West Seattle, Washington
10 Wednesday
Most of the gift drives we had featured in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide are over now, so that the recipient organizations have time to get everything wrapped and delivered for Christmas. So after getting a reader note asking what to do with unwrapped, unopened toys, we’re asking you: Anyone still in need of donated items for Christmas gifts, toys or otherwise? If so, please let us know what/who and when/where dropoffs can be made. You can e-mail us at editor@westseattleblog.com – we’ll add to the story – or, you can comment below. Thanks!
Three days before Christmas, and just in case you’re wondering, the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide now includes links to our list of restaurants open on Christmas Eve and/or Day, as well as our list of grocery-store hours for those two days. The restaurant list is here; it’s the result of dozens of phone calls, and we know businesses sometimes change their plans at the last minute, so if you have a change or addition, please let us know – editor@westseattleblog.com. Meantime, the supermarket list is here. (If you still haven’t browsed the guide, note that it also includes Christmas Eve/Day church services, as well as New Year’s Eve/Day info, and we’ll continue with daily updates until 2016 is here.)
With lights twinkling and bells jingling, dozens headed out on the ultimate holiday-season fun run tonight – the annual Christmas Lights Run organized by West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor), whose proprietors Lori and Tim McConnell led the decked-out way (with Myrtle the greyhound):
This was the first Christmas Lights Run since they moved WSR north to 2743 California SW, but the route included its traditional highlight, the West Seattle Lights/Helmstetler Family Spectacular music-synched light show at 3908 SW Charlestown.
SIDE NOTE: For another on-your-feet holiday tradition, see the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide‘s New Year’s Eve/Day section for the walks organized by the Emerald City Wanderers.
We’ve been looking, and asking, but haven’t come up with much of a list of must-see Christmas-lights displays this year. One theory: With so few breaks in the rain earlier this month, some people missed the usual windows for putting up lights. But we’re still looking – and last night we happened onto a stretch to add to the (short) list in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide: 30th SW between Roxbury and Barton has a lot of spirit, including the home in our photo above. If you have any recommendations – either a spirited street, or a particular house – please comment here or e-mail (editor@westseattleblog.com). Especially in the next few nights ahead before Christmas Eve, looking at lights is a long-held tradition, and we’re always happy to help, so we’ll add whatever turns up. Thanks!
Junction Santa is in the house! It’s a festively decked tent – lots of holiday greenery – on the southwest corner of California and Alaska. Above, Elizabeth was visiting Santa when we stopped by. DIY photos are free but bring a diaper donation if you can for WestSide Baby – right outside the tent, helpful elves are waiting to collect what you bring.
This is all happening as part of Hometown Holidays, until 2 pm today.
P.S. If you miss Junction Santa and are looking for last-minute Santa photo ops in the next few days, keep an eye on the ongoing list in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide.
Today’s final one-time Santa event is under way right now at Easy Street Records – as previewed here earlier this week, Cocoa Cris Cringle is making his seasonal appearance. He might just be the jolliest Santa you’ll see all season; as shown in the photo above, featuring Atticus and Mark, you can be a character too – with hats and props in CCC’s “Theatrical Holiday Photo Funomenon.” And it’s a benefit for the West Seattle Food Bank – good time for a good cause – ESR in The Junction at California/Alaska until 9 pm.
Until 7 pm, “Cartooning Santa” is making his annual appearance at Luna Park Café (2918 SW Avalon Way), not just listening to Christmas wishes but also drawing! With him in our photo above, that’s Mickey. Cartoons and DIY photos are free, by the way – your holiday gift from Luna Park.
(WSB photo: Santa at Emerald Water Anglers, with Nessa and friend)
This afternoon brings multiple Santa Claus sightings in West Seattle – three of them one-time-only, starting with this one at Emerald Water Anglers (WSB sponsor), 42nd SW & SW Oregon in The Junction. Santa’s at EWA until 4 pm, free DIY photos (note the shop’s cool mural as a backdrop!), but they are accepting donations to the Wild Steelhead Coalition if you’re so moved.
With one week until Christmas, if you’re still thinking about helping nonprofits before the holidays, the sooner the better. This morning we have word from WestSide Baby that its holiday closure is coming up fast:
Please note – WestSide Baby is closing for the holidays, including donation dropoff.
In order to perform an inventory and to give staff and volunteers a much deserved break, WestSide Baby will be closing its sites in \ White Center and the Central District for the holidays from December 20th, reopening January 5th.
This means that they will not be accepting donations during this time. Please do not leave donations outside as there are no guarantees they will remain before the sites reopen. If you are interested in donating to WestSide Baby, feel free to bring any items on or after January 5th.
If you’re wondering what WS Baby needs before then – its holiday donation drive info is in the GIVING OPPORTUNITIES section of the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide.
Those are the cheery carolers who showed up this afternoon outside a house near Madison Middle School, to make the season brighter for a seriously ill neighbor. We mentioned the call for carolers here late last night; Marcia wanted to surprise her friend Harold, a retired police officer who loves Christmas. We counted at least 25 people of all ages:
Marcia was going in and out of Harold’s house to be sure he was seeing the carolers – and thto show him some of the singing that she recorded on her tablet. She reports he was touched and called it the best Christmas gift he’d ever received.
Can you spare some time – and your voice – for some special holiday cheer? At 4:30 pm Wednesday, carolers are gathering in the 3600 block of 48th Ave. SW – just west of Madison Middle School – to surprise a neighborhood resident who we are told is very ill and receiving home-based hospice care. We’re also told he’s a retired police officer who “loves Christmas.” His friend Marcia is organizing this and says, “It would just take a few minutes and would be a chance to give back to someone willing to give all.”
Updating the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide with more events from now through New Year’s, including …
(Photo courtesy Cocoa Cris Cringle)
Easy Street Records will again host Cocoa Cris Cringle, as a benefit for the West Seattle Food Bank, and Cocoa Cris e-mailed us today to make sure we knew in time to share the news – it’s his 7th annual “Theatrical Holiday Photo Funomenon“! 4-9 pm this Saturday (December 19th), “shop for records, enjoy hot cocoa, and prepare to have a truly unique holiday photo experience … Cocoa welcomes families, individuals, groups, and most pets. … Suggested donation $15-$20, superflexible. Includes 3 poses with a variety of hats, props, and a fog machine. One printed photo to take with you, and shots with your smartphone or camera.” Easy Street is in the heart of The Junction on the NW corner of California/Alaska.
P.S. Other new additions to the guide include Santa at West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor) with multiple appearances during the last week before Christmas; details on Highland Park Improvement Club‘s not-to-be-missed New Year’s Eve celebration, including the legendary Not-So-Silent-Night Parade; and New Year’s yoga at Sound Yoga (WSB sponsor). We’ve also just received more listings for Christmas Eve/Day church services, and we’re making our Christmas list of restaurants/coffee. Anything to contribute to the guide, happening between now and New Year’s Day? E-mail us the info ASAP so we can get it in – editor@westseattleblog.com – thanks!
The week and a half before Christmas is prime time for light-lovers – and we are glad to have new views of the Davis family display at 46th SW & SW Genesee [map]. Duane Davis explains, “These were taken from the balconies of the new house across the street (approx. 15 ft – 40 ft above the sidewalk). There are over 6,000 LED and 4,000 incandescent light in my bushes, trees, and on the house. Our neighbors have joined in the festivities, making the drive between Genesee and Dakota very nice with lots of lights.” We’re adding this to the Christmas-lights section of the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide, and would be happy to add more – do you have a dazzling display to share, whether it’s yours or somebody else’s? We’d love photos but will also welcome simple address/neighborhood info so we can go out and photograph it ourselves – editor@westseattleblog.com or text to 2062936302 – thanks!
Game’s over, back to holiday fun! Until 5 pm, you can see and shop tables and walls full of art at Hotwire Online Coffeehouse (WSB sponsor) during the “Deck the Walls” art sale and open house. Ornaments too!
The art’s all under $50 and 100 percent of the proceeds go to the artists. You can also get your purchase(s) wrapped, compliments of Furry Faces Foundation. And say hi to the Hotwire team and friends – below from left, Tara, Mia, and proprietor Lora:
Hotwire’s at 4410 California SW, right next to the Junction Post Office.
P.S. The art sale continues beyond the open house, during Hotwire’s regular hours for the rest of the holiday season.
This morning’s chilly wind is a reminder of why the donations you see in the wagon above – and more to come, we’re sure – matter so much. A coat, or blanket, or hat you don’t need can help warm up someone who does. Bring your donation(s) to the Hometown Holidays tent at the south end of the West Seattle Farmers’ Market, where volunteers from the West Seattle High School Key Club are assisting Kiwanis Club members with the collection, and with offering hot cocoa, as well as keeping the tent from sailing away on gusts!
You can also enjoy caroling by the Endolyne Children’s Choir:
It’s all on until 2 pm, as is the Farmers’ Market itself. If you miss this but still have items to donate, we have a list of giving opportunities in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide!
Here’s some of what you can do in West Seattle today, from the listings in our WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide and regular year-round Event Calendar:
ARTS & CRAFTS AT C & P: C & P Coffee (WSB sponsor) hosts the second and final day of its Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair featuring unique, local arts and crafts, including handmade jewelry, toys, clothing, prints, paintings, furniture and more.
8 am-2 pm. (5612 California SW)
LAST SCHEDULED DAY FOR HOLY ROSARY TREE LOT: Shopping for your Christmas tree? The Holy Rosary Tree Lot (WSB sponsor) is scheduled to be open for its last day. 9 am-9 pm. (41st SW & SW Dakota)
JUNCTION HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS COAT/BLANKET DRIVE: Caroling, cocoa, and coat donations (plus blankets and other warm items you can spare). 10 am-2 pm. “Join the Junction Association and West Seattle Kiwanis at the Farmers Market for a taste of the holidays and several activities to enjoy. And to share warmth with those in need, we will collect coats, blankets and warm items.” (California/Alaska)
‘ULTIMATE CHRISTMAS PARTY’: Noon at the Sisson Building, presented by Calvary Chapel/West Seattle – details in the calendar listing. (California SW & SW Oregon)
HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE: Innate Vitality‘s open house, 12:30-3 pm, including free sample classes: yoga, strength, pilates, & barre, and holiday shopping with Urban Treasury. (4509 SW Wildwood Place)
‘DECK THE WALLS’: Open House and Deck the Walls, at Hotwire Online Coffeehouse (WSB sponsor), 2 pm-5 pm. “Who loves local art, easy holiday shopping, and a sparkling open house? Celebrate original art and shopping local with the annual Hotwire holiday open house. Holiday-inspired food, sparkling drinks, giveaways, raffles … Join Hotwire and co-host Todd D. Martin Lifestyle Designer. Shop local directly from the walls. All art will be priced under $50 and 100% of the proceeds goes directly to the artist. We’ll wrap it too, compliments of Furry Faces Foundation.” (4410 California SW)
DUWAMISH WINTER SONGS AND STORIES: 2-3:30 pm at the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse in West Seattle, with Johnny Moses; details in the calendar listing. (4705 W. Marginal Way SW)
HOLY ROSARY CONCERT: Cantare’ Vocal Ensemble presents the “Sounds of the Season” holiday concert at 2 pm at Holy Rosary Church. Conducted by Mark Adrian and accompanied by the CVE Chamber Orchestra, “Sounds of the Season” brings together traditional arrangments and new comtemporary settings of joyous choral music to help you ring in the holidays. Concert and ticket information is available at www.cantarevocalensemble.org. (4210 SW Genesee)
CONCERT AT ST. JOHN’S Seattle Metropolitan Singers “invite you to join us for our annual holiday concert at 3 pm. The concert will be held at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church. Admission is by free-will donation” (3050 California SW)
LADIES MUSICAL CLUB: Seattle’s oldest musical group presents a free concert at 3 pm at the West Seattle (Admiral) Library, with “staged and costumed scenes from Carl Maria von Weber’s DER FREISCHÜTZ, considered the first important German Romantic opera.” (2306 42nd SW)
FINAL PERFORMANCE: Last chance to join Twelfth Night Productions for “A Christmas Carol: A Live Radio Play.” 3 pm at Kenyon Hall; check for tickets at this Brown Paper Tickets link or an hour before showtime at the venue box office. (7904 35th SW)
FAUNTLEROY CONCERT: Enjoy the second performance of this Christmas Concert at Fauntleroy Church, 4 pm. Featuring the Fauntleroy Chancel Choir, Peace Lutheran Choir, and local instrumentalists. (9140 California SW)
(WSB photos, updated 9 pm: Above, Santa & Menashe granddaughters Makenna and Angelica)
What could be more Christmasy than Santa photos at West Seattle’s brightest light show? Until 10 pm, “Santa Al” is making his annual stop at the Menashe Family Christmas Lights – bring a nonperishable food item for the West Seattle Food Bank and take a photo that’ll be bursting with holiday festiveness. Yes, the weather’s a little wild, but there’s a canopy for photo protection!
5605 Beach Drive SW.
(WSB photo by Patrick Sand)
Again this year, a doubleheader night for the Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship in West Seattle began at Lowman Beach, right around sunset. The view is different from the nighttime stops, and you could still see the Spirit of Seattle as well as its lights. Onshore:
(This photo and next two by Trileigh Tucker)
The Lowman crowd enjoyed a bit of a break in the rain, and a little sunset color even broke through the clouds:
At both Lowman and Alki, Seattle Parks provided a bonfire:
Among those who appreciated their work: Sarah, who shared this photo:
Sarah wrote in her e-mail, “We had a great time watching the Christmas ships go by tonight at Lowman! Thanks to all who brought out hot drinks & built the big fire!”
From Lowman (where you might be able to watch next year from the observation deck atop the new Murray CSO facility across the street) the Christmas Ship headed to Alki Beach Park, where a bonfire also awaited:
(This photo and next three, by WSB’s Patrick Sand)
Inside the Bathhouse, a chance to get treats:
On the east side of the Bathhouse, Christmas Hope performed as an opening act:
Then, as rainshowers drifted in and out, the Christmas Ship sailed up – with The Dickens Carolers singing for 20 minutes until it was time to go, leaving West Seattle for the last time this season.
If you missed it, you can hear the performance (for the next day or two) in the archived video from our live Periscope phonecast. The rest of the Christmas Ship’s regional schedule, nightly through Christmas Eve-Eve, is online here.
(WSB photo added 4:16 pm)
Less than an hour until the Christmas Ship‘s final West Seattle visits begin, and you can get ready for the second stop, at Alki Beach Park (5:10-5:30 pm, following 4:20-4:40 pm at Lowman Beach), by visiting the Southwest Seattle Historical Society’s ‘Holiday Party on the Porch,’ with free treats on the covered porch at the Log House Museum, right now at 61st SW & SW Stevens (half a block inland from where you’ll see the Christmas Ship).
The porch party is the second of two big events today for SWSHS:
(Photos courtesy Southwest Seattle Historical Society)
At the historic, city-landmark Admiral Theater, Santa Claus jingled his way into the auditorium during “Claus, Chowder, and Cartoons,” a free family event this morning. Santa’s stage show followed a program of short Christmas cartoons.
SWSHS supporter Duke’s Chowder House provided soup for the Admiral crowd and is doing the same at the museum right now.
While you’re out shopping your favorite local stores this weekend, you can also see what local arts-and-crafts creators are offering at the annual C & P Coffee Company Holiday Fair. Here are a few things we spotted during our stop:
The fair is on until 3 pm today, and then from 8 am until 2 pm tomorrow; C & P is at 5612 California SW, between Alaska and Morgan Junctions.
Who in this photo’s been naughty and who’s been nice? Up to “Santa Paws” to find out. Thanks to Bethany from Cascadian Nomads for sharing the photo of her canine friends’ adventure in The Junction, where – as previewed on our daily list – you can get a free professional Santa photo at West Seattle Windermere until 1 pm. (4525 California SW)
With Banda Vagos as the headliner once again, Friday night’s sixth annual Posada Navideña holiday party at Denny International Middle School was a hit. Especially so far as the piñatas were concerned:
Denny principal Jeff Clark was there to assist the littlest piñata-targeters:
Posada organizer and Denny teacher Roxana Amaral, too, as first a butterfly and then a dolphin (the Denny mascot) got the takedown treatment.
Crafts and food were on the menu , with at least one activity combining both:
The first Denny Posada, in December 2010, was the only one held in the school’s old building a few blocks from the one it’s occupied since fall 2011.
Hours away from the start of an even-bigger holiday weekend – and right now, we’re even seeing a bit of a sunbreak. From our WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide and year-round WS Event Calendar:
HOLIDAY GIVING: The Holiday Guide has a list of ways you can make this a happier holiday season for your neighbors. Just added to it:
That’s one of the Giving Trees for the West Seattle and Fauntleroy YMCA (WSB sponsor): “The West Seattle & Fauntleroy YMCA hosts a Giving Tree each December, which is full of gift requests for youth involved in our programs. Making an impact is easy! Stop by either Y location in West Seattle, pick a tag off of the tree, purchase the new gift and return unwrapped to either Y location by (the end of Monday).” (4515 36th SW or 9140 California SW)
(Added: WSB photo, WSFB’s Judi Yazzolino and HSB’s Melodie VanHouten with “Santa Al“)
SANTA PHOTOS AND TREATS AT HOMESTREET ANNIVERSARY PARTY: HomeStreet Bank (WSB sponsor) celebrates its two-year anniversary in West Seattle, featuring free photos with Santa, a hot cocoa bar, warm apple cider, holiday treats, and more, 3-6 pm! Bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the West Seattle Food Bank. (41st SW & SW Alaska)
HIGH-SCHOOL BASKETBALL: Chief Sealth International High School hosts West Seattle HS for a full slate of games today/tonight: Girls’ junior varsity 3:30 pm; boys’ junior varsity 5 pm; girls’ varsity 6:30 pm; boys’ varsity 8 pm. (2600 SW Thistle)
HOLIDAY TASTE: Sample holiday-meal dishes at Metropolitan Market (WSB sponsor) in Admiral, 4-7 pm. (41st SW & SW Admiral Way)
POSADA AT DENNY: 6:30-8:30 pm, the annual Posada Navideña at Denny International Middle School. It’s “a Latin American celebration of the holidays through music, dance, food and games. Everyone is welcome!!! Please bring a traditional holiday dish to share. Featuring live music from Banda Vagos and performances from Denny and Sealth International Dance Groups. Plus games, raffles (including a grand prize of an Amazon Fire Tablet) and piñatas.” (2601 SW Kenyon)
HANDBELL CONCERT: Bells of the Sound at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (WSB sponsor): This year’s holiday concert is “Ring, Little Bells“! Come see and hear Puget Sound’s premier handbell ensemble at 7:30 pm – show and ticket details here. (3940 41st SW)
HOLIDAY JAZZ: The Steve Griggs Jazz Ensemble, featuring Steve Griggs, Milo Petersen, Susan Pascal, and Evan Flory-Barnes, will play Christmas and seasonal favorites, 7:30 pm. Come support the West Seattle Helpline and professional jazz in West Seattle, brought to you by the “Music with a Heart” concert series at Alki UCC. Free Will offering, $15-20 suggested; refreshments at intermission. (6115 SW Hinds)
ARTIST RECEPTION AND F3 FUNDRAISER: At VAIN (WSB sponsor), “We are presenting modern terrariums created by West Seattle artist and animal lover Michelle Crabtree available for sale to benefit Furry Faces Foundation Dec 11th-31st. Meet the maker behind these captivating miniature living landscapes 6-8 pm Friday, December 11th. 100% of proceeds go to Furry Faces Foundation to help keep pets and people together. In addition, we will have select boutique items on sale to benefit F3, including Drink EZ handmade coasters created by Angie Cooper.” (4513 California SW)
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