Ho, ho, hold on, December! A winter wonderland to-do list

It's the beginning of December and seasonal festivities are brewing around Puget Sound. To get a few ideas on upcoming events that might help get you in the spirit, KUOW’s Kim Malcolm talked to Matt Baume.

Matt is part of the events team for The Stranger and EverOut, the author of “Defining Marriage,” and the host of the podcast “The Sewers of Paris,” where queer people share personal stories about the entertainment that changed their lives.

37th Annual Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Celebration, at Pike Place Market

It’s actually a fundraiser. It's really a friendly competition. Dozens of teams are scattered throughout the market, giving it their best on various traditional holiday songs. It's a great time to go down, get some holiday cheer, and also just wander the market.

Polar Science Day, at Pacific Science Center

It’s like a miniature Arctic cruise for the whole family. It's a great time to learn about the coldest part of the world. There will be exhibits showing off Arctic animals, where you can hear the sounds of whales, walruses, and seals. You get to decorate little wooden boats that will be launched this summer in the actual Arctic to track ocean currents. There are lectures, a planetarium show, a new IMAX documentary, and lots of opportunities to feel like you've sailed up north.

Group Scuba Dive, at Alki Seacrest Cove 2

This is recognized as one of the best dive sites in Seattle. There's a boat wreck. There is so much life under the waves: sea stars, anemones, crabs, and seals. It’s an excellent opportunity for experienced divers.

Scott Shoemaker’s War on Christmas!, at Theatre Off Jackson

I am so happy this holiday tradition has survived the pandemic and found a new home. It’s a night of chaotic comedy, song, and dance. It's a live show featuring Scott Shoemaker and a whole bunch of other fantastic performers. It's for the grownups. It's about the conflicted feelings one might feel at this time of the year about all the festivities.

Listen to the interview by clicking the play button above.