(OUR CALENDAR SPONSOR IS MEEPLES GAMES

Our regular calendar will be back when our overhauled site is up – meantime, our daily highlight lists continue, and here’s what’s happening today/tonight:

LIBRARY STORY TIMES: Baby Story Time at Southwest Library, 10:30 am (35th SW/SW Henderson); Toddler Story Time at West Seattle (Admiral) Library, 10:30 am (2306 42nd SW); Family Story Time at Delridge Library, 7 pm (5401 Delridge Way SW)

LIVE MUSIC AT SALTY’S: Justin Kausal-Hayes performs at Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor), 5-8 pm. (1936 Harbor SW)

PRESCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: 6:30-8 pm at Hope Lutheran School. (42nd SW/SW Oregon)

CHIEF SEALTH PTSA: 7 pm meeting, all welcome, in the Confucius Center at Chief Sealth International High School. (2600 SW Thistle)

ADMIRAL NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: Choosing new leadership and looking at the future of the former interim Fire Station 29 site are two major agenda items, as previewed here. 7 pm, all welcome, The Sanctuary at Admiral. (42nd SW & SW Lander)

FAUNTLEROY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: The FCA board meets at historic Fauntleroy Schoolhouse, 7 pm, all welcome. (9131 California SW)

And a look even further ahead:

WINTER’S HIGHEST TIDES, NEXT THREE DAYS: This will happen before our daily preview is published the next three days, so we’re mentioning it now – the highest high tides (“king tides”) of winter are happening the next three mornings, 12.9 feet – 7:35 am Wednesday, 8:14 am Thursday, 8:55 am Friday.

(Originally published on our backup site during our technical overhaul)

The WSB West Seattle Event Calendar remains temporarily out of view during our official website’s overhaul work. We’re still presenting daily event highlights, so here’s what we have for today/tonight:

TEEN SERVICE LEARNING: Teenagers interested in service learning through the Seattle Public Library are invited to a 4 pm meeting at Southwest Library – but be sure to read this first. (35th SW & SW Henderson)

WEST SEATTLE PRESCHOOL FAIR: 5:30-7:30 pm at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church – see the list of participants here – they include WSB sponsor West Seattle Montessori School. (3050 California SW)

HIGH-SCHOOL BASKETBALL: The Chief Sealth International High School girls-varsity team hosts Shorewood Christian School, 6 pm. (2600 SW Thistle)

NDNC MEETING: Second Monday means it’s meeting night for the North Delridge Neighborhood Council, 6:30 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

DENNY PTSA MEETING: 7 pm, PTSA meets at Denny International Middle School. (2601 SW Kenyon)

OUR CALENDAR SPONSOR IS MEEPLES GAMES:

Seahawks-watching is no doubt the top event of the day, and if you’re not watching at home, you’re no doubt ensconced in your favorite place by now. But it’s not the only thing on the agenda:

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, see what’s fresh. (California SW between SW Oregon and SW Alaska)

‘GAINS FOR GOOD’ TO SUPPORT THE SMERSHES: 10 am-4:30 pm competition at CrossFit LOFT in The Junction, benefiting the fund for John and Frances Smersh dealing with her recent diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer’s. The Gains for Good website explains, and includes various ways to help. (4142 California SW)

‘CELEBRATION OF WOMEN COMPOSERS’: At 3 pm, that’s the theme for the Ladies Musical Club concert at the West Seattle (Admiral) Library. Instrumental and vocal performances of work by Viardot, Bonis, Chaminade, Kinkel, Lang, Tailleferre, Beach, Mari. Admission’s free but space is limited so, be early to be sure you get a seat! (2306 42nd SW)

ALLISON PREISINGER, LIVE: 3 pm at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor):

Allison Preisinger; a local singer-songwriter that performs folk pop/rock. Northwest musicians and fans have described Seattle singer-songwriter Allison Preisinger’s music as raw and honest. Her writing and performances provide a combination of the sincerity of an unplugged Eric Clapton with the melodic poetry of a solo Joni Mitchell.

(5612 California SW)

TROY NELSON AT SHADOWLAND: DJ Troy Nelson is at Shadowland in The Junction 9-11:30 pm Sundays. (4458 California SW)

ROAD CLOSURE ON PIGEON POINT SUNDAY NIGHT: Reminder that work is scheduled ~6 pm tonight to ~5 am tomorrow along 22nd SW in Pigeon Point, repairing the sewer line north and south of Andover. Not only will 22nd SW be closed for the work, so will the 22nd/Andover intersection, says Seattle Public Utilities. If the work isn’t done by 5 am, a second closure will be necessary Monday night. Look for the detour signs along Delridge and Andover; people who live off Andover east of 22nd will need to access their homes via SW Oregon, per SPU.

(OUR CALENDAR SPONSOR IS MEEPLES GAMES)

Good morning! Our regular event calendar will be back when this weekend’s technical overhaul is done. In the meantime, here’s our list of what’s happening today and tonight:

REMINDER – PILE-DRIVING AT THE PORT: As reported on Thursday, the Port of Seattle plans to start pile-driving work today at West Seattle’s Terminal 5 as part of this “testing” announced before Christmas, preparing for its modernization project – “about 27 piles … at the edge of the Terminal 5 wharf.” Today’s work is scheduled between 9 am and 5 pm.

POLAR PLUNGE: 9:30 am near the Alki Statue of Liberty, the Washington Technology Industry Association is presenting a Polar Plunge. They’re inviting “WTIA members, non-members, friends, and family 18 and up.” RSVP via the link toward the bottom of this page. (61st SW & SW Alki)

TILDEN SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: 10 am-noon at K-5 Tilden School (WSB sponsor): “We invite interested parents to a casual open house; chat with teachers and specialists, visit classrooms, and ask questions.” (4105 California SW)

NW MONTESSORI OPEN HOUSE: 10 am-noon open house for prospective parents at Northwest Montessori, which serves 2 1/2-6 year-olds. (7344 35th SW)

LONGHOUSE ANNIVERSARY 10 am-5 pm at Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center:

Open house, concert, and reception. Celebrate the heritage of Greater Seattle’s First People, Chief Seattle’s Duwamish Tribe. Open house, 10-5, visit exhibit areas and art gallery. Festivities include: 11 am Film — Princess Angeline, 12 pm Film — Chief Seattle’s Speech. 1-2 pm Artist Reception — Katrina Lane: Unique Native Vision. 2 pm Concert — Stories by Roger Fernandes. Duwamish Heritage Group will invite friends to join in song and dance.

This marks “the 7th Anniversary of the building of the first Duwamish Longhouse since the last one was burned down in West Seattle in 1894 to push the Duwamish off their land. In 1851, there were over 90 Duwamish Longhouses. Opened in 2009, the Longhouse is a traditional cedar post and beam structure designed in the Puget Salish Longhouse style. It houses a Native Art Gallery, Duwamish History Museum, Gift Shop, Duwamish Tribal Offices, and traditional Longhouse. Admission and parking are free, donations to support the longhouse’s ongoing operation are always welcome.

(4705 W. Marginal Way)

HIGH-SCHOOL BASKETBALL: The West Seattle HS boys-varsity team hosts Stadium HS at 6:30 pm. (3000 California SW)

MUSIC AT PARLIAMENT TAVERN: Starting at 9 pm:

Cross Rhythm Trio featuring Ben Bloom, Jason Gray and Grant Schroff of Seattle’s afro-psycho-beat band Polyrhthmics. No cover.

(4210 SW Admiral Way)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

STUDENT AUTHORS @ WORDS, WRITERS, & WEST SEATTLE: 14 student authors from Madison Middle School and Chief Sealth International High School are in the spotlight at Words, Writers, & West Seattle, 5-7 pm tonight at Barnes & Noble in Westwood Village, presented as always by the Southwest Seattle Historical Society. (2800 SW Barton)

FAMILY-FUN NIGHT @ THE Y: West Seattle YMCA (WSB sponsor) invites you to a night of family fun, starting at 6 pm – obstacle course, swimming, more – details in our listing. (4515 36th SW)

LIVE MUSIC: Acoustic singer/songwriter Ann Gates Fiser at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW) …

HIGH-SCHOOL BASKETBALL HOME GAMES: Chief Sealth IHS girls varsity hosts Seattle Prep at 6:30 tonight (2600 SW Thistle) … West Seattle HS girls varsity hosts Eastside Catholic at 8 tonight (3000 California SW) … Chief Sealth IHS boys varsity hosts Seattle Prep at 8 tonight.

LOOK INTO THE FUTURE … via our year-round calendar. Please note it will not be accessible while our overhaul work is under way this weekend (starting around 6 tonight), but we will have daily preview roundups with highlighted events on our temporary site Saturday and Sunday mornings.

Two views from early today, as we start our daily preview – above, Lynn Hall shows us the pink sunrise light on the Olympics; below, the crescent moon, from Chris Frankovich:

Now, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

STORY TIMES: We list the local library story times on our calendar as often as possible, so if you’re interested, browse the calendar from time to time to look ahead. Today’s lineup includes Baby Story Time at 11:30 am and Somali Story Time at 5 pm, both at High Point Library. (35th SW & SW Raymond)

HOME OFFICE/COWORKING MEETUP: Noon today, get your new year in gear by networking – free weekly meetup at noon at West Seattle Office Junction (WSB sponsor). (6040 California SW)

Tonight:

(WSB photo from Monday’s City Council meeting)

COUNCILMEMBER LISA HERBOLD @ SOUTHWEST DISTRICT COUNCIL: Two days after her first meeting as our area’s City Councilmember, Lisa Herbold will be “in the district” for what’s billed as a “casual conversation” during tonight’s Southwest District Council meeting. All are welcome at SWDC, whose participants are representatives from community councils and other organizations in western West Seattle. 6:30 pm at the Sisson Building/Senior Center in The Junction. (SW Oregon & California SW)

JIM PAGE AT C & P: Singer-songwriter Jim Page is at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor) tonight, 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)

And, one more time:

HELICOPTER REMINDER: As noted here on Tuesday, Seattle Fire says a Black Hawk helicopter from the National Guard is expected to land at the Joint Training Facility in southeast West Seattle sometime today. (9401 Myers Way S.)

(California Sea Lion, photographed by Mark Wangerin)

Before the morning ends – quick look at some of what’s up for the rest of today/tonight:

WESTSIDE BABY REOPENS: Donating? The holiday closure is over and WestSide Baby‘s back open to accept donations of diapers and other items needed by thousands of local families. (10002 14th SW)

LIVE MUSIC: 5 pm at Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor), Justin Kausal-Hayes performs (1936 Harbor SW); 9 pm at Shadowland in The Junction, it’s the weekly singer-songwriter showcase (California/Oregon).

WEST SEATTLE BIKE CONNECTIONS: First meeting of the year – 6:30 pm, HomeStreet Bank (WSB sponsor) in The Junction. Details on the WSBC website. (41st SW & SW Alaska)

SEEKING SERENITY IN 2016? Join the West Seattle Shambhala Meditation Group tonight, 6:30 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. Details in our calendar listing. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

WWRHAH SKIPPING JANUARY: No Westwood-Roxhill-Arbor Heights Community Council meeting tonight – WWRHAH will be back for the first Tuesdays of February, March, and beyond.

LOOK AHEAD … via our complete calendar.

(Thanks to Jim Spraker for the view of The Brothers on Sunday morning, just before the clouds moved in)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar – where you can look days, weeks, months into the future any time – the highlights for today/tonight:

CITY COUNCIL INAUGURATION: The 2 pm City Council meeting today begins with the inauguration ceremonies for councilmembers, including District 1’s Lisa Herbold (as previewed here New Year’s Day). Public’s invited, though the chambers are expected to fill, so last-minute arrival is not recommended. Second floor of City Hall downtown. (4th/5th/James)

COUNCILMEMBER HERBOLD’S VICTORY PARTY: After the big meeting, the new D-1 councilmember is having a belated victory party at the Chelan Café, 5 pm, since the election wasn’t settled until more than a month after the voting ended. (3527 Chelan SW)

FAMILY STORY TIME: High Point Library invites you to this year’s first evening story time for families, 6:30 pm. No charge, ever. (35th SW & SW Raymond)

WEST SEATTLE HI-YU: The heart of winter is the time to plan for summer. The first meeting of the year is when West Seattle Hi-Yu members and participants listen to ideas for the year’s theme, which leads to development of the next version of the last West Seattle neighborhood-rooted float. All welcome, 7 pm, Admiral Congregational Church. (California SW & SW Hill)

NIGHTLIFE: Trivia and more – see the listings/venues on the calendar!

P.S. – BUSINESS BREAKS: Two local businesses are on post-holiday breaks today and a ways beyond (any others? please let us know).

(Photos above and below are by Mark Wangerin: Double-crested Cormorant with Pacific Staghorn Sculpin)
While we hope you’ll find some time to rest during this post-holiday-season weekend, our calendar does offer some options:

‘WEST SEATTLE GET FIT’ TRAINING RUN: 8 am, meet at West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) as this year’s free “couch-to-half-marathon” training program gets going. (2743 California SW)

TREE-CYCLE WITH THE RAINBOW GIRLS: 9 am-2 pm in the parking lot outside the Alki Masonic Hall in The Junction, drop off your tree with the West Seattle Rainbow Girls‘ annual fundraiser, by donation – more info in our preview. (4736 40th SW)

SPECIAL SATURDAY STORY TIME: 11 am, bring the kids to the monthly Saturday family story time at West Seattle (Admiral) Library. (2306 42nd SW)

WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY REOPENS: 11 am-4 pm, first day for the West Seattle Tool Library after its holiday break. On the NE side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

IVAR EXHIBIT AT LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Noon-4 pm, visit the home of West Seattle’s history, and enjoy the visiting exhibit that spotlights the life and times of West Seattle entrepreneur Ivar Haglund. (61st SW & SW Stevens)

LAST WEEKEND FOR WEST SEATTLE YULETIDE: This just might be the last of the lights for this holiday season. West Seattle Yuletide, music-synched lights, plans to run through this weekend. Schedule’s on the WSY website. (38th between Dakota and Genesee)

LOOK INTO THE FUTURE … via the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar.

Before we get to the event list – the mountains, putting on another show as 2015 wraps up! Above, Wednesday evening’s sunset glow on the Cascades, from Monica Zaborac; below, this morning’s sunrise glow on the Olympics, first one from Chris Kanit:

And from G. Adams:

Thank you to everyone who’s contributed to another awesome year of community photography! Now, highlights for your West Seattle New Year’s Eve, from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide (which includes New Year’s Day events too):

WHICH RESTAURANTS ARE OPEN? Here are the ones that answered our calls for information about New Year’s Eve and/or New Year’s Day hours.

LAST SWIMS OF THE YEAR: At Southwest Pool, two sessions today – adult/senior swim at noon, senior water exercise at 1:30 pm. (2801 SW Thistle)

NEW YEAR’S EVE WALK: From Emerald City Wanderers:

Walk with us to bid adieu to 2014 and welcome 2015! It’s a great way to enjoy New Year’s Eve and Day, walking with family, friends and other kindred spirits. We’ll have 5 and 10 kilometer walks on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, different routes each day. And there’ll be hot soup to chase away any chills.

Start any time between 4 and 7 pm, from St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church; no fee, noncompetitive. Bring a flashlight. (3050 California SW)

NOT-SO-SILENT-NIGHT PARADE: You’re invited to join in the classic neighborhood parade, starting at Highland Park Improvement Club at 6 pm. “Assemble in the parking lot at 6 pm. Bring noisemakers, flashlights, lanterns – whatever is necessary! Parade starts when everyone is ready!” Followed by the Sage Comet Performance in the HPIC parking lot. (12th SW & SW Holden)

AFTER THE PARADE – CORNER BAR, COSTUME CONTEST, MORE: Continuing at HPIC, “DJ Doctor Lehl and DJ Evan will host The Dance Extravaganza from 8 pm until 2016, administering to our needs. 9 PM Costume Contest! We encourage everyone to dress up or come in costume. There will be cash prizes ( for the best costumes: 1st Place: $100, 2nd Place: $50 and 3rd Place: $25! Results to be determined by our unimpeachable judges and popular acclaim. We are doing this early enough so that the kids can also participate. Keepsake photos by RL Carroll. Your favorite local beer on tap, wine by the glass and a Champagne Bar with liqueurs and fresh fruit. Non-alcoholic drinks also available.” (12th SW & SW Holden)

KID-FRIENDLY NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY: 7 pm-9 pm, ending with the East Coast ball drop, at Admiral Bird – details in our listing. (California/Admiral)

NEW YEAR’S EVE SERVICE: At Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Gatewood: New Year’s Eve Burning Bowl Service, 7 pm. “As the year draws to a close, we invite you to join in the long-celebrated ceremony of the Burning Bowl; an opportunity to come together in community, to release the closing year, and to set intention and create open space to welcome the New Year. A spiritual ceremony involving fire as a cleansing ritual, this service incorporates letting go of the negative and unnecessary while clearing space for new possibilities in our lives. The burning bowl ceremony will be held in a quiet, contemplative setting encircled with music, readings, silence, and chanting. Everyone is welcome!” (7141 California SW)

BAR PARTIES: We’ve heard from two venues (anyplace else? comment!)

The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW)
9 pm: Hostile Makeover, Smashing Flannel
21+
Buy your ticket here

Parliament Tavern (4210 SW Admiral Way)
NYE Spectacular with Parliamentality House Band, 9 pm, 21+. Ring in 2016 with the Parliamentality House Band featuring Bobby Heinemann (bass), Colin Higgins (guitar), Marc Fendel (alto sax), Kevin Nortness (tenor sax) and Olli Klomp (cosmic dust collector). They’ll be dropping the funk all night long as we welcome the New Year. No cover! Champagne toast included!

LAST NIGHT FOR WEST SEATTLE LIGHTS: Final night of this year’s schedule for the now-legendary music-synched lights. On until midnight! Don’t forget a nonperishable-food item to drop in the bin in front of the house for the West Seattle Food Bank – or go to the WSL website to see how to help. (3908 SW Charlestown)

AND ABOUT THE FIREWORKS … of course you have many spots in West Seattle with great views of the Space Needle fireworks across the bay. Just don’t wait until the last moment to go look, especially if you’re thinking of a sea-level spot … it can be gridlock on the road and shoulder-to-shoulder on the shore as midnight gets closer.

If you can do it, our top recommendation for your to-do list today is to enjoy our spectacular West Seattle scenery. Thanks to Chris Frankovich for the photo of the Olympic Mountains’ best-known peaks, The Brothers, fully visible and snow-covered on this sunny morning. Now here’s what else you might consider for your list, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

TECH HELP: West Seattle (Admiral) Library offers free one-on-one help with tech tools and services they have available, noon-3:45 pm today. Unlike most library events, you have to make an appointment in advance – our calendar listing explains how. (2306 42nd SW)

(added) BASKETBALL LIVE STREAM: If you can’t get to Mountlake Terrace High School to cheer on the undefeated West Seattle High School boys’ varsity basketball team vs. MTHS, you can watch the live stream at 3 pm – go here. (WSHS beat Marysville-Pilchuck in the MTHS Holiday Tournament on Tuesday, 60-43.)

WEST SEATTLE GET FIT: At 6:30 pm, it’s one more informational session for the free program at West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) taking you “from couch to half-marathon” in the new year. Our preview has the details. (2743 California SW)

EXPRESS YOURSELF: Open-microphone night at The Skylark, one more time before it’s 2016 already. 8:30 pm (after 7:30 pm signups) – more info here. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

PLAN YOUR NEW YEAR’S EVE/DAY: West Seattle options – from parties to parading to plunging, with workouts and walks (and more!) inbetween – are atop our West Seattle Holiday Guide. Still time to add anything we’re missing – editor@westseattleblog.com – thanks!

Looking to learn more in 2016? The Field Trip Society sends word it’s headed this way for the first time. From “field tripper in chief” Cambria Cox:

We offer classes and adventures for curious grownups … a great way to kick off the new year is to learn about fermenting and probiotics at our workshop on January 10th at the Puget Ridge Co-housing Kitchen from 2:00 – 4:00. Hadar Iron from In Ferment will be teaching the class. You can learn more about us and see our winter schedule at fieldtripsociety.com.

P.S. More places you can find classes/workshops in West Seattle:
–WS Community Centers (WSB sponsor)
–Continuing Education at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor)
–Seattle Farm School

(Other suggestions?)

(Red-breasted merganser, photographed by Matt Olson)

While getting ready for the changing of the calendar – see the New Year’s Eve/Day listings in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide – there’s plenty to keep you busy today/tonight too. From our regular year-round calendar:

GIVE A LIFE-SAVING GIFT: As previewed here on Monday, today’s the day you can donate blood and help local college student Dennise Lopez, who’s co-hosting the drive, earn scholarship money. 10-noon and 1-4 pm at Holy Family. (20th SW & SW Roxbury)

MORNING MOVIE: “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” will be shown at Southwest Library, 11:30 am. Snacks provided! (35th SW & SW Henderson)

‘LET IT GO … LET IT GO …’: Sing along with “Frozen” when the movie’s shown at West Seattle (Admiral) Library, 3 pm. (2306 42nd SW)

DROP-IN CHESS: 4:30 pm at High Point Library, kids/teens of all skill levels welcome.

Q & A 4 FUN: Trivia at Parliament Tavern, 8 pm. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

(Cooper’s Hawk, photographed by Mark Wangerin)

Some of what you can check out today – from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

WEST SEATTLE SUNDAY SOCCER: Yes, there’s a pickup game! 7:30 am at Delridge Playfield, per the WSSS FB page. (4458 Delridge Way SW)

WEST SEATTLE ULTIMATE FAMILY FRISBEE: There’s Ultimate today too! 10 am at Walt Hundley Playfield, per the WSUFF FB page. (6920 34th SW)

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, with live music today by Tinker’s Dram. (California SW between SW Oregon & SW Alaska)

LEGO MANIA! At Southwest Library, for ages 5-12, 2-3:30 pm – details in our listing. (35th SW & SW Henderson)

MICHAL, LIVE: Singer/songwriter Michal performs at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 3-5 pm. (5612 California SW)

‘WONDERFUL LIFE,’ LAST CHANCE: 3 pm at ArtsWest, it’s the final performance of “Wonderful Life” – tickets available online. (4711 California SW)

Also:

HOLIDAY CHURCH SERVICES: Several special post-Christmas/pre-New Year services today – see the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide.

Thanks to Monty for today’s post-Christmas sunrise view. Though you can expect a general between-holidays lull for the week, we do have a few things on the calendar:

AFTER-CHRISTMAS ‘GARAGE SALE’: Junction TrueValue (WSB sponsor) started it today – clearance sale with lots of items 50 percent off, Christmas decorations 40 percent off. (44th SW & SW Edmunds)

PLAY GAMES! Long list of gaming activities on the calendar for today/tonight at Meeples Games (WSB sponsor). (California SW & SW Charlestown)

MUSIC & BEVERAGES: Legend Heart is live tonight at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)

‘WONDERFUL LIFE’: Second-to-last performance of this year’s holiday show at ArtsWest, 7:30 pm, tickets available. (4711 California SW)

(Brightly lit house at 34th SW & SW 114th in Arbor Heights. Thanks to Kelly for this photo and also to Steph for the tip!)
The list of lights is in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide, which continues on through listings for New Year’s Eve/Day, and yielded some of what you see below (as did our year-round Event Calendar):

ILLUSIONS OPEN HOUSE: Until 7 pm today, it’s the annual Illusions Hair Design (WSB sponsor) Holiday Open House: Buffet, last-minute stocking-stuffer ideas, & more. (5619 California SW)

MUSIC AND SANTA AT THRIFTWAY: Special holiday events at West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor) – pianist Keith Terhune at 2 pm; Santa Claus, 4-8 pm; Gary Benson on guitar 4:30-7:30 pm. (Fauntleroy/California/Morgan)

POEMS AND STORIES: Poetrybridge‘s monthly poems-and-stories event at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor) features Cara Mbaye and Benjamin Schmitt. Plus, community microphone! 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)

MOONLIGHT LOW-TIDE WALK: Along with the afternoon “king tides” – which switch to morning in a few days – did you realize the tide’s way out at night this week? -2.0 at 9:18 tonight. Even lower on Christmas Eve and Day (which brings the full moon).

(Thanks for the tip! Brightly lit house on 50th SW north of Hudson, photographed last night, added to our Holiday Guide list)

Three days until Christmas! Lots of holiday info in our WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide – who still has trees, where to see the brightest lights, coffee/restaurant/grocery-store hours and church-service schedules for later this week – but some of this is from our regular year-round calendar, too:

MOVIE AT THE LIBRARY: 11:30 am, watch “The Lorax” at Southwest Library. Free! Snacks, too. (35th SW & SW Henderson)

MUSIC AT THRIFTWAY: Pianist Keith Terhune, 2-5 pm, and We Three Carolers, 5-7 pm, at WSB sponsor West Seattle Thriftway. (Fauntleroy/California/Morgan)

SANTA CLAUS: Two places to find Ol’ Saint Nick today – West Seattle Thriftway, 3-7 pm, and Westwood Village.

GIVING TREE DEADLINE: CAPERS in The Junction is hosting one for Hickman House again this year. Get a tag and return the gift, wrapped or unwrapped, by the end of the day today. And if you don’t have time to shop – give a gift card! (4525 California SW)

AFTER-HOURS WITH THE FAMILY EISENDRATH: 7:30 pm at ArtsWest, “After Hours” with Ann and Ian, as explained in our calendar listing. (4711 California SW)

(White-crowned sparrow photographed Sunday on Alki by Matt Olson)

Wondering what’s up today/tonight? Here’s what we have, mostly from our WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide and year-round Event Calendar:

GIVE THE GIFT OF TURKEY: If you can donate a turkey to the West Seattle Food Bank to help someone in need have a hearty holiday dinner, WSFB tells us today’s the optimal day. Donation hours continue until 3 pm; you can use the garage off SW Morgan east of 35th.

‘KING TIDE’: Without a north wind, you won’t see waves and spray, but as shown here yesterday, it’s an interesting backdrop for a walk by the water, at the very least, especially on the Alki promenade west of the Bathhouse. 12.3 feet at 12:38 pm today, and waning in the ensuing days.

MUSIC WHILE YOU SHOP: Keith Terhune (piano) and We Three Carolers at West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor) – piano 2-5 pm, caroling 5-7 pm. (Fauntleroy/California/Morgan)

SOLSTICE SUNSET WITH ALICE: This is the best West Seattle way to observe the change of seasons – join your friendly neighborhood NASA Solar System Ambassador Alice Enevoldsen at Solstice Park for sunset watch. Free, fun, educational. Be there around 3:45 pm; more info on Alice’s website. (Use her map to get there)

‘LONGEST NIGHT’ SERVICE: 7 pm at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (WSB sponsor), which explains:

This is a service of prayer, reflection, music, remembering, and candle lighting. It is a time especially for people for whom this is not the most wonderful time of the year. It is hard when you have lost a loved one this year and this is the first Christmas without them. It is hard if you have lost a loved one around Christmas and this time of year brings back painful memories. It is hard if you have lost your job, have lost even your faith, and are feeling unmoored. This is a service where you can be yourself and receive a message of comfort and hope. If you are just not feeling the Christmas spirit; if the enforced jolliness is getting to you; whatever reason, this is the service for you.

This is part of our Holiday Guide‘s list of church services for this week. (3940 41st SW)

(Townsend’s Warbler, photographed by Mark Wangerin)

Here’s what’s up for this breezy Sunday, from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide and year-round Event Calendar:

JUNCTION SANTA: As part of West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays (co-sponsored by WSB), come to Santa’s House, 10 am-2 pm. “Santa is coming to The Junction to listen to your children’s Christmas requests. At ‘Santa’s House,’ you’ll find a festive tent to drop in for a hug and a smile. Bring your camera and capture your own special moment. Live music too. Meet at Key Bank.” (California/Alaska)

FARMERS’ MARKET: Produce, beverages, cheese, meat, more – and food trucks – are all part of the West Seattle Farmers’ Market, 10 am-2 pm year-round on Sundays – see what’s available in advance of your Christmas dinner! (California SW between Oregon and Alaska)

HOLIDAY SERVICES: Some local churches are having their holiday services today – see the listings (including Christmas Eve and beyond) in the Holiday Guide.

THRIFTWAY SANTA: Find Santa Claus at West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor) – 11 am-3 pm. (California/Fauntleroy/Morgan)

‘STAR WARS’ GAMES AT MEEPLES: Noon-4 pm today, second of two days for the weekend-long “Star Wars” event at Meeples Games (WSB sponsor) – see the full updated schedule on the Meeples website. (3727 California SW)

LAST CHANCE TO VISIT THE MUSEUM BEFORE CHRISTMAS: The Southwest Seattle Historical Society’s Log House Museum is open today, noon-4 pm, and you can see its new arrival – the life and times of West Seattleite Ivar Haglund, on loan from the Nordic Heritage Museum. While you’re there, shop for unique holiday gifts in the museum gift-shop corner – including books, apparel, West Seattle tote bags. (61st SW & SW Stevens)

MUSIC TO SHOP BY: Gary Benson plays guitar at West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor), 2-5 pm. (Fauntleroy/California/Morgan)

OPERA PREVIEW LECTURE: Seattle Opera‘s preview lecture for “The Marriage of Figaro,” 2 pm at West Seattle (Admiral) Library – details in our calendar listing. (2306 42nd SW)

FROYO FOR SCHOLARSHIPS, AND JACKETS FOR KIDS: 4-7 pm at Admiral Menchie’s, come meet Miss Seattle Taryn Smith, who is collecting jackets for kids at Mary’s Place and raising money for the Miss Seattle Scholarship Organization via part of the froyo proceeds – details here. (2620 California SW)

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS RUN: Meet at 6 pm for the annual West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) Christmas Lights Run. “Social, festive group run” – details and route in our preview. (2743 California SW)

SEATTLE GIRLS CHOIR: 7:30 pm at Holy Rosary Church, Carmina Angelorum: songs for harp & treble voices. An evening concert of elegant music celebrating winter and the holiday season, featuring harpist Juliet Stratton and the young women of Prime Voci and Cantamus. Works by Benjamin Britten, Edward Elgar, and Paul Carey to be performed. Check for ticket availability – $12 and $8 for seniors/students – or at the door. (4210 SW Genesee)

TRIO PARDALOTE: 7:30 pm at Kenyon Hall – details here, including ticket info. (7904 35th SW)

MORE MUSIC … on our year-round calendar.

(Amanita, photographed at Lincoln Park by Machel Spence)

FABULOUS FAMILY FUN – OCTOPUSES: 10:30 am session for kids 3-5 and families, 11:15 am for 5 and up, with visitors from the Seattle Aquarium at High Point Community Center. Free. (6920 34th SW)

‘STAR WARS’ GAMES AT MEEPLES: 11 am-9 pm today, first of two days of a weekend-long “Star Wars” event at Meeples Games (WSB sponsor) – see the full updated schedule on the Meeples website. (3727 California SW)

HOLIDAY MUSIC AT THRIFTWAY: Gary Benson on guitar at West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor), 12-3 pm, followed by We Three Carolers 3-5 pm. (Fauntleroy/California/Morgan)

SANTA AT EWA: Santa at Emerald Water Anglers (WSB sponsor) – “Pictures with Santa Claus @ EWA! Santa will be in the store from 1-4 pm. All ages are welcome — you’re never too old to sit on Santa’s Lap!” (42nd SW & SW Oregon)

COCOA CRIS CRINGLE: Easy Street Records is again hosting Cocoa Cris Cringle, as a benefit for the West Seattle Food Bank; it’s his 7th annual “Theatrical Holiday Photo Funomenon“! 4-9 pm, “shop for records, enjoy hot cocoa, and prepare to have a truly unique holiday photo experience … Cocoa welcomes families, individuals, groups, and most pets. … Suggested donation $15-$20, superflexible. Includes 3 poses with a variety of hats, props, and a fog machine. One printed photo to take with you, and shots with your smartphone or camera.” (California/Alaska)

‘CARTOONING SANTA’: 4-7 pm at Luna Park Café – 4-7 pm. From the café: “Food and beverage specials; have our Santa draw a cartoon for your little one or get a Santa picture (bring your camera). All the Luna Elves are working hard to get everything decorated and prepared for a fun evening! Hope to see you all there!!!!” (2918 SW Avalon Way)

WEST SEATTLE SANTAS: 3rd annual West Seattle Santas Pub Crawl. Per this schedule, starts at 6 pm at Coastline in The Junction. (4444 California SW)

MERCY MERCI: Live music at Admiral Bird, 6:30 pm. (California SW & SW Admiral Way)

SWTLC WINTER FEST: Teens are invited tonight to Winter Fest at Southwest Teen Life Center, 7-10 pm, with dinner at 7, games and more at 8. (2801 SW Thistle)

THE AMPLIFY PROJECT: 7:30 pm singer/songwriter showcase and benefit at The Junction Church – details here. (4157 California SW)

‘WONDERFUL LIFE’: “Wonderful Life” is the show this holiday season at ArtsWest in The Junction. Wednesday – Saturday at 7:30 pm, Sundays at 3 pm, no performances Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Buy tickets online here. (4711 California SW)

More holiday events/info, through New Year’s Day, in our guide, including church services; if we’re missing your event/service, please e-mail us at editor@westseattleblog.com – thanks!

(River otter, photographed from Lowman Beach by Trileigh Tucker)

Here are your highlights of what’s up today/tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide and year-round Event Calendar:

HOLIDAY CRAFTS AND WRAP Final drop-in session for teens at Hiawatha Community Center, 2:30-4 pm. Details in our listing. (2700 California SW)

WINTER FESTIVAL: Celebrate holiday traditions from around the world at High Point Community Center. 5-7 pm. (6920 34th SW)

MOVIE NIGHT: Bring the whole family to Movie Night at Highland Park Improvement Club, with a holiday theme! “Doors open at 6 pm with a children’s short at 6:15 and the main movie at 7. Free admission. Volunteers will be selling popcorn, candy and other movie fare. Bring blankets and pillows or sit in our chairs. This is an all-ages event. Bring your friends, family and neighbors. Double Feature! Children’s Movie Hint: In this 1966 animation (26 minutes) a grumpy hermit hatches a plan to steal Christmas from the Whos of Whoville. Movie hint: In this 2004 G (100 minutes) feature, a young hero boy on Christmas Eve boards a powerful magical train that’s headed to the North Pole and Santa Claus’s home.” (12th SW & SW Holden)

‘COSMIC AMERICANA’ LIVE MUSIC: That’s what Walter and Donny from Vashon Island are playing tonight at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)

PAINT FOR PARIS: Benefit at Mind Unwind, 7 pm – details and registration here.

NORTHWEST BOYCHOIR: The group’s annual “Festival of Lessons and Carols” at Holy Rosary Church is tonight at 7:30 pm. Find more info, including whether tickets remain, here. (42nd/Genesee)

(Alki Point photo by Gary Jones)

Here are your highlights of what’s up today/tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide and year-round Event Calendar:

PRESCHOOL STORY TIME: 10:30 am at Southwest Library, bring your 3- to 5-year-old(s)! (35th SW & SW Henderson)

TODDLER STORY TIME: 11:30 am at High Point Library. (35th SW & SW Raymond)

DIY HOLIDAY CRAFTS: Another chance for teens to make gifts and wrap them at Hiawatha Community Center, 2:30-4 pm. Details in our listing. (2700 California SW)

12s FOR GOOD: From Brookdale West Seattle: “We are hosting the 12 Days of Goodness/12’s for Good evening Extravaganza! This will be a fundraising event for a company called Answers for Elders, benefiting the Meals on Wheels program and Rebuilding Together. Join us for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. This is a free event, but we are accepting donations and all proceeds go to these charities. We will have special guest Tony Ventrella here as well as surprise guests that are Seahawks Alumni! 6-7:30 pm.” (4611 35th SW)

SHOP LATE THURSDAY: Part of West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays, one last Thursday night before Christmas week, many stores open until 9 pm – listed here.

DENNY/SEALTH CONCERT: Musicians from Denny International Middle School and Chief Sealth International High School perform a free concert in the CSIHS Auditorium, 7 pm – details in our calendar listing. (2600 SW Thistle)

UNPLUGGED: Monthly open-microphone event at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7 pm – details in our calendar listing. (5612 California SW)

ALAUDA BELLY-DANCE SHOWCASE: 7:30 pm, the all-ages showcase at The Skylark. (3803 Delridge Way SW)