Greatest hits sets have their charm, but there’s something magical about a legendary artist going back to explore a singular album; a lone shining moment in time. When Stevie Wonder swoops into KeyArena this December, he’ll play the all-time classic Songs in the Key of Life. Nearly four decades after its release, the R&B touchstone still sounds invigorating, thanks to beloved favorites like “Sir Duke” and “I Wish.” 

Dec 3   KeyArena,  keyarena.com
 

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory in Smell-O-Vision

“Come with me and you’ll be / In a world of pure imagination.” Well actually, SIFF is removing one aspect of cinematic imagination for these screenings of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory: smell. There’s no need to fantasize about the odors of edible buttercups, lickable wallpaper, and Everlasting Gobstoppers when SIFF pumps in the sweet aromas.   

Dec 12–Jan 4    SIFF Film Center,  siff.net

 
Deck the Hall Ball

This year’s coheadliners for 107.7 The End’s Deck the Hall Ball have starkly contrasting careers. Imagine Dragons, still touring off its lone hit record Night Visions, tops the bill, while Weezer—20 years after Blue Album’s classic debut—returns with its ninth studio album, Everything Will Be Alright in the End. Cage the Elephant, Young the Giant, TV on the Radio, Kongos, Vance Joy, and Royal Blood round out the bill.

Dec 9     KeyArena, deckthehallball.com

Mary Poppins

From spoonfuls of sugar to tongue-twisting gibberish words, the Village Theatre brings magical nanny Mary Poppins to the stage in all her musical glory. The whole family can enjoy the umbrella flying and chimney-sweep dancing of the Disney classic.

Thru Jan 4    Village Theatre Issaquah, villagetheatre.org

Walking with Dinosaurs

Need a dino fix and can’t wait until next summer’s release of Jurassic World? Walking with Dinosaurs has you covered. The arena show brings animatronic recreations of the massive beasts—including the stegosaur, tyrannosaur, and brachiosaur—to life to wow all the kids dreaming of being paleontologists (and their parents too).

Dec 17–21     Tacoma Dome, tacomadome.org