Family calendar
Today
“The Nutcracker” - For more than 175 years, E.T.A. Hoffman’s story of Clara and her Nutcracker prince has delighted children of all ages. This beloved escape to the Land of Sweets, features State Street Ballet, 75 local dancers and live music composed by P.I. Tchaikovsky and performed by the Spokane Symphony. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. today, Friday and Saturday with matinees at 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox, 1001 W. Sprague Ave. $25-$75/adults, $12.50-$30/children. (509) 624-1200.
Ongoing
Santa Express - Through Dec. 23. 21st annual event of the holiday store where kids can experience the joy of giving. Children ages 4-12 can find affordable gifts for everyone on their shopping list. Volunteer elves are on hand to help the children select and wrap their gifts, with the net proceeds going to benefit the Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery. Adults can shop while they wait at Vanessa’s Village, a boutique of reasonably priced, specialty items. Hours are Mondays-Fridays, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sundays, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Crescent Building, Skywalk level, 707 W. Main Ave. (509) 535-3155.
Spokane Winter Glow Spectacular - More than 25 lighted displays, featuring an Animal Light Zoo and wagon and carriage rides available. Held through Dec. 31, and begins nightly at 5 p.m. Visit www.spokanewinterglow.com. Riverfront Park, 507 N. Howard St. Free.
A T-Rex Named Sue - Through Jan. 4. See a fully-assembled skeleton cast of the most complete Tyrannosaurus rex ever discovered. Hours are Tuesdays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sundays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., closed Mondays. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mobius Science Center, 811 W. Main Ave. $10/adults, $9/seniors and military, $7/kids, free/age 3 and younger. (509) 321-7133.
Riverfront Park Ice Palace - Open through March 1. Hours are Tuesdays-Sundays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., extended hours Wednesdays-Thursdays, 7-8:30 p.m. and Fridays-Saturdays, 7-10 p.m. Riverfront Park, 507 N. Howard St. $5/general, $3.50/ages 3-12, seniors and military with ID; $3.50/skate rental, $45/season pass (all ages). Discounts available.(509) 625-6600.
Friday
“The Nutcracker” - 7:30 p.m. Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox, 1001 W. Sprague Ave. $25-$75/adults, $12.50-$30/children. (509) 624-1200.
Saturday
Jingle Bell Run/Walk - Be part of the largest holiday 5K race series aimed to fight arthritis. Wear a holiday themed costume and tie jingle bells to your shoelaces. Check out the Elf Village, a children’s 1K Run with the Elves, holiday music and more. 8 a.m. Riverfront Park, Gondola Meadow, 507 N. Howard St. $35/with timing chip, $30/5K fun run/walk; kids 1K run: $10/T-shirt, free/no shirt for 1K. (509) 315-9862.
Mobius Kids Santa Breakfast Fundraiser - 11th annual event. Breakfast, festive activities and a visit with Santa. Purchase tickets at Mobius Kids Children’s Museum or by calling. Benefits Mobius Children’s Museum in conjunction with Christmas Tree Elegance. 9-11 a.m. The Davenport Hotel, Grand Pennington Ballroom, 10 S. Post St. $25 per person (12 months and younger free). (509) 321-7121.
Spokane Humane Society “Home For The Holidays” - Stop in for a tour of the shelter and the new spay/neuter clinic, meet the staff and volunteers, enjoy refreshments and play with the cats and visit with the dogs. For more information, please contact Kerry Wiltzius at kwiltzius@spokanehumane society.org or by phone. 11 a.m. Spokane Humane Society, 6607 N. Havana St. Free. (509) 467-5235, ext. 211.
Teddy Bear Tea - Join us for a fun holiday tradition, the Teddy Bear Tea. Bring your favorite stuffed friend for this special storytime with treats. 11 a.m. Hillyard Library, 4005 N. Cook St. Free. (509) 444-5380.
“The Nutcracker” - 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox, 1001 W. Sprague Ave. $25-$75/adults, $12.50-$30/children. (509) 624-1200.
“Sound of Music” Singalong - A screening of the classic Julie Andrews musical film, complete with subtitles so that the entire audience can sing along. Every guest receives a complimentary Bag of Musical Moments, which contains various props to be used at strategic points throughout the film – ala Rocky Horror Picture Show. The evening also features a costume contest. 7 p.m. INB Performing Arts Center, 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. $20/general, $10/ages 4-12, when purchased with adult ticket. (800) 325-SEAT.
Sunday
“The Nutcracker” - 2 p.m. Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox, 1001 W. Sprague Ave. $25-$75/adults, $12.50-$30/children. (509) 624-1200.
Monday
Kids Explore and Discover Club - North Spokane - 4 p.m. North Spokane Library, 44 E. Hawthorne Road. Free. (509) 893-8350.
Stem Mondays - From squishy circuits and superheroes, to learning about sharks and the science of sight, we think you’ll love these STEM Mondays. Programs change monthly. Held second Monday of the month for children in kindergarten through fifth grade. 4 p.m. North Spokane Library, 44 E. Hawthorne Road. Free. (509) 893-8350.
Tuesday
Totally Tubular Tuesday - This Tuesday: “Home Alone”; Dec. 16: “The Muppet Christmas Carol”; Dec. 23: “A Christmas Story”; Dec. 30: “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.” Garland Theater, 924 W. Garland Ave. $2.50, free with $10 pre-show purchase at Bon Bon. (509) 327-1050.
Wednesday
2014 Christmas Bureau - Wednesday-Dec. 13 and Dec. 15-19. Providing gifts and food for those in need at Christmas time. One food voucher per address, one gift and book per child. Apply in person. Required documentation: photo ID for every person living in household who is 18 years or older; latest utility bill, phone bill or rent receipt showing name and proof of current physical address for adults; documentation for each child living with you that verifies their name, address and date of birth, such as a document from school or day care center, a document from a DSHS office or other social service agency or a WIC folder with current WIC checks showing child’s name. Social Security cards are not valid for identification. Hours are daily except Sundays from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Presented by The Spokesman-Review, Catholic Charities Spokane and Volunteers of America. Spokane County Fair and Expo Center, 404 N. Havana St., Spokane Valley. Free. (509) 459-5453.
Tween Craft Club: Pop-Up Cards - Come by the library to learn how to make these fun cards for the holidays or other special occasions. 4 p.m. Indian Trail Library, 4909 W. Barnes Road. Free. (509) 444-5395.