Holiday market at the mall: You can support local businesses and find a unique gift at The Commons mall anytime from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays (excluding Christmas Day) Nov. 18 to Dec. 31. The holiday market features music, handcrafted gifts and more. Contact 253-223-1513 or royaldivasdecorllc@gmail.com if interested in being a vendor.

Santa comes to town: Ol’ St. Nick took up residence for photos with little ones at The Commons mall starting Saturday, Nov. 19. He’ll be there daily through Dec. 24, except for Nov. 21, 22, 24, 28 and 29. For more details or to book a reservation, visit www.santaphotos.com/locations/the-commons-at-federal-way.

Elf it up at the PAEC: The Performing Arts and Event Center (31510 Pete von Reichbauer Way S) will show a free matinee of the movie Elf at 2:30 p.m. Nov. 26, along with free pictures with Santa, holiday crafts and coloring, a bouncy house, and more. Doors open at 1 p.m. for pictures with Santa.

Dance and shout at seasonal Centerstage panto: Centerstage Theatre’s yearly family-friendly holiday pantomime (panto) returns this season with a performance of “Cinderella,” featuring audience participation with a well-known fairy tale. Shows run Nov. 26 through Dec. 18, with a sensory-friendly performance at 2 p.m. Dec. 3 at the Knutzen Family Theatre, 3200 SW Dash Point Road in Federal Way. For ticketing, visit www.CenterstageTheatre.com.

SKF&R Santa Parade returns: South King Fire & Rescue hosts their yearly Santa Parade and canned food drive this month, targeting major apartment complexes around their service area. Santa and his first-responder elves will collect canned food for local food banks and bring cheer to residents. The parade will move through town each Friday and Saturday leading up to Christmas week from 5 to 8:30 p.m. (Dec. 2, 3, 9, 10, 16 and 17). More details and a map of their route to come from the agency. Visit them on Facebook.

Enjoy a Jingle Bell brunch: Get some pictures with Santa and grab some hot cocoa and a bite to eat at the Federal Way Community Center’s Jingle Bell Brunch, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Dec. 3. Pre-registration is required; for more information, visit itallhappenshere.org. The community center is located at 876 S 333rd St.

Symphony rings in the season: The Federal Way Symphony performs carols and their suite of beloved Christmas music at their Holiday Traditions concert from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Dec. 3 at the PAEC. For tickets for this event or any others at the PAEC, visit fwpaec.org.

Tree lighting: Straight after the holiday concert, the city will hold its Holiday Tree lighting from 4 to 5 p.m. Dec. 3 at Town Square Park, 31600 Pete von Reichbauer Way South. Mayor Jim Ferrell will lead the tree lighting starting at 4:45 p.m.

Sister’s Christmas Catechism: This humorous retelling of the story of the nativity promises “CSI: Bethlehem,” and a look into the mystery of what happened to the Magi’s gold. The holiday production is on at the PAEC starting 2 p.m. Dec. 4.

Sounds of the season: The Federal Way Chorale performs Vivaldi’s Gloria in D, along with holiday staples including I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas, It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year and choruses from Handel’s Messiah. It all starts 4 p.m. Dec. 10 at the PAEC.

Youth Christmas concert: The Federal Way Youth Symphony performs at the PAEC, starting at 4 p.m. Dec. 11.

Spirit of the season: A cappella group Voctave performs classic Christmas tunes from their latest album, “The Spirit of the Season” at the PAEC, starting at 7 p.m. Dec. 13.

Traditional Christmas concert: Harp player Bronn Journey, choir “Breath of Aire” and an ensemble band perform Christmas music with some lighthearted humor at the PAEC, starting at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15.

“Bear Grease” The Musical: This theatre production puts on a Christmas edition of the classic musical “Grease” with an indigenous twist. Performance is 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16 at the PAEC; visit fwpaec.org for tickets.

Turn on the lights with a Bonsai Solstice: Enjoy a quiet stroll in the woods to explore bonsai illuminated by soft lights (and your flashlights) from 4 to 7 p.m. Dec. 17. The Pacific Bonsai Museum is opened at night just once a year. This family-friendly tradition, now in its ninth year, embraces the generous spirit of the holidays and community. Suggest donation of $12. The Pacific Bonsai Museum is at 2515 S. 336th St. in Federal Way.

Federal Way Cares for Kids toy drive: This nonprofit supports families in the Federal Way School District each winter holiday season. You can donate new toys or gift cards through affiliated organizations. For more information, visit fwcaresforkids.org.

Know of a holiday event not listed here? Let us know at editor@federalwaymirror.com.