Photo courtesy of Port Townsend Main Street Program
Be Enchanted this season and check out all the special Holiday happenings in Port Townsend! Port Townsend’s historic Downtown and Uptown districts feature fabulous individually-owned business filled with quality gift ideas which offer a personal touch; explore their creative offerings and discover thoughtful and locally made items you won’t find anywhere else! And what’s more, inviting dining spots and unique lodgings offer something for every taste. Thank You to the Port Townsend Main Street program for all their hard work in organizing many of our Holiday festivities!
Join us for delightful holiday fun in 2023:
The Kiwanis Choo Choo will roll merrily through town on Saturdays in November and December.
The Festival Tent at Tyler Plaza – Look for the large festival tent at Tyler Street Plaza which will offer a festive outdoor space for a limited time. Get a meal-to-go or a hot drink and enjoy it there in between shopping stops. Check out Port Townsend Main Street’s official website for additional information about other holiday activities or follow the Port Townsend Main Street Program on social media for holiday updates.
November 25th – Small Business Saturday. Start checking off your list and get a head start on holiday shopping! Then join in a swag-making activity from 2-4 pm with Main Street elves under the heated tent at Tyler Street Plaza. Enjoy caroling in the streets and take a selfie with the holiday cartoon cut-outs.
December 2nd – Port Townsend Tree Lighting & Holidays in Port Townsend Special Events including a visit from Santa!
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- 2 pm Caroling under the heated tent at Tyler Street Plaza
- 2 pm – 4pm Make & Take Ornaments at Tyler Street Plaza tent…while supplies last!
Donations benefit PT Artscape which supports the arts in the schools program.
- 2:30 pm-4:30 pm Photo ops with Santa and the Kiwanis Choo Choo by Flagship Landing
- Take a selfie with the holiday cartoon cut-outs.
- Dusk: Community Treelighting at Haller Fountain
December 8th – Uptown Holiday Night Market. Join participating businesses in Uptown Port Townsend for shopping, music, refreshments, and more!
December 9th – Enjoy festive Port Townsend Magic of Christmas activities under the tent at Tyler Plaza. Visit smilesunderthetree.org
December 16th – Last minute holiday gift wrapping. Representatives from the nonprofit Olympic Neighbors will wrap your locally purchased gifts with flair under the heated tent at Tyler Plaza. Their mission is to create home and community for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
December 16th – Olympic Peninsula Steam Big Brass Yule Ball from 7pm – 10pm at the American Legion, downtown Port Townsend.
December 31st – First Night in Port Townsend. Presented by the Production Alliance from 3pm – 9pm, First Night is an all-ages New Year’s Eve celebration featuring live music and performances, interactive art experiences, heritage and historic exhibits, food, fireworks, and more! Visit theproductionalliance.org
Feeling Creative? Get ready for crafty Holiday fun with the December Uptown Gingerbread Contest at the Port Townsend Public Library.
- Gingerbread kits available from November 20- November 30
- Voting takes place from December 11- December 18
- Winner announced by December 22
- Entries must be picked up by Jan 2.
- http://ptpubliclibrary.org
Tour the Winter Lights
Sparkling white lights decorate the trees in the historic districts from PT Main Street’s winter lights program, running November through February. The Main Street elves will be busy decorating. The Haller Fountain and Bell Tower lighting designs are created by Fyerlite Grip and Lighting Services.
Haller Fountain | Photo courtesy of Port Townsend Main Street Program
OTHER HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS
The Port Townsend Arts Guild’s Annual Holiday Crafts Sale will be held Friday, November 24th and Saturday, November 25th, 2023 from 10am-5pm in Uptown at the Port Townsend Community Center (620 Tyler St.).
The Magic of Christmas “Kringle’s Christmas Express”– An extravaganza of lights and amazement that will conjure up the wonder and magic inside us all is moving downtown this year. They will be delivering lots of fun and surprises from Santa and his jolly elves. Follow their Facebook page for event updates. Activities will be centered at the American Legion and surrounding spaces.
Planning your visit? Feel free to call the Port Townsend Visitor Information Center for more information: 360.385.2722