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!