The Latest in PT
Tis the Season…
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.
(Illustration: Amanda Kingsley)
We’ve listed many of the upcoming fun-filled seasonal events to help you plan your holiday escape to Port Townsend!
December 3-20, Thursdays through Sundays
7:30 pm Key City Public Theatre presents “A Christmas Story”
This Christmas, you are invited to enjoy a new spin on a classic holiday tradition as Port Townsend’s Key City Public Theatre offers up a humor-filled rendition of everyone’s favorite holiday film, A Christmas Story. Tickets and info about matinees atwww.keycitypublictheatre.org
(Photo: Kevin Mason)
Saturday, December 5
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
5:30-7:30 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 12
11 am-3 pm Victorian Yuletide Salon
Step out of the weather and into a welcoming Victorian parlor to savor an Olde Time Christmas in the historic Cotton Building. Father Christmas greets you amidst the sounds and scents of the season.
Stop in at this Victorian-style salon to put in a good word with Father Christmas. Savor tasty treats as performers sing, play and recite all your holiday favorites. You’ll be welcomed into a quieter world with playful elves and happy tots. Snatch a selfie with Old Saint Nick, sip cider, and savor the joys of the season. Coordinated by Olympic Peninsula Steam. www.vicfest.org/yule
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.
1-5 pm Victorian Holiday Home Tour
Visit Port Townsend’s often photographed Victorian homes as they dress themselves up for the holidays. Homes normally not open to the public are available for viewing during this special event. Not only will you enjoy a Victorian reception in the elegant parlors of these vintage homes, but you will also be offered delectable refreshments while visiting with the homeowners and docents, and listening to the music of the season. www.vicfest.org/yule
8-11 pm Yuletide Ball at the Chapel at Fort Worden State Park
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.
Come as you are—Victorian, Steampunk, fancy dress, blue jeans. It’s the spirit, the season and the swing that matter! Meet the coolest Father Christmas ever. There will be mistletoe, just in case that certain someone is around…a cash bar awash with holiday spirits, and fruitcake—really good fruitcake—but Beware the Krampus! $20 with ID (21+) at the door, $15 in advance at www.vicfest.org/yule Coordinated by Olympic Peninsula Steam.
Saturday, December 19
1-3 pm Victorian Open Parlors
Tour beautifully decorated 19th century buildings and homes with historically costumed docents, seasonal music and holiday treats. Port Townsend’s B&Bs and historic hotels open their doors to welcome you. Tickets are $15/person. Reservations recommended, however tickets may be purchased at the first stop of each tour. www.vicfest.orgFeatured locations: Old Consulate Inn, Commander’s Beach House, Quimper Inn, and the Bishop Victorian Hotel. Coordinated by Olympic Peninsula Steam.
1-4 pm Port Townsend Paper Corporation’s Kraft Tree Decorating Contest
Located in the Cotton Building at 607 Water Street.
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 the school arts education and music programs.
Saturday and Sunday, December 26 and 27
2:30 pm and 7 pm Key City Public Theatre presents the “Santaland Diaries”
A cult classic based on the true chronicles of David Sedaris’ experience as Crumpet the Elf in Macy’s Santaland display during the height of the holiday crunch. (Not appropriate for children.)
Get tickets before they sell out at www.keycitypublictheatre.org
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
9:30 pm-12:30 am New Year’s Eve Party at the Fort Worden Commons
Ring in the New Year in style with local favorites, Locust Street Taxi. $99 per person (21+) gives you specialty appetizers and hand-passed hors d’oeuvres, two signature cocktails and a champagne toast, the dessert bar and party favors. Reservations suggested by calling 360.344.4400 or go to www.fortworden.org
Friday, January 1
11 am-2 pm New Year’s Day Brunch at the Fort Worden Commons
$35 adults, $16 youth under 12, children under 4 are free. Reservations suggested by calling 360.344.4400 or go to www.fortworden.org
Happy Holidays and Enjoy Victorian Port Townsend!
2015 Holiday Season Arrives in Port Townsend
There is no better place than Port Townsend to enjoy the holiday season!
Washington’s Victorian Seaport and Arts Community welcomes you in this festive season to “Look Here First” for authentic holidays experiences that can only be found in Port Townsend. Individually-owned businesses offer the personal touch and are a welcome contrast to anonymous malls. Gifts from our destination stores, Port Townsend restaurant gift certificates, movie passes, theatre tickets, and local artwork are examples of thoughtful gifts your loved ones will remember long after the holidays.
Choo-Choo Rides, Homes Tours, Open Parlors, Live Theater, Santa Visit, Caroling, Art Walk, Yuletide Events, a Gingerbread Contest – come see why visitors love our community at the end of the year!
2015 Holiday Events
November 27 Black Friday—Kick off of Main Street “Look Here First” campaign.
- Let the shopping begin!
November 28 Main Street Small Business Saturday & Merchant Holiday Open House!
- Celebrate local businesses at this nation-wide event. See more at “About Small Business Saturday” www.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!
November 28 “Ring in the Holidays” Merchant Holiday Window Contest winners announced.
December 3-20 Thursdays-Sundays A Christmas Story adapted by Philip Grecian from Jean Shepherd at Key City Public Theatre.
December 5 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 refreshments and many shops will be open later. Come to Haller Fountain for the annual Community treelighting and Santa visit at 4:30 pm. Port Townsend school children created dozens of hand-made ornaments for the tree. Santa arrives by the Kiwanis Choo Choo Train to light the community tree. After the Treelighting, Santa visits with children.
December 5 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.
December 12 Main Street/Kiwanis Choo Choo Rides for Families 1-4 pm; suggested donation of $5 per person benefits the arts in the schools program.
December 12 Yuletide Salon at The Cotton Building 1-3 pm, coordinated by Olympic Peninsula Steam.
- Caroling, treats, seasonal music, mummers and merry-making, plus a special visit with Father Christmas! www.vicfest.org/yule
December 12 Yuletide Ball at the Chapel at Fort Worden State Park~ from 8 pm—11pm.
- Big band dance music with Olympic Express Big Band, with free swing dance lessons available. Father Christmas will be on hand, along with plenty of mistletoe. Tickets $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Cash bar. Olympic Peninsula Steam www.vicfest.org/yule.
December 12 Victorian Holiday Home Tour from 1:00-5:00 p.m.
- Visit Port Townsend’s often photographed Victorian Homes as they dress themselves up for the holidays! Homes normally not open to the public are available for viewing during this special event. Not only will you have the opportunity to sit and enjoy a Victorian reception in the elegant parlors of these vintage homes, but you will also be invited to imbibe in delectable refreshments while visiting with the homeowners and docents, and listening to music of the season. http://www.vsa-nw.org/sample-page/events
December 19 Second Annual Port Townsend Paper Company Kraft Tree Decorating Contest display, 1-4 pm coordinated by Port Townsend Paper Corporation. Refreshments and fun!
Saturdays in December: Open Parlor Tours
- Beautiful B&B’s and historical hotels of Port Townsend with their halls bedecked for the holidays. Self-guided tours run 1-3pm on select Saturdays throughout the holiday season. Enjoy seasonal music and tasty treats. Tickets are $15 and include up to four historic venues. Details at www.vicfest.org/yule
December 19 Main Street/Kiwanis Choo Choo Rides for Families, 1-4 pm; suggested donation of $5 per person benefits the arts in the schools program.
December 26-27 The Santaland Diaries by David Sedaris at Key City Public Theatre
December 31 First Night coordinated by the Jefferson County Historical Society
- Celebration (jchsmuseum.org) – Free event The Jefferson Museum of Art and History coordinates this 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.
December 31– New Year’s Eve celebration at Fort Worden fortworden.org
January 1 – New Year’s Day Brunch at the Fort Worden Commons fortworden.org
Port Townsend Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving
2015 Thanksgiving promises to be a holiday to remember in Port Townsend. If slaving over a hot stove all day isn’t your idea of a holiday, then a different kind of celebration is in store for you, as a variety of Port Townsend’s award-winning restaurants and stores are going to be open on Thanksgiving.
DOWNTOWN
- Alchemy Bistro – 842 Washington St, 385-2882, 2pm-9pm
- The Bayview – 1539 Water St, 385-1461, 7am-2pm
- The Belmont – 925 Water St, 385-3007, 1p/2:30 /4p/5:30
- The Fountain Café – 920 Washington St, 385-1364, 6pm-9pm
- Lighthouse Café – 955 Water St, 385-1165, All Day
- Better Living Through Coffee – 100 Tyler St, 385-3388, 7am-1pm
- Boiler Room – 711 Water St, 379-8247, 11am-10pm
- Sirens Pub – 823 Water St, 379-1100, Noon-1am
- Shanghai Chinese – 265 Hudson St, 385-4810, 10am-5pm
- The Wine Seller – 1010 Water St, 385-7673
UPTOWN
- The Commons – Fort Worden, 344-4400, 1pm-6pm
- Pane D’Amore – 617 Tyler St, 385-1199, till noon
- Aldrich’s Market – 940 Lawrence St, 385-0500, 8am-4pm
- Uptown Pub – 1016 Lawrence St, 385-1530
- Sweet Laurettes – 1029 Lawrence St, 385-4886, Open 8am; Dinner 3pm-8pm
UPPER/LOWER SIMS WAY
- Penny Saver – 2140 E Sims Way, 385-2695, 7am-11pm
- Manresa Castle – 651 Cleveland St, 379-1990, Noon-3:30pm
- QFC – 515 Sheridan St, 385-5251, 5am-6pm
- Safeway – 442 W Sims Way, 385-2806, 24 hours
- Port Townsend Brewing Co. – 330 10th Street, 385-9967, 2pm-7pm
- Highway 20 Roadhouse – 2152 W.Sims Way, 385-7747
Create your extraordinary itinerary.
