THE UNITED STATES OF EVENTS

THE UNITED STATES OF EVENTS
Where to go and what to do
Following are picks for the festivals, fairs and celebrations nationwide in December that are most worthy of planning a trip around. For more events, check www.festivals.com or the comprehensive "Chase's Calendar of Events" (Contemporary Books).
1-23 Seattle: Argosy Christmas Ship Festival. The Spirit of Seattle leads an armada of boats around the waterfront, with choral music and twinkling lights entertaining a landed audience. Free from the shore, $20-$30 to board. (206) 623-1445, www.argosycruises.com.
1-31 South Carolina: Christmas in Charleston. Choir concerts, progressive dinners, candlelit walks and house tours. (800) 774-0006, www.christmasincharleston.com.
6-7 Lake Havasu City, Ariz.: Boat Parade of Lights. More than 40 boats draped in lights pass beneath London Bridge. Yes, that London Bridge. (800) 242-8278, www.golakehavasu.com.
8-9 Houston: United Skateboarding Associations Stampede. Top boarders from around the world compete. Ticket info not yet available. (732) 432-5400, www.unitedskate.com.
12-14 West Lafayette, Ind.: Purdue Musical Organizations Christmas Show. The Purdue Varsity Glee Club, the Purduettes, PMO Express, University Choir and Purdue Bell Choir join forces and voices for this collegiate extravaganza that pulls in 36,000 people annually. Tickets $17-$24. (800) 893-3041, www.purdue.edu/PMO.
12-17 Kill Devil Hills, N.C.: First Flight Centennial. On Dec. 17, 1903, the Wright Brothers made their historic first flight. A week of flyovers, aircraft displays, lectures and crafts culminates in a commemorative ceremony Dec. 17. (800) 446-6262, www.outerbanks.org.
18-24 Portland, Ore.: Festival of the Last Minute. Down to the wire and still need to find something for the in-laws? Just before Christmas, the Portland Saturday Market opens on weekdays for last-minute purchases. (503) 222-6072, www.portlandsaturdaymarket.com.
26-Jan. 2, 2004 Waldport, Ore.: Whale Watching Week. Gray whales migrate from Alaska to Mexico to mate in warmer climes, and trained volunteers are on hand this week to help visitors catch a glimpse. (541) 563-2002, www.whalespoken.org.
Source: Washington Post