Across the state of Washington, winter brings welcome cool air and a host of accompanying activities that help make the season truly wondrous. If you’re not sure where to begin planning fun winter festivities for you and your family, here are a few ideas that will get the snowball rolling and have you on your way to a memorable season.

 

Enjoy seasonal tales and songs at the Spokane Symphony’s Holiday Pops Celebration. The 100-voice Spokane Symphony Chorale and the Spokane Area Children’s Chorus will join the orchestra at the Martin Woldson Theater for a night to remember. Resident Conductor Morihiko Nakahara will even lead an audience sing-along. Performances will be held on December 17 and 18, 2011, so order your tickets now at www.spokanesymphony.org/concert,143,superpops3holidaypopscelebration. 

 

The town of Leavenworth is famous for its year-round fun, but winter makes for an especially exciting time to visit. Take a sleigh ride offered by Mountain Springs Lodge and see the scenic views in old-country style. Short rides are offered throughout the day, and special breakfast and dinner rides end with sumptuous meals at one of Leavenworth’s restaurants. Visit www.mtsprings.com/sleigh.html for information.

 

If you prefer a bird’s-eye view of things, you can try to look down while soaring off a ski jump at the Leavenworth Winter Sports Club, which also offers an alpine ski area, miles of Nordic trails and a tubing hill that packs a real thrill. Plan your outing at www.skileavenworth.com.

 

Don’t miss a performance of A Christmas Carol by Seattle’s ACT Contemporary Theatre. The show is a long-time favorite of audiences and critics alike, so check out ACT’s colorful interpretation of Charles Dickens’ beloved story. The production will run until December 24, 2011 at the Allen Theatre, and guests ages five and older are welcome. Check the performance calendar and buy your tickets at www.acttheatre.org/Tickets/Calendar.

 

Whatever it is you’re looking for in your winter wanderings, Washington has something right up your alley. Spring will be here before you know it, so don’t miss out on all the winter fun.