Ah, your first holiday in Seattle.  Sure, it might be more of a grey Christmas than a white one (er, except for last year), but there are plenty of events around town to make you feel like you're in a winter wonderland -- even if the weather won't cooperate. 

So here are a few ideas to help you get your holiday on in Seattle -- especially if you have first-time visitors coming to stay with you:

1.) WinterFest at the Seattle Center - This indoor winter wonderland at the Seattle Center includes an ice rink, a classic carousel, a winter train and village, and a variety of special events including live music. If you get a chance, you can visit Seattle's most famous landmark and figure out what the hell that thing is they put on top of the Space Needle every holiday season.

2.) The Christmas Ship Festival - Show off to your family what a beautiful city you live in from the deck of a boat outfitted with Christmas lights and filled to the brim with food and holiday tunes.  Reservations for the remaining holiday dates are going quickly, so be sure to book soon -- or watch the ships from your favorite local park for free while enjoying a bonfire and a hot drink. 

3.) The Nutcracker - Head to the Seattle Center's McCaw Hall to see this holiday classic performed by the Pacific Northwest Ballet, one of the finest troupes in the country.  Or, for a new twist on an old favorite, check out Land of the Sweets: The Burlesque Nutcracker.  Tickets are available by calling the Triple Door.  Remember -- this one's for mature elves only. 

4.) Holiday Lights - Seattle might not have a Rockefeller Center (how energy inefficient!), but it's still got plenty of holiday cheer, and all that.  If you like a good crowd, you should head downtown to Macy's and Nordstrom to check out their holiday displays.  You could also head up to Ravenna to visit Candy Cane Lane or leave city limits to check out Zoolights in Tacoma.

5.) Holiday Shows - It's not too late to get tickets to a holiday show, although you'll need to act fast. Your seasonal options include Santaland Diaries/The Best Christmas Pageant Ever at the Boathouse theater in Greenlake; A Christmas Carol at ACT theater downtown, White Christmas at the 5th Ave Theater, and the Radio City Christmas Spectacular at the Paramount.

So happy holidays, and enjoy the wonder that Seattle has to offer!