West Seattle, Washington
11 Thursday
Thanks to Mel for the photo of her kids Daizha and Bryson with their snowperson in Highland Park. We have a few other snow-day photos interspersed with our Friday preview here – first, highlights from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide:
SEE SANTA AT HOMESTREET BANK: HomeStreet Bank (WSB sponsor) “is throwing a Holiday Celebration at its West Seattle branch where photos with Santa are complimentary with a donation to the West Seattle Food Bank. Hot cider and cookies will be served.” 3-6 pm. “HomeStreet welcomes locals to come say hello to Santa and celebrate in the holiday season. Bank representatives are available at your request for questions or interviews.” (4022 SW Alaska)
LIGHT SHOW: Holiday light show tonight at 7 pm at Ounces in North Delridge. (3809 Delridge Way SW)
(Snowy Alki! Photo by Paul Walchenbach)
POSADA NAVIDENA: You are invited to celebrate at the Posada Navideña at Denny International Middle School, 6:30 pm: “Fun-filled cultural night with food, music from Banda Vagos, and cultural activities.” All welcome; free. (2601 SW Kenyon)
CONCERT: West Seattle Community Orchestras‘ Symphony Orchestra performs Winter Folk Tales! “Come hear our top orchestra perform classic favorites based on folk tunes, including Ruslan & Ludmilla Overture (Glinka), Peer Gynt Suite (Grieg), Rumanian Folk Dances (Bartok), and Karelia Suite (Sibelius). No need to go off our West Seattle peninsula to hear great music!” 7:30 pm, Chief Sealth International High School auditorium, FREE, donations accepted. (2600 SW Thistle)
MIRACLE ON 34th STREET: Join Twelfth Night Productions this holiday season for “Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Radio Play.” Performance tonight at 7:30 pm at Kenyon Hall. Buy your ticket(s) online at this Brown Paper Tickets link or before the show at the venue box office. (7904 35th SW)
See MUCH more for tonight, this weekend, and beyond, in our Holiday Guide!
(Snowperson fun in Gatewood – photo sent by Charis)
Now, from the year-round WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, inbox, and archives:
“BOBCAT BOB”: See Bob “Bobcat Bob” Rice live at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor) 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)
GIBBOUS MOON WALK: At Lincoln Park with naturalist Stewart Wechsler, 7 pm – details in our calendar listing. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)
HIGH-SCHOOL BASKETBALL: West Seattle HS hosts Ingraham at 8:30 tonight in the WSHS gym (3000 California SW) … Chief Sealth IHS hosts Cleveland at 8:30 tonight in the CSIHS gym (2600 SW Thistle).
UKULELE MADNESS: The Castaways perform tonight at Parliament Tavern, 9 pm. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)
ST. JOHN & THE REVELATIONS: 9 pm at Whisky West in Morgan Junction. 21+. (6451 California SW)
3 BANDS … at The Skylark in North Delridge, 9 pm. Details in our calendar listing. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
First, from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide:
BOOK FAIR AT GATEWOOD: The community is invited:
The Gatewood Elementary Winter Book Fair is happening now! All of our students (K-5) have worked very hard in Ms. Rachel’s art class to create beautiful artwork for our winter theme inspired by the book The Whisper by Pamela Zagarenski.
The book fair is an important event at Gatewood that promotes literacy and the excitement of reading by bringing in a vast selection of books that kids want to read. Not only does the fair help to inspire a real culture of reading, but it also raises necessary funds to support our library program.
Community members are welcome to come shop at the fair. We accept cash, checks and credit.
Today – Until 4 pm, and again 5:30 pm-7:30 pm.
Friday – 7:15 am to 12:15 pm
(If you’d like to make a donation so that ALL children at Gatewood have the opportunity to purchase a book, you can donate at C & P Coffee and Caffé Ladro.)
(4320 SW Myrtle)
ARTS & CRAFTS AT LAFAYETTE: Shop a selection of goods made by both students and adults! Lafayette Elementary is hosting an Art Show and Craft Fair at the school from 5-8 pm. (California/Lander)
CHAMBER PARTY: “Mix, Mingle, & Jingle” with the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, 5:30-8 pm party at the Sanctuary at Admiral. Buy your ticket online. (42nd SW & SW Lander)
WEST SEATTLE ART WALK: Holiday edition!, 6-9 pm. Check wsartwalk.com for artists/venues.
SHOP LATE THURSDAY: Many West Seattle Junction merchants are open late!
And from the year-round WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
FAMILY STORY TIME: 10:30 am, bring the kid(s) to Southwest Library for stories, rhymes, and songs. (35th SW/SW Henderson)
PRESCHOOL ART CLASS: 11:30 am at Delridge Library – details in our calendar listing. (5423 Delridge Way SW)
UPTON FLATS INFORMATIONAL MEETING: 3:30-4:30 pm at High Point Community Center, the developers of High Point’s future Upton Flats mixed-use project are having an informational meeting for community members with questions. Site work is expected to start soon, according to the notice a resident shared with us. (6920 34th SW)
RAVEN’S NEST WEST GRAND OPENING: As previewed here on Wednesday, tonight is the official grand opening of this new shop and art gallery in The Junction, during WS Art Walk, 6-9 pm. (4557 Glenn Way)
STANDING ROCK BENEFIT: Annie O’Neill & Amy Denio, tonight at Whisky West, 8-10 pm. (6451 California SW)
Some holiday-giving deadlines are coming up fast – longtime WSB sponsor John Moore of Northwest Insurance Group (6055 California SW in Morgan Junction) sent the photo and a reminder that his office is collecting donations of new, unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots through tomorrow (December 7th). If you can pick up something extra – maybe you’ll be out shopping tonight – drop it by, until 4:30 pm today or between 8 am and 4:30 pm tomorrow.
(Photo by Alan Robertson. Red-breasted Sapsucker?)
The “winter weather advisory” doesn’t kick in until 4 am Monday, so don’t worry about snow for your Sunday. Here are the highlights of what IS happening – first, from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide:
SANTA AT CAPERS: 9 am-noon, CAPERS in The Junction is open early for bring-your-own-camera Santa photos. Free but a monetary donation to the West Seattle Food Bank is suggested. (4525 California SW)
HOLIDAY STUDIO OPEN HOUSE/ART SALE: At Brace Point Pottery in Arbor Heights. 10 am-5 pm. (4208 SW 100th)
HOLIDAY CRAFT BAZAAR: At Tibbetts United Methodist Church (WSB sponsor), promising “a beautiful and unique selection of hand-sewn items, stocking stuffers, crafts, Seahawk, Cougar & Husky fan items, gift baskets, and baked goods available for sale at our Holiday Craft Bazaar. Sip on a hot beverage while you choose the perfect gifts for special people in your life: children, teachers, bosses, friends, family members. This event is immediately following the Worship Service and will be held in the Parlor from 11:30 am till 12:30 pm.” Enter @ the front entrance. (3940 41st SW)
HOLIDAY POP-UP: West Seattle Moms’ Holiday Pop-Up, 2-6 pm at Fit4Mom West Seattle. Handmade goods & more. (2707 California SW)
POP-UP SHOP: Featuring Lolly Clothing, Jillianmade, Twink Louise, 2-6 pm. (2932 Walnut SW)
WEST SEATTLE LIGHTS FUNDRAISER: Cash donations accepted again tonight, during the 5-9 pm light shows, for the family of fallen Tacoma Police Office Jake Gutierrez. (3908 SW Charlestown)
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And from our regular year-round WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL: 9 am to 2 pm, the Seattle Jam Wheelchair Basketball tournament continues at the West Seattle High School Gym. (3000 California SW)
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Year-round, 10 am-2 pm in The Junction. (California SW between SW Oregon and SW Alaska)
GAME DAY AT OUNCES: Noon-5 pm pre-game tailgating at Ounces; 5:30 pm, watch the game (TVs inside and outside); 2-8 pm, Anchor End Pretzel Shoppe food truck. (3809 Delridge Way SW)
FLAMENCO WORKSHOP: 12:30 pm-2 pm at West Seattle Performing Arts (WSB sponsor) – info in our calendar listing; check to see if there’s still room! (4210 SW Edmunds)
TRANSFORMING PAIN, FEAR, AND ANGER INTO ACTION: 1:30-4:30 pm at Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation, this workshop is presented by Hate-Free Delridge with other organizations co-sponsoring. Full details in our calendar listing. (7141 California SW)
OPERA PREVIEW: Free lecture at West Seattle (Admiral) Library previews Seattle Opera‘s upcoming “La Traviata,” 2 pm. (2306 42nd SW)
FAMILY DANCE: You’re invited to this afternoon’s Family Dance at Duwamish Cohousing on Puget Ridge, 3-4:30 pm – info in our calendar listing. (6000 17th SW)
DENNY BOOKFAIR: Barnes & Noble/Westwood Village fundraiser continues through tonight for Denny International Middle School PTSA. Portion of proceeds will benefit Denny if you mention at checkstand – or buy online via bn.com/bookfairs and enter (UPDATED NUMBER) Bookfair ID 12049292. (2600 SW Barton)
Got an event to list on our calendar or in our Holiday Guide? Please send it ASAP – our regular guidelines are, at least a week in advance. Don’t worry about having a poster or “press release” … just send us the basic info, plain text in the body of your e-mail, so we can let everybody know. editor@westseattleblog.com – thank you!
That’s how tonight’s West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays Tree Lighting ended – with the countdown and the switch-on. That’s how it ends pretty much every year. But the celebration preceding it is not always the same-old, same-old. This year brought a first-time emcee who lit up the stage more brightly than the tree – self-described “7-foot-4 drag queen” Dolly Madison:
Dolly debuted with a show-stopping lip-synch of “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” which you’ll see in our next clip, after a short introduction by West Seattle Junction Association executive director Lora Swift, followed by the Endolyne Children’s Choir and featured speaker Nancy Woodland of WestSide Baby:
You can help WS Baby assist local families by being part of this holiday season’s JOY campaign. Meanwhile, the tree-lighting celebration featured even more music – the West Seattle High School Marching Band took the stage at the start:
The WSHS musicians also performed a lively streetcorner set as the crowd dispersed. Also featured, cast members from “Peter and the Starcatcher,” the current production at ArtsWest:
Aside from a few waves of light rain, the weather was reasonable (anyone remember the sub-freezing chill in 2013?), and the hundreds of tree-lighting-goers were still enthused by the time local entrepreneur Jack Menashe and his grandchildren ceremonially lit the tree around 5:30. That’s at the end of this next clip, which begins with jazzy duo Sundae + Mr. Goessl, and includes more of Dolly too:
Also new this year, along with emcee Dolly – who performs weekly at OutWest Bar – was a Night Market featuring local vendors in the street next to Junction Plaza Park (here’s our report on that). More photos to come. Meantime, this is just the start of Hometown Holidays (co-sponsored by WSB), with a long lineup of events you can see here (and in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide).
4:07 PM: It’s on! The West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays Night Market is happening on one closed-to-traffic block of SW Alaska – between 42nd and California – until 8 pm; the “live” traffic-cam image above shows the vendors’ tents. This is meant to enhance the fun of the Junction Tree Lighting (4:45 pm-5:30 pm in Junction Plaza Park, above right). See the vendor list, and the lighting-ceremony lineup, here. More to come!
4:25 PM: Santa’s here too, by the way:
Merchants/vendors include David Groves of Seattle Logo Pro (whose shop is in Morgan Junction):
We’ll be checking with WSJA to see if they plan to do this again next year.
(Photo by Mark Ahlness, from the WSB Flickr group)
This is definitely one of those early-bird days! The fun starts early and lasts until late. First, from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide:
PANCAKE BREAKFAST: 7-11 am, get your Saturday going with a hearty breakfast and a good time! Pancakes, Santa photos, and more at the West Seattle Kiwanis Club‘s annual Pancake Breakfast at the Masonic Center in The Junction – details here. (40th SW/SW Edmunds)
‘CAMPOUT FOR A CAUSE’ FOOD DRIVE: Continuing all day at the Hotwire Online Coffeehouse courtyard – details in our story from Friday night. Stop by with nonperishable food for the West Seattle Food Bank! (4410 California SW)
WHERE YOU’LL FIND SANTA TODAY/TONIGHT: See the Holiday Guide for the full list of times and places, all season long! (added) Here he is at CAPERS:
CAPERS times and dates are on our list.
OPEN HOUSE @ WYATT’S: Wyatt’s Jewelers (WSB sponsor) open house @ Westwood Village, 10 am-6 pm. “20 percent off your entire purchase at the event. Come for holiday cheer and desserts!” (2600 SW Barton)
FAUNTLEROY BAZAAR: Holiday Bazaar at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse, 10 am-5 pm: “Come support the Historic Fauntleroy Schoolhouse as well as more than a dozen local businesses and individuals. There will be face painting and other kid-friendly activities.” (9131 California SW)
CSWS BAZAAR: Holiday Bazaar at Community School of West Seattle, 11 am-4 pm, “features handmade gifts, treats, and toys from local artists and craftspeople.” (9450 22nd SW)
HOT CHOCOLATE SATURDAY: Open House at the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse, 11 am-4 pm: “We will be playing holiday music all day. Enjoy hot chocolate or tea while sitting around our beautifully decorated tree. Still shopping? We have lots of choices under $25 & $15. Artist Katrina Lane is featured in the Art Gallery. Enjoy a walk along the Duwamish River …” (4705 W. Marginal Way SW)
ARBOR HEIGHTS BAZAAR: Arbor Heights Elementary is hosting a Winter Artisan Bazaar, 2 to 6 pm: “This will be a family-oriented community event, sure to have something for every member of the family.” (3701 SW 104th)
HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS TREE LIGHTING AND NIGHT MARKET: This is the big night in The Junction! Everyone’s invited to the West Seattle Junction Tree Lighting (4:45-5:30 pm) and Night Market (4-8 pm) at Junction Plaza Park. One block of SW Alaska will be closed between 42nd SW and California SW for the festivities. See the full lineup for both events in our preview. (42nd SW/SW Alaska)
IMPROV CELEBRATION: St. Johnʼs ‘Taproot Theater’ “Improv In a Pear Tree” Holiday Celebration at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church. “Please join us 4 pm to 7 pm in the Parish Hall. It will be a joy-full and fun evening, featuring the hilarious Taproot Theater, buffet hors d’oeuvres, wine, beer, sodas, plus the quilt raffle and a silent auction. $30/adults; $25 for seniors 70+. Raffle tickets for the beautiful quilt made by Johnnie Comeau are being sold for $1 each or 6 for $5.” (3050 California SW)
12 BARS OF CHRISTMAS Junction/Admiral pub crawl, starting at 4 pm at Elliott Bay Brewing Company and concluding at Parliament Tavern at 12:30 am – full details in our calendar listing. 21+. Here’s the lineup as of Saturday afternoon:
Stop 1: Elliott Bay Brewery Co. at 4pm
Stop 2: Beer Junction at 4:30pm
Stop 3: Puerto Vallarta at 5pm
Stop 4: Talarico’s at 5:30pm
Stop 5: Poggie Tavern 6:30pm
Stop 6: Pecado Bueno at 7:30pm
Stop 7: Maharaja at 8:00pm
Stop 8: West 5 at 9:00pm
Stop 9: Shadowland at 9:30pm
Stop 10: Prost at 10:30pm
Stop 11: Vidiot at 11:30pm
Stop 12: Parliament Tavern at 12:30am
Buy a wristband as you join the crawl – $ raised goes to local nonprofits.
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Now, the non-holiday highlights for today/tonight, from our year-round WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
NEW FOOD TRUCK: El Capulin Oaxaqueño is opening this weekend behind Red Cup Espresso: “The truck is a Oaxacan-style taco truck selling tamales Oaxaqueño, tacos, and breakfast burritos. We will be open Saturday and Sunday from 9 to 4.” (4451 California SW)
WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL: 9 am-5 pm, the Seattle Jam wheelchair-basketball tournament is in action for the first of two days at the West Seattle High School Gym. (3000 California SW)
PRESCHOOL CLOSING SALE: 9 am-4 pm, “lots of beautiful wood toys. Magnatiles. Art supplies. Puzzles. All in excellent condition.” Church basement; enter via 47th SW. (4620 SW Graham)
EXPLORER WEST MIDDLE SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: 10 am-11:30 am. Looking for a school for student(s) going into 6th, 7th, or 8th grade next year? Come visit Explorer West Middle School (WSB sponsor) this morning! Details in our calendar listing. (10015 28th SW)
MEET BUTCH VIG: From Easy Street Records – this is happening at noon: “‘The Smart Studios Story’ is screening in Seattle at the Grand Illusion! In celebration, Smart Studios producer and Garbage drummer Butch Vig is in town for the events and will be at Easy Street for a meet and greet / Q&A on December 3rd at noon. Butch will be joined by Sub Pop’s Jonathan Poneman and the film’s director, Wendy Schneider. The Smart Studios Story is touring the country in support of the recent release of the film on DVD. Event is free and all-ages!” (California/Alaska)
ANNIVERSARY OPEN HOUSE: Belli Capelli Salon is celebrating its 25th anniversary with an Open House, 3:30 pm-6:30 pm: “We couldn’t have done it without you. Please stop by.” (3902 California SW)
WEST SEATTLE MEANINGFUL MOVIES: Doors open 6:30, screenings start at 7. Double feature – “Consumerism & the Limits to Imagination” plus “The Story of Stuff.” Meet your neighbors; have meaningful discussions. At Neighborhood House’s High Point Center; more info here. (6400 Sylvan Way)
CHIC STREET MAN IN CONCERT: Rare solo performance by this local musician, 7 pm at Alki UCC to raise money for West Seattle Helpline – details in our calendar listing. (6115 SW Hinds)
AUTHOR/EDITOR EVENT: 7 pm at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), a doubleheader about publishing: Author Anna Redsand reads from “To Drink From the Silver Cup: From Faith Through Exile and Beyond,” and then will be joined by Ann Przyzycki, editor of literary journal Isthmus, to talk about the challenges and practicalities of publishing. (5612 California SW)
THE ESOTERICS IN CONCERT: 8 pm at Holy Rosary – full details, including ticket info, in our calendar listing. (42nd SW/SW Genesee)
EVEN MORE … on our full calendar page!
(WSB photo from past West Seattle Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast)
One more advance mention for tomorrow – the place you’ll want to start your busy holiday-season Saturday – the place where you’ll find Santa Claus, U.S. Marines, Scouts, and the community volunteers of the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle – the club’s annual Pancake Breakfast fundraiser (with WSB among the co-sponsors)! 7 am-11 am at the Masonic Center in The Junction, drop in for a hearty breakfast and the warm feeling you’re doing a good deed. Breakfast is $8 if you buy your ticket in advance online right now, $10 at the door, kids under 10 ****eat free****. P.S. Why the Marines, you ask? Toys for Tots – bring a new, unwrapped toy if you can! Santa, of course, is there for photos.
The snowy Olympics were photographed earlier this week by David Hutchinson. Within a few days, we MIGHT see snow here at sea level. Right now, the National Weather Service doesn’t envision that any sooner than Sunday night – we’ll be tracking it all weekend, of course, here on your 24/7 local-news site. But first – the highlights for today/tonight. First, from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide:
ART SALE/OPEN HOUSE… at Brace Point Pottery in Arbor Heights. 4-9 pm preview party tonight. (4208 SW 100th)
MENASHE FAMILY LIGHTS: Our photos are from last night,when the Menashe Family Lights – biggest and brightest display in West Seattle – went on for the season. They’re on nightly, starting around sunset (4:15-ish):
(5605 Beach Drive SW)
WEST SEATTLE LIGHTS + DONATION DRIVE: Music-synched West Seattle Lights, 5-10 pm tonight, is collecting cash donations through Sunday night for the family of the Tacoma police officer killed in the line of duty this week. (3908 SW Charlestown)
WEST SEATTLE YULETIDE: 5:30-10 pm, this music/light show is on too. (38th SW between Genesee and Dakota)
HUSKY DELI OPEN HOUSE: The wildly popular annual Husky Deli Holiday Open House is tonight, 6-9 pm. Taste catering items, meet vendors and taste what they have to offer. (4721 California SW)
LIGHT UP THE NIGHT AT OLG: Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish & School invite you to “Light Up the Night,” with Christmas caroling, and of course, lights! Bring nonperishable food donations to fill the sleigh. 7 pm. (SW Myrtle just east of 35th SW)
DROP-IN SHOP: Drop-In Shop with Stella & Dot and Lularoe – sipping, shopping, and styling. 7 pm. Enter through the side and “follow the bling-bling lights.” (2932 Walnut SW)
And from our year-round WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
WORDS, WRITERS, WEST SEATTLE: Arleen Williams (“The Alki Trilogy”) is tonight’s featured author:
5-7 pm at Barnes and Noble/Westwood Village. (2600 SW Barton)
DENNY FUNDRAISER: Barnes & Noble/Westwood Village fundraiser continues for Denny International Middle School PTSA. Part of the proceeds will benefit Denny if you mention at checkstand – or buy via bn.com/bookfairs and enter (UPDATED NUMBER) Bookfair ID 12049292. In-store event at 5:30 pm tonight, featuring Denny’s orchestra. (2600 SW Barton)
CORNER BAR: Highland Park Improvement Club‘s monthly pop-up bar starts at 6 pm. Tonight’s music features DJ Dr. Lehl. More info on the HPIC website. (12th SW/SW Holden)
HIGH-SCHOOL BASKETBALL: Chief Sealth International High School hosts Rainier Beach at 8:30 pm (2600 SW Thistle) … Seattle Lutheran High School is on the road, playing at Friday Harbor … West Seattle High School is on the road too, playing at Nathan Hale, 8:30 pm.
That’s the official West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays Christmas tree at Junction Plaza Park, awaiting Saturday night’s lighting ceremony, which will be accompanied by a Night Market on SW Alaska, closed for the occasion between California and 42nd. Here’s the lineup for both events, courtesy of West Seattle Junction Association executive director Lora Swift:
TREE LIGHTING
4:45 pm start with the West Seattle High School Marching Band
Emcee Dolly Madison
Performance: Endolyne Children’s Choir
Speaker: Nancy Woodland of WestSide Baby
Performance: ArtsWest
Performance: Sundae + Mr. Goessl
Tree lighting: Jack Menashe
Santa Claus will be at the Night Market 4-6 pm, and Sundae + Mr. Goessl will perform 5:45-6:30 pm there too. Otherwise, here’s the market lineup:
NIGHT MARKET
Holy Rosary wreath and tree sales
Bakery Nouveau
West Seattle Cyclery
Seattle Logo Pro
Alki Beach Glass
Turned Wood
Dandy Stitch
Uphill Designs
J Mccormick Designs
Linda McClamrock Arts
The Globetrotting Artist
See you in The Junction on Saturday, 4-8 pm!
The wreaths went up today; the garlands, over the Thanksgiving weekend. The holiday season has officially arrived in the West Seattle Junction. This week’s biggest Hometown Holidays (co-sponsored by WSB) event: The Tree Lighting and Night Market, coming up Saturday (December 3rd) in and next to Junction Plaza Park (42nd SW/SW Alaska). The Night Market, to be set up on SW Alaska (closed to traffic), starts at 4 pm Saturday and continues until 8; the Tree Lighting, with “a full music/comedy lineup” promised, is scheduled for 4:30-5:30 pm. See the full Hometown Holidays lineup here.
(WSB photos by Patrick Sand)
West Seattle’s brightest Christmas lights, at the Menashe Family house (5605 Beach Drive SW), are going up right now, and got a boost today from the Junction-based crew of the Seattle Fire Department‘s Ladder 11.
Talk about a tree topper!
The big star that goes atop an ever-taller evergreen went up with the help of L11’s firefighters, much to the delight of onlookers of all ages. The Menashes tell us they’re planning to have the full display up by Thursday night (December 1st).
Santa Claus will be visiting again this year too – on Saturday, December 17th, bring a donation for the West Seattle Food Bank and take your photo with Santa under the lights, 6 pm-10 pm.
Thanks to the Pathfinder K-8 School wreath crew for sending the photo of Cole and Sadie, with this report:
Pathfinder is kicking off their annual wreath sale at the West Seattle Farmers’ Market today! All proceeds of these handmade, locally sourced wreaths go to help fund outdoor-education programs at Pathfinder K-8. Come on down and get into the holiday spirit! We’ll be here until 2 pm today.
As usual, you’ll find them on the southwest corner of California and Alaska. If you miss them today – they’ll be back 10 am-2 pm the next two Sundays, December 4th and 11th – OR you can order a wreath online by going here.
P.S. We’ll be updating this info in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide – if you’re selling wreaths or trees, having a holiday bazaar/concert/activity/celebration that’s open to the public, etc., please be sure we have YOUR info too – editor@westseattleblog.com – thank you!
(Harlequin duck, photographed by Mark Wangerin)
It’s the quiet conclusion to the Thanksgiving weekend, but we do have a few things to mention for today. First, from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide:
BUY YOUR PANCAKE BREAKFAST TICKET(S): Next Saturday (December 3rd) is a BIG day of holiday fun, and you’ll want to be fortified by starting your day at the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle Pancake Breakfast. Buy your ticket(s) in advance TODAY at their West Seattle Farmers’ Market booth, at the south end of the market, on California just north of Alaska.
DUWAMISH NATIVE HOLIDAY-GIFT FAIR: It’s the final day of this don’t-miss holiday event at the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse, 10 am-4 pm, free, all ages. Buy directly from Native artists/craftspersons. Snacks/beverages available too. (4705 W. Marginal Way SW)
And from our year-round West Seattle Event Calendar:
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Fresh vegetables, fruit, and much more – every Sunday year-round, 10 am-2 pm. (California SW between Oregon and Alaska)
DONATE BOOKS: One more reason to stop by the mentioned-earlier Kiwanis Club booth at the market – this book-donation drive – last dropoff day today.
FOLK/AMERICANA MUSIC: Rocky Tallent performs at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 3-5 pm. (5612 California SW)
ALL-AGES OPEN MICROPHONE: Free, all-ages, at The Skylark, 4-7 pm – details here. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
12:40 PM: Alki Beach was our first stop on a spot-check of local small businesses as this year’s Shop Small Saturday continues. Coastal Boutique at 58th SW and Alki Ave, to be specific. Lots of beach gear – even if you’re going to a faraway beach (swimwear is always in stock, but hard to find elsewhere this time of year. But popular items include apparel at the other end of the weather spectrum, like this “commuter jacket” from Mia Melon:
Next – we’re headed to Admiral, The Junction, and Morgan Junction!
ADDED 1:25 PM: Alki Bike and Board is one of your potential Shop Small Saturday stops in Admiral, on California just south of Admiral Way:
That’s Will with one of the hybrid electric bikes in stock at AB&B. We continued southbound to The Junction, where Menashe and Sons Jewelers (4532 California SW; WSB sponsor) proprietor Jack Menashe paused to pose with Father Christmas, one of the shop’s many unique Christmas decorations:
Christmas decorations, you’re probably well aware, are a big thing for the Menashe family. Meantime, The Junction is decked with garlands, and the sidewalks bustled during a break in the rain. We stopped at toy store Curious Kidstuff (4740 California SW), where proprietor Ann Walker pointed out that their selection of books just keeps expanding:
Outside CKS, we happened onto one of West Seattle’s most famous parents, County Executive Dow Constantine, with daughter Sabrina, out shopping and dining – which reminds us: Some local eating/drinking spots are having Shop Small Saturday specials too (some are on the list that the West Seattle Junction Association put together for today).
ADDED 1:53 PM: Just heard from co-proprietor Lori McConnell at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) – they’re offering 10 percent off today, among other things.
ADDED 2:52 PM: Now, to Morgan Junction, which has an increasingly thriving retail area. We stopped by the south end, where you’ll find My Three Little Birds (6959 California SW; WSB sponsor). Lots of kid stuff here including Seahawks-fan gear for even the tiniest 12s:
M3LB is having a BOGO-half-off sale today. A short distance north, you’ll also find sales at Second Gear Sports (6529 California SW; WSB sponsor). And again, all of the above is only a sampling of Shop Small Saturday – you still have a few hours to get out to your favorite local indie businesses (or discover new ones!) – and they’ll be happy to see you all season/year long, too.
(Northern Flicker, photographed by Mark Wangerin)
Long holiday weekend, day 3! First, from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide:
SHOP SMALL SATURDAY: Today’s the day for holiday shopping at your local independent small businesses all around the peninsula. Many have sales and specials.
*HUGE list of Shop Small Saturday plans in The Junction, compiled by the West Seattle Junction Association – see it all here.
*Meeples Games (WSB sponsor) continues its big sale and food drive today. (3727 California SW)
*Shop Small Saturday/5th Anniversary Sale continues @ Thunder Road Guitars (4736 California SW; WSB sponsor)
*Spend $100, get $25 gift card for future purchases – and it goes up from there! – today only @ Emerald Water Anglers (42nd SW/ SW Oregon; WSB sponsor)
*Discounts throughout the store at Second Gear Sports (WSB sponsor) including 25% off new adult bikes from Evo and Diamondback (in stock only) and 15% off any ordered bikes from Diamondback; bring nonperishable food for West Seattle Food Bank & get 10% off. (6529 California SW)
*Also in Morgan Junction, My Three Little Birds (WSB sponsor) is having a BOGO 1/2 off sale, plus refreshments for shoppers. (6959 California SW)
*On Alki, shop at Coastal, where “pretty much the entire store is 20 percent off” and new Alki Beach gear is in stock. (2532 Alki SW)
Again, that’s just who we’ve heard from … go shop your favorite local stores today and every day and help strengthen your community.
Meantime, more holiday happenings:
(Added 7:51 am – morning rainbow, photographed by James Tilley)
HOLIDAY BREAKFAST FUNDRAISER: New event! The Seattle Civic Dance Theatre promises food, a dance concert with our company and cast members, and a visit from Santa with a chance for families to take pictures with him (bring your cameras). We welcome the community to join us to kick off the holiday season and help us raise money for performance costs and our scholarship fund. 10 am, West Seattle Christian Church. $15 for adults, $10 for kids (under 2 is free). More information here. (42nd SW/SW Genesee)
DUWAMISH LONGHOUSE NATIVE HOLIDAY-GIFT FAIR: Day 2 for this year’s Duwamish Native Holiday-Gift Fair at the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse, 10 am-4 pm each day, free, all ages. “Buy directly from native artists and craftpersons; unique gifts in every price range – fine art, Native crafts, regalia, cards, jewelry, T-shirts, smoked salmon, and more.” Snacks too. Free admission and parking for shoppers. (4705 W. Marginal Way SW)
WEST SEATTLE LIGHTS: 5-10 pm is tonight’s schedule for the West Seattle Lights music-synched light show. Taking donations again this year for the West Seattle Food Bank and Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation. (3908 SW Charlestown)
WEST SEATTLE YULETIDE: Third night for this music-synched light show, 5:30-10 pm. (4120 38th SW)
HOLIDAY MUSIC: It’s the Gary Benson Christmas Show at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)
And from our regular year-round calendar and inbox:
(Added 7:51 am – sunrise, photographed by Mark Bader)
BASKETBALL JAMBOREE AT SEALTH: Varsity and junior-varsity basketball teams from 13 schools are playing in the 16th annual Chief Sealth International High School Jamboree – schedules and ticket info in our preview – starting at 11 am, with JV in the Denny International Middle School Gym (2601 SW Kenyon) and varsity at Sealth. (2600 SW Thistle)
FIGG, THE PAPER DOLLS: Two bands live at Parliament Tavern, 9 pm. (4210 SW Admiral Way)
The first West Seattle Christmas-lights photo of the season might just be the funniest, even before we see what else is out there. The house on the right is where Dawnelle lives, toward the south end of Seola Beach Drive:
We brought all the guests outside, the neighbors too, and we did the drumroll noise and plugged it in. It was awesome fun!
This season, we would love to showcase lots of lights – send a photo of what you see, plus the location (or if you don’t have a pic, at least tell us where!) – editor@westseattleblog.com – thanks!
Never mind the malls – you’ll find Black Friday sales at some independent West Seattle stores too – including these two (who are both WSB sponsors):
THUNDER ROAD GUITARS: TRG is celebrating its fifth anniversary and giving you the gifts – discounts in-store and online, all weekend: “10-15 percent off most guitars, basses, amplifiers and pedals – hundreds of fantastic items!” In our photo above, taken this morning at Thunder Road Guitars‘ Junction shop (4736 California SW), are Frank and Will. TRG is open until 6 tonight, 10 am-6 pm tomorrow, 11 am-4 pm Sunday.
MEEPLES GAMES: The big sale at Meeples Games also continues tomorrow for Shop Small Saturday. We found a line of shoppers already scoring at sale prices this morning:
It’s a 40 percent-off sale, with details on Meeples’ website – including extra discounts if you bring in donations for their food drive to help the West Seattle Food Bank. And if you’re not sure what to get your giftees – here’s a long list of suggestions – including this cute local-relevant game we photographed at Meeples even before seeing that list:
Meeples (where you’ll also find a café) is upstairs at 3727 California SW.
Coming up later – our Shop Small Saturday preview! Haven’t sent us your business’s plans yet? Not too late – editor@westseattleblog.com – thanks!
(The Brothers, photographed this morning by David Hutchinson)
Lots to do in West Seattle on your post-Thanksgiving Friday! First, from the WSB Holiday Guide:
DUWAMISH NATIVE HOLIDAY-GIFT FAIR: Until 4 pm, it’s the first of three days for the Duwamish Native Holiday Gift Fair at the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse and Cultural Center, admission free, all ages:
The Duwamish Tribe invites the public to its Longhouse on Thanksgiving weekend for a Native Holiday Gift Fair. Buy directly from native artists and craftpersons. Lots of holiday spirit and a big lighted tree. Unique gifts in every price range – fine art, native crafts, regalia, cards, jewelry, T-shirts, smoked salmon, and more. Snacks: soup of day, hot chocolate, and more. Celebrate National Native American Heritage Day on Nov. 25th! Free admission and parking for shoppers.
(4705 W. Marginal Way SW)
SANTA PHOTOS: First day of the season at Westwood Village – see the days/times here. (2600 SW Barton)
HOLY ROSARY TREE LOT: It’s opening day for the Holy Rosary Tree Lot, north of the school. This year’s schedule:
*Open until 9 pm today; next two Fridays, 2 pm-9 pm
*Mondays through Thursdays 2 pm to 8 pm
*Weekends: 9 am to 9 pm
*Last day, Sunday, December 11th
Part of this lot’s proceeds benefit West Seattle Helpline, Hickman House (domestic-violence shelter), and West Seattle Food Bank. (41st/Dakota)
MEEPLES GAMES’ SALE: Black Friday (and Shop Small Saturday) sale at Meeples Games (WSB sponsor):
We’re Having A Black Friday Sale And Collecting Non-Perishable Food For The West Seattle Food Bank! Stop in on Black Friday or Small Business Saturday to find a wide selection of games and accessories at 40%* off MSRP!
Bring non-perishable food items for the West Seattle Food Bank and receive an additional 5% off sale items or 10%** off non-sale items.
* Cannot be combined with other offers or discounts ** Discount does not apply to Cafe items
More info, including the WS Food Bank wish list, is here. (3727 California SW)
THUNDER ROAD GUITARS’ 5TH ANNIVERSARY SALE: Big sale on Black Friday and Shop Small Saturday @ Thunder Road Guitars (WSB sponsor): “We will be offering 10-15% off most guitars, basses, amplifiers and pedals in store and online. We have hundreds of fantastic items that will be for sale, stop in or call for details! Special Hours:
Friday – Saturday 10 am – 6 pm, Sunday 11 am – 4 pm.” (4736 California SW)
WEST SEATTLE YMCA BLACK FRIDAY SPECIAL: No joining fees, today only, at the West Seattle/Fauntleroy YMCA (WSB sponsor) – details here. (4515 36th SW and 9140 California SW)
WEST SEATTLE LIGHTS: Second night for West Seattle Lights, holiday-light show programmed to synch to music. 5-10 pm tonight. Taking donations again this year for the West Seattle Food Bank and Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation. (3908 SW Charlestown)
(Wider view of the finally-snowy Olympic Mountains, photographed by Lynn Hall)
And from our year-round West Seattle Event Calendar:
‘FINDING DORY’: Free family matinee at Southwest Library, 2 pm. (35th SW/SW Henderson)
INDIE ROCK, LIVE: Little Fixtures, Black Giraffe, 25 Cent Ride perform at Parliament Tavern, 9 pm. $5 cover. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)
Thanks to Ann Anderson for sharing her photos from Seacrest Pier just after dusk tonight – a crowd turned out for squid fishing.
Above, locals Steven (in the orange hat) and Danny were using line, lure, and lights to catch squid off the pier, Ann reports. If you haven’t fished for squid, this state Department of Fish and Wildlife one-sheet has some background.
(WSB photos by Patrick Sand)
Thanksgiving afternoon means it’s time for free community dinners. We stopped by the longest-running of them all, presented for the 18th year by the Tuxedos and Tennis Shoes Catering division of DSquared at The Hall at Fauntleroy. Big turnout right from the start:
Volunteers and staffers are serving up a full turkey-and-sides dinner (with vegetarian options too):
And while this dinner is for everyone, in need or not, those seeking an extra helping hand are welcome to pick up some donated warm clothing in the hallway before heading on out:
The Fauntleroy dinner continues until 3 pm at 9131 California SW (south end of the historic schoolhouse). Also this afternoon, as noted in our Thanksgiving-info list and Holiday Guide, you’re welcome to free dinner at the South Park Senior Center until 2 pm (8201 10th Ave. S.) and at the West Seattle Eagles‘ aerie 2-5 pm (4426 California SW).
(Busy buoy in the bay, photographed by David Hutchinson)
Happy Thanksgiving! Hoping for a quiet day, but if you see/hear news, please text/call 206-293-6302. Meantime, we have gathered info we hope you will find helpful:
GROCERY STORES THAT ARE OPEN: Here’s the list.
COFFEE SHOPS THAT ARE OPEN: 16 coffee shops open for at least part of today are listed in the Thanksgiving section atop our West Seattle Holiday Guide.
PRE-TURKEY EXERCISE : Three options, which you also will find in the Thanksgiving section atop the Holiday Guide.
WHERE TO FIND A FREE COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING DINNER:
The Hall at Fauntleroy, noon-3 pm (9131 California SW)
South Park Senior Center, 1 pm-2 pm (8201 10th Ave. S.)
West Seattle Eagles, 2 pm-5 pm (4426 California SW)
WANT TO HELP OUT? Donate a dessert to The Hall at Fauntleroy’s dinner – drop it off between 10 am at noon, same address as above (south end of the historic schoolhouse).
RESTAURANTS (AND BARS WITH FOOD) THAT ARE OPEN TODAY AND/OR TONIGHT: Here’s the list; please be aware that it is a list of who told us, when we called, that they planned to be open – always subject to last-minute change without notice to us, so please let us know if you find any discrepancies – thanks!
WHAT TO DO AFTER DINNER:
The Admiral Theater is open this afternoon/evening – see the movies/times here (2343 California SW) … The West Seattle Lights music-synched light show starts tonight, 7-10 pm – bring food for the West Seattle Food Bank! (3908 SW Charlestown)
TODAY’S TRANSPORTATION NOTES:
*Metro is on the Sunday schedule
*No Water Taxi service
*Sound Transit Route 560 is on the Sunday schedule
*Washington State Ferries‘ Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth run is on its regular schedule
*Parking is free on city streets in neighborhoods with pay stations
ALSO:
*No solid-waste pickup; transfer station closed
*Most Seattle Parks facilities closed
Info for today and beyond is also in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide. Have a great Thanksgiving!
(WSB photo)
Rain or shine, the show must go on, and Thanksgiving night, it will do just that at 3908 SW Charlestown, home of West Seattle Lights. We stopped by late today to say hi to Jim Winder, programming a synchronized holiday-lights-and-music show for the eighth year at his friends’ house across from the water tower. Jim was doing a bit of last-minute troubleshooting but says it’s all set to go for the first night, 7-10 pm Thursday. Again this year, West Seattle Lights invites donations to the West Seattle Food Bank (you can bring nonperishable food to drop in the bin out front, too) and Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation – none of the donations go toward the show, just directly to those organizations. The WSL website hasn’t yet been updated for this year (the lights come first, and Jim does a show in Maple Valley too) but the schedule is the same one you’ll find on this page, after the special 7 pm-10 pm hours Thanksgiving night.
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