 6-9 p.m., FREE
Check out the well-organized map to make the most of this regular event, which provides not only a great excuse to visit art shows at various adorable Phinney Ridge and Greenwood businesses and galleries, but also an opportunity to buy unique holiday gifts. While you're up there, try some of the seasonal brews at Naked City and stop by the 826 Seattle store (also a great place to buy space-related gifts!).
Rob Ketcherside Presents “Lost Seattle”
Central Library, Saturday 12/15 at 2 p.m., FREE
Rob Ketcherside, a specialist In Seattle history and architecture (and contributor to the Capitol Hill blog), will present his “Lost Seattle” talk, discussing buildings that disappeared during Seattle's growing up years, from the late 1800s to present. The talk is accompanied by photos from MOHAI's extensive archive, and seems like a great reprieve from Saturday holiday shopping.
Montana 2nd Anniversary Party
Montana, Sunday 12/15
Seattle bar Montana, known for its inventive cocktails (many featuring the unparalleled Rachel’s Ginger Beer, made by owner Rachel) and somehow cutely divey ambiance is turning two. Come by to celebrate on Sunday evening by partaking in a frozen cocktail and other drink specials. And wear your favorite ugly holiday sweater.
Linda’s Holiday Funfest
Linda’s, Monday 12/16 at 8 p.m., FREE
Speaking of that holiday sweater, maybe just keep it on for 24 hours and have your photo taken with Linda's surly Santa and his reindeer corgi while sipping special drinks and dancing to live DJ sets. Linda's somehow manages to capitalize on all the sentimental holidays, while putting its own spin on things, one that can be appreciated by the genuine and burned out holiday lovers alike.
Edward Scissorhands
Central Cinema, Wednesday 12/18, 99 cents
For all my unabashed (and controversial) love of holiday music, I just can't get behind most holiday movies. Edward Scissorhands is about as close as I'm willing to go. This darkly enchanting soundtrack evokes nostalgia for a time when neither Johnny Depp nor Tim Burton seemed like they were trying too hard, and there's just enough screentime of lightly falling snow to make this feel a bit Christmas-y. Central Cinema will be showing Edward Scissorhands all weekend long for $6 (Friday) and 99 cents on Wednesday.
What are you doing this weekend? Let us know in the comments area below. And if you hear of any interesting – under $15 - events in or around our grand city, please email editor@crosscut.com.
