Federal Way Cares for Kids: Mark your calendars for Dec. 21 to participate in this annual event. Parents will have the chance to “shop” for and wrap their children’s gifts while their children have a blast in a fun-filled kids zone. Volunteers are still needed, so sign up today or get more information at fwcaresforkids.org

Snowflake Gala: African Young Dreamers Empowerment Program Intl. (AYDEPI) presents their annual Snowflake Gala from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 21 at 31611 Pete von Reichbauer Way S. in Federal Way. Featuring this year’s theme of “Unbreakable – Building emotional strength in at-risk youth,” this free event will feature food, games, raffles, music and more. See more information at https://aydep.org.

The Nutcracker: Show is 4 p.m. Dec. 22 at the Federal Way Performing Arts and Event Center. The show features the Grand Kyiv Ballet, including the most prestigious ballet dancers from Ukraine. In this classic tale, a young girl befriends a nutcracker that comes to life on Christmas Eve. Together, they embark on a fantastical journey to a magical kingdom filled with dancing sugar plum fairies, toy soldiers, and other whimsical characters. Tickets at fwpaec.org.

Line Dance for the Soul-Holiday Hustle: Wrap up the holiday season with a lively evening of fun and footwork. Join the Trap Lab after the festivities for “Line Dance for the Soul – Holiday Hustle,” the perfect way to shake off those seasonal indulgences and keep the celebratory spirit alive. Bring family, friends, and anyone ready to groove and dance off the treats and joy of the season in a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere on Friday, Dec. 27, from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Trap Lab, located at 1646 SW Dash Point Rd., Suite A, in Federal Way.

Holiday Tree and Light Recycling Event: The Boy Scouts of America and the City of Federal Way will host their annual holiday tree and light recycling event on Jan. 4 and Jan. 5. They will be offering pickup services on Jan. 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., or people can drop off trees and lights at Celebration Park at 1095 South 324th St in Federal Way on Jan. 4 and Jan. 5 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Registration closes Dec. 29. Three trees per person accepted at the drop-off location. Trees with any ornaments, lights, flocking, tinsel, stands, debris, etc., will not be accepted.

Intro to Laser Cutting using Glowforge: Learn how to use the Glowforge Laser Printer. In this class, get the basics of using the Glowforge app to cut, score and engrave designs, discuss materials and more at the Federal Way library. Class is in session on Jan. 9 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the library located at 34200 1st Way S. in Federal Way.

Federal Way Public Schools Board Meeting: 6 p.m. Jan. 14 at Green Gables Elementary located at 32607 47th Ave. SW in Federal Way.

Hot off the Presses: The Federal Way Mirror invites you to join the paper from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Jan. 14 at Poverty Bay Café for informal conversation, coffee, beer, wine and appetizers. You’ll be able to ask the newspaper staff about their work or talk about issues affecting the region, such as homelessness, addiction and development, all while supporting a local business and the work of nonprofit FUSION to serve families in need. Poverty Bay Café is located at 1108 S. 322nd Place in Federal Way, north of Celebration Park.

Neo Soul Vibe Bingo: At 7 p.m. Jan. 17 at PYC Sweets and Wine Bar, 32925 1st Ave. S., Suite S, in Federal Way. Vibe Bingo has teamed up with PYC Sweets and Wine Bar, a Black-owned women led treasure, to bring the ultimate Neo Soul Edition of Vibe Bingo. Space is limited, tickets available for purchase.

Pressure Washer Workshop: Learn how to use pressure washers efficiently to clean outdoor surfaces without harsh chemicals. This class will also cover safety tips and maintenance practices on Jan. 22 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the South King tool library located at 1700 S. 340th St., Federal Way.

The South King Tool Library and the City of Federal Way sponsored a mattress recycle and document shred event on Dec. 14. As of 1 p.m., over 250 drop-offs had rolled in and over 140 mattresses and box springs had been shipped to recycle. Many cans of paper and documents were shredded. The mattresses are made into carpet pads and the springs are crushed and sent to a steel manufacturer from Arlington Recycle Warehouse. Photo by Bruce Honda

The Federal Way Youth Symphony was joined by the Central Washington University Mariachi Band and the Federal Way Chorale this year at their annual Christmas Concert on Dec. 15. Photo by Bruce Honda