Clam Lights turn on Dec. 2

It’s time to light up Renton once again for the holidays.

The 18th Annual Ivar’s Clam Lights begins Dec. 2 with the official lighting ceremony.

The event, which attracts thousands of visitors each year, will begin with acoustic holiday music presented by Erwilian at 6:15 p.m. Then horse-drawn rides in Santa’s covered wagon will be offered from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Renton Mayor Denis Law and representatives from event sponsors Ivar’s and Puget Sound Energy will deliver the official welcome and lighting.

Once Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park is all aglow in lights, a bonfire and community sing-a-long will commence with entertainer Karla Cruz in the North Picnic Shelter of the park from 7:15 p.m. to 8 p.m.

View the Rainier Yacht Club’s “Parade of Boats” starting at 7:30 p.m. in Lake Washington and hear The Dickens Carolers on the Argosy Christmas Ship from 8 p.m. to 8:20 p.m.

The Clam Lights will run nightly from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 2 through Jan. 1.

Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park is located at 1201 Lake Washington Boulevard in Renton.

‘The Nutcracker’ at IKEA

“The Nutcracker” will be performed by the Ensemble Ballet Theatre at 7 p.m., Dec. 2, at the IKEA Performing Arts Center in Renton. The center is located at 400 S. Second St. in Renton. The dance group will also perform at 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., Dec. 3, and 1:30 p.m., Dec. 4.

Treelighting is Dec. 3

The downtown Renton Holiday Tree Lighting and Santa’s arrival will happen from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Dec. 3, at the Renton Piazza at Third Street and Burnett Street. The event features local musicians and singers, free refreshments, children’s gifts and a visit from Santa. This is a bring-your-own-camera event.

For more information visit, www.piazzarenton.com. or call Pat at 425-917-0173.

Dickens Carolers to stroll

Stroll the Renton streets with Dickens Carolers while enjoying roasted chestnuts and hot beverages from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Dec. 3. The carolers will be positioned at the corners of Wells Avenue and Williams Avenue South along South Third Street.

Erwillian to perform

The musical group Erwilian will perform a concert at Carco Theatre 7:30 p.m., Dec. 3. Admission is $12 for the general public and $10 for students and seniors. Tickets are available at the door and through www.browpapertickets.com

For more information visit, www.erwilian.com

ECB presents ‘Nutcracker’

Evergreen City Ballet presents “The Nutcracker” Dec. 16-18 at the Renton IKEA Performing Arts Center.

Tickets are $29 for adults, $18 for seniors (age 62 plus, identification required), $13 for students (ages 2-18 or with valid student identification).

Performances at at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 16, 7:30 p.m., Dec. 17, and 1:30 p.m., Dec. 18.

Purchase tickets at http://www.evergreencityballet.org/

The IKEA Performing Arts Center isat 400 S. Second St. in Renton.

Christmas help needed

Volunteers are needed at the Renton Salvation Army Dec. 16, 19 and 21 for their Christmas set-up and distribution on those dates. Contact Capt. Lisa Aird at the Food Bank at 425-255-5969.

Submit an event

The Renton Reporter wants to help connect the community to the various opportunities to give, volunteer and support charitable causes during the holidays.

If you are hosting an event and need volunteers or donations, send information detailing the event to reporter Tracey Compton at tcompton@rentonreporter.com.

Events such as homeless feedings, gift basket collections, clothing, food and gift drives are all welcome.