Mon, Dec 15
Andrew Hodges: Remembering Alan Turing
Now that the new biopic The Imitation Game is in theaters, more people will learn of the remarkable and tragic life of Alan Turing: brilliant mathematician and pioneering computer scientist turned WWII code breaker. Michael Hodges's book, Alan Turing: The Enigma, on which the Benedict Cumberbatch-starring film is based, traces the trajectory of Turing's life and career. Hodges's Town Hall talk will cover the breadth of Turing's influence on the sciences and gay rights advocacy. Town Hall, sold out ($5 standby tickets available at 7:15).

Dec 18–20
The Moondoggies and the Maldives 
Maybe this isn't the year for Christmas hymns. Maybe eggnog feels just a little fussy and what you really want is a shot and a beer and some holiday songs accompanied by flannel, beards, and slide guitar. Maybe Santa's a little blue right now and can only express himself through the tortured sounds of the harmonica. If this sounds like your speed, definitely head over to Tractor Tavern for the three-day Maldoggies holiday special featuring local alt-country heroes the Moondoggies and the Maldives. Tractor Tavern, $15.

Thru Dec 23
It's A Wonderful Life
The final few weeks of December mean late season football, last minute shopping, and finding which theater is screening It's a Wonderful Life. The holiday classic is pretty much a must-watch for families, spouses, even ambitious first dates. Jimmy Stewart is never more Jimmy Stewart-y (at times melancholy, other times joyous, always fatherly) than in his role as George Bailey, the down-on-his-luck businessman shown what life would look like without him around. Grand Illusion Cinema, $9.

Thru Dec 27
A(n Improvised) Christmas Carol
December is stuffed full A Christmas Carol productions, from high school drama classes to major theater companies. Everyone loves a good holiday story featuring resonant themes of community, redemption and selflessness. But throw some improv comedy and audience participation into the mix, and you've got yourself a real Christmas miracle. Unexpected Productions troupe of improvisers roll with audience suggestions in this recasting of the Charles Dickens classic. What if Scrooge worked at Amazon? What if Tiny Tim was suffering from a basketball-related injury? Does Scrooge really have to be redeemed at the end? These are the sort of flippant questions that will be answered. Market Theater, $15.

Thru Jan 4
Seattle Center Winterfest
Winterfest at Seattle Center offers everything you could want from a quaint, snow-drenched holiday village (including an actual mini village with a working train) and only requires a trek to lower Queen Anne. There's ice skating (the only activity at the fest that costs actual money - $7), as well as ice sculpting, and special art installations to get patrons in a festive spirit. Seattle Center, free.