>>> CELEBRATE

Jigs, Clogs and Hootenannys

OK, while the winter solstice technically is the shortest day of the year, and nighttime falls at a ridiculously early hour, for some, the solstice means getting their party on and celebrating. In the Appalachia region, winter solstice means breaking out the instruments, sweet treats and excellent libations in a festival of dancing, music and storytelling. So why can't the South Puget Sound enjoy the same, right? Ah, but we can. The Puget Sound Revels performance brings traditions, energy and spirit right here to our own backyard in an electric, inspirational performance.

Puget Sound Revels, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14, 1 and 5 p.m. Dec. 15, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 17 and 18, Rialto Theater, 310 S. Ninth St., Tacoma, ticket prices vary, 253.591.5894

>>> FAMILY

International Christmas Love Right in Tacoma

Gather up your kiddos and take a holiday world tour, no passports necessary courtesy of our friends at the Museum of Glass in Tacoma, for the Christmas Around the World family event. Get your holiday craft on in sweet Scandinavia (Norway, Denmark), fab France and joyous Japan. Don't worry; local artists and crafters will be your tour guides, along with some great holiday music to accompany you on your trip.

Museum of Glass, 1-4 p.m., Dec. 14, 1801 Dock St., Tacoma, activities free with admission, museumofglass.org

>>> RUN

Get Your Rear in Gear

Belly shaking like a bowl full of jelly? Consumed your 157,000th holiday cookie and drank your weight in eggnog? It's the holiday season. Of course you have. Counteract the current and upcoming calorie-laden damage with Santa Runs Tacoma, Frosty's 5k Run/Walk (and 1k Tiny Tim run for kids) that includes a trek over the cool Murray Morgan Bridge. Santa and his reindeer will be on hand at the end of the race route to put you on his "nice list." Portions of the race proceeds help animals in need at the Tacoma Pierce County Humane Society. Bring a "protein food donation" (peanut butter, canned tuna, canned chicken, stew, chili) for the FISH Food Banks and get entered into a raffle for fab prizes. Race registration REQUIRED; visit website for registration fees, race route and other details.

Santa Runs Tacoma, Frosty's 5k Run/Walk, 9 a.m. Dec. 14, Starting area 909 A St., Tacoma, santarunstacoma.com

>>> LAUGH

A Little Holiday Debauchery

Drunken Santas; disgruntled holiday elves; holiday shoppers who have lost their minds; and creeped out kids. Join The Changing Scene Theatre Northwest, the Kitsap Peninsula's only fringe theater, in conjunction with the historic Tacoma Little Theatre for a performance of David Sedaris' one man show, The Santaland Diaries. Follow the tale of a down-on-his-luck New York actor who is forced to take a job as an elf at Macy's during the holiday season. Outrageousness, hilarity and a bit o'snark ensue. Only two performances (mature content for mature elves, ages 14+ only). Catch it while you can!

The SantaLand Diaries, 7:30 p.m., Dec. 12 and Dec. 15. Tacoma Little Theatre, 220 N. I St., Tacoma, ticket prices vary, tacomalittletheatre.com

>>> SEE

Ahoy Santa!

This Pacific Northwest holiday tradition is sure to float your boat. Don your festive cool weather gear and pop down to the Foss Waterway Seaport on the esplanade to see festive boats from the Tacoma Yacht Club all decked out in holiday lights and displays as they make their way to the Foss Waterway. Enjoy a little holiday treat and cocoa (provided by Goodwill's Neighborhood Bistro) by the sea as you watch the boats cruise on by. Do good and bring a non-perishable food item to help out the St. Leo's food drive. Sound great? RSVP and let 'em know you're on board.

Foss Waterway Seaport, 7:30-9 p.m., Dec. 13, 705 Dock St., Tacoma, free, fosswaterwayseaport.org

>>> FAMILY

We (Heart) History

Get your holiday and history on at the Capital Museum in Olympia for its Historic Holiday Celebration. Be transformed back to the 1920s era in the stunningly decorated 1923 Lord Mansion. Ol' St. Nick awaits you by the Mansion's grand tree for a free photo keepsake. Kiddos get an up-close-and-personal animal encounter with an onsite petting zoo and pony rides. A local artist leads a cool paper snowflake crafting activity. Throw in a sing-a-long, cookie decorating and free electric trolley rides in the surrounding neighborhood, and you'll be so full of holiday spirit you will happily burst.

Capital Museum, 12-3 p.m., Dec. 14, 211 21st Ave. SW, Olympia, $7 per person or $25 family price (four people max.), washingtonhistory.org

>>> DO

Rev Your Engines This Holiday Season

So many times during the holiday season, there are great events that last just a day, and, if we're lucky, maybe two days. However, LeMay America's Car Museum, a South Sound, state and national automotive loving treasure, takes it 12 steps further. Enjoy 12 days of Christmas at this iconic museum with awesome giveaways, Santa Claus, kid and family activities and all the rad transportation goodness that you can possibly take. Visit the website for the activities of the day. Vroom vroom, rev it up and be there!

LeMay America's Car Museum, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Dec. 13-24, 2702 E. D St., Tacoma, activities free with admission, www.lemaymuseum.org

>>> CELEBRATE

Even Scrooge Would Smile

Bah Humbug, NOT! Trust us: the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future won't be unleashed at the 9th Annual Dickens Festival in Tacoma's Stadium District. Instead, pay homage to literary master Charles Dickens with a two-day Dickensian-era community fest. Day one: Meet up for a "torchlight parade" (battery-lit torches and glow sticks provided free) beginning at the Titus Will Showroom at 5 p.m. and enjoy a live performance as the crowd gathers. Then, happily march through the Stadium District to First Presbyterian Annex for live music and cool puppetry (food and beverages available for sale). Day two: it's an all-day affair of horse and carriage rides, entertainment, open houses, beard and costume contests and more at various business district venues. An evening Dickens ball and silent auction to benefit the Metropolitan Development Council will be held at David's on Broadway from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. (limited seating, $45 per person, $80 per couple) - call Diana Schroader at 253.324.5212 for ball details and tickets.

Dickens Festival at Stadium, 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Dec. 13 and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 14, free family festival, www.dickensfestival.net (for schedules and venues)

PLUS: Holiday Events Calendar