West Seattle, Washington
08 Saturday
As the list of what’s in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide gets longer, that includes the section with local opportunities for holiday giving. Including:
COLLECTING WARM CLOTHES: That’s State Farm agent Dave Newman (longtime WSB sponsor) standing next to two bins that he and his staff hope you will fill with warm clothes for West Seattle Helpline. Their collection drive is now officially under way, continuing until the last day of the year. You can drop off donations at their office, 3435 California SW (map), 9 am-5 pm Mondays-Fridays (9 am-noon on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve)
COLLECTING COATS: In The Triangle, Mountain to Sound Outfitters is collecting coats for a donation drive culminating in a visit by Santa on December 14th – but you can drop one (or more!) off any time before then, too, at 3602 SW Alaska (map).
Holiday decorations are officially up in The Junction. Wreaths were added to streetlight poles this morning, and their lights are aglow tonight; garlands are decking storefronts too.
Just in time for Hometown Holidays (co-sponsored by WSB) to gear up starting later this week – that’s one of the holiday notes we’re sharing tonight:
SHOP LATE THURSDAY, HOLIDAY PARTY SATURDAY, SANTA & CARRIAGE RIDES SUNDAY: This is the first big holiday week in The Junction, with the first of three Shop Late Thursdays coming up two nights from now, 6-9 pm on December 4th. Then on Saturday, another chance to shop into the evening, with the Junction Holiday Party before and after the tree lighting – see the list of participants here (and in the West Seattle Holiday Guide), and what’ll be happening at this neighborhood-wide party 4-8 pm on Saturday. On Sunday, 10 am-2 pm in The Junction, bring your own camera for photo ops at the Santa Meet & Greet at City Mouse (4218 SW Alaska), and ride the mule-drawn carriage that will be making regular departures from California/Alaska.
FESTIVUS PARTY FRIDAY: The only official one we’ve heard of so far this season is this year’s Sustainable West Seattle/WS Tool Library gala, 5-9 pm Friday (December 5th) just a short ways across the bridge at SODO MakerSpace (1914 Occidental Ave. S.) Full details are on the SWS website.
ALSO FRIDAY, OLG ‘LIGHT UP THE NIGHT’: Something new at Our Lady of Guadalupe‘s outdoor celebration of light this year, coming up 7 pm Friday at 35th/Myrtle: This year, OLG won’t be lighting up the big tree outside its church – the cost has jumped, we’re told, and the church needs to devote its resources elsewhere. But you’re still invited to a celebration of light and community, same place, near the highest spot in Seattle – there’ll be lights, just not on the big tree, and there’ll be carols and holiday cheer. Also a food drive – bring nonperishable food to fill the sleigh in the parish center across SW Myrtle from the church.
HOLIDAY EVENT PLANNED? We’re still updating the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide with new events/info at least once a day – if you have a bazaar, community party, decoration display, Santa visit, concert, performance, anything holiday-ish to which the community’s invited, please e-mail us the info ASAP! editor@westseattleblog.com – thank you – and keep checking the guide for updates (we already have a sleigh-full of new info to add later tonight).
Tonight was the first night for the 2014 edition of the Menashe Family’s big, bright Christmas lights (5605 Beach Drive SW). You can certainly admire the densely decorated display from down the block, or driving by, but you’ll want to walk right up to see and hear it all.
That includes listening to your fellow light-watchers, who might be heard asking such questions as “Where do they store all this during the year?” But mostly, what we heard were exclamations of wonder. See why, ahead:
One week left to build your gingerbread house for the competition at the first-ever Holly Jolly Holiday Fest, presented next Sunday afternoon (December 7th) at The Sanctuary at Admiral, by the Admiral Neighborhood Association. Two divisions, with a prize for each! Build your creation ahead of time and bring it in for judging – here are the rules:
As previewed here earlier this week, the noon-4 pm holiday extravaganza also will include Santa photo ops, holiday music, a craft bazaar, treats … admission free! The Sanctuary, itself a beautiful (city-landmarked) sight to see, is at on the northeast corner of California/Lander.
This is also the first weekend for the Holy Rosary School Tree Lot, which just opened for the season on Friday and is sponsoring WSB again this season to get the word out. The lot is on the north side of the campus, between 41st and 42nd, just south of Dakota. Part of the proceeds benefit three local charities, and that includes the fresh wreaths they’re selling too:
Hours are 9 am-9 pm Fridays-Sundays, 2 pm-8 pm Mondays-Thursdays, through December 14th.
P.S. You’re invited to the newly expanded community celebration that includes this year’s “blessing of the trees” – now dubbed Deck the Halls, also featuring hot cocoa, games, crafts and wine for sale, and more, 6-8 pm. next Friday, December 5th.
Santa Claus has arrived at CAPERS in The Junction (4525 California SW) – where you’ll find him noon-3 pm every Saturday and Sunday until the weekend before Christmas. Kristen and Brian were posing with him when we stopped by – this is a DIY photo op, so bring your camera, your friends, your neighbors, and donations for the West Seattle Food Bank. He’d already listened to at least 40 Christmas wishes by the time we showed up barely an hour into Day 1.
P.S. The full list of this season’s local Santa Claus photo ops (as reported by helpful elves) can be found in our West Seattle Holiday Guide.
At the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse in West Seattle, this year’s Native Holiday Gift Fair looked to us to be bigger than ever. Just one hour to go today, but you also have tomorrow and Sunday to browse/shop, 10 am-4:30 pm both days. You’ll find some of the artists working at their tables, like S’Klallam/Navajo carver Jimmy Price:
Coast Salish artist Peter Boome was talking with shoppers when we passed his table:
Pamela Coello‘s creations included these gifts no Seahawks fan could resist:
Many other materials/media are represented, including wearables. You can enjoy lunch at the Longhouse too; one big table inside is set aside for dining, and the menu posted on the Longhouse door mentioned two types of soup for $2, three types of pie for $1, and the famous frybread for $3. The longhouse is at 4705 W. Marginal Way SW.
The rain really will lighten up. Eventually. So when you’re ready to go out … here are today’s highlights, from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide and our regular ongoing calendar:
(Added: WSB photo by Patrick Sand – Santa at Joe’s with Lucinda and June)
FIRST SANTA SIGHTING: Starting at 10 am today, Endolyne Joe’s (WSB sponsor) will be hosting Santa and Mrs. Claus! Joe’s says, “Everyone is invited! We’ll have plenty of candy canes.” (9261 45th SW)
DUWAMISH NATIVE HOLIDAY GIFT FAIR, 10 am-4:30 pm today (and tomorrow and Sunday) at the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse. Fine art, native crafts, regalia, cards, jewelry, t-shirts, smoked salmon, snacks including frybread; more details in our calendar listing. (4705 W. Marginal Way SW)
HOLY ROSARY TREE LOT: Holy Rosary Tree Lot (WSB sponsor), north of the school, opens today (we’re checking on hours). Part of this lot’s proceeds benefit West Seattle Helpline, Hickman House (domestic-violence shelter), and West Seattle Food Bank. (41st/Dakota)
3RD ANNUAL NELS ENQUIST ALUMNI GAME (AND MORE): Big basketball night at Chief Sealth International High School, and you’re invited! Doors open at 4 pm; schedule includes scrimmages for this year’s boys’ and girls’ basketball teams before the women’s and men’s alumni games and a tribute to Coach Mike Siva. Full schedule is in our calendar listing. (2600 SW Thistle)
WEST SEATTLE YULETIDE, NIGHT ONE: This year, Olaf the Snowman joins the West Seattle Yuletide holiday light show, synchronized to music you can hear on your car radio at 101.9 FM. Starts shortly after dark, about 5 pm, and runs tonight until 11. More info at westseattleyuletide.blogspot.com (38th Ave SW midblock between Genesee and Dakota)
WEST SEATTLE LIGHTS CONTINUES: Second scheduled night for this year’s West Seattle Lights/Helmstetler Family Spectacular, 5-10 pm. See the season’s full schedule here. Bring food to donate to the West Seattle Food Bank. (3908 SW Charlestown)
Cooking for a crowd today? So is that crew! 150 people had already arrived for the annual free Thanksgiving dinner at The Hall at Fauntleroy by the time we visited less than 1 hour after the doors opened at noon, and they expected to feed at least 200 before they’re done. Below, helping welcome everyone, volunteers included Wes and Ann, in the photo below with (center) David Haggerty, whose Tuxedos and Tennis Shoes Catering gives this gift each year:
Also contributing to the holiday dinner, kids from the Fauntleroy Children’s Center, which, like The Hall, is in the historic Fauntleroy Schoolhouse – they decorated placemats:
The spirit of decoration extended to executive chef Michael Chase, sporting a seasonally appropriate hat:
If you didn’t already have dinner plans, you can still get to The Hall at Fauntleroy by 3 pm; it’s at 9131 California SW. (If you don’t see this until later, the West Seattle Eagles are serving a free community feast, 2-5 pm – find details and lots more Thanksgiving-and-beyond info in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide.)
(Photo by Don Brubeck)
Good morning! We are thankful for you. Here’s info you might find useful:
WHICH GROCERY STORES ARE OPEN AND WHEN: Here’s the list.
WHO’S OPEN FOR COFFEE: See the first section of our Holiday Guide.
WHO’S LEADING A WORKOUT : Also in the first section of our Holiday Guide.
WHO’S SERVING A FREE COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING DINNER: The Hall at Fauntleroy, noon-3 pm (9131 California SW; details here, including donations you can drop off before it starts) … Freedom Church, noon-3 pm per the marquee (35th/Roxbury) … West Seattle Eagles, 2-5 pm (4426 California SW; details here)
WHICH RESTAURANTS (AND BARS WITH FOOD) ARE OPEN TODAY AND/OR TONIGHT: Here’s the list (please note, it is a list of who told us they planned to be open – if an establishment told us they would be closed, they are NOT listed).
TRANSIT CHANGES: Metro is on a Sunday schedule … The Water Taxi is NOT running … Sound Transit buses are on a Sunday schedule … Washington State Ferries‘ Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth run is on a normal schedule.
THINGS YOU CAN DO AFTER DINNER: West Seattle Lights/Helmstetler Family Christmas Spectacular starts tonight, 7 pm, as previewed here Monday. Bring food for the West Seattle Food Bank! (3908 SW Charlestown) … The Admiral Theater is open this afternoon/evening – see the schedule here (2343 California SW)
DOES YOUR DOG NEED A BREAK FROM THE HOLIDAY BUSTLE? WSB sponsor Camp Crockett is open today.
See more – for today/tonight, plus dozens of events through the rest of the holiday season – here.
Just one more reminder before we get to Thanksgiving Day itself: If you are NOT cooking tomorrow, some West Seattle restaurants do plan to be open at least part of the day. As we do every year, we have compiled a list, and you can see that list here. (Keep in mind that proprietors do reserve the right to change their plans at the last minute, so if you find someplace closed that we had listed as planning to be open, or if you find someplace open that’s not on the list, please let us know – text/call 206-293-6302 or e-mail editor@westseattleblog.com; we’ll be updating as needed.) Other holiday info (coffee shops, grocery stores, free dinners, church services, more) is atop our Holiday Guide.
One unplanned restaurant closure *tonight* – Zippy’s Giant Burgers has been having big trouble getting something fixed for the past couple days and, according to a Facebook update, won’t be able to reopen until after the holiday.
P.S. One *new* place IS open – this is grand-opening night at The Westy, as recently announced/previewed here.
Some of what you’ll find in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide are traditional annual events – and some are brand new. Like this:
The Admiral Neighborhood Association – which brings you Summer Concerts at Hiawatha, as well as its year-round role as a community council – is presenting the first-ever Holly Jolly Holiday Fest, noon-4 pm Sunday, December 7th, at The Sanctuary at Admiral (42nd/Lander).
One big component: A gingerbread-house contest! NOT on-site building – build yours before the event and bring it to The Sanctuary that morning, as explained in the official rules, which also explain the prizes, and the youth/adult divisions (age 16 is the dividing line).
But that’s just part of the fun, which also includes, as announced, “live holiday music, a craft bazaar, and a food drive for the West Seattle Food Bank” as well as … Santa Claus! “A photographer will be available to take portraits with Santa for a small donation, or you can bring your own camera.” See you there on Sunday, December 7th, noon-4 pm!
Just in case you are wondering:
*Where you can work out before stuffing (yourself)
*Where you can find a free holiday meal
*Which West Seattle grocery stores are open on Thanksgiving and when
*Which West Seattle restaurants/coffee shops are open on Thanksgiving and when
That’s all in the Thanksgiving section atop the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide (which also continues with dozens more events continuing on to Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year’s) … so we thought we’d nudge you now.
P.S. If you have information to add to the guide, or see something that has changed – please let us know – editor@westseattleblog.com – thank you!
We also checked tonight on the Menashe Family Christmas Lights, the brightest lights in West Seattle year after year, and found the crew working hard on the display even as night fell and rain moved back in. Josh Menashe tells us that this Sunday will be the first official night of this year’s display, starting around 6 pm. Here’s something brand-new this year:
Kids will be able to drop off letters to Santa Claus in that brand-new box you’ll find outside the house at 5605 Beach Drive SW. (As Josh put it, Santa knows exactly where their house is.)
P.S. The Menashe home is of course also featured in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide – which also includes everything from Thanksgiving info (workouts, free dinners, coffee-shop/restaurant/grocery-store hours) to New Year’s, and we’re updating it daily.
(WSB photos by Patrick Sand)
Blustery weather or not, the show must go on, so Jim Winder was back up on the roof today at 3908 SW Charlestown, home of his friends the Helmstetler Family, who have hosted his music-synched dancing-lights Christmas Spectacular since 2009.
When the show debuts on Thursday night, you’ll hear new music (added – including Meghan Trainor‘s “All About That Bass,” Taylor Swift‘s “Shake It Off,” Pharrell Williams‘ “Happy,” and Rock Sugar with “Don’t Stop the Santa”). “Surprises in early December,” too, Jim promises.
Jim says he’s not planning a big ceremony this year – the light shows will simply start on Thanksgiving night, with the website schedule updated by then, and you’ll be welcome to stop by any night through New Year’s Eve. A few hours after stopping by to see him, we passed the house again just before dark tonight, and noticed the baseline lights aglow, in Seahawks/Sounders blue and green:
The light show starts at 7 pm Thursday night – remember to bring a donation for the West Seattle Food Bank (there’s a bin out front). You can hear the synchronized music in your car at 101.9 FM.
P.S. This is one of three light shows that are part of the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide – we’re updating another show next – and please let us know when you see great lights, animated or not, throughout the season … here’s how.
(Photo credits: 1st two, WSB; third, courtesy Beer Church)
For the 16th year, the Beer Church Turkey Bowl has scored big for the West Seattle Food Bank. The big night of bowling and donating at West Seattle Bowl was last night, and Kendall Jones (below, with co-conspirator Kim Sharpe Jones) says Turkey Bowl-ers brought in “A truckload of food and $5,204. A good night.”
Here’s the truck in question – with West Seattle Food Bank team members:
Kendall and Kim also bring you the Washington Beer Blog.
How about a miniature Alki Point Lighthouse or Space Needle for an ornament and/or wine-bottle tag, cut from remnant slate/soapstone? They’re custom-made for JF Henry Cooking and Dining (WSB sponsor) in The Junction, and among the items you can browse/buy while visiting the Holiday Open House, continuing until 5 pm today. The Christmas-tree train is in the window again this year:
More ornaments nearby, including one that reminded us of an ongoing topic of local coverage:
Upstairs in the store (4445 California SW), don’t miss the complimentary Open House cookie bar:
And if you’re not ready to buy gifts yet … maybe something extra-festive for your Thanksgiving cooking:
We asked proprietor Tom Henry what else is hot this year – he mentioned Kyocera’s new non-toxic (ceramic) non-stick cooking line, among other things. More open-house info here (including the fermentation demo coming up at 3 pm).
Those are a few of the people who served the hundreds lining up along 39th SW this morning, giving the gifts Eastridge Church offers before Thanksgiving every year – turkeys and bags of groceries for holiday meals. This year, between their West Seattle and Issaquah campuses, Eastridge planned to give out 1,500 turkeys – that’s quite the logistical undertaking.
But it goes faster if you keep smiling.
It’s the 12th year Eastridge has given the pre-Thanksgiving gifts – no questions asked, no proof of need required.
We’re continuing to collect holiday-giving opportunity information for both our ongoing calendar and the forthcoming WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide – some drives are already under way, and hoping for your help, like “Soap for Hope” at AAA West Seattle (WSB sponsor):
Want to be a part of something BIG? AAA Washington is kicking off the 7th annual Soap for Hope toiletries-donation drive, and we need your help!
The annual campaign provides basic necessities and personal care items for those in need, reaching more than 27 local charities throughout Washington and northern Idaho. By partnering with our members, the community and local organizations, AAA Washington has collected nearly 500,000 toiletry items for local charities the past six years, and distributed more than 8,700 pounds of donations last year alone.
While donations are accepted at our store all year, we invite you to participate in our holiday campaign by donating through December 31 to help those in need this winter. All donations will remain in our local community, benefitting Sojourner Place in Seattle. We will be collecting sample, or regular-size items including deodorant, toothpaste, shaving cream, lotions, shampoos, conditioners, soaps and other new and unopened toiletry items.
Items can be dropped off at our office in Jefferson Square at 4734 42nd Ave SW, or you may contact us to arrange a pickup of your donation. For more information about Soap for Hope, please visit our website at www.aaa.com/SoapforHope.
Thank you in advance for considering this opportunity and know that your contribution is more than just a bar of soap, it’s about providing an opportunity for those in need to have a fresh start to their day and maybe even a personal boost to their self-image.
Ongoing holiday donation/collection drive that could use community help? Send us info as soon as you can – editor@westseattleblog.com – thank you!
Your next chance to shop multiple vendors in one spot, as holiday-gift season approaches, is happening right now, until 5 pm, at West Seattle Sip and Shop. You’ll find the bazaar at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church (California/Hanford), as previewed in our daily calendar-highlights list. Thanks to Emily for sharing the photo (she mentions you’ll find nearly 30 vendors there, plus wine and cookies)!
(WSB file photo: Junction Tree Lighting, part of an expanded celebration this year, December 6th)
Shop local, celebrate local! The schedule is out for West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays (co-sponsored again this year by WSB), with events that have become annual traditions over the years, plus something new:
SMALL-BUSINESS SATURDAY: Never mind “Black Friday.” The Saturday after Thanksgiving, November 29th, is a day that local independent merchants will be especially thrilled to see you.
‘SHOP LATE’ THURSDAYS: Many Junction retailers will stay open until 9 pm on December 4th, 11th (which is also the holiday edition of the West Seattle Art Walk), and 18th.
NEW – JUNCTION HOLIDAY PARTY ON TREE-LIGHTING NIGHT: In addition to the 5 pm tree-lighting event on Saturday, December 6th, there will be a “progressive party” at Junction retailers, 4-8 pm, so you can shop and revel before and after the ceremony. Promises the WSJA website, “You’ll find nibbles, drinks, games, and deals all wrapped up with holiday flair.” More details as it gets closer.
SANTA MEET-AND-GREET: BYO camera for two special Sundays – 10 am-2 pm on both – December 7th at City Mouse (4218 SW Alaska) and December 21st on the southwest corner of California/Alaska.
CARRIAGE RIDES: The Belgian Draft Mules return for two Sundays – 10 am on both – December 7th and 14th.
Full Hometown Holidays details are here; we’ll see you there!
In Fauntleroy, two holiday sale/bazaar events happening now are right across the street from each other. First – it’s the second of three days for the Fauntleroy Fine Art and Holiday Gift Fair at Fauntleroy Church. Visitors were serenaded by the church’s music director Bron Edwards:
Artists whose work is being shown and sold include Bill Reiswig, who created this:
The art/gift fair at the church (9140 California SW) continues until 4 pm today, and is open again 11 am-2 pm tomorrow (Sunday). Across the street, today’s your only chance to visit the Fauntleroy Schoolhouse‘s second annual holiday/winter bazaar, with baked treats for sale right inside the front door:
The historic schoolhouse’s beautiful hall is where you’ll find most of the vendors and artists.
This event also continues until 4 pm. And while you’re there, admire the raingarden and its metal art outside, as well as the renovation work the schoolhouse (9131 California SW) has been under going.
Cool stocking-stuffer (or other mini-gift) ideas at the Highland Park Improvement Club holiday bazaar, happening right now inside HPIC at 12th/Holden. The map switchplates feature West Seattle neighborhoods as well as other towns/cities (not just the NW – we found one for Fairfield/Vacaville, Calif., whose radio station employed your editor here, long ago). Another table features buttons, mugs, and other local-logo creations:
Lots of other handmade items – including caramels!
Treat-wise, you’ll also find a bake sale. Then there’s jewelry, body-care and fragrance products, wearables … This is a one-day-only bazaar, so get there before 3 pm.
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