7 things to do this weekend: Dec. 28 - 30

1) Rhythmic sound: Earshot Jazz: Sacred Music by Duke Ellington – Friday, Dec. 28, 7:30 p.m. Enjoy hearing jazz compositions that reach back to the 1960s. Attendees will hear Ellington's music performed by the Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra, the Northwest Chamber Chorus and others.  The event will be at St. Mark's Episcopal Cathedral in Seattle. Follow this link for details.

2) Fun play: Model Train Festival – Running until Jan. 1. Railroad enthusiasts will be delighted by models at this year's show. People will find railroad artifacts and other train-related items on display. The event is at the Washington State History Museum in Tacoma. Follow this link for details.

3) Holiday joy: Wild Waves Holiday with Lights – Running until Dec. 30. Those who enter the park will be able to see a million lights and enjoy more than 25 amusing rides. There's a toy land for the kiddos; they can play in a tent with falling snow as well as write a letter to Santa. Follow this link for details.

4) Fun tradition: "A Christmas Carol" – Running until Dec. 28. This present-day stage performance adapts the original Charles Dickens story of three ghostly visitors who take Ebenezer Scrooge on a trip to Christmases past, present and future. It plays at the Allen Theatre in Seattle. Follow this link for details.

5) Shining brightly: Wildlights, Woodland Park Zoo – Running until Jan. 5. This event is all about seeing the animals at the zoo during the holidays. Attendees can enjoy the many lights and up-close animal encounters. Follow this link for details.

6) Story on stage: "The Velveteen Rabbit" – Showing until Dec. 30. It's a beloved classic that many children find heart-warming. It's about a toy rabbit who wants to become real after a boy showed a short sign of love for him. It is playing at Seattle Children's Theatre – Charlotte Martin Theatre. Follow this link for details.

7) Light show: Garden d'lights - Running until Dec. 30. This show at the Bellevue Botanical Garden features over a half-million lights. The lights are displayed in the shape of plants, flowers, birds and other natural beauties, such as like waterfalls. Follow this link for details.

KIRO