WEDNESDAY, DEC. 18 2013 >>>

1. Take a mini vacation south of the border today. Preposterous? Not at the Sumner Pierce County Library. It's an indoor Mexican Christmas complete with traditional Mexican rituals, food and entertainment at 6 p.m. In Mexico, the Christmas season begins Dec. 16 with las posadas, a series of nine nightly processions that recreate Mary and Joseph's pilgrimage to Bethlehem and their search for shelter for themselves and the baby Jesus. The pilgrims stop at homes requesting lodging and after the rituals are performed, they are welcomed with food and drink, music and the breaking of a piñata. The traditional foods are tamales, pan dulces (sweet breads), ponche de posada (holiday punch) and hot chocolate. 

2. Olympia Aloha Ukulele Pu'ukani is a group of ukulele players who share the love of Hawaiian, hapa haole and Americana music. At 7:30 p.m. the uke group will perform its Christmas concert featuring traditional holiday songs with an aloha twist at the Olympia Timberland Library. Hear about Santa in a red canoe, Christmas luaus, rock around the Christmas tree and then uke around da' Christmas tree with a Mele Kalikimaka sing-along. 

3. 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 in an electric, inspirational performance at 7:30 p.m. in the Rialto Theater.

4. Tacoma jazz band Taxi Driver will perform jazz standards and holiday music at 7:30 p.m. in Hilltop Kitchen.

5. The Barleywine Revue will fill The Swiss with bluegrass beginning at 8 p.m.

PLUS: Holiday Events Calendar

PLUS: South Sound Holiday Command Center

LINK: Wednesday, Dec. 18 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area