OUT & ABOUT For the week of Dec. 10

Events

Sococulture: For information about cultural events throughout South King County, visit www.sococulture.org.

Grand Victorian Gala and Victorian High Tea: Dec. 13, 14 and 21. Gala on Dec. 13 features Victorian black-tie event with food, entertainment and silent auction. High tea Dec. 14 and 21 features leisurely teatime amid the mansion’s Christmas decor and live piano music. Cost: $50 for gala; $15 for high tea. Meeker Mansion, 312 Spring St., Puyallup. 253-848-1770 or www.meekermansion.org.

“Santa Claws” Cat Expo: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 13-14. Admission: $5-$7; free for ages 12 and younger. Puyallup Fair and Events Center, 110 Ninth Ave. S.W., Puyallup. www.themaineevent.org.

Washington Arms Collectors Show: Dec. 13-14. Cost: $7. Puyallup Fair and Events Center, 110 Ninth Ave. S.W., Puyallup. www.washingtonarmscollectors.org.

Morford Family Carousel: Fridays-Mondays through Dec. 29. Classic 1940s Venetian-style carousel open for the holidays. Hours: 4-9 p.m. Fridays; noon-9 p.m. Saturdays; noon-5 p.m. Sundays; 4-8 p.m. Mondays. Closed Dec. 25. Cost: $1 donation. Town Square Plaza, corner of Second Avenue and Harrison Street, Kent. 253-395-1240, ext. 100.

Music

Bottom Line Duo: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12. Light humor meets series music in this double bass and cello concert for all ages. Part of the Live at the Ave series. Cost: $15-$17. Auburn Avenue Theater, 10 Auburn Ave. 253-931-3043 or www.auburnwa.gov/arts.

“Plugged in for the Holidays—A Rockumental Symphony”: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13. Concert features local rock band Sealth, with performers from Maple Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra and Dace’s Rock ‘n’ More Music Academy. Cost: $10. Carco Theater, 1717 Maple Valley Highway, Renton. 425-358-1649 or 253-736-4443.

Federal Way Chorale—“The Great Mystery and Wonder of Christmas”: 8 p.m. Dec. 13; 2:30 p.m. Dec. 14. Cost: $15-$18; free for ages 12 and younger. St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, 515 S. 312th St., Federal Way. 253-250-3326 or www.fwchorale.com.

Theater

“Miracle on 34th Street”: Dec. 12-27. Presented by Heavier Than Air Family Theatre. Cost: $10. Green River Community College Performing Arts Building, 12401 S.E. 320th St., Auburn. 253-833-9111, ext. 2400.

“Slightly Illusional’s Arctic Express”: 2 p.m. Dec. 13. Show takes the audience on an imaginary train ride to learn about winter holidays celebrated all over the world. Part of the Avenue Kids series, aimed at children in kindergarten through fourth grade. Cost: $6. Auburn Avenue Theater, 10 Auburn Ave. 253-931-3043 or www.auburnwa.gov/arts.

Evergreen City Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”: Dec. 13 and 19-21. Cost: $18-$38. Locations: Dec. 13 at Auburn Performing Arts Center, Auburn Performing Arts Center, 700 E. Main St., Auburn; Dec. 19-21 at IKEA Performing Arts Center, 400 S. Second St., Renton. www.evergreencityballet.org.

“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”: Through Dec. 21. Presented by Auburn Regional Theatre. Cost: $15-$20. Auburn Mountainview Theater, 28900 124th Ave. S.E., Auburn. 253-929-6680 or www.auburnregionaltheatre.org.

Nightlife

Baker Street Books: 7 p.m. various Fridays and Saturdays, live jazz. Dec. 19, Christmas Jazz Sing-along. Baker Street Books, 32709 Railroad Ave., Black Diamond. 360-886-2131.

Cascade Lanes, Lounge and Casino: Performers: 9 p.m. Dec. 13, Boneyard; Dec. 20, Kickstart. No cover. 17034 116th Ave. S.E., Renton. 425-226-2035.

Cutters Point Coffee: Live music various evenings. Times are 6:30 p.m. unless noted. Cost: Free; tips appreciated. 16739 S.E. 272nd St., Covington. 253-639-3458.

Firecreek Grill and Raw Bar: 9 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, live music; 8 p.m. Mondays, open mic for all ages. No cover. 2019 W. Meeker St., Kent. 253-856-5170.

Gonzo’s Bar and Grill: Ongoing: 9 p.m. Wednesdays, karaoke. Open to ages 21 and older. 15423 S.E. 272nd St., Suite 101, Kent. www.gonzosbarandgrill.com.

Interchange Bar & Grill: 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, karaoke. Open to ages 21 and older. 8429 S. 228th St., Kent. 253-854-5650 or www.interchangebar-grill.com.

Kona Kai Coffee Company: Performances are 7-10 p.m. unless noted. Dec. 13 and 16, open mic; Dec. 17, Comedy Night; Dec. 19, Susanna Fuller and the Cascade Jazz Trio ($3 cover); Dec. 20, Paul Johnson and Tom Maeda ($3 cover). 124 Fourth Ave. S., Kent. 206-931-6111 or www.konakaicoffee.net.

Pat’s Bar and Grill: All performances 8 p.m.-midnight unless otherwise noted. Performers: Dec. 12, Boneyard. 114 Railroad Ave. N., Kent. 253-852-7287 or www.patsbar.com.

The Royal Bear Pub and Eatery: Performers: Dec. 12, Randy Hansen; Dec. 26-27, Dog Leg Preacher. 35731 W. Valley Highway, Algona. 253-833-6686.

Dance

Tuesday Evening Dances: 7:30-9:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Features music by Kings of Swing big band, Randy Litch, and Charlie and Evan Brown. Open to all ages. Cost: $4. Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 E. Smith St., Kent. 253-856-5164.

Phils and Phillies Square Dance: 7:30 p.m. the second and fourth Fridays of the month. Mainstream-level square dancing. Rounds, 7:30 p.m.; square dance, 8 p.m. Potluck to follow at 10 p.m. Dec. 12 and 26. Meridian Grange, 15422 S.E. 272nd St., Kent. 425-226-0311.

Pi-R Squares Square Dance Club: 7:30-10:30 p.m. the second and fourth Saturdays of the month. Round dance workshop 7:30-8 p.m.; dancing 8-10:30 p.m. Kent-Meridian Grange, 15422 S.E. 272nd St., Kent. fun-squaredancing@pi-r-squares.org or www.pi-r-squares.org.

Ring ’N Swing Square Dance: 1:15-3:15 p.m. Thursdays. Cost: $3. Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 E. Smith St., Kent. 253-856-5164.

Square Dance lessons: 7:30-9:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Beginning lessons. Swing and ballroom also available. Cost: Free for first three lessons. Meridian Grange, 15422 Kent-Kangley Road, Kent. 253-735-3163, mehlhomes@aol.com or www.wagonwheelssquaredance.org.

Tuesday Afternoon Dances: 1:15-2:15 p.m. Tuesdays. Free dances feature a variety of music styles with musicians Richard Dean, Randy Litch, and Evan and Charlie Brown. Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 E. Smith St., Kent. 253-856-5164.

Readings

Radio Theater of Thrills: 10:30 a.m. Thursdays. Radio drama listeners of all ages are welcome to enjoy the 24 broadcasts from “Radio’s Outstanding Theater of Thrills.” Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 E. Smith St., Kent. 253-856-5164.

Museums

Black Diamond Historical Society Museum: Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursdays; noon-3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. 32627 Railroad Ave., Black Diamond. 360-886-2142, museum@blackdiamondmuseum.org or www.blackdiamondmuseum.org.

Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum: Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Thursdays; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays. Admission: $10 for adults; $5 for students and seniors; free for ages 4 and younger. 5917 S. 196th St., Kent. 206-764-9453.

Kent Historical Society Museum: Events: Noon-4 p.m. Dec. 13, Kent Historical Museum Holiday Open House. Exhibits: Through Dec. 19, “Kenjiro Nomura: An Artist’s View of the Japanese American Internment.” Hours: Noon-4 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays. Admission: $1. Bereiter House, 855 E. Smith St., Kent. 253-854-4330 or www.kenthistoricalmuseum.org.

Renton History Museum: Speaker program for families: 11 a.m. Dec. 13, Allan Hirsch on “The Real Toy Story.” Free tours: 11 a.m. the third Saturday of the month. Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays. Closed on holidays. Admission: $3 for adults; $1 for children; free for ages 7 and younger and members. 235 Mill Ave. S. 425-255-2330 or www.rentonhistory.org.

White River Valley Museum: Exhibits: Through Dec. 14, “Small Works, Big Presents” juried art show, presented with the City of Auburn. Hours: Noon-4 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays. Admission: $1-$2; free on Wednesdays. 918 H St. S.E., Auburn. 253-288-7433 or www.wrvmuseum.org.

Galleries

Auburn City Hall Gallery: Exhibits: Through Jan. 2, art by Terry DeHart and featured senior artists. Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. Admission: Free. Auburn City Hall, 25 W. Main St. 253-931-3043 or www.auburnwa.gov.

Cheryl Sallee Gallery: Exhibits: Through Jan. 2, Senior Activity Center Featured Artists exhibit. Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. Admission: Free. Auburn Senior Activity Center, 808 Ninth St. S.E. 253-931-5043 or www.auburnwa.gov/arts.

Highline Community College Library Gallery: Exhibits: Through Dec. 19, “Massification Project: The Photography of Eric Tomberlin.” Admission: Free. Call for hours. 2400 S. 240th St., Des Moines. http://flightline.highline.edu/exhibits/index.php.

Kent Centennial Center Gallery: Exhibits: Through Jan. 2, photography by Blue Earth Alliance. Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. 400 W. Gowe St., Kent. 253-856-5050, www.ci.kent.wa.us/arts.

Seahurst Art Gallery: Events: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays through December, holiday open house. Exhibits: Ongoing, rotating displays of paintings, pottery and jewelry by local artists. Hours: Noon-5 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays. 15210 10th Ave. S.W., Burien. 206-244-7844.

Seattle Events

Seattle Symphony—“Winter Dreams”: Dec. 11-14. Cost: $17-$97. Benaroya Hall, 200 University St., Seattle. 206-215-4747 or www.seattlesymphony.org.

Bach cello suites with Jaap ter Linden: 8 p.m. Dec. 12. Baroque specialist ter Linden to perform. Cost: $20-$38. Town Hall Seattle, 1119 Eighth Ave. 206-325-7066 or www.earlymusicguild.org.

NBC’s “Last Comic Standing” Live Tour: 8 p.m. Dec. 12. Top five finalists from “Last Comic Standing” will appear, including winner Iliza Schlesinger. Cost: $29.50. The Moore Theatre, 1932 Second Ave., Seattle. 206-292-2787 or www.themoore.com.

“It’s a Wonderful Improvised Life”: 10:15 p.m. Dec. 12 and 19. Improv show follows mainstage production of “The Christmas Foundling.” Cost: $10. Taproot Theatre, 204 N. 85th St., Seattle. 206-781-9707.

“A Cathedral Christmas”: 8 p.m. Dec. 12-13. Presented by the Seattle Choral Company. Cost: $10-$25. St. Mark’s Cathedral, 1245 10th Ave. E., Seattle. 800-838-3006 or www.seattlechoralcompany.org.

Cycle World International Motorcycle Show: Dec. 12-14. Admission: $6-$13; free for ages 5 and younger. Qwest Field Event Center, 800 Occidental Ave., Seattle. 800-331-5706 or www.motorcycleshows.com.

“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”: Dec. 12-24. Presented by Seattle Public Theater at the Bathhouse. Greenlake Bathhouse Theatre, 7312 W. Greenlake Drive N., Seattle. 206-524-1300 or www.seattlepublictheater.org.

“Holiday Dreams for Kids”: 10 and 11:30 a.m. Dec. 13. Seattle Symphony concert aimed at children ages 5-12 and families. Cost: $15-$20. Benaroya Hall, 200 University St., Seattle. 206-215-4747 or www.seattlesymphony.org.

“A Cape Breton Christmas”: Dec. 13-14. Seattle Baroque Orchestra to perform with fiddler David Greenberg. Call for cost. Benaroya Hall, 200 University St., Seattle. www.seattlebaroque.org.

Seattle Women’s Chorus—“Dressed in Holiday Style”: Dec. 13-14. Cost: $17.50-$50. Meany Hall, 4001 University Way N.E., Seattle. 206-388-1400 or www.flyinghouse.org.

Northwest Chamber Chorus—“A North Seas Christmas”: 3 p.m. Dec. 14. Group to perform Christmas music from Norway, Sweden, Latvia and Great Britain. Cost: $12-$20; free for children 6-12. Plymouth Congregational Church, 1217 Sixth Ave., Seattle. 206-523-1196 or www.northwestchamberchorus.org.

Rosie Thomas & Friends—“A Very Rosie Christmas”: 8:30 p.m. Dec. 14. Cost: $16-$18. Town Hall Seattle, 1119 Eighth Ave. 206-652-4255 or www.townhallseattle.org.

“Bluenose”: Through Dec. 14. Red-nosed pirates meet a blue-nosed girl, and learn a lesson about prejudice. Cost: $17-$34. Seattle Children’s Theatre’s Charlotte Martin Theatre, 201 Thomas St., Seattle. 206-441-3322 or www.sct.org.

“A Celtic Christmas”: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16. Concert features fiddler Natalie MacMaster. Cost: $17-$75. Benaroya Hall, 200 University St., Seattle. 206-215-4747, 866-833-4747 or www.seattlesymphony.org.

Oprah Winfrey presents “The Color Purple”: Dec. 16-28. Musical based on the novel by Alice Walker. The Paramount Theatre, 911 Pine St., Seattle. 206-292-2787 or www.theparamount.com.

The Pajama Men—“Versus vs. Versus”: 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays through Dec. 20. Fast-paced physical comedy duo to perform. Cost: $12-$18. Annex Theatre, 1100 E. Pike St., Seattle. 800-838-3006 or www.brownpapertickets.com.

“My Ántonia”: Through Dec. 21. Play depicts friendship and hardship on the Great Plains. Presented by Book-It Repertory Theatre. Call for cost. Center House Theatre, 305 Harrison St., Seattle. 206-216-0833 or www.book-it.com.

“A(n Improvised) Christmas Carol”: Thursdays-Sundays through Dec. 21. Performers take audience suggestions and use them to tell a new version of Dickens’ story. Presented by Unexpected Productions. Cost: $12. Market Theater in Pike Place Market, 1428 Post Alley, Seattle. 206-587-2414 or www.brownpapertickets.com.

Carter Family Marionettes—“Cinderella”: Through Dec. 21. Cost: $8.50-$9. Northwest Puppet Center, 9123 15th Ave. N.E., Seattle. 800-838-3006 or www.brownpapertickets.com.

“boom”: Through Dec. 21. A nerdy marine biologist hopes to save life on Earth, and get a date, before the impending apocalypse. Seattle Repertory Theatre, 305 Harrison St., Seattle. 206-443-2222, 877-900-9285 or www.seattlerep.org.

Seattle Men’s Chorus Holiday Concert—“Fruitcake”: Through Dec. 22. Cost: $20-$65. Benaroya Hall, 200 University St., Seattle. www.flyinghouse.org.

“Plaid Tidings”: Through Dec. 23. Holiday edition of the musical comedy “Forever Plaid.” Call for cost, details. ArtsWest Playhouse, 4711 California Ave. S.W., Seattle. 206-938-0339 or www.artswest.org.

“The Christmas Foundling”: Through Dec. 27. Presented by Taproot Theatre Company. Call for cost. Taproot Theatre, 204 N. 85th St., Seattle. 206-781-9707 or www.taproottheatre.org.

“A Christmas Carol”: Through Dec. 27. ACT Theatre’s 33rd annual production of Dickens’ classic tale. ACT Theatre, 700 Union St., Seattle. 206-292-7676 or www.acttheatre.org.

“Seven Brides for Seven Brothers”: Through Dec. 28. Cost: $22-$81. The 5th Avenue Theatre, 1308 Fifth Ave., Seattle. 206-625-1900, 888-584-4849 or www.5thavenue.org.

Pacific Northwest Ballet—Stowell/Sendak “Nutcracker”: Through Dec. 30. PNB performs Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker” ballet with choreography by Kent Stowell and costume and scenic design by Maurice Sendak. Cost: $24-$130. Marion Oliver McCaw Hall, 321 Mercer St., Seattle. 206-441-2424 or www.pnb.org.

Qwest Carousel: Through Dec. 31. Part of the KING 5 Holiday Wonderland in downtown Seattle. Cost: $2 donation. Westlake Park, 401 Pine St., Seattle.

Sheraton Seattle’s 16th annual Gingerbread Village: Through Jan. 4. Display, themed “A Superhero Holiday,” features elaborate gingerbread structures designed by top Seattle architects. Cost: Free; donations welcome for Northwest Chapter of Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Lobby of Sheraton Seattle, 1400 Sixth Ave. 206-621-9000.