THURSDAY 12/21

ASK THE RABBI--In celebration of the eight days of Chanukah, Chabad-Lubavitch of Seattle and the Northgate Mall will light a nine-foot-tall Menorah and host "Ask the Rabbi" sessions, during which the uninformed can ask dumb questions about the Jewish faith and holidays without being made to feel like an ignorant, uncultured fool. Northgate Mall, Food Court, www.chabadofseattle.com for info. Menorah on display through sundown on Thurs Dec 28. "Ask the Rabbi" on Tues-Thurs Dec 26-28, 1-3 pm.

SATURDAY 12/23

SANDY BRADLEY'S POTLUCK!--The potluck with an exclamation point has returned!!!!! Actually, it's a music show that originated locally on public radio and featured traditional American music, ragtime, blues, novelty songs, and humor. Museum of History and Industry, 2700 24th Ave E, 324-1126, 11 am and 1 pm, $10.

TUESDAY 12/26

KWANZAA CELEBRATION--Christmas may be over but Kwanzaa is just beginning. Celebrate the "first of the harvest" (which is English for Kwanzaa, which is Swahili) with crafts, cultural exhibits, and entertainment by Adefua. Seattle Center House, noon-3 pm, free.

MORE NON-JUDEO-CHRISTIAN CELEBRATION--The Seattle Aquarium's "The Five Days After Christmas" offers five days of hands-on arts and crafts, storytelling, and opportunities to learn about the care and feeding of the aquarium's fish, birds, invertebrates, and marine mammals. Each day a different sea creature is spotlighted: Tues Dec 26, Amazing Salmon; Wed Dec 27, Magical Sea Dragons; Thurs Dec 28, Adorable Otters; Fri Dec 29, Outrageous Octopuses; Sat Dec 30, Spectacular Sharks. Seattle Aquarium, 1483 Alaskan Way, Pier 59, 386-4300, $8.50 adults, $3.75-$5.75 children.

WEDNESDAY 12/27

SENIOR NEW YEAR'S EVE DANCE--Nice and early for those with better things to do on the New Year's Eve that falls on December 31. Dance music provided by the Rhythm-Aires. Seattle Center House, 1-4 pm, donation (includes lunch).