The happiest time of the year is here and Port Townsend is all a-twinkle and a-jingle, ready for you to make joyful memories and delight in this season’s festivities. We look forward to welcoming you as you make holiday wishes and dreams come true.
Hear children laughing when Santa rides into town. Breathe in the enticing scent of fresh baked cookies and pastries. Feel the warmth as you’re greeted in our shops, and smile as families and friends gather to wish one another joy and peace. Unwind at the end of the day with a libation and enjoy our inspired eateries. Tuck in for a comfortable stay in one of our charming accommodations…everything you want for some well-deserved R&R.
We’ve listed many of the upcoming fun-filled seasonal events to help you plan your holiday escape to Port Townsend!
December 1-23, Thursday through Sunday
7:30 pm Key City Public Theatre presents Spirit of the Yule
Celebrate the holiday season with Key City Public Theatre as they bring back 2016;s award-winning holiday musical, Spirit of the Yule, directed by KCPT’s Artistic Director, Denise Winter, with music and lyrics by acclaimed local composer, Linda Dowdell. Spirit of the Yule, a new take on Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, is set in Port Townsend when the lumber boomtown was eagerly awaiting the railroad connection that would make it the preeminent port city in the Pacific Northwest. This musical is steeped in the history and cultural legacy that defined Port Townsend as “the city of dreams.” Tickets and info about matinees at www.keycitypublictheatre.org
Saturday, December 2
4:30 pm Treelighting and Santa Visit at Haller Fountain
There’s caroling in the streets with the Wild Rose Chorale from 1-3 pm, in-store treats, and many shops will be open later. Come to Haller Fountain for the annual community treelighting and visit from Santa, who will be arriving via the Kiwanis Choo-Choo to light the tree. After the treelighting, Santa will visit with children to hear their Christmas wishes at the Pope Marine Building, 100 Madison Street. Coordinated by the Port Townsend Main Street Program. www.ptmainstreet.org
5:30-8 pm First Saturday Art Walk
Tour the town’s many galleries and stores, showcasing work from local artists. Enjoy refreshments and shop for artistic gifts you won’t find anywhere else.
Friday, December 8
2-4 pm Christine Wallace Book Signing in the Chandlery at the NW Maritime Center
Christine Wallace will be signing her newly released book, Sea of a Thousand Words. She’s a Pacific Northwest author, having published The Pocket Doula and Prepare to Come About. Enjoy 20% off store-wide during the event at the NW Maritime Center. www.nwmaritime.org
Saturday, December 9
1-4 pm Kiwanis Choo-Choo Rides for Families
Meet across the street from the Jefferson Museum of Art and History at Pope Marine Park. $5 suggested donation with proceeds benefitting school arts education and music programs.
7-9 pm The New Old Time Chautauqua, American Legion Hall, 209 Monroe Street
The New Old Time Chautauqua (NOTC) presents its 3rd annual Holiday Benefit Performance, “The Jugglers Ball” featuring many of the funniest, most skilled, show-stopping and famous jugglers in the Pacific Northwest, including the Flying Karamazov Brothers plus many more. Other disciplines, such as poetry, music and acrobatics will be on display. All proceeds for the show will go to support NOTC for their exciting upcoming 2018 Washington State Parks Tour and collaboration with the Confederate Tribes of the Colville Reservation. For tickets and info, go to www.chautauqua.org.
Friday, December 15
2-4 pm Jim Tolpin Book Signing and Tool Demo in the Chandlery at the NW Maritime Center
Jim Tolpin will be signing his newly released book, From Truths to Tools, as well as offering a tool demonstration. Using tools fashioned from little more than sticks and string, pre-industrial artisans unlocked the secrets of shape, form and space hidden right before their eyes. Jim explores how these tools, enabled craftspeople to create complex, precise layouts for all manner of structures. Enjoy 20% off Chandlery merchandise during the event at the NW Maritime Center. www.nwmaritime.org
Saturday, December 16
10 am – 2 pm Winter Holiday Farmers Market
Come inside the Port Townsend Community Center, where you’ll find local crafts, artisan food, farm-fresh products for your winter celebrations and more. For more info, go to www.jcfmarkets.org.
1-4 pm Kiwanis Choo-Choo Rides for Families
Meet across the street from the Jefferson Museum of Art and History at Pope Marine Park. $5 suggested donation with proceeds benefitting school arts education and music programs.
12-4 pm Open Parlor Tours of Historic Inns and Homes
Visit historic inns and homes of Port Townsend with their halls bedecked for the holidays in these self-guided tours. Put in a good word with Father Christmas. Savor tastey snacks and help deck the halls as performers sing, play and recite all your holiday favorites. Tickets are $15. Details at: www.op-s.net/yule
7-11 pm Yuletide Brass Ball at the American Legion Hall
Steam up the holidays with music in the dark of the year. Whether you rock gears and goggles, bustle or bowler, this is the holiday opportunity to come out and kick it old school. The Olympic Express Big Band brings sassy, brassy horns and rhythm for an absinth-infused evening of dancing.
The Brass Screw Confederacy and Olympic Peninsula Steam invite you to join the fun where the halls are decked, the hosts are jolly and the fruit cake will keep you toasty all night long. Come as you are—Victorian, Steampunk, fancy dress, blue jeans. It’s the spirit, the season and the swing that matter! $15 with ID (21+) at the door. For more info, www.op-s.net/yule Coordinated by Olympic Peninsula Steam.
Sunday, December 31
1-4 pm New Year’s Eve Wildlife Viewing Cruise with the Port Townsend Marine Science Center. The trip leaves from Port Townsend’s Point Hudson Marina. Tickets are $55 per person. Book your reservation online at www.ptmsc.org or call 360.385.5582, ext. 104.
6-9 pm First Night Celebration
The Jefferson Museum of Art and History coordinates this all-ages, alcohol-free event featuring live music and children’s activities. www.jchsmuseum.org
8 pm New Year’s Eve Party at Fort Worden
Ring in the New Year with Uncle Funk & the Dope 6 in the USO Building at Fort Worden. Doors open at 8 pm, music starts at 9 pm. No host bar, 21 +. Tickets $12 at the door, pre-sale $10. Call 360.344.4400 ext. 304 for pre-sale. www.fortworden.org
Happy Holidays from all of us in Port Townsend to all of you!