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.
Photo by Kevin Mason
We’ve listed many of the upcoming fun-filled seasonal events to help you plan your holiday escape to Port Townsend!
December 2-30, Wednesdays through Sundays
7:30 pm Key City Public Theatre presents “Spirit of the Yule”
Celebrate the holiday season with Key City Public Theatre as they unveil the new 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 3
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 Train to light the tree. After the treelighting, Santa will visit with children to hear their Christmas wishes. 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.
Saturday, December 10
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 and live music. For more info, go to www.jcfmarkets.org.
1-4 pm Kiwanis Choo-Choo Rides for Children
Meet across the street from the Jefferson Museum of Art and History. $5 suggested donation with proceeds benefitting school arts education and music programs.
Saturday, December 17
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 and live music. For more info, go to www.jcfmarkets.org.
1-4 pm Kiwanis Choo-Choo Rides for Children
Meet across the street from the Jefferson Museum of Art and History. $5 suggested donation with proceeds benefitting school arts education and music programs.
1-3 pm Open Parlor Tours of Historic Inns and Homes
Visit beautifully decorated 19th century historic inns and homes of Port Townsend with their halls bedecked for the holidays in these self-guided tours. Enjoy seasonal music and tasty holiday treats. Tickets are $15. Details at: www.vicfest.org/yule
8-11 pm Big Brass Yule Ball at the American Legion Hall, 209 Monroe St.
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! $20 with ID (21+) at the door, $15 in advance at www.vicfest.org/yule Coordinated by Olympic Peninsula Steam.
Thursday, 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
5:30 pm- midnight Chef’s Dinner at Taps at the Guardhouse
Ring in the New Year in style with a special five-course Chef’s Dinner paired with local craft beverages. $99 per person (21+). Reservations suggested by calling 360.344.4400 or go to www.fortworden.org
Friday, January 1
10 am-2 pm New Year’s Day Brunch at the Fort Worden Commons
$28 adults, $16 youth under 12. Reservations suggested by calling 360.344.4400 or go to www.fortworden.org
Escape to Port Townsend Where Winter Dreams Come True! Happy Holidays from all of us to all of you!