December is filled with the usual round of Seattle events, but gets even better as dozens of twinkly Christmas light displays hit the scene, fabulous holiday plays and musicals take to the local stages, and other special events fill the calendar.

Also check out:2014 Holiday Guide | Christmas Events | Christmas Light Displays | Local Gift Guide

Seahawks Games at CenturyLink Field
December 14: Seahawks vs.

49ers at 1:25 p.m.
December 28: Seahawks vs. Rams at 1:25 p.m.

Dick Whittington and His Cat
When: November 13-December 21
Where: Seattle Children Theatre
How much: $20

Christmas Light Displays
When: Most open the day after Thanksgiving
Where: Click the link above for a full listing. Highlights include Wildlights at Woodland Park Zoo, Garden d’Lights at Bellevue Botanical Garden and Ivar’s Clam Lights.
How much: Free to $15-20

Christmas Cruises
When: Throughout November and December
Where: From various local cruise companies, including Argosy
How much: $50+

A Christmas Story
When: November 25-December 31
Where: 5th Avenue Theatre
How much: $29-$73

Christmas Ship Festival
When: November 28-December 23
Where: Cities throughout the Puget Sound region
How much: Free to wait on the shore; $35 to ride on the Christmas Ship; $25.25 to ride on the following parade boat. Discounts for seniors and youth, more expensive than rates above if you ride on the finale ships or take a dinner cruise out of Seattle.

Stowell and Sendak Nutcracker
When: November 28-December 28
Where: McCaw Hall
How much: $25-$136

A Christmas Carol
When: November 28-December 28
Where: ACT Theatre
How much: $65-$80

Winterfest
When: November 29-December 31
Where: Seattle Center
How much: Free

SuicideGirls: Blackheart Burlesque
When: December 2, 8:15 p.m.
Where: The Showbox
How much: $25 advance/$30 day of

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas
When: December 2-7
Where: Paramount Theatre
How much: $25+

Watsky
When: December 3, 8 p.m.
Where: The Showbox
How much: $16 advance; $20 day of

The Wailin’ Jennys
When: December 4, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Benaroya Hall
How much: $44

Ham for the Holidays
When: December 4-21
Where: ACT Theatre
How much: $20-$40

Seattle Pops: Holiday Pops with Cirque Musica
When: December 5-7
Where: Benaroya Hall
How much: $30-$95

The Best of Rufus Wainwright
When: December 6, 8 p.m.
Where: Moore Theatre
How much: $32.50 - $42.50

Frankie Ballard
When: December 6, 9 p.m.
Where: Neptune Theatre
How much: $20 advance/$23 day of

Christmas with The King’s Singers
When: December 8, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Benaroya Hall
How much: $35-$102

NU: Christmas Traditions
When: December 9, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Benaroya Hall
How much: $14-$40

A John Waters Christmas
When: December 9, 8 p.m.
Where: Neptune Theatre
How much: $37.50 - $101.50

Steve Hackett: Genesis Extended
When: December 10, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Moore Theatre
How much: $37 - $122.50

An Evening with Andy McKee
When: December 11, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Benaroya Hall
How much: $25-$33

World Famous Popovich Comedy Pet Theatre
When: December 13, 7 p.m.
Where: Benaroya Hall
How much: $17-$32

Skinny Puppy
When: December 15, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Showbox SoDo
How much: $32 advance/$37 day of

The Irish Tenors’ Holiday Concert
When: December 16, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Benaroya Hall
How much: $52-$152

The Piano Guys
When: December 17-18
Where: Paramount Theatre
How much: $35.75 - $121.25

THE COATS: Annual Holiday Show
When: December 19-21
Where: Benaroya Hall
How much: $38.50

Handel’s Messiah
When: December 19-21
Where: Benaroya Hall
How much: $23-$88

A Festival of Lessons & Carols
When: December 23, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Benaroya Hall
How much: $20-$80

Straight No Chaser
When: December 26, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Paramount Theatre
How much: $25.75 - $55.75

Mike Birbiglia
When: December 31, 9 p.m.
Where: Moore Theatre
How much: $32.50 - $52.50

New Year’s Eve
When: December 31, 9 p.m.
Where: Benaroya Hall
How much: $52-$153