We need an extra dose of nostalgia this holiday season. Some warm and fuzzies. We figured you could use a few, too. Fortunately, our archives are overflowing with cheer. So grab a cup of cocoa (or something a bit stronger, we don’t judge), a warm blanket, and let the cozy vibes roll with our “12 Clips of Christmas.”
Have a holly jolly, absurd, and outlandish Christmas
We’d love to spend a minute in Scott Shoemaker’s head. His 2018 musical extravaganza “Scott Shoemaker’s War on Christmas” had it all; pagan rituals, a Santa-Mrs. Claus-elf love triangle, and a stripping Christmas tree. Can’t get enough? He’s revamped the show for 2020. We have no clue what to expect besides some glittery, hilarious, Christmas chaos.
The special from Christmas past
Seattle icons J.P. Patches and Stan Boreson get us into the holiday mood with this special from Christmas past. It tells the story of how Santa got his elves — more or less — and gives us some valuable vintage style inspiration.
Kosher cowboys get down
Have you noticed there’s a serious lack of Hanukkah country music? Never fear, the Seattle Men’s Chorus’ Captain Smartypants is here with their boot tappin’ holiday happenin’ original, “Brokeback Dreidel.” We’ve had it on a loop since Thanksgiving. You’re sure to love it a latke!
Call us old fashioned, but we love a holiday cocktail
It may feel like celebrations are on the rocks this year, but St. John’s Bar & Eatery owners Val Kiossovski and Michael Lee are here with some liquid cheer. They appeared on Art Zone right after the 2016 election. Their favorite ingredients for a good drink? Bitterness and a hope for better days.
Shine bright like a 60-year-old, 160-foot-tall electric star
You’ve seen the iconic celestial creation on the corner of 4th Avenue and Pine Street every winter, but do you know the start behind the star? The late Bob James designed it in 1957 as a designer for what was then the Bon Marché department store. When Macy’s announced last year that it was closing its doors and retiring the star, Amazon spent $250,000 on restorations to keep it shining, so you can still meet you friend and family at the ole’ Bon!
Lega-sea of lights
Spectators of the 2018 Christmas Ship Festival said they needed the extra holiday pep more that year than ever. If only they knew. Sadly, event organizers made the decision to cancel this year’s festivities, but we are all a-boat this gorgeous footage from the archives.
The show that changed its stripes
The Pacific Northwest Ballet’s rendition of The Nutcracker got a dramatic update in 2015 when its artistic director Peter Boal made the decision to change up George Balanchine’s popular version. Boal himself learned under Balanchine and danced in over 400 performances of of the holiday classic. Thankfully, the show will go on, with tickets for December 18 on sale now.
“Seeing black artistry is critical to seeing yourself in it”
Black Nativity let it shine in this 2012 rendition of the Langston Hughes show. Hughes wrote Black Nativity and staged it off Broadway in 1961 after he noticed a lack of gospel music in the mainstream theatre community. Director Jackie Moscou says she tried to bring Hughes into the performance to represent that goal.
A Very KIRO Christmas
Who doesn’t love a good cheesy Christmas movie? Seattle Radio Theatre took a slightly different tack with their satirical rendition of the typical plot from a certain greeting card company. It warms our heart just the same. We dug the full show out of our archives as a Christmas gift just for you.
Brent Amaker and the Rodeo
It’s not Christmas till masked and mustachioed cowboys order you to spread the love. That’s what we always say, and it’s why we recommend that all our friends listen to “A Very Brent Amaker Christmas” at least a few times each December.
Vintersong Ragna-rocks the holidays (Norway you can miss it)
You can’t a-fjord to miss Ballard’s annual Vintersong Nordic Holiday Concert. The 2018 celebration included visiting singers from Norway who joined talented Seattleites to welcome the season.
Candy Cane Lane dazzles again
What’s socially distanced, free, and lit all over? Seattle’s legendary Candy Cane Lane, of course! Residents have joined forces to deck the halls since 1949, sometimes prepping months before the end of the year to bring that extra holiday cheer. Take a drive or a bundled-up (and masked) stroll down the most festive road in town for that bright, cozy, Christmassy feeling.
