Port Townsend is a magical place to celebrate the holidays. Mark your calendars for these fun events!
(Photo by Steve Mullensky)
Nov. 23, Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy Thanksgiving Brunch at Fort Worden.
Nov. 24, Black Friday—Kick off of Main Street Flurry of Winter Fun campaign. Let the shopping begin!
Nov. 24-25, Port Townsend Arts Guild Holiday Craft Fair in Uptown.
Nov. 25, Main Street Small Business Saturday & Merchant Holiday Open House!
Celebrate local businesses at this nation-wide event. See more at “About Small Business Saturday” americanexpress.com. Caroling in the streets with the Wild Rose Chorale Uptown and Downtown from 2-4 pm, in-store treats, many shops open later til 7 pm. Have fun shopping and dining in town!
Nov. 25, Merchant Holiday Window Contest winners announced.
Nov. 30 – Dec. 23, “Spirit of the Yule,” a holiday musical, is Port Townsend’s own Christmas Carol by Linda Dowdell and Denies Winter. KeyCityPublicTheatre.org
Dec. 2, Toys for Tots hosted by Kiwanis “Fill the Bus with Toys” Every year Kiwanis, Toys for Tots and Christmas for Kids along with Jefferson County transit parks a bus at the Port Townsend Visitors Center Parking Lot on Sims way. Drop by and drop off a toy, or a donation; have a cup of coffee or a bite to eat.
Dec. 2, Main Street Treelighting Celebration and Santa Visit! There’s caroling in the streets with the Wild Rose Chorale from 1 to 3 pm, in-store refreshm
ents and many shops will be open later. Come to Haller Fountain for the annual Community treelighting and Santa visit at 4:30 pm. Santa arrives by the Kiwanis Choo Choo Train to light the community tree. After the Treelighting, Santa visits with children at the Pope Marine Building, 100 Madison Street.
Dec. 2, First Saturday Art Walk hosted in galleries and stores. Great holiday gift ideas made by local artists. Enjoy refreshments and shop for artistic gifts you won’t find anywhere else.
Dec. 9, Main Street/Kiwanis Choo Choo Rides for Families 1-4 pm; suggested donation of $5 per person benefits the arts in the schools program. Meet in front of Pope Marine Park (On Water St. between Madison & Monroe Streets)
Dec. 9, Visit the Port Townsend Saturday Farmers Market for your holiday gifts. When you give locally your give twice. You get an amazing and creative gift for your loved one and you support our local economy.
Dec. 16, Aldrich’s Gingerbread Contest in Uptown – on display through January 14, 2017. Drop off your creations at Aldrich’s Market, 940 Lawrence St. from Dec. 16th – Dec. 30th 2017, Judging Takes Place: January 6th, 2018.
Dec. 16, Big Brass Yule Ball Father Christmas will be on hand, along with plenty of mistletoe to steam up the holidays with music from Olympic Express Big Band. Whether you rock gears and goggles, bustle or bowler, this is holiday opportunity to come out and kick it old school. Coordinated by Olympic Peninsula Steam www.op-s.net/yule.
Dec. 16, Open Parlor Tours: Visit historic inns and homes of Port Townsend with their halls bedecked for the holidays. Self-guided tours run 12-4 pm. Enjoy seasonal music and tasty treats. Details at www.op-s.net/yule.
Dec. 16, Main Street/Kiwanis Choo Choo Rides for Families, 1-4 pm; suggested donation of $5 per person benefits the arts in the schools program. Meet in front of Pope Marine Park (On Water St. between Madison & Monroe Streets)
Dec. 31, First Night Celebration coordinated by the Jefferson County Historical Society (jchsmuseum.org) – Free all ages, alcohol-free event on New Year’s Eve featuring live music, children’s activities and the dropping of the anchor to ring in the new year.
Jan. 1, New Year’s Day Brunch at Fort Worden Commons
Subject to change