West Seattle, Washington
20 Saturday
Happy Saturday! We have another two-part event list for you – first, seasonal happenings today/tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide:
SELFIES WITH SANTA: 8:30 am-11 am this morning (and Sunday), DIY photos with Santa at CAPERS Home (4525 California SW; WSB sponsor), donation requested for West Seattle Food Bank.
HOLIDAY MUSIC AT THRIFTWAY: 10 am-1 pm Alex Baird, 3:30 pm-5:30 pm Gary Benson, performing at West Seattle Thriftway (4201 SW Morgan; WSB sponsor).
(WSB photo, B-Sharp Studio trio caroling last weekend)
BUSKING IN THE JUNCTION: 11 am-1 pm, local musicians will perform carols and winter-themed music, raising money for the West Seattle and White Center Food Banks, on the KeyBank corner at California/Alaska.
ARTIST POP-UP AT CAPERS HOME: 11 am-4 pm, you’ll find artist Wendy Hathaway of Torch Song Jewelry at CAPERS Home (4525 California SW; WSB sponsor).
HOLIDAY GRIEF CIRCLE: Listening to Grief hosts this chance to gather, 11 am-12:15 pm at Mama Be Well Healing Studio (4034 California SW).
VINTAGE GOODS + GOOD FOODS POP-UP: Shopping 1-6 pm (5001 Delridge Way SW).
WINTER SOLSTICE SPIRAL: 1 pm at Inner Alchemy Studio & Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska).
SANTA AND GRINCH PHOTOS: Benefit for Stephanie’s Lifeline Holiday Gifts of HOPE, 1:45-5 pm at Delridge Community Center (4501 Delridge Way SW).
NORTHWEST FIRELIGHT CHORALE: 2 p concert at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church (3050 California SW) – this year’s theme is “Ring Out Ye Bells.” Ticket info here; note – sold out except for video-viewing tickets!
GRINCH SELFIES AT WHOVILLE: Lacey‘s setting up a life-size Grinch at her Whoville display for photo ops:
I’ll have one of my full-size Grinches set up in Whoville so people can take some Christmas photos from 4:30 pm- 8 pm. For those who are able, we are accepting non-perishable food donations for White Center Food Bank.
(On 18th Ave SW, between Roxbury and SW 98th)
ASTRA LUMINA: Celestially inspired light show on the grounds of the Seattle Chinese Garden at the north end of the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus, first admission 4:45 pm. Tickets and info here.
(The Salmon Tree at Fauntleroy UCC’s Festival of Trees)
FAUNTLEROY FESTIVAL OF TREES & CHRISTMAS CONCERT: 6 pm at Fauntleroy Church Fellowship Hall (9140 California), visit the decorated trees; bring nonperishable food-bank donations to place beneath your favorite(s) if you can. Then at 7 pm, it’s the Christmas concert! (Admission free.)
CHRISTMAS MOVIE NIGHT @ SUPER DELI MART: The neighborhood hangout at 35th SW and SW Barton wants to see you for Christmas Movie Night – wear your ugly holiday sweater, enjoy popcorn (etc.), win prizes! It all starts at 7 pm.
And here are the non-holiday-season events for today, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and inbox:
SATURDAY GROUP RUN: At West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor), you can join the Saturday 8 am free group run!
(WSB photo by Oliver Hamlin, from last Saturday’s CSIHS-WSHS flag-football game)
FLAG FOOTBALL: Full day of games at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle) – West Seattle HS plays Cleveland at 8:30 am, Rainier Beach at 9:45 am; Chief Sealth IHS plays Garfield at 11 am, Seattle Prep at 1:30 pm.
FREE! HEAVILY MEDITATED: Free 9 am community meditation at Inner Alchemy Sanctuary/Studio (3618 SW Alaska) – register here.
INTRODUCTORY WALK and WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: 9:30 am, walk a mile as a prelude to the 10 am well-being walk (or just show up for that one). Both start from 47th SW and Fauntleroy Way SW.
SSC GARDEN CENTER: The Garden Center at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW, north end of campus), is open 10 am-3 pm – last day before its holiday break!
KNIFE SHARPENING: Kneighborhood Knives is back, just for one day, 10:30 am-5 pm at Hotwire Coffee (4410 California SW).
MORNING MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Info about Marco’s music is here.
FREE WRITING GROUP: In session again this week, 10:30 am, info in our calendar listing.
FAMILY STORY TIME: 10:30 am at High Point Library. (3411 SW Raymond)
FAMILY READING TIME: At Paper Boat Booksellers, 11 am family reading time. (4522 California SW; WSB sponsor)
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: The home of West Seattle’s history is open noon-4 pm on Saturdays. Holiday ornaments and gifts available, too. (61st SW and SW Stevens)
VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: The center is open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. (2236 SW Orchard)
VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open for you to enjoy wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM, WINE BAR, STORE: On the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus:
The Northwest Wine Academy Tasting Room is OPEN Thursday-Saturday 1 pm-6 pm until December 20th! Back by popular demand: We are featuring our 2016-2019 varietals for a mix and match $62 case! Stop by for a tasting and a case for the holidays! Thank you for a beautiful year of supporting our students! Enjoy student-produced wines and affordable eats at the Northwest Wine Academy Tasting Room and Wine Bar at South Seattle College, with proceeds benefitting student learning and the Wine Studies Program. NWWA is located in the North Parking Lot at South Seattle College (6000 16th Ave SW) in the Puget Ridge neighborhood of West Seattle.
FREE MASSAGE: 3-5 pm walk-in clinic offering short, specific massages at Nepenthe. (9447 35th SW)
2 ‘PENELOPE’ PERFORMANCES AT ARTSWEST: West Seattle’s playhouse is in the final weekend for its folk-pop musical “Penelope,” with a 3 pm matinée and 7:30 pm evening performance today/tonight; get tickets here. (4711 California SW)
SUPER SMASH SATURDAY AT FOURTH EMERALD GAMES: Come play, 6:30-10 pm. (4517 California SW, upstairs)
REVELRY ROOM DJ: Saturday spinning starts at 9 pm – tonight it’s DJ Tomás at Revelry Room. (4547 California SW).
KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: Again this week, our Saturday list concludes with 10 pm karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria. (4718 California SW)
Got a West Seattle event coming up? If community members are welcome, your event is welcome on our calendar! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Three reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:
ROBBERY ARREST: What happened at the Harbor Avenue 7-Eleven early this morning wasn’t a holdup, police say: They arrested a man who they say attacked a clerk who wouldn’t sell him beer because it was 4 am. The incident summary says a 911 call just before 4 am reported the attack. The summary says the clerk refused to sell the beer, so the man tried taking it anyway, leaving money on the counter, then returned to demand that money be given back to him. When the clerk gave him money, according to the summary, he said it wasn’t enough and demanded more, then went behind the counter and attacked the clerk by choking him and holding a corkscrew to his neck, threatening to kill him. Police arrested the 34-year-old suspect shortly afterward and took him to jail, where he remains tonight.
BUS HARASSMENT: A woman who says she was sexually harassed on a C Line bus from West Seattle wonders if the same man has done the same thing to other women, and if so, wants to urge them to report it.
than usual without my boyfriend who I typically commute with. The man sat next to me and intentionally showed me a pornographic video on his phone of a woman who looked disturbingly similar to me, twice. After I realized that he was very clearly showing me the video (turning his whole body toward me, putting the phone in front of my face), I moved to the back of the bus. He got off on 3rd Ave in downtown as usual. I reported to the King County Sheriff’s Office, who handles Metro issues (case #C25034202). If this or something similar has happened to other girls or women, please report it if you can — his description is below. KC Sheriff Deputy Dalon explained that the man is only likely to be arrested if 911 is called or the driver is notified while there is an active disturbance (i.e. sexual harassment) on the bus.
Description: Older Asian man with gray/white hair. Always wears a beanie with hair peeking out, dark black/gray zip-up hoodie (usually with a red shirt underneath), dark blue or gray joggers, white sneakers, a regular medical mask, and never seems to be carrying a bag or anything. He also appears to have a jaw malformation under his mask.
PACKAGE THEFT: Thieves are particularly active during the holiday season, for obvious reasons. Another reader who wants to be anonymous sent this report:
Just reporting a package theft on Fauntleroy around 2 pm (Thursday). They were making their way north hitting the side streets. Bright orange hat, blue jacket, and purple printed backpack.
“We’ve added a lot since 2023!” So said Oren, referring to the previous time we featured this Westwood-area display. The video above previews what you’ll see if you visit these lights and decorations at 9425 25th SW [map]. This photo also shows part of it:
Still five nights to go until Christmas – if you have bright lights we haven’t shown yet (here’s the archive), let us know at westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Family, friends, and fans are mourning Mike Campbell, former pitcher for the Mariners and other major-league baseball teams, and sharing this remembrance, which we’re publishing followed by a statement from the M’s:
Michael T. Campbell
1964-2025With profound sadness, the family of Mike Campbell announces that he passed away suddenly on December 15.
Mike grew up in Alki and attended West Seattle High School and Newport High School in Bellevue and the University of Hawaii.
Mike realized his childhood dream in 1985 when he was drafted by the hometown team, the Mariners. He pitched for the M’s, Rangers, Padres, and Cubs during his baseball career.
Mike will be remembered for his friendly, easy-going way, making people laugh, and as truly one of the nicest people you could hope to meet. He had a passion for travel, going often to Kihei, Hawaii (his favorite place), golfing, and spending time with family and friends.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Judith and Thomas Campbell, and brother-in-law Jeffery Syverson. He is survived by his brothers Mathew, Timothy (Lorrie), sisters Erin (Sean) Halley, Gillian Syverson, aunt Nancy Pomeroy, ex-wife/close friend Michelle Baker, former mother-in-law/close friend Mary Anne Kilgore, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and his sweet dog Hana, who all miss him terribly.
A gathering to celebrate Mike’s life will be announced at a later date.
After Mr. Campbell’s obituary was sent to us this afternoon, we received this statement from the Mariners, emailed to us and others on the team’s media list:
The Mariners were saddened to learn today of the passing of Seattle-native Mike Campbell. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his family, including siblings Erin, Gillian, Matt, and Tim.
Mike (Feb. 17, 1964 – Dec. 15, 2025), a West Seattle native who graduated from Newport High School in Bellevue, was drafted by Seattle with the 7th overall pick in the 1985 June Draft. He made his Major League debut in 1987 and pitched with Seattle during parts of the 1987, 1988 and 1989 seasons before being traded to Montreal as part of the deal in which Seattle acquired Hall of Famer Randy Johnson. Mike had a 13-year professional career as a right-handed pitcher, including appearing in the Majors with Seattle, Texas, San Diego, and the Chicago Cubs.
After his baseball career concluded in 1999, he returned home to Seattle.
5:35 PM: Thanks to the texter who sent photos from a crash at 59th SW and SW Admiral, reporting that it’s blocking the eastbound side. SPD and SFD responded; one possible injury was reported, but not described as serious. They’re awaiting tows.
6:01 PM: Officers just told dispatch “the roadway is back open.”
(2023 reader photo, from 600+ cookies baked by Tibbetts United Methodist Church ‘and friends’)
Got some time to bake this weekend? When we first published The Christmas People‘s announcement that they hope to receive thousands of homemade cookies again this year, we promised to remind you when the time grew near – so here’s the announcement again:
Home-baked cookies are needed this year for the 18 shelters, centers, camps we serve during Christmas Week. West Seattle Coworking, 9030 35th Avenue SW, will again accept cookies, Monday, Dec. 22, Tuesday, Dec. 23 and Wednesday, Dec. 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. No special packaging is necessary. Cookies may also be dropped off at Artisan Community Kitchen, 10836 E. Marginal Way S., Tukwila, Monday through Thursday, Dec. 21-25.
Please label any cookies withnuts, peanut butter, gluten-free, etc. Cookies may be frozen. Contact Fred Hutchinson, co-founder, at 206-719-4979 or pialley@jps.net
If you bake/donate cookies – consider sending us a photo of your cookies, and/or you and helper(s), if any – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
More last-minute gift-shopping possibilities – or maybe just for personal care for yourself: This announcement is from Neighborhood Naturopathic and Primary Care (5410 California; WSB sponsor):
Neighborhood Naturopathic and Primary Care is celebrating 5 years in business with 20% off supplements, teas, and tinctures! If you miss Pharmaca and being able to purchase quality supplements locally, then come and check out our sale. The 20% off sale goes through the end of December, and you do not need to be a current patient to purchase.
Regular clinic hours are Monday through Friday, 9 am-5 pm (closed for lunch 1-2 pm), Saturdays 9 am-1 pm. Closing at 1 pm on 12/24. Closed 12/25, 12/26, and 12/27. Reopening normal hours the week of 12/29, except closed 1/1/2026.
Amid the recent stories about some local venues moving away from adults-only policies, now we have a local venue opening a new bar. Taste of Mumbai at 2300 California SW in The Admiral District is opening its bar Mumbai Moonshine with a celebration tonight at 8 pm, featuring belly-dancing performances starring West Seattle’s own Nadira. Among other things, the new bar will feature what was a staple of its predecessor, the Yen Wor – karaoke; 9 pm Friday sessions will be hosted by Sami Saurus. Mumbai Moonshine plans DJ nights, too. Though the venue has been open for two years, it changed ownership just half a year ago, as noted here.
(WSB file photo)
Cocoa Cris Cringle is coming to town! His charity-fundraising photo ops at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW) this Sunday (4:30-8 pm) are part of the last wave of pre-Christmas Santa photo ops (including multiple visits to WSB sponsors CAPERS Home and West Seattle Thriftway), and the list – which includes Grinch photo ops too – is part of the updated info in our West Seattle Holiday Guide. Since mid-November, we’ve been updating the guide frequently with holiday events and other info – besides Santa/Grinch photos, four more reasons to check it out:
*Last-minute art/craft fairs/makers-market eventsDuwamish Longhouse‘s last one of the season, happening today only until 5 pm)
*Christmas Eve/Day coffee shop hours – we’ve finished that list and it’s now linked in the guide’s Christmas Eve/Day section (still finishing the restaurant/bar list)
*Christmas Eve/Day grocery-store hours – the West Seattle list is in the guide, with Wednesday closing times and what’s open Thursday
*Hanukkah (Sunday’s the final night) and Winter Solstice (also Sunday) events this weekend
And more – including events such as the West Seattle Runner Christmas Light Run (also Sunday) – we’re still updating, and also working on New Year’s Eve/Day, so if you have anything to add, please email us at westseattleblog@gmail.com or text 206-293-6302 – thank you!
In the midst of that tree debris along 48th SW uphill from Lowman Beach is – was – Little Free Library #8702. Gay sent the photo and reports, “Super bummed that a neighboring tree fell on the Little Free Library on 48th south of Graham. We are glad no one was hurt. We take great care with the ivy and undergrowth. Thanks to all who have reached out to us.” We mentioned the 48th tree loss in our morning-traffic report but didn’t know at the time about the LFL. Weather authorities have warned that trees are more susceptible to falling because the ground is saturated, but the forecast has some reason for optimism – just calling for “showers” in our area over the next several days
(Photo sent by Troy Sterk)
Here’s what’s happening today/tonight as we head toward another holiday-season weekend! Listings are from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and Holiday Guide:
DUWAMISH LONGHOUSE ONE-DAY NATIVE ART MARKET: One more time before shopping season ends, 10 am-5 pm today only. (4705 West Marginal Way SW)
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER The center is open for plant-shopping 10 am-3 pm, second-to-last day before closing for a break, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Visit the Log House Museum (61st/Stevens) to learn about local history – open noon-4 pm today.
QI-GONG: Natalia‘s Friday sessions are 12:30-1 pm at La Choza (10401 47th SW).
TASTING ROOM AND WINE BAR: Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor) is open 5-9 pm Fridays. Stop in to sip, or buy by the bottle.
NOCHE DE GALA: The Fauntleroy YMCA celebrates its Older Active Adults and raises money for their programming during One more time before shopping season ends, 10 am-5 pm Friday, December 19. (4705 West Marginal Way SW)” target=”_blank”>this 5:30 pm celebration at Fauntleroy Church’s hall (9140 California SW)
COFFEEHOUSE MUSIC: 6-8 pm, Tarde em Itapoa with Brazilian jazz at C & P Coffee. (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), all ages, no cover.
FREE TEEN SWIM: 6-7 pm at Southwest Pool (2801 SW Thistle), free swim session for ages 13=18.
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: 6:30 pm doors, 7:30 pm music, Festival of Friends presents Bandmixers Community Roulette Series: Vol.3. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
CLASSIC BINGO: 7 pm at Admiral Pub. 21+. Free to play. (2306 California SW)
WINTER SOLSTICE SOUND BATH: 7 pm event to prepare for the journey into the longest night of the year. (3618 SW Alaska)
NORTHWEST FIRELIGHT CHORALE: 7:30 pm concert at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church (3050 California SW) – this year’s theme is “Ring Out Ye Bells.” Ticket info here.
‘PENELOPE’ AT ARTSWEST: 7:30 pm curtain for the musical tonight as its final weekend begins – info and ticket link in our calendar listing! (4711 California SW)
TUDOR CHOIR, WITH TICKET DEAL: 8 pm at Holy Rosary Church (42nd/Genesee), the Tudor Choir presents “Christmas in a Wintry World.” (Follow that link for concert and ticket info; use code WSBLOG at checkout and get 30 percent off your tickets! The choir is sponsoring WSB today to amplify that deal.)
LIVE MUSIC AT MR. B’S: Elephant Crows perform at 8 pm, Mr. B’s Mead Center (9444 Delridge Way SW), all ages, no cover.
HIGH-SCHOOL BASKETBALL: No varsity home games scheduled tonight.
SPINNING: DJ Wizdumb at Revelry Room (4547 California SW), 9 pm.
‘MAKE IT LOUD’ SKATING:Tonight, skate to live music by Breaks & Swells and Velvet Heartbreak, 9 pm at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW). 21+. $20 cover/$5 skates.
If you have something to showcase on our event lists or calendar, please email what/when/where/etc. info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Family and friends will gather next month to remember Pauline Mason and are sharing this remembrance with the community now:
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Pauline Mason. She passed away surrounded by her family, just three months shy of her 101st birthday.
Pauline was born in Benedict, North Dakota, in 1925. She completed her nursing training in Minot, North Dakota, at Trinity Hospital and later joined the Army Nurse Corps during World War II. The Corps sent her to Seattle, where she worked at Marine View Hospital and met the love of her life, Ed Mason, on a blind date. They were married soon after at Hope Lutheran Church, when it was the small white church on the corner of 42nd Avenue and Oregon Street. Pauline and Ed lived for many years in their home off Beach Drive SW, where she formed lifelong friendships with her neighbors. Pauline remained in her home until the age of 99.
Pauline began her career at West Seattle Hospital when it was located on California Avenue in the West Seattle Junction. Years later, when the new West Seattle Hospital opened at 26th Avenue and Webster Street in 1961, she helped establish the first Pediatric Department and eventually became Director of Nursing. She loved her nursing career and touched many lives through her dedication and compassion.
A longtime member of Hope Lutheran Church, Pauline was active in many groups and ministries. Her love of gardening led her to tend the church gardens alongside other like-minded members, a role she embraced with joy.
In her later years, Pauline was well known for spending her days outside on her deck, weather permitting, enjoying countless conversations with friends and neighbors. She was remembered for her loving nature, genuine smile, and warm acceptance of everyone she met.
For the final 19 months of her life, Pauline was lovingly cared for at Florence House of West Seattle, where she formed close bonds with caregivers and new friends. She was blessed by the many friends, both new and old, who visited her regularly.
Pauline deeply loved — and was deeply loved by — her four children: Dianne (Larry) Koltz, Paul (Randi) Mason, Sue (Mick) Zorin, and Rob (Sandy) Mason. She is also survived by seven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ed, and her son, Paul.
A memorial service will be held on January 18 at 3:00 PM at Hope Lutheran Church, 4456 42nd Avenue SW. Memorials may be directed in Pauline’s name to Florence House of Seattle (8424 16th Avenue SW, Seattle, WA 98106) or Hope Lutheran Church (4456 42nd Avenue SW, Seattle, WA 98116).
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)
6:01 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, December 19, 2025, last day of school before winter break (dismissal is one hour early for Seattle Public Schools).
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
The forecast is for a chance of showers, breezy, high in mid-40s. Sunrise will be at 7:53 am; sunset at 4:19 pm.
(added) TREE TROUBLE
A texter says a tree that fell across 48th SW atop the hill to/from Lowman Beach has not yet been cleared. (photo added)
TRANSIT TODAY
West Seattle Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service, fall/winter schedule.
Washington State Ferries – The Triangle Route will continue on two boats until further notice. Check WSF’s alerts page for changes; Vessel Watch will show you which boat is where.
Metro buses – They’re on the regular weekday schedule and routes in our area.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Low Bridge – Here’s the westward view. Also note, maritime-opening info is available via X (ex-Twitter):
1st Avenue South Bridge:
Delridge cameras: In addition to the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here (including links to live video for most); for a quick scan of West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras, see this WSB page.
See a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
(WSB photos)
Seattle is going into a huge year for soccer – but it’s not just about the FIFA World Cup. It’s about local teams too – like West Seattle’s own Rhodies FC, whose second season got a kickoff celebration tonight at Viscon Cellars (WSB sponsor).
Those on hand to celebrate included owners Kaitlyn Jackson (L) and Jessica Pierce (R) bookending players Olivia Shih, Giovanna Hansen, Audrey Cromett, Hailey Still, and Vivian Gaither:
Supporting them from the merch table were Riley Pierce and Louis Hernandez:
Viscon Cellars is a Rhodies FC sponsor, so its wine bar/tasting room was the perfect place for the party:
Season tickets are available now for Rhodies FC and its sibling club West Seattle Junction FC, and season schedules are due out soon.
10:17 PM: Seattle Fire is sending a “full response” to a possible fire in an apartment complex at 800 SW Trenton in Highland Park. Updates to come.
10:19 PM: So far the first units to arrive haven’t detected any sign of smoke or fire, so they’re downsizing the response to two units.
10:30 PM: The entire call is closed.
One week ago tonight, three venues around West Seattle hosted three mini-concerts comprising the December edition of The Art of Music. The monthly music series now goes on break for a few months, and curator John Redenbaugh has words of gratitude, plus a video recap:
During 2025, The Art of Music co-presented, with local musician Sue Quigley, Muse Fest: The Power of Women’s Voices at 11 sites during the May West Seattle Art Walk and presented, on behalf of the West Seattle Junction Association, 28 Art of Music performances during Second Thursday West Seattle Art Walk evenings during June through December.
A special tribute page with recognition has been posted on the West Seattle Art Walk website where you can review a list of all of the 2025 performers, venues, and supporting sponsors – plus an opportunity to watch some of this year’s musicians in 12 videos produced by local videographer Mark Jaroslaw in support of Muse Fest and The Art of Music.
As John says on the tribute page, “We recognize and thank the performers for sharing their musical talents for the enjoyment of all in West Seattle.”
7 PM: A little more blustery here in the west end of Alki but the rain/mist has stopped and the Alki Community Council-presented Alki Holiday Lights is on – with treats/freebies at many Alki locations (including the Log House Museum, where kids are making ornaments as shown above), Santa photo ops at the Bathhouse until 8:15ish and the Christmas Ship due here at 8:35.
(Photo by Jason Grotelueschen for WSB)
More photos later!
(Photos from here on down are by Oliver Hamlin for WSB)
ADDED 10:35 PM: Photojournalist Oliver Hamlin was there for WSB. Above, the Bathhouse buzzed with people enjoying free hot beverages and taking refuge from the wind – then venturing out to see the Christmas Ship:
Also making music, singers from the West Seattle High School choir:
And DJ Teck Savvy spun holiday tunes:
People were invited to write holiday wishes for Alki and the world:
And you could share your wishes with Santa and friends too:
We checked on some of the treat stops in the business district but those seem to have been snapped up early on. This was the second year the ACC organized Alki Holiday Lights.
5:56 PM: As expected, the weather’s a lot calmer here on the Elliott Bay side of West Seattle’s shore than it was when we left the west-facing side. The Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship is near Sslty’s until 6:10 and then will serenade the heart of Alki 8:35 to 8:55 – with lots of other fun first, as part of Alki Holiday Lights festivities at the Bathhouse, businesses, and Log House Museum.
8:37 PM: Video added – Choir of the Sound was aboard for both stops tonight; above, “White Christmas,” and below, “Good King Wenceslas”:
Matador (4546 California Ave SW) in The Junction is the latest 21+ establishment planning to open its doors to customers under drinking age—during certain hours. There’s still some remodeling to do, and until that happens, followed by state liquor board approval, they can’t set a date.
“We want to welcome everyone,” Carly Crane, the general manager for the restaurant, told WSB. Crane says the ownership group of Matador, which runs 12 locations in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and on the East Coast, is bringing the Junction location in line with the majority of their restaurants. The Ballard location has already switched over, and that leaves West Seattle, Redmond, and Tacoma as the only ones remaining at 21 and up.
Don’t expect any big changes inside. “No crayons,” she says, but they will have two high chairs available and a very limited kids’ menu — a choice of chicken tenders or a quesadilla. She says she looks forward to seeing more people from the neighborhood who wanted to dine as a family and could not.
The remodeling involves cutting out part of the floor to show where the restaurant transitions to the bar area, and they don’t have that scheduled quite yet, so the change might not take place until the new year.
Matador will go back to 21+ at 9 pm each day. That leaves 3 or more hours after families go home for adults to order more from the Mexican-inspired menu and enjoy the bar and the 130+ varieties of tequila. Matador opened its Junction location in 2005. This change will make Matador the second West Seattle restaurant/bar to stop being adults-only – as we’ve reported, Whisky West just made that change.
With one week until Christmas, you might still be shopping for special people on your list. If any of them are nature fans – West Seattle photographer and naturalist Madison Kirkman might have the perfect gift idea: “My partner and I have been working on making a calendar for the Seattle area with all kinds of naturalist information for the area – whale migrations, what can be foraged and when, salmon viewing, heron nesting, low tides, moon phases, etc. This is the first year we are selling it.” You can order the calendar here for $20. Madison has a free online version too – “We don’t want money to be an exclusionary factor for anyone having this information. We just want people to know what exists around us and how/when to see it! So it’s a local resource online and also a calendar if anyone wants to physically see it at a glance.”
(WSB photo, August)
As previously reported, Hiawatha Community Center is expected to reopen in early 2026 after a closure that’s lasted more than five years. And now there’s a date: In his latest newsletter, City Councilmember Rob Saka says Seattle Parks has told him the official reopening celebration will be Saturday, February 21. But Hiawatha will likely already be unofficially open by then – Saka also says a “soft opening” is expected in late January, with programming starting soon after that. The main reason for the closure was the stabilization/renovation project that is wrapping up, but the center sat empty for four years – initially closed because of the pandemic – before that work finally began early last year.
(Wednesday photo sent by Michelle – downed tree segment, blocking a hydrant by Constellation Park)
After a brief window without a wind alert for our area, the National Weather Service has another one taking effect at noon: A Wind Advisory for 12 pm to 7 pm, predicting “south winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 to 50 mph.” If you’re evaluating plans for Alki tonight, with the Christmas Ship and Alki Holiday Lights events, it’s worth noting that south wind primarily affects the west-facing shores, as with the photo above; north-facing Alki is likely to be calmer.
(Countdown Santa, seen in Gatewood a couple days ago as you might guess from the counter)
So much happening today/tonight! From the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide and Event Calendar (where you’ll find even more):
FAUNTLEROY FESTIVAL OF TREES: Until noon, the Fauntleroy Church hall is open for viewing this year’s trees and “voting” for your favorite by placing nonperishable food donations beneath it. (9140 California SW)
FREE PLAYSPACE: West Seattle Church of the Nazarene is opening its free community playspace two mornings a week, 9 am-noon Tuesdays and Thursdays. (42nd/Juneau)
GATHERING AT THE VOID: Get out of the home office for a few hours! “Work, Game, Craft, or Chat! At The Void ” hangout at The Void, 10 am-noon Tuesdays. (5048 California SW)
SANTA AT WEST SEATTLE THRIFTWAY: See Santa at the grocery store! 10 am-1 pm. (4201 SW Morgan; WSB sponsor)
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: The ground still hasn’t frozen, so this remains a good time to plant! Explore the possibilities – the center is open Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm – taking a winter break after this Saturday – north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
TODDLER STORY TIME IN WESTWOOD: Southwest Library story time (9010 35th SW), 10:30 am.
PRESCHOOL STORY TIME IN ADMIRAL: West Seattle Library story time (2306 42nd SW), 10:30 am.
WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: All levels welcome at this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayerswsup@gmail.com to see where they’re playing today. (Even if you just want to know so you can go listen!)
BAKE SALE AT SANISLO: At Sanislo Elementary after school, starting around 2:20 pm, bake sale to raise money for Skate Night. (Myrtle/21st)
DROP-IN CHESS: High Point Library‘s weekly event is on today, 4-5:30 pm for players under 18. (3411 SW Raymond)
HPCS FOOD-TRUCK VISIT: First of two regular Thursday night events at HPCS – every Thursday, 4-8 pm, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) gets a food-truck visit. Tonight it’s Cascadia Pizza Co..
WINE TASTING WITH CLARK: Another regular Thursday event at HPCS, 5-7:30 pm – info here.
ASTRA LUMINA: The light-and-sound show at the Seattle Chinese Garden (6000 16th SW) continues. First admission tonight is 4:45 pm; tickets and info here.
VISCON CELLARS: This West Seattle winery’s friendly tasting room/wine bar is open Thursdays, 5-9 pm (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor), for wine by the glass or bottle! And tonight, hosting the Rhodies’ Season 2 launch party – see below.
MR. B’S MEAD CENTER WINTER SOLSTICE NIGHT MARKET: 5-8 pm during the Rat City Art Walk. (9444 Delridge Way SW)
RAT CITY ART WALK: Many venues in South Delridge and White Center, 5-8 pm – more than 70 vendors! – see the list/map here.
CHRISTMAS SHIP’S TWO WEST SEATTLE STOPS: The brightly lit boat with carolers on board will stop near Salty’s on Alki (1936 Harbor SW) 5:50 pm-6:10 pm, then at Alki Beach Park near the Bathhouse (2701 Alki SW), 8:35 pm-8:55 pm
-With a bonfire plus this special event presented by the Alki Community Council:
ALKI HOLIDAY LIGHTS: Here’s an updated overview from the Alki Community Council looking ahead to tonight’s festival at the beach:
Weather is looking like it will be in our favor at just the right time tonight.
6-9 p: Bathhouse sets the stage with a DJ, bonfires, hot cocoa and cider and mini-donuts and kids’ activities. Shelter and tables inside. Kids’ doodle tables and the SPD Community Service folks and Alki Community Council have lots of cool things free for kids. Color books, crayons, glow sticks, candy canes.
6:30 Santa arrives at Blue Moon Burger and strolls down Alki Avenue to take pics with Buddy the Elf at the Bathhouse starting at 7 p. Christmas Ship stops 8:35 p.
The list of participating reactants giving away free things is long. Check out the webpage.
West Seattle High Carolers and characters strolling Alki Avenue. Luminarias will line the beach.
Here’s the full printable list of what’s happening and where.
RHODIES LAUNCH PARTY: 6-8:30 pm, at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW) – The season 2 Rhodies FC Launch party, which features a Club-branded Viscon Cellars Sparkling wine, Hors D’oeuvres, exclusive fan merchandise, and a sneak peek at 2026 jerseys. Tickets are available on the Team Square Shop
THE DUSTY 45s: 6 pm, featuring The Mrs. Bill Larsens, at Tim’s Tavern. (16th/98th, White Center)
WESTIES RUN CLUB: 6 pm, starting from Future Primitive Beach Bar (2536 Alki SW), you’re welcome to join the Westies Run Club‘s Thursday night community run!
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: If you’d rather walk, there’s an event for you too! Meet at 6 pm at 47th/Fauntleroy for tonight’s group walk – details in our calendar listing.
LIVE MUSIC AT THE SKYLARK: 7 pm, B!NGO and the Freakshow, Hiwaves, The Bellycats at The Skylark, $10 cover. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
WINTER SEALTH-STICE: A Chief Sealth International High School performing-arts celebration – musical groups perform, with Chief Sealth Drama vignettes inbetween, 7 pm at CSIHS, admission by donation. (2600 SW Thistle)
TRIVIA NIGHT AT THE VOID: New West Seattle trivia night! 7:30 pm, with prizes, at The Void (5048 California SW).
‘PENELOPE’ AT ARTSWEST: Last week for the musical at ArtsWest (4711 California SW), 7:30 pm curtain.
DJ NIGHT: Extended-weekend spinning starts tonight at Revelry Room (4547 California SW), with DJ Tophone, 8 pm.
Are you planning an event that should be on our calendar and in our daily preview lists? Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you! (4547 California SW), with DJ Jenn Green, 8 pm.
Are you planning an event that should be on our calendar and in our daily preview lists? Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
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