Parents 2 Parents: Holidays

Santa Clause House (Northpole, Alaska) - receive personalized Santa letters
Northpole.com - send letters to Santa & he writes back. Fun online activities too.
Santa Letters through your standard USPS postal service
Track Santa's Path w/ Norad - Live Dec. 1 through Dec. 24
Santa Claus, Indiana: There is a little town called Santa Claus and every Christmas the elves (volunteers) receive letters from kids from all over and write back to them. They work hard during this time and it is FREE! {Santa Claus, PO Box 1, Santa Claus, IN 47579}
View Santa's Reindeer on the Reindeer Cam

Online VIDEO creation FUN

Portable North Pole - Answer some questions & create a personalized Santa VIDEO!

Elf Yourself Video from Office Max

Jib Jab Holiday Vidoes lets you turn your family into singing dancers

Crafts

Printable Christmas Tags & To Do Lists (Free) - crafts
Create a "Holiday Planner Binder" - Get Organized!
Create an "Advent Calendar of Things to do"
Create a Christmas Gift Exchange for Family/Friends using Name Drawing.com

Research Christmas Cities

North Pole, Alaska - Did you know this city exits & there's a Santa House?
Santa Claus, Indiana - Did you know this city exists

How to Handle Holiday Choas

Putting Your Spouse Before Your Parents Article (great tips!)

Holidays - How to explain to kids

Hanukkah defined by Wikipedia

Christmas defined by Wikipedia

Who is Santa Claus defined by Wikipedia

"The Truth about Santa" Article How to share with kids

Fun Runs

The Sweater Dash (5k) - Remlinger Farm - Redmond, WA (middle Dec)
The Ugly Sweater Run (5k) - Sandpoint - Seattle, WA
Jingle Bell Run (5k) - Seattle, WA
**Seattle Runs

Events

Puget Sound

"10 Free Holiday Outings Around Puget Sound" Article by Seattle's Child
"Downtown Holidays" Activities (Seattle) - Overview
MyNorthWest.com Holiday Map - interactive map of ALL holiday activities
Best Spots to Visit Santa - by Red Tricycle (Seattle)

Bellevue / Kirkland/Issaquah

"Bellevue Magic Season" - List of FREE Holiday events all month
"Christmas In Seattle & Bellevue" - List of FREE Holiday events all month
"Enchanted Holidays" at The Bravern (Bellevue) - Tree Lighting, Pony Rides, etc
"Snowflake Lane" (Bellevue) - Bellevue Square Mall @ 7pm
"Garden d'Lights" (Bellevue) - Nov - Dec walk through the lighted path outdoors
"Magic Season" Ice-Skating (Bellevue)
"Family Gingerbread Workshops" (Bellevue) & "Ginger Bread Lane" Hilton (Bellevue) - (Provided by KidsQuest)
"Christmas Ship Festival" - Argosy Boats
"Ivar's Clam Lights at Gene Coulon Park" (Renton)
"In the Snow: Who's Been Here?" (Bellevue) - Lewis Creek Park Visitor Center
"Tractor Pulled Hayrides w/ Santa" @ Kelsey Creek Farm Park
"Father/Daughter Snowflake Ball" (Kirkland) & Details by Red Tricycle (Ages 3-10yrs)
"Issaquah Reindeer Festival" @ Cougar Mountain Zoo (Issaquah)
The Nutcracker (1hour) Evergreen Ballet Production - Lake WA Performance Center

Seattle

"Christmas In Seattle & Bellevue" - List of FREE Holiday events all month
Seattle Kids Weekend Events: Dec 14-16, 2012 by Red Tricycle
"WildLights" @ Woodland Park Zoo (Seattle)
"The Nutcracker" Pacific Northwest Ballet (PNB) Show
"WinterFest" Ice-Skating in Downtown Seattle
"Winter Train and Village" Seattle Center House
"Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO)" Concert Key Arena
"Gingerbread Village at the Sheraton Hotel" - 24 hours a day
"Wonderland Holiday Carousal" - @ Westlake Park
"Indoor Snowfalls at Pacific Place" - Nightly @ 6pm
"Toyland Village" - Over 50 lighted sculptures of toys @ the Waterfront
"Candy Cane Lane in the Ravenna Neighborhood" Drive through
"Jingle Bell Run for Arthritus" 3k run/walk - Downtown Seattle

Bothell / Mill Creek / Lynnwood / Mountlake Terrace/Snohomish

"Snow Day" at Kids at the Creek Preschool - Gold Creek Church (1st Saturday)
Mill Creek Santa Parade & Tree Lighting - Mill Creek Towncenter (1st Saturday)
"Tree Lighting" Country Village (Bothell)
Evergreen Ballet - Nutcracker - Lake WA Performance Arts
"Storytime with Santa" (Mill Creek) - University Book Store
Christmas Pancake Breakfast - Mill Creek Four Square (1st Saturday)
"Festival of Lights & Cookies w/ Mrs. Clause" at Country Village (Bothell)
Winter Solstice Candlelight Walk - Snohomish (Saturday before Christmas)
"Winter Break Extravaganza" - FREE Activities at Sno-Isles Libraries (last 2 weeks Dec)
"Home Depot Kids' Workshop - Snowman Napkin Holders" - 1st Sat. each month
"Wights" Nursery Festive Trees (Lynnwood) - 31 themed trees, village, nativity
A Night of Christmas Jingles (FREE) - Snohomish (Family caroling)
Gold Creek Churck - Live Nativity Event & Candlelight Service - Mill Creek
Eastlake Community Church Christmas Eve Service - Everett, Bothell

Redmond / Woodinville

"Holiday Kid's Express Train" @ Redmond Town Center
"St. Nicholas Day Open House 2011" - (Wine - Adults Only)
"Holiday Events" - FREE Activities at King County Libraries
"Redmond Lights - Winter Festival" - (luminary walk & crafts)
"Redmond Lights - Santa Breakfast"
"Horse Drawn Carriage Rides" @ Redmond Town Center -
"Storytime with Santa at Redmond Town Center" Center Plaza
"Molbak's Nursery" (Woodinville) - theme trees, 14-foot poinsettia tree & pastries

Everett

Stanwood

"The Lights of Christmas" - Thr to Sunday every weekend in December (Stanwood, WA

Leavenworth

Snow Train - Alki tours, take train from Seattle to Leavenworth

Nutcracker Shows

Pacific Northwest Ballet - Seattle
Washington School of Dance (Glacier Peak High School) - Snohomish
International Ballet Academy - Kirkland & Bellevue
Emerald Ballet - Bothell
Olympic Ballet - Edmonds
Evergreen Ballet - Lake WA, Kirkland
Nutcracker location tips from ParentMap - > here

Santa Picture Spots

Local Nordstrom - (Bellevue & Seattle hours)
Alderwood Mall - by My Album Pics ("Workshop Santa")

Original Santa Photos - (Available at Local Malls)

Country Village (Bothell) - by Chapters Photography

Holiday Cooking

Honey Glazed Ham recipe

Red Garlic Mashed Potato recipe

Campbells Green Bean Casserole recipe

Sauteed Cinnamon Apples recipe

Apple Pie recipe

Holiday Cooking and Baking with Children

10 Amazing (and Adorable) Holiday Desserts by Red Tricycle

10 Amazingly Simple Holiday Cookie Recipes by Red Tricycle

Note: Save your favorite recipes on FREE Holiday Recipe Card Printables - 24/7 MOMs

December - "New YEARS Eve FUN"

Events

"Celebration Lane" (Bellevue) - Bellevue Square Mall @ 7pm (12/26 - 12/31)
"Garden d'Lights" (Bellevue) - Nov - Dec 31st walk through the lighted path outdoors
"Magic Season Ice Arena (Bellevue) - Nov to beginning of January
"WildLights" @ Woodland Park Zoo (Seattle)
"Rockin' New Years Eve Daytime" Party - ICM (Everett) Dec 31st
"New Year's Eve with The Rhythm Nation" Center House at Seattle Center (FREE)
Playdate Cafe New Year's Countdown - Lynnwood (in the afternoon)
Turn your clocks ahead & celebrate with New York City by watching CNN at 9pm PST

Crafts

"Fun New Years Eve with Kids Party Ideas" from 24/7 Moms
New Years Eve "Countdown Activity Bags" w/ idea list & printable design
New Years Eve "Countdown Goodie Bags"
Wine Bottle Decorating Party Ideas
"Midnight Cookie Favors" great idea even for a wedding or any party!
New Years Eve "Party Decorating Ideas & Printables"
"5 New Year’s Eve Tips for Families" from 24/7 Moms
"Ways To Display Your New Years Resolutions" from 24/7 Moms

January

Get Organized for the NEW YEAR!!

"Get Organized" Article by SC Johnson.com
"Write Thank You Notes" from the holidays with FREE Printable templates
"3 Ideas for Photo Thank You Cards w KIDS"
"Ways To Display Your New Years Resolutions" from 24/7 Moms
Review your Annual Credit Report (FREE) - Visit this site for your free annual credit report from each issuing agency. Because there are three agencies, you might want to order one at a time and spread them throughout the year.

Martin Luther King, Jr Birthday -> HOLIDAY (3rd Monday)

MLK Holiday Activities by "Primary Games.com" crafts, printables, etc.
Martin Luther King Celebration Committee, Inc. in North Carolina Includes a description of the celebrations, a timeline of his life, and audio clips of some of his famous speeches.
Meaning of the MLK Holiday by "The King Center"
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Word Scramble - game
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Activities and Games for Kids - Word Search - game
Dedication of a Dream by "Time For Kids.com" - article
"I Have a Dream" Youtube VIDEO

Winter Activities

25 Winter Play List Activities in Greater Seattle by Parentmap
50 Great Places to Play Inside by Parentmap
Seattle's Totally Awesome Award Winners for 2012 list by Red Tricycle (great kid activity idea list!)

Get Crafty - Create Toddler "Busy Bags"

Toddler Time Busy Bags by Second Story Window Blog
Kid Craft Activities on Pinterest

Events

Disney Live - show @ Comcast Everett Arena
Daddy/Daughter Dance - Gold Creek Church - MOPS (end of January)

February

Groundhog Day (Feb. 2nd)

Northwest Flower & Garden Show

WA Flower & Garden Show w/ KidGarden (Convention Center)

Valentine's Day (Feb. 14th)

President's Day (3rd Monday)

Events

Daddy/Daughter Dance - Mill Creek Foursquare
Love Bug Dance (Daddy/Daughter) - YMCA Northshore
StoryBook Theater - Kirkland (1hr kids plays)
Youth Theater - Mercer Island (1hr kids plays)

Fun Runs

YMCA Puddle Run 5k - Mill Creek

March

Daylight Savings

Daylight Savings defined by Wikipedia

Saint Patrick's Day (March 17th)

St. Patrick’s Day Craft Ideas
St. Patrick's Day defined by Wikipedia
St. Patrick's Day ideas for crafts and treats on our Pinterest boards and in ParentMap's DIY section.
Lucky's Layered Lime Dessert : Macaroni Kid

St. Paddy Events

Irish Festival at the Seattle Center Armory - is two free days of Irish tunes, step dancing, arts, hands-on activities, and genealogy and language workshops @ Seattle Center
Seattle Children's Museum for a serious leprechaun fest, including a pot o' gold scavenger hunt, Irish dancing and green crafts.
St. Patrick's Day Parade is tons of family fun, starting downtown Seatte at 12:30 p.m., and ending at the Seattle Center festival.
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium will be tossing lots of greenie treats to its animals all day, including Lucky Charms popsicles for gibbons and a shark feed, with great critter observation opportunities. Included in admission.

More Events

Redmond Toddler Group Carnival - Ages 1 to 5yrs

Fun Runs

The Hot Chocolate Run 5k/15k - Seattle Center - Seattle, WA

Lake Sammamish Half Marathon - Trail Run

St. Patty's Day Dash from the Seattle Center. Wee ones can kick out the Leprechaun Lap. Races start at 8 a.m.
Kirkland Shamrock Run 5k - Kirkland Marina (Strollers allowed)

April

April Fool's Day (April 1st)

April Fool's Day defined by Wikipedia
April Fool's Day fun ideas from Macaroni Kid - Issaquah
April Fool's Day Jokes from Red Tricylcle

Good Friday -> HOLIDAY

Good Friday defined by Wikipedia

Easter -> HOLIDAY

Easter defined by Wikipedia
Easter Bunny Photos - Bellevue Square, Everett Mall, Federal Way Mall
How to Hard Boil an Egg instructions
"Teach your kids the real meaning of Easter" article from Focus on the Family
FREE Easter Bunny Letter

Easter Events

Easter Egg Hunts (FREE) on the Eastside - Ruby Slipper List

Hope to IT: 17 Egg-citing Easter Egg Hunts - Red Tricycle
Easter Egg Hunts and Activities Around Seattle & King County Area by Northwest Gold Coast
Community Easter Egg Hunt at Jubilee Reach (week early egg hunt) - Bellevue
Eggstravaganza egg hunts (click calendar) - Mill Creek
Teen Flashlight Egg Hunt (click calendar) - Mill Creek
Snohomish Easter Parade or on FB page
Crossroads Mall Easter Hunt & Actvities - Bellevue
The Great Easter Egg Hunt at Emmaus Church - Woodinville Fields (FB page)
Northshore YMCA Eggstravaganza - Doug Allen Sports Field - Bothell
Easter Egg Splash - Mill Creek YMCA
Kruckeberg Botanic Garden Easter Egg Hunt - Shoreline
Woodland Park Zoo Bunny Bounce Egg Hunt - Seattle

Easter Bunny Photos @ Bellevue Center, Everett Mall, The Commons Federal Way (Alderwood Mall also has pictures)

Other Fun Events

Woodinville Wine Country "Passport Weekend" Event (TBD - 1st Weekend)

Spring Cleaning

"7 Busy-Mom Secrets For a Clean House" from Circle of Moms

Tulip Events

Skagit Valley Tulip Fields - Family Day Trip during April 1 - 30th (Blog Post w/ info)

Tulip Town info - great place for kids

"Explore Skagit Valley Tulip Festival with Kids" tips by Red Tricycle

Events

StoryBook Theater - Kirkland (kids 1hr play)

Fun Runs

Can Do 5k - Northshore YMCA - Bothell, WA (strollers allowed)

May

Cinco de Mayo (May 5th)

Cinco de Mayo defined by Wikipedia

Mother's Day -> HOLIDAY (2nd Sunday)

Memorial Day -> HOLIDAY (Last Monday)

Memorial Day Weekend defined by Wikipedia

Other Activities

MamaCon - Mommy Conference in Bellevue, WA
7 Kid-Friendly Spring Hikes - kid friendly by ParentMap
Visit Fox Hollow Family Farm - Pony & train rides (Issaquah)
May = Bike Month: Bicycle Sunday info & Redtricycle article

Fun Runs

Capes & Tutus 5k - Kids at the Creek Preschool / Goldcreek Church
Mother's Day Half Marathon or 5k - Kirkland Marina Park
Beat the Bridge 8k (5 miles) - Seattle, WA (Husky Stadium)
Snohomish Women's Run 10k & Half Marathon - Snohomish, WA
Memorial Day Weekend Run 5k, 10k - Magnuson Seattle Park

June

Father's Day -> HOLIDAY (3rd Sunday)

Father Day Craft Ideas collected by Parents-2-Parents on Pinterest
Father’s Day Craft and Activity Ideas
Washington Brewers Fest - Marymoor Park (Usually Father's Day Weekend)

Events

7 Kid-Friendly Spring Hikes - kid friendly by ParentMap
75 Outdoor Summer Activities - by RedTricycle
Ruby Slipper Summer Guide - List of summer ideas
Remlinger Farm U-Pick: Strawberries (June), Raspberries (July), Blueberries (July/August), Pumpkins (Oct.) - (Carnation)
Get Movin Program - Summer Program to exercise & earn prizes
Visit Fox Hollow Family Farm - Pony & train rides (Issaquah)
See a play @ Second Story Repertory (Redmond)
See a play @ Story Book Theater (Kirkland)
Touch-A-Truck by Junior League of Seattle (Magnuson Park)
Touch-A-Truck Monroe (Cascade Community Church - Monroe)
Duvall Days Festival - kid fun runs, parade, horses, dancers down Main Street
Washington Brewers Fest - Marymoor Park (Usually Father's Day Weekend)
Bellevue Strawberry Festival (Crossroads Park)
Big Backyard 5K Run/Walk & Kid's Dash (Marymoor Park)
Bridle Trails Party in the Park (Kirkland)
2nd Saturdays Fun @ Crossroads Mall (Bellevue)
Waterfront Wimsea Family Fun Day (Seattle)
PRIDE Parade & PrideFest (Seattle)
2nd Saturdays - Crossroads Mall - Family Fun Night @ 5-9pm
King County Library Summer Activities (KCLS) - Reading & Activities
Remlinger Farm - Every day is FUN (Carnation)

SUMMER CAMPS

Summer Camp Lists

Sigby - SEARCH & PLAN: kid activities, camps, class w/ friends
Summer Camp Directory by Macaroni Kid - Eastside
North Sound Summer Camp List by Macaroni Kid - North Sound
Mill Creek Parks & Recreation (Kids classes/camps)

Kids at the Creek Preschool camps - Mill Creek, WA - 2014 brochure
Columbia Athletic Club - Mill Creek
Dance Elite - Princess Dance Camp, Lynnwood
Turning Point Dance Center - Princess Dance Camp, Bothell/Mill Creek
YMCA Mill Creek
Mountlake Terrace Pool - crafts, swim
Vacation Bible School (VBS) - Advent Lutheran Mill Creek
Skyhawks (baseball, soccer, etc)
VBS

List of VBS camps - from Spirit 105.3 Radio
Advent Lutheran Church - Mill Creek
Christian Faith Center - Mill Creek
CrossPointe Church - Bothell

Fun Runs

Rock n Roll half marathon - Seattle, WA
Eat Run Hope (Fetal Medicine) 5k Run - Magnusen Park, Seattle, WA

July

July 4th Independence Day -> HOLIDAY

Crafts

4th of July Craft Ideas collected by Parents-2-Parents on Pinterest
July 4th: Safety, Crafts, and Recipes
Festive Plate Noise Maker Craft - by Macaroni Kid Eastside

Parades

Celebrate Kirkland - 4th of July Celebration (kids parade, picnic, fireworks)
City of Bothell Freedom Festival (kids parade)
Woodinville's Community Picnic and concerts @ Wilmot Park (Music & Food)
Symetra Bellevue Family 4th (Family fun & fireworks)
Kenmore Fourth of July Fireworks Show (Fireworks over Lake WA & launched from Log Boom Park pier)

Events

7 Kid-Friendly Spring Hikes - kid friendly by ParentMap
75 Outdoor Summer Activities - by RedTricycle
Ruby Slipper Summer Guide - List of summer ideas
2nd Saturdays - Crossroads Mall - Family Fun Night @ 5-9pm
Visit Fox Hollow Family Farm - Pony & train rides (Issaquah)
See a play @ Second Story Repertory (Redmond)
See a play @ Story Book Theater (Kirkland)
King County Library Summer Activities (KCLS) - Reading & Activities
Everett AquaSox Game - Sunday afternoons (free tickets from Sno-co library)
Mill Creek Festival - mid July
Kla Ha Ya Days Festival - Snohomish - 3rd weekend of July
Where to Splish & Splash Around: Best Eastside Spray Parks & Beaches - Redtricycle
Seafair - July/August events (Tips for kids)
Derby Days - Redmond (bicycles & activities) - (mid July)
Summer Celebration PARTY - carnival, food, activities (Mercer Island)
Kirkland Un-Corked - Wine party weekend on the Kirkland Waterfront
Bite of Seattle - Downtown Seattle Food Festival (mid July)
Regal Summer Movie Express on Tues & Wed at 10am for nine weeks - $1 Kids
Visit Jetty Island by boat from Everett (July - Sept) <Jetty Island Brochure>
Movies-in-the-Park (Snohomish) - Willis Tucker Park
NW Trek Family Camping Trip (over 5yrs only)

Fun Runs

Run of the Mill 5k - Mill Creek, WA

U-Pick Farms

Remlinger Farm U-Pick: Strawberries (June), Raspberries (July), Blueberries (July/August), Pumpkins (Oct.) - (Carnation)
Mountainview Blueberry Farm (7617 E. Lowell-Larimer Road, Snohomish, WA 98296)
Biringer Farm - strawberries, raspberries, blueberries (Arlington)
Raising Cane Ranch (Raspberries) 5719 Riverview Rd, Snohomish, Washington 98290
Harvold Berry Farm (Strawberries & Raspberries) Carnation
Bolles Organic Farm (Strawberries & Raspberries) Monroe
Garden Treasure (raspberry, strawberry, blueberry) Arlington
Pick Your Own website of how to find u-pick farms, recipes, and more