West Seattle, Washington
05 Sunday
Once again this year, the Rotary Club of West Seattle and a big supporting cast of volunteers got to play Santa for almost a hundred kids from local schools, during the annual Children’s Holiday Shopping Spree – the club’s biggest day, and signature community-service project, each year. It all started before dawn Saturday, with volunteers already in place as kids began arriving at the building that’s home to SODO Sears, SODO Kitchen, and Starbucks HQ. It’s always a big operation:
The kids patiently waited as a full morning of activities ramped up:
Frosty the Heron? Thanks to David Hutchinson for sharing the photo from Constellation Park during Friday’s frosty sunset. Forecasters say it’s warming up after today – but first, another busy weekend day of highlights!
BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT: The weekend-long Seattle Jam wheelchair-basketball tournament is scheduled for games until 1:30 pm today at West Seattle High School. (3000 California SW)
HOLIDAY ART SALE: More than a dozen artists, 10 am-4 pm. (3245 60th SW)
‘GIFTED’: 11 am-6 pm at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor), it’s “Gifted,” the 5th annual holiday arts/crafts show. (6451 California SW)
ECLECTIC HOLIDAY STUDIO SALE: 10-5. Ceramics, jewelry, prints, encaustics, wine toppers, small art quilts and more. All handmade. (5417 42nd SW)
ENCORE DAY FOR PEACE LUTHERAN BAZAAR: First-ever holiday bazaar at Peace Lutheran Church has been extended – stop by noon-3 pm today for holiday shopping! (39th/Thistle)
“EX-WESTWOOD SANTA”: CAPERS is hosting the Santa known for many years at Westwood Village for DIY Santa photos (you take the picture) again today from 1 to 5. Suggested donation per sitting $10. All donations will benefit the West Seattle Food Bank. (4525 California SW) P.S. See his upcoming visits and the lineup of all West Seattle Santa visits in our Holiday Guide.
LITTLE WOMEN: Matinee today for the musical version that’s the holiday-season production at ArtsWest (WSB sponsor) in The Junction. 3 pm. Buy tickets online here. (4711 California SW)
MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET: The first matinee of the “Live Radio Play” version of the Christmas classic is presented by Twelfth Night Productions at 3:00 pm at Kenyon Hall. Tickets available online at brownpapertickets.com/event/509548 or an hour before showtime at the venue box office. (7904 35th SW)
LADIES MUSICAL CLUB: Free concert at West Seattle (Admiral) Library, 3 pm. (2306 42nd SW)
ST. NICHOLAS FAIRE: The annual evening bazaar-and-more event at First Lutheran Church of West Seattle, 4 pm-7 pm, raising money for West Seattle Food Bank and West Seattle Helpline. Admission: $5 per person w/canned food item or $15 per family w/food donation for each family member; without a donation, $10 per person or $25/family. Appetizers and spiced cider; elegant bake sale items; silent auction with variety of gift baskets – puzzles, games, wine, art and educational activities, gift certificates to events and restaurants, food-themed baskets, etc – ring toss game to win wine prizes, and wine tasting. (4105 California SW)
GINGERBREAD HOUSE-BUILDING: Come watch the competition, which will be judged. The building begins at @ 5 pm in the WSCC Activity Center. (4400 42nd Ave SW)
SSCC COMMUNITY CHOIR CONCERT: South Seattle Community College presents a free choir concert at 7 pm. Go to Olympic Hall, Room 120, the tall building at the south end of campus. Works by Willan, Mager, Thomas and Shaw; audience singalong too! (6000 16th SW)
(Photos courtesy Southwest Seattle Historical Society)
Sweet-treat hospitality was a hit Saturday evening at the Log House Museum – Southwest Seattle Historical Society executive director Clay Eals estimates around 50 people came by during while the LHM was offering “Cookies & Cider on the Porch.” Above, you see Marcy Johnsen, SWSHS board president and former LHM resident, telling visitors about its history. Below, a little clowning around with (from left) volunteers Amanda Gilbert and Debbie Neifert and visitor Karen Choyce, Newcastle resident and former West Seattleite:
The museum’s regular hours are noon-4 pm Thursdays-Sundays, so even if you didn’t make it to Saturday’s event – timed to coincide with the Christmas Ship‘s Alki visit – you can enjoy its exhibits and decorations (at 61st/Stevens) as soon as this afternoon! You might find a unique gift or two there, too – perhaps a “scenic” shopping bag.
If you’re planning on Christmas-tree shopping today (Sunday), the Holy Rosary Tree Lot (WSB sponsor) invites you to make a morning out of it – with a pancake breakfast! It’s the second special event of the weekend for the tree lot, where HR’s pastor Father John Madigan celebrated the annual “blessing of the trees” on Friday night, which is when we took the photo you see above. Today’s breakfast, with pancakes, ham, and bacon, will be served whenever you stop by the school hall (42nd SW north of SW Genesee) between 9 am and noon, and Santa Claus will be there for photos (bring your own camera). Breakfast is $15/family, or $5/adult, $4/senior, $3/child. The tree lot will be open on the north side of the school for your post-breakfast (and beyond) shopping convenience; wreaths too.
Though the temperature was already back down into the 20s, hundreds of people came to the heart of The Junction to celebrate tonight’s Hometown Holidays Tree Lighting. They heard warm words of West Seattle pride from Easy Street Records proprietor Matt Vaughan, who welcomed the crowd on behalf of the Junction Association, talking about the revitalization of The Junction and how the community has embraced it. He introduced first-time emcee Brent Amaker, known for his country band The Rodeo as well as for his West Seattle business hat (insurance agent) – below, Brent and Matt with Oliver Little, the logistics powerhouse behind big Junction events like this and Summer Fest:
Musical guests included the Endolyne Children’s Choir as well as Jay Cates and Mark Pickerel; the warmup performance was by the Chief Sealth International High School Marching Band:
(added) Here’s video of the event in its entirety, starting with Matt’s remarks:
(Still a couple video clips to add Sunday, including the Sealth band and the WSHS band, which performed nearby just before the lighting event.) Meanwhile, check out the Hometown Holidays schedule here – next big event, an Art Walk/Shop Late Thursday extravaganza this coming Thursday (December 12th).
The sun had just set when the Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship and its accompanying vessels arrived at Lowman Beach tonight, first of two stops on its first of two nights visiting West Seattle this season. Seattle Parks set up a hospitality tent as always, as well as a bonfire, while, from onboard, The Dickens Carolers spent about 20 minutes serenading hundreds lining the shore. After Lowman, the Christmas Ship sailed on to Alki. If you missed tonight’s stops, you have another chance on Monday, December 16th, when the Christmas Ship will bring the Pacific Sound Chorus to Elliott Bay just off the shores of Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor) and vicinity (Seacrest Park) 9:15-9:35 pm. Its full schedule of stops around Puget Sound, Lake Washington, and Lake Union is here.
Lots of student creativity at the Schmitz Park Elementary holiday bazaar/arts-crafts-etc. sale happening right now, until 3 pm. Above, third-graders are having a bake sale, and half the proceeds (as mentioned in our Holiday Guide) will go to West Seattle Elementary‘s outdoor-education crowdfunding campaign. Among the arts/crafts vendors, you’ll find Cali with handmade items including the ever-popular duct-tape wallets:
Ben and Fin have turned superhero figurines into Christmas-tree ornaments:
Closer look:
Schmitz Park is at 5000 SW Spokane, and the sale is on until 3 this afternoon.
A silent auction of Christmas Barbies is one of the most unusual things you’ll find at the first annual Peace Lutheran Church holiday bazaar, under way right now at the church in Gatewood. Handmade items too (including knit scarves to keep you warm!) – and if you are short on decorations for your tree, the ornaments on this one are all up for sale!
Lunch is being served, too, until 1 pm. Peace Lutheran is at 39th/Thistle.
(Reader photo: Frozen bubbles over ice-shrouded pebbles!)
Bundle up and get out! Hundreds of your neighbors in West Seattle (and a bit beyond) have been getting ready all year for this one huge day – the LONG list of highlights from the WSB Holiday Events/Info Guide and our year-round calendar:
KIWANIS PANCAKE BREAKFAST: On until 11 – details and photos in our previous story. (40th/Edmunds)
SCHMITZ PARK ELEMENTARY HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR: At the school, 10 am-3 pm. **SPECIAL FUNDRAISER:** The third-graders are having a bake sale and plan to donate half their proceeds to the West Seattle Elementary crowdfunding effort for outdoor education. (5000 SW Spokane)
PEACE LUTHERAN BAZAAR & LUNCH: First-ever holiday bazaar at Peace Lutheran Church – details in our calendar listing. 10 am-4 pm, with lunch available too, 11 am-1 pm. (39th/Thistle)
WSUU ARTS/CRAFTS SHOW/SALE: 4th annual Holiday Arts and Crafts Show at Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation Social Hall, 10 am-4 pm, including jewelry, felted hats, knits, watercolor and acrylic paintings, designer bags and accessories, weaving, pottery, greeting cards, stocking stuffers, edible holiday goodies, glass art, and more. Free refreshments. (7141 California SW)
ARROWHEAD GARDENS HOLIDAY BAZAAR. 10 am to 3 pm in building “B,” with artists displaying their quality handcrafted gifts and collectables – jewelry, holiday cards, gift tags, ornaments, wreaths, crochet hats and scarves, more. Music and refreshments too. (9220 2nd SW)
BENEFIT RUMMAGE SALE: 10 am-7 pm, VFW Hall in The Triangle, proceeds benefiting student world travel. (36th/Alaska)
WESTSIDE SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: Prospective families are welcome to visit Westside School (WSB sponsor) 10 am-noon – details here. (34th/Holden)
SANTA PHOTOS: “Santa Al” is at JF Henry (WSB sponsor) from 10 am-1 pm. Later from 1:30-4:30 pm, he’ll be at Smallclothes. Bring your own camera to either location, where you can take your shot with “Jolly Old St. Nick” – or for a $5 fee, you can get a photo taken with a print made on-site. … Also, “Ex-Westwood Santa” is at CAPERS for DIY Santa photos (you take the picture) from 1 to 5. Suggested donation per sitting $10. All donations will benefit the West Seattle Food Bank.
HOLIDAY ART SALE: More than a dozen artists in one Alki spot, 10 am-6 pm. (3245 60th SW)
(Added 10:11 am: “Santa Paws” photo shared by Doug Baldwin)
SANTA PAWS: Photos with Santa Claus and your pet(s)! West Seattle Windermere in The Junction, 10 am-1 pm. Cash or nonperishable food donations, to benefit charity (4526 California SW)
ECLECTIC HOLIDAY STUDIO SALE Eclectic Holiday Studio Sale, 12-5, with ceramics, jewelry, prints, encaustics, wine toppers, small art quilts, and more. All handmade from local artists. … “Bring your camera and take a photo with a stuffed but friendly Santa from the old dime store!” (5417 42nd SW)
KNOW A ‘ROSIE THE RIVETER’? Georgie Bright Kunkel and other local “Rosies” are meeting today, 1:30 pm – but you have to call in advance – details here.
BE IN A VIDEO! West Seattle Office Junction needs extras for a promotional video they’re shooting 2-3:30 pm today. “No pay, just fun – bring a laptop and sit at a desk pretending to work,” says co-proprietor Stefan. Just show up! (5230-B California SW)
SOUTH PARK ART UNDER $100: One of the biggest arts/crafts sales of the holiday season, and we know some West Seattle artists are among those participating. 2-9 pm at South Park Community Center; see details here. (8319 8th Ave. S.)
WINTERFEST: Big event at Concord International Elementary School in South Park – fun and fundraising! 2-6 pm, performances, folk dancing, raffles, carnival games, face-painting, food, kids’ crafts, holiday photos, more. Admission $1. (723 S. Concord St.)
ST. JOHN’S ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TEA, 2-5 pm at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church: “Not to be missed, this fun and festive Christmas Tea includes a Silent Auction.” (California/Hanford)
BLITHE BAZAAR: This afternoon/evening in downtown White Center, you can shop the 4th annual Blithe Bazaar, “a cozy evening of sips, sweets, and shopping, supporting local artisans and crafters.” Hosted by Center Studio (WSB sponsor). (9611 16th SW)
12 BARS OF CHRISTMAS PUB CRAWL with 12 stops, starting at A Terrible Beauty at 4 pm. Full schedule, map, etc. on this Facebook event page.
CHRISTMAS SHIP VISITS: Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship in West Seattle! 4:20-4:40 pm at Lowman Beach, 5:10-5:30 pm at Alki Beach. Bonfires, caroling, music from the onboard chorus.
WHILE YOU ARE AT ALKI FOR THE CHRISTMAS SHIP, #1: Stop by the Log House Museum for cookies and cider on the cheerily decorated porch, as previewed here, 4-6:30 pm. (61st/Stevens)
WHILE YOU ARE AT ALKI FOR THE CHRISTMAS SHIP, #2: Christmas Ships and Sips at Coastal! “Join us for the annual Christmas Ship (visit) on Alki and shop an exclusive Brooklyn Grace Trunk show! The ship will be singing around 5:30 pm, giving plenty of time before and after to come in for some holiday cheer in a cup and great sales!” 4-7 pm. (2532 Alki SW)
TREE LIGHTING IN THE JUNCTION: 10th annual West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays Christmas Tree Lighting, 5 pm. Brent Amaker emcees, Endolyne Children’s Choir, vocalists Mark Pickerel and Jay Cates, and Chief Sealth International HS Marching Band perform. Junction Plaza Park (42nd/Alaska)
TREE LIGHTING IN SOUTH DELRIDGE: White Center Tree Lighting is at Delridge Triangle Park, 5 pm. (16th/Delridge/Roxbury)
ELLIS BROTHERS JAZZ TRIO WINTER CONCERT 7-8:30 pm at Hiawatha Community Center. West Seattle’s Ellis Brothers (Jack, 14, and twins, Luke and Ben, 12) will perform their interpretations of jazz standards and a some holiday favorites. Light refreshments will be served by Emeritus-Admiral Heights (WSB sponsor). Tickets are $5 at the door. (2700 California SW)
WEST SEATTLE MEANINGFUL MOVIES: Tonight, WSMM presents two movies about coal – details in our calendar listing. 7 pm, at Neighborhood House’s High Point Center. (6400 Sylvan Way)
Don’t throw the bread in the toaster or pour the cereal into the bowl – go have breakfast (if you haven’t already) with the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle!
It’s been a tradition for more than half a century. They – and Santa Claus (below, with Kiwanian Mike LaFranchi)! – are in action until 11 am at the Masonic Center (40th and Edmunds).
Just $10 at the door, and kids under 10 eat free; proceeds benefit Children’s Hospital cancer research and the Kiwanis’s community work.
(Linda Cox and Warren Lawless of the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle)
And bring a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots if you can! More details here. (Photos added 9:15 am)
Right before emceeing the Our Lady of Guadalupe tree lighting tonight, broadcaster Brian Callanan told us it just might be the coldest one yet, with temperatures in the 20s. Yet hundreds of people still showed up to carol and cheer, right after the tree was lit:
After some truly brisk caroling, people flocked into the warm gym at OLG’s Parish Life Center for cookies, cocoa, and mingling:
In the giving spirit of Christmas, eventgoers answered the call to fill this handmade (by Dave Fitton) sleigh with food donations:
The OLG tree holds the distinction of being at the crest of the city – since 35th/Myrtle is at the highest elevation in the Seattle city limits, 520 feet above sea level.
Yes, there really is a Festivus pole at tonight’s West Seattle Tool Library/Sustainable West Seattle holiday party/fundraiser at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (that’s Chas Redmond next to it in our photo). They chose the theme of the “Seinfeld“-sparked anti-holiday just for fun – and a lot of that was being had when we stopped by in the early going, with a casual dinner, kids’ activities, silent auction, and more:
Out in the lobby, an unexpected sight – Santa Claus!
Santa (with Bill Reiswig in our photo) said he was actually on his way to another event so wouldn’t be able to stop for the traditional Festivus “airing of grievances” or “feats of strength.” We didn’t check the roof for his reindeer, but we’re sure they felt right at home on this North Pole-chilly night. If you missed the party, you can visit the Tool Library on the north side of Youngstown, open two weeknights and two weekend days each week, where you’ll even find the cider press that was in use at tonight’s party:
The nonprofit Tool Library also suggests that gift memberships make great presents – for Christmas as well as Festivus; you can even buy them online.
The photo of a male Anna’s hummingbird is courtesy of Mark Wangerin, one of several bird fans who suggest we remind you to thaw your feeders and bird baths during this mega-cold snap, so the birds have a fighting chance too. Meantime: Holiday events ramp up big time tonight – so the WSB West Seattle Holiday Events/Info Guide is the big source of our highlights:
WORDS, WRITERS, WEST SEATTLE: The monthly local-authors series at Barnes & Noble/Westwood Village, co-sponsored by the Southwest Seattle Historical Society, continues 4-6 pm today with Nicole Hardy, author of “Confessions of a Latter-Day Virgin.” Details here. (2600 SW Barton)
FESTIVUS WITH THE TOOL LIBRARY: West Seattle Tool Library Festivus fundraising gala, 6 pm in the dance studio at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. No cover charge; any funds raised go toward maintenance and potentially enhancement of WSTL operations. Beer, wine, soft drinks, food, music, silent auction, kids’ activities, used tool sale, more; new details (and the “Seinfeld” clip to which Festivus traces its roots) are in our Thursday preview. (4408 Delridge Way SW)
ALOHA FRIDAY AT CORNER BAR: Highland Park Improvement Club‘s monthly Corner Bar has an “Aloha Friday” theme tonight, even featuring Hawaiian music – perfect way to beat the chill; just throw on a coat over your aloha shirt/muu muu/etc. on the way there. 6 pm; details on the HPIC website. (12th/Holden)
HUSKY’S OPEN HOUSE: Tonight brings the ever-popular Husky Deli Holiday Open House in The Junction, 6-9 pm. (4721 California SW)
OLG TREE LIGHTING/FOOD DRIVE: Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish & School will hold its annual tree lighting at the highest point in the city. 7 pm: “Join us for holiday cheer – tree-lighting ceremony, caroling with OLG Parish Choir, hot cocoa and cookies, arts and crafts for the little ones. Help fill the sleigh! Bring your non-perishable food items for our neighbors in need.” (35th/Myrtle)
WSCO CONCERT: West Seattle Community Orchestras‘ holiday season concert, “Winter’s Variations” – first time WSCO has performed on a Friday night, and it includes the debut of the new WSCO Woodwind Ensemble. 7 pm at Chief Sealth International High School Auditorium.
(2600 SW Thistle)
CHAMBER CONCERT: Musica Sacra Chamber Chorale‘s concert “The Mystery of Christmas,” Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 7:30 pm. Details and ticket info on the Musica Sacra website. (42nd/Genesee)
OPENING NIGHT FOR TWELFTH NIGHT: Twelfth Night Productions presents “Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Radio Play,” based on the holiday-movie favorite of the same name. 7:30 pm at Kenyon Hall. Tickets are $12 for students and seniors, $15 for adults and can be purchased at brownpapertickets.com/event/509548 or an hour before showtimes at the venue box office. (7904 35th SW)
Even more on our year-round calendar! And be sure to peruse the Holiday Guide to see the many, many, many ways in which you can get festive in the days and nights ahead …
Just in from Sustainable West Seattle and the WS Tool Library – new details about tomorrow night’s all-ages Festivus party and fundraiser – the only public Festivus festivities announced in our area so far this season o’joy. In the spirit of the alternate holiday envisioned in the classic TV series “Seinfeld” (clip above), “airing of grievances and feats of strength will be included. Read on for the full lineup:
That’s the official West Seattle Junction Christmas tree, one of three in our area that will be officially lit by mid-weekend. Here’s the plan:
OLG, FRIDAY NIGHT: At 7 pm tomorrow (Friday, December 6th), you’re invited to gather beneath the highest-elevation Christmas tree in Seattle, the Our Lady of Guadalupe School and Parish tree at 35th/Myrtle. OLG calls it a “mingle and jingle” event – and it’s a food drive too – look for the sleigh created by Dave Fitton:
OLG hopes to fill the sleigh with canned-food donations. The event includes “caroling, cocoa, cookies, and Santa too,” continuing in the new gym north of the church right after the big tree’s lit.
JUNCTION, SATURDAY NIGHT: At 5 pm Saturday (December 7th), come to Junction Plaza Park at 42nd/Alaska for the gala West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays (co-sponsored by WSB) tree lighting. This year, local insurance agent/cowboy bandleader Brent Amacher will emcee, with performances by Endolyne Children’s Choir, the Chief Sealth International High School Marching Band, and singers Jay Cates and Mark Pickerel.
DELRIDGE TRIANGLE, SATURDAY NIGHT: Also at 5 pm Saturday, a ceremony will illuminate the official White Center Christmas tree in the Delridge Triangle Veterans’ Park (right outside Mac’s Triangle Pub at Delridge/16th/Roxbury).
This weekend is brimming with other holiday happenings too – bazaars, open houses, two Christmas Ship visits, music, more – we’re continuing to add them all to the WSB West Seattle Holiday Events/Info Guide!
(Photo courtesy Southwest Seattle Historical Society)
The Southwest Seattle Historical Society‘s Log House Museum is decked for the holidays – just in time for a wave of special events to roll into the Alki Beach landmark. Volunteers including Bonnie Gromlich, Debbie Neifert, and Kerry Korsgaard (above) spent the past few days decorating, with an eye toward Saturday, when the museum will offer cookies and hot apple cider on its spacious porch 4-6:30 pm in honor of the Christmas Ship’s Alki visit (scheduled for 5:10-5:30).
Earlier on Saturday, you are also welcome at the museum for its monthly volunteer orientation, 11 am-1 pm – details here.
P.S. SWSHS has two other events ahead, though they’re not at the museum itself – tomorrow (Thursday) night at ArtsWest (WSB sponsor), the Historical Society co-presents a free “On Stage” discussion about “Stories of the Civil War“; as part of the program, past president Judy Bentley will talk about “Free Boy,” which she co-authored, telling the story of a 13-year-old slave who escapes. The discussion precedes tomorrow night’s performance of “Little Women: The Musical,” for which SWSHS members are eligible for discounted tickets good that night only. Full details on the SWSHS website. And 4-6 pm at Westwood Village Barnes & Noble, it’s the SWSHS-co-presented “Words, Writers, West Seattle” author appearance featuring Nicole Hardy – as previewed here earlier this week.
Could it be a preview of things to come sometime this winter – maybe even later in the week? “Snowfall” graced the holiday wonderland known as the Menashe Family Lights on their first official night of the season. It’s a new feature this season, according to Josh Menashe; if it’s on, you’ll see the flakes flying from the south side of the front yard. Walking by is the best way to get a close look at so many of the megabright display’s features including the bear:
(This photo and the next four are by WSB’s Patrick Sand)
Look closely between the lights for an unlit decoration – the St. Nick statue:
And look up to see the many stars … including these, on the south side of the house:
Look toward the house to see these nutcrackers standing watch by the front door:
Here’s an opening-night-only scene – Menashe family members posing for group photos under the lights – at center, your hosts for the light show, Linda and Jack Menashe:
Last but not least, a step back to see the show in all its splendor, thanks to Jeff Pond of JP Images:
You can see the Menashe Family Lights at 5605 Beach Drive SW (map) nightly.
(WSB photo, added 12:24 pm)
10:32 AM: In today’s West Seattle Sunday preview, we promised an update if blustery weather changed the plan for the Junction Hometown Holidays Santa Workshop. Here’s our first update, just in from Junction Association executive director Susan Melrose:
We have a very windy day in West Seattle, and unfortunately this will have a negative impact on Santa’s Workshop. But we’ll make do! Please be prepared for a change in plans!
The plan was to set up several tents to create a Santa photo booth and craft activities. We have serious concerns that the tents may flip in the wind gusts and create a safety hazard for families. As a result, we decided to cancel the “workshop” and we intend to create a simple Santa photo set without tents. Donna will be photographing kids in a windy open park setting as long the rains hold out.
If rain does start, we’ll move Santa to City Mouse Store for a meet and greet and you’re welcome to snap your own photos. There would be no room for photography. The weather forecast predicts a bit of rain at 11 am and then just cloudy. Wind all day.
The safety of neighborhood families was the sole reason for this change. The weather is unpredictable today, and tents can also have unpredictable behavior. We need to err on the side of safety. So sorry for the changes. But if it’s not raining, come on down for wind-filled visit and photo with Santa!
City Mouse is two doors west of the park, at 4218 SW Alaska. We’re Junction-bound shortly and will add updates/photos here as the event proceeds.
12:24 PM: Just added a photo. As Susan wrote, it’s “wind-filled,” but families (and Santa, and photographer Donna) are braving it. Hasn’t rained so far. Ultimately, it’s all good news for beneficiary WestSide Baby AND for a unique Santa-photo memory, to say the least. If you miss this one, all the Santa-photo venues we know of for this season are listed in their own section of the WSB West Seattle Holiday Event and Info Guide.
1:37 PM: Via a comment below, the Junction Association says they’ve now gone to Plan B – meet-and-greet with Santa inside City Mouse – until 3 pm. $1200 raised for WestSide Baby already!
(Black turnstone, photographed last week by Mark Wangerin)
Blustery start to the weekend’s end. From the WSB West Seattle Holiday Events and Info Guide and our regular year-round calendar:
ST. JOHN’S ARTS/CRAFTS FAIR: One of two gift fairs in West Seattle today – shop from local artisans 9 am-1 pm at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church Hall; details here. (California/Hanford)
DUWAMISH LONGHOUSE NATIVE HOLIDAY GIFT FAIR: It’s the final day of the three-day gift fair featuring the work of Native arts/crafts creators at the Duwamish Longhouse in West Seattle, 10 am-4:30 pm; details here. Here’s our report from a Friday visit. (4705 W. Marginal Way SW)
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Yes, even on holiday weekends, the Farmers’ Market is there 10 am-2 pm Sundays. (44th/Alaska)
SANTA PHOTOS AND MORE IN THE JUNCTION: As previewed here last week, today is the one and only day that West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays (co-sponsored by WSB) is offering a chance for professional Santa photos; Junction Plaza Park is scheduled to become Santa’s Workshop, 11 am-3 pm, with Donna Ryan photographing Santa and kids for a suggested $15 donation to charity, plus activities for all visitors. If there are any changes because of the blustery weather, we’ll update here, as we plan to be in The Junction checking things out in advance. (42nd/Alaska) **SEE 10:36 AM UPDATE HERE**
WEST SEATTLE COOKING CLUB: Got a UK-style recipe? Make it and bring the results to today’s 3 pm meetup of the West Seattle Cooking Club at Beveridge Place Pub in Morgan Junction. (6419 California SW)
‘LITTLE WOMEN, THE MUSICAL’: First matinee for the ArtsWest (WSB sponsor) holiday-season production of the classic story, 3 pm – details in our calendar listing. (4711 California SW)
‘EPIC PHOTO’ AT THE BRIDGE: Today is the day that, before The Bridge closes its original location (tomorrow is the final night), they invite patrons past and present to come join in an “epic” group photo under the readerboard, 3 pm. (35th just south of Avalon)
CHRISTMAS CONCERT: 4 pm at Peace Lutheran Church in Gatewood, the Rose City Mixed Quartet performs holiday music both sacred and secular. All welcome; no admission charge. (39th/Thistle)
MENASHE FAMILY LIGHTS: First official night, starting at 5 pm, for West Seattle’s most-aglow home, as previewed here. (5605 Beach Drive SW)
And outside West Seattle …
POINT ROBINSON LIGHTHOUSE HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE: We hear now and then from groups on Vashon/Maury Islands who want to let you know what’s going on right across the water. That includes an invitation to today’s noon-4 pm Holiday Open House event at Point Robinson Lighthouse; details/map here.
North to south, you’ll find shopping specials at many independent local businesses today. But don’t just make it a one-day thing, because all season long:
The WSB West Seattle Holiday Events and Info Guide includes a standing invitation for local businesses to let us know about their shopping events – open houses throughout the season, as well as this special day. Here’s what we’ve received word of for today, north to south – lots more out there, we’re sure, so if YOUR West Seattle business has something special going today, please let us know ASAP!
ADMIRAL DISTRICT
Various Admiral merchants: On behalf of his shop and fellow merchants in The Admiral District, Stu Hennessey (photo above) from Alki Bike and Board sent this roundup for today:
A variety of offers and events are happening, like West Seattle Fabric Co.‘s (2210 California SW) effort to bring the holidays back home with discounts on fabric bundles, make-and-take sewing demos, and a discount on sewing kits. They are also offering a 5% discount for nonperishable food donations. The B-Full Salon (2609 California SW) is offering gift certificates for a variety of relaxation services at 20% off.
The Atomic Boys retro toy store (4311 SW Admiral Way; proprietors Parris and Kent Sadow, photo above) is covering the tax on every purchase as well as giving away their tote bags (while supplies last) with a $50 or more purchase. Alki Bike and Board (2606 California SW) has a variety of products on discount and will be serving healthy refreshments during the day. Stop in to warm up with some hot drinks. Speaking of drinks, The Cask (2350 California SW) is offering $4 draft drinks all day.
Other businesses are signed up for the big day including Mind Unwind art gallery (photo above).
BETWEEN ADMIRAL AND ALASKA JUNCTIONS
White Crane Wellness: Massage gift certificates on sale noon-4 pm; handmade wreaths on sale to benefit Pathfinder K-8 environmental-education programs. Free mugs, coffee, tea, cookies. (3435 California SW)
Thunder Road Guitars (WSB sponsor): Anniversary sale, as detailed here. (3916 California SW)
THE JUNCTION
(Firefly proprietor Charell Estby; WSB photo taken today)
Firefly Café and Creperie: Firefly is celebrating its first anniversary! $1 for 8 or 12 oz lattes all day, free drip coffee, free apple cider with tangerine ginger for the kids, balloon artist 10 am-noon. (NE corner of California/Genesee)
(West Seattle Cyclery proprietor Brad Loetel; WSB photo taken today)
West Seattle Cyclery (WSB sponsor): Sale today – everything is 25% off, and 2013 closeout bikes are an additional 10% off. (4508 California SW)
(Fleurt’s holiday decor; WSB photo taken today)
Fleurt (WSB sponsor): Make a purchase between 10:30 am and 4:30 pm today and get a rose! (4536 California SW)
(WSB photo: Click! early this afternoon)
Click! Design That Fits (WSB sponsor): Sale/trunk show/launch for Sarah Loertscher Jewelry; details here.(4540 California SW)
BETWEEN ALASKA AND MORGAN JUNCTIONS
M3 Bodyworks (WSB sponsor): One-day sale – gift-certificate deals! Buy online here. (5236 California SW)
(added) Illusions Hair Design (WSB sponsor): Until 2 pm, retail deals, listed here. (5619 California SW)
MORGAN JUNCTION
Second Gear Sports: From Second Gear Sports: Extended hours, free coffee and treats, $5 off a $25 purchase and $15 off $75 or more. Seahawks-themed gift items, among other things. (6529 California SW)
ALSO TODAY
Duwamish Longhouse Native Gift Fair: Day 2 of vendors offering Native-created crafts, art, jewelry, clothing, and more at the Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center in West Seattle, until 4:30 pm. (4705 W. Marginal Way SW)
Though a few local businesses have had trees since last weekend, today is the traditional start to Christmas tree season, and so it is Day 1 at the Holy Rosary School Tree Lot on the north side of campus. It was already bustling at midday. The HRS tree lot (a WSB sponsor again this season) has a few unique attributes: Besides being a fundraiser for the school, the tree lot gives 15 percent of its proceeds to local charities (West Seattle Food Bank, West Seattle Helpline, the Salvation Army’s Hickman House domestic-violence shelter). Also – it has a comprehensive website with lots of info. And this might well be the only tree lot distributing doorhangers, like the example shown here by Henry:
Holy Rosary Tree Lot is open until 9 tonight, 9 am-9 pm weekends and 2 pm-9 pm weekdays, through December 15th. And next Friday (December 6th) at 6 pm, you’re invited to the annual Celebration of Trees holiday event.
OTHER PLACES TO BUY TREES: We are continuing to update a comprehensive list in the WSB Holiday Events and Info Guide, with tree sellers from Alki to White Center; if you know of someplace we’re missing, please let us know!
It’s National Native American Heritage Day, the Duwamish Longhouse points out, as its three-day Native Holiday Gift Fair begins. Some artisans are even at work as shoppers visit, including Jimmy Price, in our photo above. Below, some of the items created and offered for sale by Louie Gong – skateboards and smartphone cases:
(See a closeup of the cases in this photo we shared on Facebook.) Most of the artists are in the main longhouse gathering room, but don’t pass through the museum area too quickly – that’s where we spotted Paul D.G. Eubanks and friend, right next to the Christmas tree:
Clothing and jewelry are among the other items you’ll see – and drinks and snacks are available for purchase too. The Duwamish Longhouse is at 4705 W. Marginal Way SW (map) in West Seattle, and the gift fair continues until 4:30 pm today, then 10 am-4:30 pm again tomorrow and Sunday.
Volunteers from West Seattle’s Vietnamese Cultural Center kept their tradition of Thanksgiving giving for the encampment residents of “Nickelsville,” even though it moved on to three new locations three months ago. Center director Lee Bui shares the photos. He says the group led by Dr. Tran Hai Khanh, M.D., went to all three sites within a few hours at midday today, first Skyway, then the two encampments in central Seattle. The brought clothes and seafood gumbo and gave haircuts and vaccinations.
Bui says that while it was foggy, it was more beautiful than last year since it wasn’t raining!
The Vietnamese Cultural Center, if you haven’t been, is at 2236 SW Orchard, a block west of Delridge, and is open to the public on Saturday afternoons. This is the third year it’s brought a group of volunteers to Nickelsville – at the West Seattle site in 2011 and 2012, and now the three others – for Thanksgiving.
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