When Nina West talks about Seattle, her voice lights up—even over Zoom. She’ll return to McCaw Hall on December 3rd to host A Drag Queen Christmas, now in its 11th year and touring 39 cities. For West, the stop in Seattle isn’t just another show—it’s a kind of homecoming.
“Seattle audiences are some of our favorites,” she says. “It’s an incredible queer, queer-affirming, drag-loving city. The energy here is unreal—eclectic, vibrant, and full of joy.”
This year’s lineup reflects that spirit. Joining West are Crystal Methyd, Shea Couleé, Lexi Love, Lydia Collins, Suzie Toot—“I finally get to work with Suzie!” West beams—and, perhaps most special to Seattle audiences, Bosco, the All Stars 10 standout and hometown star.
“I’m such a fan of Bosco. Truly one of the greatest entertainers on that stage,” she says. “Add Brooklyn Heights to the bill that night, and honestly—Seattle gets the biggest show of the tour.”
All Stars, Confidence, and Choosing Joy
Since the last time we spoke, West placed fourth on RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 9, a season unlike any other—no eliminations, competitors representing charities, and a tone that felt more celebratory than cutthroat.
“All Stars was wonderful,” she reflects. “The charity element changed everything—emotionally, mentally. Because I knew I wasn’t going anywhere, I could really settle into joy. I could just be myself.”
Being herself is something fans consistently notice. West is known for her warmth, kindness, and presence—traits that earned her Miss Congeniality during her original run on Season 11.
But that version of Nina—the cheerful, unshakeable queen viewers saw—wasn’t the full story.
“I was a nervous wreck on Season 11,” she admits. “I was seeking approval, needing to prove myself. On All Stars, I knew who I was. And I knew I couldn’t be anything else.”
She pauses, thoughtful.
“My joy isn’t for everyone—and that’s okay. But I still need to choose it. I have to like the person I wake up as before worrying if anyone else does.”
On ‘Queer,’ Identity, and Evolution
At one point, the conversation turns to the word queer—a term reclaimed, reshaped, and revitalized over decades.
“To me, queer is powerful, welcoming, and expansive,” West says. “When I was young, it was used to make us feel small. Now it reminds us we belong. It holds everyone—every shape, every story—without exclusion.”
Pop Culture Picks: Broadway, Music, and Movies
West’s current obsessions reflect the same playful mix of camp, artistry, and queer creativity she brings onstage.
Broadway: Oh, Mary!
“I’ve seen it more than I can count,” she laughs. “Jane Krakowski is unreal. And Seattle’s own Jinkx Monsoon recently starred in it—you can’t not love it.”
Music: Laufey’s new holiday album—and a sudden newfound obsession.
“Yesterday on the plane, I fell headfirst into Rosalia’s Lux Aeterna. Every queer person needs that on their playlist.”
Film: Queens of the Dead, now streaming.
“It’s queer joy packed into a zombie movie,” she promises. “Margaret Cho, Cheyenne Jackson, Ricky Lindhome—it’s wild and so full of heart.”
The Legacy and Power of Community Performance
Seattle audiences may remember West from her work with the Seattle Men’s Chorus—a memory she holds close.
“These choruses aren’t just performances,” she says. “They grew out of Harvey Milk’s era, the AIDS crisis, the fight for visibility. They build community. They save lives. And Seattle gets that.”
Why This Tour Matters
As the holiday season approaches, West is clear: this show isn’t just glitter, jokes, and fabulous wigs.
“It’s a reminder,” she says, smiling, “that we deserve joy. We deserve celebration. We deserve space to be exactly who we are—with the people we choose to call family.”
She takes a small breath before the final line—quiet, intentional, sincere:
“We matter. And that’s the heartbeat of this show.”
A Drag Queen Christmas Hits the PNW at Seattle’s McCaw Hall on December 3rd. Also stopping in Salem, OR on December 2nd, Eugene, OR on December 4th. Santa Rosa, CA on December 5th, and San Francisco on December 6th. Click HERE for Tix and Information.
