The Sammamish Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of conductor and music director R. Joseph Scott, presents music by Émile Waldteufel (The Skater’s Waltz), Johann Strauss Sr. (Radetzky March, Op. 228), Leroy Anderson (Sleigh Ride) and other holiday favorites. Also featured are the choruses of Rachael Carson Elementary School, under the direction of Kimberly McElreath, music director. Saturday, December 10, at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday December 11, at 2 p.m. $16/ adults, $11/seniors and students, free/children 10 and under; tickets are available at the door or online at ticketweb.com. Eastlake Performing Arts Center, 400 228th Ave. NE, Sammamish; info:
www.sammamishsymphony.org/Concerts/HolidayPops.aspx.

The Sammamish Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of conductor and music director R. Joseph Scott, presents music by Émile Waldteufel (The Skater’s Waltz), Johann Strauss Sr. (Radetzky March, Op. 228), Leroy Anderson (Sleigh Ride) and other holiday favorites. Also featured are the choruses of Rachael Carson Elementary School, under the direction of Kimberly McElreath, music director. Saturday, December 10, at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday December 11, at 2 p.m. $16/ adults, $11/seniors and students, free/children 10 and under; tickets are available at the door or online at ticketweb.com. Eastlake Performing Arts Center, 400 228th Ave. NE, Sammamish; info:

www.sammamishsymphony.org/Concerts/HolidayPops.aspx.

The artEAST Art Center welcomes you to celebrate The Art of Giving. Celebrate creativity, beauty, and whimsy! Join artEAST for festive nips and nibbles at the opening of their December member artist show on December 2. Meet artists and explore their techniques on December 2, 3, and 4. Pick up tips and techniques for gift-wrapping and holiday décor from guest presenters. Family friendly. A complimentary handmade ornament in the spirit of the season awaits you, while supplies last. ArtEAST and Up Front Gallery, 95 Front St., Issaquah; info: arteast.org

The ceremony begins at 5:30 p.m. and runs until 6:30. This year it includes performances by local choral groups, cookie decorations for kids, reindeer, tours of the fire trucks, and festive refreshments and beverages. Sponsored by the city of Sammamish and Sammamish Youth Board at the City Hall at Sammamish Commons, 801 228th Ave. SE, Sammamish; info: ci.sammamish.wa.us/events

SANTA TAKES UP RESIDENCE AT ISSAQUAH COMMONS

Each year, thousands of youngsters hope for a personal audience with Santa—whether to plead their case for the latest toy or just to get a magical moment with the ambassador of all things Christmas. And, their parents want the perfect photo to commemorate the magic moment when their little ones meet Mr. Claus.

The logistics are daunting—even for the supernaturally efficient Santa Claus, who visits millions on a single night. Luckily, he has help. This holiday season, Arthur & Associates continues its decades-long tradition of providing picture-perfect Santas and accompanying professional photographers to Issaquah Commons at 705-975 NW Gilman Boulevard, Issaquah, WA.

Credited with being the first photographer to boost small tots onto Santa’s knee for the annual, commemorative portrait, Seattle Post-Intelligencer photographer Art French opened Arthur & Associates in 1943 in the corner window of the venerable Frederick & Nelson department store in downtown Seattle. Mr. French memorialized this Christmas moment over the next 20 years, when a young couple with four small children purchased the Santa photography business to continue what has become the longest-running holiday tradition in the country.

Santa will take up residence this year at Issaquah Commons from Friday, November 25 through Saturday, December 24. Hours of operation are:

Mondays through Saturdays, November 28 – December 17: 10 am – 8 pm
Sundays, November 27 – December 11: 11 am – 6 pm
Sunday, December 18: 10 am – 7 pm

Saturday, December 24: 10 am – 5 pm
Closed Christmas Day

For more information on specific schedules for Santa Al, Santa Dave, Santa Donald, Santa Christopher and Santa Ray, please visit www.santaphotos.com

Life Enrichment Options (LEO) invites the community to attend Harvesting Hope, a fundraising luncheon that will directly support LEO, a community-based nonprofit organization that advocates for and works to support individuals with developmental disabilities. 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pickering Barn, 1730 10th Ave. NW, Issaquah. For more information, call 425.274.4003, email info@lifeenrichmentoptions.org, or go to lifeenrichmentoptions.org.

Skyline High School celebrates its 15th anniversary with a community homecoming celebration on Thursday and the traditional parade on Friday. For more information, visit skylinegridiron.com.

This annual community event features juried works from outstanding local artists, family activities, live music, and light refreshments, in a weatherproof venue. Free admission and parking. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sammamish City Hall, 801 228th Ave. SE, Sammamish. For details, visit sammamishartfair.wordpress.com.

The cities of Sammamish Kirkland, Redmond, Bellevue, Issaquah, Mercer Island, and North Bend are participating in a coordinated food drive for the Mayor’s Month of Concern. Volunteers will hand out fliers and collect food at stores, schools, high school games, homeowner associations, and businesses. All food collected in Sammamish will go to the ARAS Foundation Harvest Festival, the Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank, and other local charities serving families in need. Groups or organizations in Sammamish that would like to join in this citywide effort should contact Mary Trask, 425.868.8448, mary@arasfoundation.org.

Ruth Sanderson, education director for the Western and Central Washington State Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, is presenting and leading a discussion of lifestyle practices that can increase your chances of keeping your brain healthy and reduce your risk of memory loss. Includes a brief overview of dementia and the difference between normal age-related memory changes and signs to be concerned about. Free. 6 to 7:30 p.m. Providence Marianwood, 3725 Providence Point Drive SE, Issaquah. RSVP to 391.2895.