West Seattle, Washington
20 Monday
(December 2 Junction Hometown Holidays mule-drawn carriage; photo by Nick Adams for WSB)
Though it’s the second-to-last Sunday before Christmas, it’s the last one for many holiday events, since next weekend is a time for traveling and last-minute shopping. Among the highlights – the last Sunday for West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays (co-sponsored by WSB), with the return of mule-drawn carriage rides! And the Admiral Theater’s free Christmas movie. The highlights, from the WSB Holiday Guide and regular year-round Event Calendar, right after weather/water/road alerts:
WEATHER ALERTS: Reminder, the National Weather Service has a High Wind Watch in effect for our area tonight through tomorrow morning, and a Coastal Flood Watch for the potential intersection of strong wind and the extra-high high tides. Speaking of which …
HIGHEST HIGH TIDE: 7:34 am is the second and last instance of the highest of the high tides in this “king tides” cycle – 13 feet. (Here’s the chart.)
TRAFFIC-ALERT REMINDER: The lane closure on southbound 99/Alaskan Way Viaduct and Atlantic St. offramp closure are scheduled to continue till early Monday morning, so be forewarned of possible traffic backups till then – consider heading to West Seattle via alternate routes (1st Avenue South to Spokane St. Viaduct or 1st Avenue S. Bridge, 4th Avenue South to 1st Avenue S. Bridge, I-5).
**already closed**FINAL DAY FOR HOLY ROSARY TREE LOT: 41st and Dakota, last scheduled day for the lot (a WSB sponsor) that’s benefiting not only Holy Rosary School, but also three local charities: West Seattle Food Bank, West Seattle Helpline, and the Salvation Army’s Hickman House shelter for domestic-violence survivors.
CHRISTMAS PAGEANT: West Side Presbyterian Church presents “A Rockin’ Royal Christmas Pageant” at 9:40 am & 4:30 pm, 3601 California SW: “A Higher Calling to a Higher King – An action-packed musical that is complete with investigations, mystery, travel and oh yes – ‘royalty’. The songs are catchy and our orchestra will ‘rock’! Presented by our children and youth. All ages are welcome. A cookie reception will follow the 4:30 pm show. Admission is free.”
LAST CHANCE FOR PATHFINDER WREATHS: The handmade wreaths benefiting Pathfinder K-8 are scheduled to be available at their booth by the Farmers’ Market (next to KeyBank) one last time today, 9:30 am-2 pm.
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, 44th and Alaska, as always.
SANTA PHOTOS IN THE JUNCTION: 11 am-3 pm, as part of Hometown Holidays, Santa will listen to your children’s Christmas requests at City Mouse Studio and Store (4218 SW Alaska). Professional Santa photos and printing – suggested donation of $15 or more goes to WestSide Baby.
MULE-DRAWN CARRIAGE RIDES IN THE JUNCTION: 11 am-3 pm, FREE, courtesy of the West Seattle Junction Association. Take a traditional carriage ride down California SW, pulled by beautiful Belgian Draft Mules. Carriages depart on California SW in front of KeyBank at Hometown Holidays Headquarters.
STOTTLE WINERY TASTING ROOM: Noon-6 pm, 3400 Harbor Avenue; tasting info here (Stottle is a WSB sponsor).
BENEFIT GIFT WRAPPING: “Wrap It Up” with Furry Faces Foundation and AARF: These two animal-advocacy groups are wrapping gifts by donation (you decide how much), with 100 percent of the donations going to help animals. The first session is today, 1-7 pm at Beveridge Place Pub, 6413 California Ave SW (during the Specialty Bottle Sale and for a couple hours after).
SANTA’S FIRST MAGICAL RIDE: Matinee performance of the locally written/produced “Santa’s First Magical Ride: The Musical” (WSB sponsor), 2 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW); tickets available online. Bring your camera, because showgoers can take photos with Santa afterward!
‘EPIC OF THE NORTH WIND’: Native storyteller/artist Roger Fernandes invites you to “journey back to the time when the North Wind held this land under his power,” with song and dance, 2 pm at the Duwamish Longhouse (4705 W. Marginal Way SW). Cocoa and cookies (and see the Longhouse’s decorated tree). Details in the calendar listing.
‘MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET: THE RADIO PLAY’ FINALE: Twelfth Night Productions‘ holiday show will be performed one final time at 3 pm today at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW); tickets available online. Also: A Children’s Hospital toy drive is happening in connection with the show – bring a donation!
WEST SEATTLE COOKING CLUB: It’s meeting on a Sunday this time, for the holiday cookie exchange, 3 pm at Beveridge Place Pub. Organizers suggest bringing 4 dozen to 6 dozen cookies. More info here.
‘THE WINTER WONDERETTES’: ArtsWest presents the “new ’60s Christmas musical,” 3 pm today. Details and ticket sales are on the ArtsWest website.
FREE CHRISTMAS MOVIE! The Admiral Theater will show “The Nightmare Before Christmas” at 4 pm as this year’s free Christmas movie, benefiting the Seattle Humane Society – bring donations to help them help animals – details in the original announcement.
FAUNTLEROY CHRISTMAS CONCERT: At Fauntleroy Church, 4 pm on the sanctuary performance stage. Bronwyn Edwards will direct choir, brass, and percussion in a medley of modern and traditional music of the season. The event will include carol singing and a reception. Free.
BELLS OF THE SOUND: “Home for the Holidays” concert by Bells of the Sound, 4 pm at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (WSB sponsor), 3940 41st SW – details here
When you have as many Christmas lights up as the Menashe family does, you’re probably entitled to more than one visit from Santa Claus. And so, with nine nights left before Christmas Eve, the jolly old soul is there tonight amid the bright lights in the 5600 block of Beach Drive SW, for photos with young Christmas-wishers, including some of the Menashe family’s youngest members:
If you see this before 10 pm, that’s how late Santa (in the persona of “Santa Al”) was scheduled to be on hand.
A unique way to help tell the Christmas story to children – twin a Living Nativity with a petting zoo! That’s what happened at ARK Park in Arbor Heights this afternoon – with animals including a donkey and llamas.
This was a presentation of Arbor Heights Community Church – one of the churches listed in our lineup of West Seattle Christmas Eve/Day church services. See the list here – and please let us know if you have an addition or change!
With the weather mixing snow/sleet/slush into the rain this afternoon, it’s extra-Christmasy as We Three Carolers and South Seattle Community College (WSB sponsors) sing in The Junction this afternoon – you are welcome to join them at California/Alaska till 3:30 pm. Less than a block away, West Seattle High School band members are performing:
They’re outside Windermere at 4526 California SW – where free gift wrap is available till 3:30 pm for Junction-bought items. Bring your receipt!
If you haven’t checked the Holiday Guide yet for what’s up today/tonight – here are the highlights! With a few from the year-round WSB Event Calendar too:
BAKE SALE FOR FAMILY REUNION: Till 3 pm today and 9-3 tomorrow, a new West Seattleite hoping to raise money for a holiday family reunion is having a bake sale. Read all about it here.
BLOOD DRIVE AT WESTWOOD VILLAGE: Till 3 pm. Drop-ins welcome but note that the Bloodmobile will be closed 11 am-noon. Details here.
FREE GIFT WRAP STATION! 11:30 am-3:30 pm: Let us wrap your Junction gifts! The West Seattle High School Music Program parents will staff our gift wrap station at Windermere (4526 California SW) while the students perform in The Junction. Please bring Junction retailer receipt. FREE wrap and ribbon, no boxes provided.
CAROLING IN THE JUNCTION: We 3 Carolers, and members of the South Seattle Community College Choir, will be caroling in The Junction, corner of Calif and Alaska, from 11:30-1:00, and 1:30-3:00. Come by and join us if you like to sing carols! We will also be collecting cash or check donations to the Food Bank. Thanks West Seattle and WC Neighbors! And special thanks to B Sharp Studio and Clowns Unlimited for sponsoring this 4th Annual Sing-Along for the Food Banks of West Seattle and White Center.
SANTA PHOTOS IN THE ADMIRAL DISTRICT: Free at Merrill Gardens at Admiral Heights (WSB sponsor) 12 pm to 4:00 pm, bring donations for West Seattle Food Bank (see wish list in the Holiday Guide).
SANTA PHOTOS AT THE MENASHE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS DISPLAY: “Santa Al” will be available for photos – free with your camera, or have a photo taken for $5 – at the Menashe Family lights display (5600 block of Beach Drive) from 5:30-10 pm.
(More Santa photo opportunities today are in the Holiday Guide)
SANTA’S FIRST MAGICAL RIDE: Second weekend run for the premiere season of locally written/produced “Santa’s First Magical Ride: The Musical” (WSB sponsor), 2 and 7 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW); tickets available online. Bring your camera, because showgoers can take photos with Santa afterward!
BLITHE BAZAAR: 4-8 pm at Center Studio in White Center, the next chance to buy holiday gifts from local artisans.
CHRISTMAS TREE SALES: Last big weekend. Son-In-Law Tree Farm just announced their trees are all half-price till gone (California/Charlestown). Holy Rosary School Tree Lot (WSB sponsor; 41st/Dakota) is in its final weekend, today and tomorrow.
LIVE NATIVITY SCENE WITH SMALL PETTING ZOO: Free! One donkey, two sheep, one lamb, five goats, two alpacas, 1-3 pm at the Arbor Heights A.R.K. Park behind Arbor Heights Community Church at 4113 SW 102nd.
CHAMPAGNE TASTING: West Seattle Cellars‘ special 1-5 pm tasting, annual grower Champagne tasting. (There will be a $10 fee for this tasting, which can be applied to a purchase.)
FONDUE PARTY: Junction QFC is having a Fondue Party – announcing that “dipping time is 2:00 till 6:00. Come join in the fun, we’ll be melting gooey, hot cheese and dipping bread, pickles, apples, and veggies! We are also having a raffle for a FREE Fondue Pot. Must be present to win.”
PARTY ON THE FINAL NIGHT OF HANUKKAH: It’s the eighth and final night of Hanukkah; celebrate at Kol HaNeshamah, 6115 SW Hinds, 4-8 pm. Details here.
(Photo courtesy Twelfth Night Productions)
‘MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET: THE RADIO PLAY’: Twelfth Night Productions‘ holiday show is in its final weekend at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW), 7:30 pm; tickets available online. Also: A Children’s Hospital toy drive is happening during the show’s run – bring a donation!
TIDAL EXTREMES CONTINUE: As the winter “king tides” continue, 12:15 am tonight (early Sunday) is the lowest, 7:34 am Sunday the highest (here’s the chart).
(Photos by Nick Adams for WSB)
That pile of presents awaits kids at a South Park Community Center celebration today – thanks in no small part to the work of two Chief Sealth International High School seniors. We first told you last month about the toy drive Clint Hewitt and Conrad Hill organized as their senior project, Holidays 4 Hope. On Friday, like Santa Claus, they delivered what they had collected:
That’s SPCC’s Carmen Martinez hugging Conrad as Clint unloads more of the 425 toys they collected, donated by West Seattleites, schoolchildren to shop patrons:
At the center, volunteers were wrapping the presents soon to be received by excited kids:
Decorations were going up too – below right, Maja Hansen was working with volunteers from the Health Perspectives group:
Clint and Conrad had donation bins at 3 local businesses and 2 schools while collecting the toys they just delivered.
Though Holidays 4 Hope’s toy drive is over, lots of West Seattle giving opportunities remain – some listed in the WSB Holidays Guide
The occasional case of “mail theft” might just be the work of the treat-seeking squirrel photographed by Rich W‘s neighbors – thanks to Rich for sharing the photo! Here’s what’s up today/tonight as the second-to-last weekend before Christmas begins …
WEEKEND TRAFFIC ALERT: A lane closure on the southbound Alaskan Way Viaduct/99 is planned from late tonight till early Monday, as previewed here earlier this week, as part of the Atlantic Street overpass project.
WEST SEATTLE GARDEN CLUB: Monthly meeting 10 am-2 pm at Daystar Retirement Village (across Barton from Westwood Village) – you’re welcome for all or part of the meeting. Agenda and presentation details are in the calendar listing.
SANTA! Tonight “Ex-Westwood Santa” (maybe by next year we can just call him CAPERS Santa) is back at CAPERS, 3-7 pm, for DIY Santa photos – it’s a benefit for the West Seattle Food Bank, so bring cash and/or canned food to donate. Also tonight, the daily Westwood Village Santa photos continue – and you can check the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide for this weekend’s other Santa appearances.
DINE WITH THE EAGLES: The West Seattle Eagles‘ Friday night dinners are open to the public – 4-7 pm – and listed in our regular Event Calendar.
HANUKKAH: Seventh of its eight nights.
DENNY BOOKFAIR: Tonight it’s Denny International Middle School‘s turn at Barnes and Noble/Westwood Village – music, reading, and benefiting from the proceeds of sales with the special code this next week:
Come hear Denny IMS musicians play and students read, see student art, and help support literacy at Denny today, December 14 at 6:30 pm at Barnes & Noble (in Westwood Village, 2600 SW Barton Street, Suite E-1) A portion of all purchases (excluding electronics) will go to Denny! Tell all your friends and family too. If you cannot make the Barnes & Noble day in Westwood you may shop all week in any Barnes & Noble or barnesandnoble.com. To get credit for Denny, please use the code 10936813 when checking out. Thank you!
UPDATE: Not happening. ‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’: Stage Struck presents “A Christmas Carol“ at 7 pm at Fauntleroy Church.
SANTA’S FIRST MAGICAL RIDE: Second weekend run for the premiere season of locally written/produced “Santa’s First Magical Ride: The Musical” (WSB sponsor), 7 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW); tickets available online. Bring your camera, because showgoers can take photos with Santa afterward!
‘MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET: THE RADIO PLAY’: Twelfth Night Productions‘ holiday show continues at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW), 7:30 pm; tickets available online. Also: A Children’s Hospital toy drive is happening during the show’s run:
Please consider bringing a new unwrapped toy or gift card for these families. The following items are in greatest need: Crayola® crayons; Play Doh; fuzzy coloring posters; small Lego sets; Brio trains; nail polish; coloring books; arts and crafts kits; playing cards; tactile toys for all ages; rattles; links; Disney/Pixar DVDs; PG-13 DVDs; gift cards; videos, books, and music.
NORTHWEST BOYCHOIR AT HOLY ROSARY: We checked the website and it looks like tickets might be available for their always-popular “Festival of Lessons and Carols” – 7:30 pm at Holy Rosary Church, with four West Seattle singers among those performing.
LOTS OF LIVE NON-HOLIDAY MUSIC: Tonight’s slate stretches from Yesow at C & P Coffee to The Slags with Snowday at Poggie Tavern to Barbie Anaka at Salty’s on Alki – with Skylark, Benbow, Feedback shows too – the detailed listings are on our regular Event Calendar (to open any listing, first mouse over the right side to get the “plus” sign, click that, then click “Read more” for full details).
TIDAL EXTREMES CONTINUE: As the winter “king tides” continue, 11:28 tonight is the lowest, 6:50 am Saturday the highest (here’s the chart).
Leading into the peak of holiday-party season – tonight’s West Seattle Chamber of Commerce celebration at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) in Morgan Junction. Above, chamber board chair Dave Montoure with Lisa from Washington Federal – and next, a politician sighting (not unusual at Chamber events):
That’s City Councilmember and mayoral candidate Tim Burgess. He also visited the peninsula a week and a half ago to help out at the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle pancake breakfast. No flapjacks in sight this time – just rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia.
Continuing the annual WSB Christmas-lights spotlights – we photographed two of note along 36th SW south of the Admiral area last night. The house above is on the east side of 36th just north of Hinds (map); next, barely a block away, a unique “tree” outside a house that gets its annual dose of fame during an earlier holiday:
Our photo does not do justice to the tree of lights and plastic illuminated Christmas characters that rises outside the house on the southwest corner of 36th and Hanford (map), known for “Skeleton Theatre” every Halloween. This too is a must-see – we’ve never seen anything quite like it.
From a little ways directly west of there, Valerie shares this photo of the shining McKean House at 3431 48th Ave SW (map):
Working right now on a map in time for weekend Christmas-lights driving/riding/walking – stand by! And whether you have a photo or just an address to share – please let us know about your display, your neighbors’ display, something you drove by … editor@westseattleblog.com – thanks! (Meantime, our archived Christmas-lights spotlights, including past years, can be seen here, newest to oldest.)
You’ve bought the gifts – or, you’re about to (tonight at Shop Late Thursday or West Seattle Art Walk, perhaps?) – and now you need them wrapped. Here are two sets of opportunities over the final nine days before Christmas:
IF THEY’RE JUNCTION-BOUGHT GIFTS… free wrapping is offered the next two Saturdays (December 15 and 22), 11:30 am-3:30 pm, as part of West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays (co-sponsored by WSB):
Let us wrap your Junction gifts! The West Seattle High School Music Program parents will staff our gift wrap station at Windermere (4526 California SW) while the students perform in The Junction. Please bring Junction retailer receipt. FREE wrap and ribbon, no boxes provided.
‘WRAP IT UP’ WITH FURRY FACES FOUNDATION AND AARF: These two animal-advocacy groups are wrapping gifts by donation (you decide how much), with 100 percent of the donations going to help animals. Here are the five sessions ahead:
1) Dec 16th, 2-7 pm, at the Beveridge Place Pub, 6413 California Ave SW. (During the Specialty Bottle Sale and for a couple hours after).
2) Dec 20th, 6–9 pm, Beer Junction, 4511 Calif. Ave SW, (During their weekly Beer Tasting)
3) Dec 22rd, 3-7pm, at Elliott Bay Brewhouse & Pub; 255 SW 152nd St., Burien
4) Dec 23rd, 1–6 pm, Beer Junction, 4511 Calif. Ave SW
5) Dec 24th, 2 – 7 pm at the Beveridge Place Pub, 6413 California Ave SW
Thanks to Don Brubeck for capturing the sun’s cameo appearance early today. Busy day/night ahead! Highlights:
THREE LIBRARY STORY TIMES: Two for preschoolers this morning – Southwest Branch (35th/Henderson) at 11 am, Delridge Branch (Brandon/Delridge) at 11:15 am – then there’s one for toddlers at the High Point Branch (35th/Raymond) at 11:30 am.
FINAL DAY TO DONATE A TOY TO HOLIDAYS 4 HOPE! We’ve been updating you on the local students collecting toys to take to this Saturday’s South Park WinterFest holiday party. Today’s the last day you can drop off a donation – locations include Zippy’s Giant Burgers, JC’s Deli, The Original Bakery. Check out the Holidays 4 Hope Facebook page here.
HANUKKAH CONTINUES: Sixth night. And here’s a virtual menorah you can light; thanks to Eric from the Kol HaNeshamah congregation for the link (P.S. – KHN has a Hanukkah party on Saturday, listed in the WSB Holiday Guide).
CHAMBER PARTY: Tonight’s the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce “Mix, Mingle, Jingle” party, 5-7 pm at Feedback Lounge (6451 California SW; WSB sponsor), register online ASAP if you haven’t already!
WINE-TASTING EVENTS: Three tonight – at West Seattle Cellars (WSB sponsor), 5:30-9 pm, it’s the annual port tasting; at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), it’s Wine Club night, 6-8 pm (explained here); and at Bin 41 in The Junction, winemaker Marie-Eve Gilla from Forgeron Cellars is on hand for Art Walk night, 6-8:30 pm.
WEST SEATTLE ART WALK: Dozens of places to get your art on tonight – meet the artists, buy their work as unique local holiday gifts – 6 to 9 pm, walking map/venue list here, previews on the official Art Walk website.
CHRISTOPHER BOFFOLI @ ARTSWEST: The “Food as Art” three-artist show featuring some of the internationally renowned photos by longtime WSB contributing photojournalist Christopher Boffoli runs just a few more days at ArtsWest – where you can attend a talk with Christopher and the show’s other two artists TONIGHT, 6 pm.
SHOP LATE THURSDAY IN THE JUNCTION: While you’re out – check out the participating stores – also open till 9 (or so).
AND WHILE YOU’RE OUT – DONATE! Twilight Artist Collective, for example, has a bin for Treehouse – details in the “Giving Opportunities” section of the WSB Holiday Guide. Lots of other businesses, too.
‘SANTA AL’ ROAMING: Taking a break from his North Pole work, “Santa Al” (who shared the photo above) reports he’ll be “making random drop-bys tonight during the Art Walk and (Shop Late Thursday) at the Junction.”
ASK THE EXPERT: Second Thursday also means this monthly event at the legendary West Seattle Tool Library (northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, 4408 Delridge Way SW) – 6 to 8 pm, with experts on hand to talk with you about a variety of potential projects (among those you’ll find, WSB sponsor LD Arch Design) – full list on the Facebook event page.
ARBOR HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY BOOKFAIR BEGINS: 7 pm tonight, come to Barnes and Noble at Westwood Village to hear special guest readers from Arbor Heights Elementary, which is B&N’s Bookfair beneficiary – special code for purchases over the next week is part of the info you’ll find in our calendar listing.
MADISON CONCERT: Madison Middle School Music Department winter concert happens tonight in the Madison gym (45th/Spokane), 7 pm.
KING TIDES CONTINUE: We went out for a low-tide walk late last night, and we weren’t alone; others were out with flashlights, peeking at what was revealed on the beach. Per the chart, tonight’s the lowest low tide, -3.6 at 10:41 pm. The afternoon high tides are on the wane but tomorrow at 6:06 am, you’ll find a 12.8-foot high tide, almost as high as it’s going to get this time around.
More on the calendar – and ongoing seasonal events in the WSB Holiday Guide.
Thanks to Nicole for sharing the photo of bright Christmas lights at 1315 SW Trenton (map) in Highland Park. We’re working tonight to build our traditional annual map of West Seattle’s dazzling decorations, as the peak time for light-viewing approaches. Also in the spotlight: A great collection of photos by High Point resident Wendy Hughes-Jelen, who is again photographing the light-decked porches in HP – you can see more than 50 photos in her album on Facebook; find it here.
If you have a Christmas-lights photo to share – here are all the ways to get it to us. Or, if you’ve seen or heard of cool lights in West Seattle, White Center or South Park, but don’t have a photo, please e-mail us the address (or even add it here as a comment) – editor@westseattleblog.com!
We’re continuing to add holiday-season giving opportunities to the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide – including these two just in today. First, from Audrey at White Center Food Bank (whose jurisdiction includes West Seattle from Myrtle southward):
Do you have time next week to pass out food to clients at the White Center Food Bank at 10829 8th Ave SW? We need volunteers on the following shifts to help pass out holiday food:
Wednesday, December 19 (9:00 – 12:30 & 12:30 – 3:30)
Thursday, November 20 (9:30-12:30 &, 12:30-3:30)We also need people who are able to lift 35 pounds to help with inventory Monday, Dec. 31 from 9:00 am until done. We’ll be weighing everything in the warehouse.
If you can help, contact Audrey Zemke at audrey@whitecenterfoodbank.org or 762-2848. Families and kids welcome.
Second, a clothing drive that’s under way till a January 3rd distribution. From Clarke at Neighborhood House‘s High Point Center:
The YELS program (Youth Empowered with Leadership Strengths), in conjunction with Neighborhood House, is sponsoring a winter clothing drive.
YELS is a youth leadership program for at-risk middle school and high school students living in low-income housing in High Point. Our program fosters leadership skills through environmental activism, community organizing and mentorship.
Between now and Jan. 3rd, we are collecting new or gently used winter clothing (i.e. hats, scarves, gloves, coats, socks, sweaters etc.) for the residents of High Point low-income housing. Clothes can be dropped off at our location (6400 Sylvan Way) or at Kol HaNeshamah/Alki UCC, 6115 SW Hinds/blockquote>
The Holiday Guide’s “Giving Opportunities” section also includes giving trees, toy drives, and more – most of which end some days before Christmas since time needs to be allowed for processing and distribution – please let us know if there are others to add!
(Photo by “old desolate” via the WSB Flickr group)
Highlights for today/tonight from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and ongoing West Seattle Holiday Guide:
‘EARLY DAYS’ SUPPORT GROUP: Noon-2 pm, drop-in support group for new moms at Nurturing Expressions (WSB sponsor), 4746 44th SW.
‘KING TIDES’ WEEK: The tidal extremes continue – today, it’s 12.2 feet at 2:42 pm, and -3.4 feet tonight at 9:54 pm. (Here’s the chart.) And remember that the state is interested in your photos from the high tides – add them to this Flickr group (and if they’re from West Seattle, we’d love to see them in the WSB Flickr group, too!).
TUNNEL TOLLING COMMITTEE: The advisory committee talking about tolling for the Highway 99 tunnel, and related traffic-management matters, meets at 3 pm today, Puget Sound Regional Council HQ, 1011 Western in Pioneer Square.
HANUKKAH: Tonight is the fifth of eight nights.
FINAL DAY FOR PIZZERIA 22 COAT DRIVE: The annual Pizza for Parkas coat drive with the Atlantic Street Center. Donate a children’s jacket, ages infant to adult, and Pizzeria 22 (in The Admiral District) will give away a coupon for a free Margherita pizza.
34TH DISTRICT DEMOCRATS’ HOLIDAY PARTY/TOY DRIVE: 6 pm at The Hall at Fauntleroy, no business meeting – holiday potluck and toy drive – details here.
HOPE LUTHERAN CHRISTMAS CONCERT: 7 pm at Hope Lutheran School (42nd/Oregon), with the Bell Choir, Chapel Band, Glee Club, Vocal Choir and Seattle Lutheran High School Band.
‘WINTER WONDERETTES’: 7:30 pm at ArtsWest – this year’s holiday musical!
More for today/tonight on our regular (non-holiday) calendar! And ongoing holiday activities (such as Christmas tree lots) are in the Holiday Guide.
(Photo by Nick Adams for WSB, from 12/1/2012 West Seattle Junction Christmas Tree Lighting)
Just a quick reminder – 6-9 pm Thursday night is the nexus of West Seattle holiday shopping: Shop Late Thursday and West Seattle Art Walk, same night, many of the same places – plus Art Walk participants in The Admiral District, Alki, Morgan Junction, and other parts of the peninsula. You can preview many of the Art Walk’s featured artists right now by going to the official website – wsartwalk.com – and to see the list of who’s participating in Shop Late Thursday all season long, go to this page on The Junction’s website.
(Photo courtesy Trileigh Tucker)
“Dancin’, Drummin’, Singin’!” is the title of tonight’s holiday concert by the West Seattle Community Orchestras‘ Debut and Intermediate Orchestras, with the latter courtesy of the Endolyne Children’s Choir and director Amy Stagno Bokanev (above). The concert is tonight’s musical highlight from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide, and it starts at 6:30 pm at the Chief Sealth International High School Auditorium (2600 SW Thistle). The program includes Christmas classics such as “Little Drummer Boy,” “White Christmas,” and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” (Added – Trileigh’s video of “Little Drummer Boy” being rehearsed):
More program details are on the official poster (see it here as a PDF).
(Photos by Nick Adams for WSB)
Not all the holiday house-decorating has to happen out in the mist on a ladder … last night at West Seattle Christian Church‘s Activity Center in The Junction, it was a gingerbread-house-decorating (and building) frenzy (above, Shauna Jacobs and daughter Lillian; below, the overview):
30 teams built and decorated houses, all for a good cause – raising $1,200 for a new well to bring clean water to people in Guatemala. See how it unfolded, and find out about the winners, ahead:
Even before Donna Ryan (above) opened the doors of her City Mouse Studio for West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays Santa photos this morning, some excited families were waiting, we’re told. The line wasn’t too long when we went by before noon – some very patient little ones peeked through the festively decorated window:
Today is the first of two Sundays that Donna’s taking Santa photos – with proceeds benefiting WestSide Baby, continuing till 3 pm. You can also stop by the Hometown Holidays Headquarters kitty-corner from there, at California/Alaska by KeyBank.
About a mile south on California, the “Gifted” bazaar has begun at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor):
You might not need a fan now – but look ahead to summer, and Lisa Jones‘ playing-card fans might come in handy. Her business card says she’s “putting the FUN into FUNction.” Among the other art/craft creators there, microphotographer extraordinaire Machel Spence, RobRoy Chalmers, and Christin Schaefer with photos including the one that reminds us of the “grumpy cat” meme:
“Gifted” at Feedback (6451 California SW) continues till 5 pm.
The Holy Rosary School Tree Lot (WSB sponsor) has decked Walking On Logs at the end of the bridge, and has an invitation for you this morning – combine tree shopping with a Santa photo:
Santa will visit Holy Rosary’s “Coffee & Donuts” in the school hall this morning from 9:30 am until 12:00 noon. Children of all ages are welcome to come take a picture with Santa inside the school hall. Please bring your own camera and your Christmas wishes! Then, step outside to carefully choose your Christmas tree or lovely wreath to take home & decorate, completing the jolly outing!
The school is on 42nd SW, just north of Genesee; the tree lot is on its north side, at 41st and Dakota, and donates 15 percent of its proceeds to local nonprofits – the West Seattle Helpline, West Seattle Food Bank, and the Salvation Army’s Hickman House transitional shelter for domestic-violence survivors and their children.
(1st four photos by Nick Adams for WSB)
Two stops for the Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship (above right, with the Royal Argosy at left; WSB sponsor) tonight in West Seattle, at Lowman Beach at dusk, then at Alki Beach.
Beachfront crowds and Christmas music from The Dickens Carolers at both – and bright lights from the accompanying fleet (which varies, night by night):
This was the first time in as far back as we can remember that the Lowman stop was early in the evening:
ADDED: Video from the second stop of the night, at Alki – you can’t see the chorus, but you can certainly hear them!
On shore, as part of a celebration organized by the Alki Advisory Council, musical groups performed starting at 4 pm – from Hope Lutheran and Seattle Lutheran as well as elsewhere in the community. We caught an ensemble from the Seattle Women’s Chorus:
Hope Lutheran’s live Nativity Scene wandered the beach with banners:
A toasty bonfire crackled nearby:
Santa showed up – on two wheels:
And helpers inside the Bathhouse included teens from the Hiawatha Community Center program – tending to the treats:
While that’s it for West Seattle Christmas Ship stops this season, you can see it elsewhere – or even ride on board – see the official website for details.
It’s a Very Hairy Christmas with your own Cousin Itt Christmas tree. You can find it – er, Itt – at the Highland Park Improvement Club holiday bazaar till 3 pm (12th and Kenyon) – along with other handcrafted creations such as Andy and Keandre‘s work:
We’ve also been to the Schmitz Park Elementary arts/crafts sale – also till 3 pm (5000 SW Spokane) – where a bake sale is raising money for WestSide Baby:
Bonnie‘s offering popsicle-stick puppets:
Julian and Reed are raising money for West Seattle High School Global Visionaries travel:
And at Diva Espresso (4480 Fauntleroy Way SW) – here’s a gift idea:
The Mason-jar drinking “glasses” are on sale during the Diva “Art Pageant,” which like the aforementioned events, runs till 3 pm. Also under way right now – a sale till 7 pm at the Log House Museum on Alki, which will host the Christmas Ship‘s final West Seattle stop of the season at 5:25 pm, with a shoreside music extravaganza starting at 4.
(Endolyne Choir at Junction Tree Lighting 12/1 – photo by Nick Adams for WSB. Their holiday concert is today!)
Another holiday-season Saturday with lots of chances to celebrate – including shopping local at your local stores and local arts/crafts bazaars – plus music and more, including the start of Hanukkah:
ADMIRAL NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION ADOPT-A-STREET: If you see this before 11 am, go help! ANA’s quarterly street cleanup is headquartered at Metropolitan Market (WSB sponsor) – check in and take off. Tools supplied.
DIVA ‘ART PAGEANT’: It’s the annual “Art Pageant,” 9 am-4 pm, at Diva Espresso in The Triangle.
STORY TIME AT KOL HANESHAMAH: 9:45 am, focusing on holidays and Shabbat, geared for 2-5-year-olds – details here.
SCHMITZ PARK ELEMENTARY HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR: Schmitz Park Elementary welcomes you, 10 am-3 pm, 5000 SW Spokane: Crafts from a variety of vendors; raffle; and more! All proceeds go to the Schmitz Park PTA General Fund. And a special addition: “The second graders at Schmitz Park (Ms. Bailey’s, Mr. McMillan’s, Ms. Aylesworth’s and Ms. Noreng’s classes) are putting on a bake sale at the fair and donating proceeds to WestSide Baby! Many traditional cookies and bars, along with (rumor has it!) some gluten-free and vegan options as well. Please come down and support Schmitz Park kids and WestSide Baby!”
HIGHLAND PARK IMPROVEMENT CLUB HOLIDAY BAZAAR: Highland Park Improvement Club (12th and Holden) is also having a holiday bazaar, 10 am-3 pm: Shopping, eating, raffle-ticket-buying, and pictures with Santa.
ART SALE AT GINOMAI: The 5th Annual Holigaze Holiday Sale at Ginomai Studios (4401 42nd SW), hosted by artisans Kelly Rae Cunningham & Shelli Markee, 10 am-3 pm
VILLAGE GREEN PERENNIAL NURSERY HOLIDAY SALE: 10-3:30 (tomorrow too) at Village Green Perennial Nursery (WSB sponsor) (10223 26th SW): Find gifts for gardeners in your life… Gift certificates to stuff the stockings. Studio seconds…pottery, hammered garden items for you to finish and add to your own project. Glass garden spires created by Sean Welch from Avalon glass. Lollipops by Bedrock glass. Salves to soothe the gardeners’ dry hands and Healthy Chocolate! Also, of course, perennials, trees, shrubs, pottery and living holiday trees to plant out after the season…save a tree.
WSHS CHEERLEADERS BENEFIT: The West Seattle High School cheer squad is selling hot cocoa 10 am-8 pm at Son In Law Tree Farm (Charlestown/California), and part of the weekend’s tree-sales proceeds will benefit them too. More details here.
SANTA PAWS AT WINDERMERE: 10 am-2 pm, bring your furry friends to Windermere West Seattle in The Junction for a “Santa Paws” photo! Details here.
SANTA AL AT JF HENRY: This just in from “Santa Al“: After spending last night on the Argosy Christmas ship that was part of last night’s celebration, Santa Al returns to land at JF Henry (WSB sponsor) for free photos. Come with your own camera or have Santa’s elf helper take one for $5. From 11 AM to 2 PM today.
MORE SANTA APPEARANCES TODAY, AND WHERE TO BUY A CHRISTMAS TREE: See the WSB Holiday Guide!
ENDOLYNE CHOIR CONCERT: The Endolyne Children’s Choir present their Winter Fantasy Concert, 11 am, St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church (California/Hanford).
WHITE CENTER LIBRARY GUILD HOLIDAY BAZAAR White Center Library Guild Holiday Bazaar. 11 am-3 pm: Shop for special holiday gifts and goodies including cookies, breads and gently used items. This year for the first time there will be items from the Burien Knitters group. Entertainment by Magician Jeff Evans at 2 pm. All proceeds benefit the White Center Library. White Center Library Meeting Room, 11220 16th SW.
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM CIDER, COOKIES, SALE! The Southwest Seattle Historical Society invites you to join us at the Log House Museum today from noon—7:30 pm for hot cider and cookies and live holiday music by local entertainers. 10% off on all gift-shop items during this event only. (Walk a block inland while you’re visiting for the Christmas Ship!) 3003 61st Ave SW
‘FLAVOR THE SEASON’ TASTING EVENT: At Metropolitan Market, noon-3 pm.
‘SANTA’S FIRST MAGICAL RIDE: THE MUSICAL’: Second and third shows today for this brand-new locally written/produced Christmas musical (which is sponsoring WSB to help get the word out), Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW), 2 pm matinee and evening performance at 7 pm; tickets available online.
HOLLYDAY DECORATIONS: Check with Camp Long to see if there’s still room in this class, 2 pm, details here.
CHRISTMAS SHIP AT LOWMAN, ALKI: Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship (WSB sponsor) back in West Seattle! 4:35-4:55 at Lowman Beach, 5:25-5:45 pm at Alki – and a BIG party at the Bathhouse before and after the Alki stop, with music onshore too (see details here).
FIRST NIGHT OF HANUKKAH: The eight-day Festival of Lights begins at sundown tonight.
ART AND MUSIC ON ALKI: After the Christmas Ship visits Alki, pop across the street to Alki Arts (2820 Alki SW), for art and music, 6-9 pm: “Join us for a glass of wine, some live music in the background, and a ‘meet & greet’ print signing with artist Nationally-acclaimed artist Michael Birawer. Birawer has brought a new look to the face of urban neighborhoods through his unique style of painting. A combination of graffiti, cartoon, illustration and heavy textures, his paintings have received praise from both art critics and patrons, who describe his work as “one of the best examples of the contemporary revival of urban art. There will be new work and gift items for attendees that Michael will be bringing with him.”
‘MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET: THE RADIO PLAY’: Twelfth Night Productions‘ holiday show continues tonight at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW), 7:30 pm; tickets available online. A Children’s Hospital toy drive is being held during the show’s run:
Please consider bringing a new unwrapped toy or gift card for these families. The following items are in greatest need: Crayola® crayons; Play Doh; fuzzy coloring posters; small Lego sets; Brio trains; nail polish; coloring books; arts and crafts kits; playing cards; tactile toys for all ages; rattles; links; Disney/Pixar DVDs; PG-13 DVDs; gift cards; videos, books, and music.
MORE HOLIDAY GIVING … scroll through the WSB Holiday Guide to the “Giving Opportunities” section for giving trees, gift drives, and other ways to make this a happy holiday for those in need.
…AND LOTS OF LIVE MUSIC! Along with the holiday concerts (etc.) above, our regular WSB West Seattle Events Calendar also includes listings for music at various local venues tonight – check it out!
That sleigh and its contents represented the true light of last night’s 8th annual Christmas Tree Lighting at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church and School – the spirit of giving, in this case food donations for those in need. (Heidi Ehrenberg designed the sleigh.) Oh, of course there’s a tree too:
OLG is graced with the highest-elevation tree in the city, right across the street from Seattle’s highest point, at Myrtle Reservoir, 512 feet above sea level. Its lighting was celebrated as always with what might be West Seattle’s most festive outdoor public caroling session – highlighted as usual by “Jingle Bells” featuring hundreds of jingling sets of car keys:
Another tradition – local broadcaster/journalist Brian Callanan emceed, festively as ever, from beneath the tree, along with OLG’s pastor, Father Jack Walmesley:
While some in the crowd were decked in antlers or Santa hats (including Santa himself – clip in the works), OLG School’s principal Kristin Dixon chose the angelic look:
After the caroling, it was time to stream inside the OLG Parish Life Center for cookies and cocoa:
The center was dedicated last May. Chair of last night’s event was Tovee Delaliana, as noted on the program, which also listed the OLG Christmas Eve/Day Mass times – we’ll be adding those to the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide, and invite all local faith communities with celebrations this season to send word of the dates and times too! (editor@westseattleblog.com)
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