Updated for 12/22/2024: Welcome to this year’s WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide! Check back often – we’re updating it at least once a day now through New Year’s – adding what’s newly announced and removing what’s over – so if you have something, lease email us ASAP so we can add it! Note that the link has changed this year – it’s westseattleblog.com/holiday – thank you!

(WSB photo from past Duwamish Longhouse art fair)

NORTHSTAR TRADING POP-UP, THROUGH DECEMBER 22: Sheepskin creations formerly sold at Pike Place Market, closeout at a West Seattle pop-up. (7038 30th SW)

JET CITY LABS’ SMALL-BIZ MARKETS, CONTINUING DECEMBER 22: December 22, 10 am-2 pm, stop in to see who’s selling what at Jet City Labs for all your holiday needs, whims, and dreams! (4547 California SW)

ALKI BIKE AND BOARD CHRISTMAS EVE OPEN HOUSE: December 24, 12-5 pm, come into the shop for treats and beverages, and good cheer. (2606 California SW)

We’ll add whatever more we hear about – westseattleblog@gmail.com is the place to send your info – thanks!

(Mel’s family with Santa Tony at CAPERS on December 14)

COCOA CRIS CRINGLE AT EASY STREET, DECEMBER 22: 4:30-7 pm, $20 cash/Venmo (benefits charity). Most-fun “Santa” pics of the season. (4559 California SW)

OLG TREE: Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish & School (35th SW/SW Myrtle) has lit up the city’s highest-elevation Christmas tree!

MENASHE FAMILY LIGHTS: The Menashe Family Lights are the biggest and brightest display in West Seattle.
(WSB photo)
(5605 Beach Drive SW)

WHITE CENTER CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING, DECEMBER 22: This year at 16th/98th, 5:30 pm.

HOLIDAY LIGHTS AT OUNCES, THROUGH JANUARY 5: Nightly after dusk till close* (closing times vary; see Ounces hours here):

This Holiday Season, experience the magic of the Holidays every night at Ounces with Holiday Lights, Christmas Music, a 20 ft Santa, Festive Inflatables & Decor, Holiday Beer & Cider on Tap, FREE Candy Canes and more festive fun for all! Stop in any Tuesday-Sunday from dusk till close to experience the holiday magic!

(3809 Delridge Way SW)

ASTRA LUMINA, THROUGH JANUARY 31: Celestially inspired light show on the grounds of the Seattle Chinese Garden at the north end of the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus, times vary. Tickets and info here.

DECORATED HOMES, ALL SEASON LONG: We’re spotlighting homes! Watch this WSB archive.

Got lights? See lights? Neighborhood displays included – please let us know! We’ll be spotlighting lights all season long

HOLIDAY ROOM SELFIES, DECEMBER 10-23: Drop-in DIY photo ops at Curious Kidstuff (4740 California SW), noon – 5 pm.

HOLIDAY FARMERS’ MARKET, DECEMBER 22: 10 am-2 pm, last market before Christmas Eve/Day. (California between Oregon and Alaska)

(2021 Festival of Trees)

SALTY’S BRUNCH RETURNS, SUNDAYS: From Salty’s on Alki (1936 Harbor SW; WSB sponsor): “What better way to celebrate the holidays than in our festively decorated dining spaces enjoying our famous all-you-can-eat Seafood Brunch Buffet! Yes – our award-winning brunch buffet is back EVERY Sunday. It’s a cornucopia of our delicious PNW cuisine including brunch classics, crisp salads & seasonal fruit, chilled Dungeness crab legs, Emerald Acres oysters on the half shell, slow-roasted prime rib, and made-to-order omelets, scrambles, or pasta. Of course, it wouldn’t be our famous brunch without our towering chocolate waterfall and house-made sweet treats. For information and reservations, go here.”

FESTIVAL OF TREES, THROUGH JANUARY 2: Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW) will have a festive forest of distinctively decorated trees in Fellowship Hall through the holiday season. The public is invited to view them and “vote” for favorites with a donation of non-perishable items destined for area food banks. Open 9 am-noon Monday-Thursday, then an hour before Christmas concerts that will start at 7 pm on Saturday, Dec. 21, and at 4 pm on Sunday, Dec. 22. Free.

WEST SEATTLE RUNNER’S CHRISTMAS LIGHT RUN, DECEMBER 22: Gather at the shop (2743 California SW) by 5:30 pm for a leisurely run to see some of the neighborhood’s best and brightest, then re-gather for beverages and festivities afterward.

FAUNTLEROY CHURCH, DECEMBER 21-22: Two Christmas concerts at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW), 7 pm December 21 and 4 pm December 22. “Enjoy a free performance of seasonal music for choir, soloists, and instrumentalists in the sanctuary. Fellowship Hall will be open an hour before for viewing of the Festival of Trees.”

‘SNOWED IN (AGAIN),’ THROUGH DECEMBER 22: ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor) presents its holiday production, 7:30 pm Thursdays-Saturdays, 3 pm Sundays.

ArtsWest sent four of Seattle’s hottest musical theater stars on a cozy retreat to write the most perfect holiday show the world had ever seen. But when a blizzard hit, tensions rose and the crumpled-up notebook pages began to pile up even faster than the snow. This year, four more stars scramble to remount last year’s holiday hit. With hindsight on their side, the process should be foolproof. What could possibly go wrong?

Here’s where to buy tickets.

DANCE! WEST SEATTLE, DECEMBER 22: Presenting “The Nutcracker Suites” at 1:30 pm, Highline Performing Arts Center (Burien) – ticket link is in our calendar listing.

WEST SEATTLE NURSERY (California/Brandon): Alpine Nobles, Burton Blue, Douglas Fir, Fraser Fir, Grand Fir, Korean Fir, Noble Fir, and Nordmann Firs.

(Wreaths at Holy Rosary Tree Lot)

HOLY ROSARY TREE LOT: Closed.

TREES BY THE SEA (2530 Alki SW) … Closed.

JUNCTION ACE/TRUE VALUE: Trees in stock! (44th/Edmunds)

MCLENDON HARDWARE: Trees in stock! (White Center)

Also:

FUNDRAISING ‘DOOR DECOR’ SALES: Pathfinder K-8 PTSA and students are selling their handmade “door decor” again:

Sunday, December 22 – West Seattle Farmers Market
10 am-2 pm
corner of Alaska St. & California Ave in front of Key Bank

Wreaths are crafted by Pathfinder families from fallen branches, tree trimmings, and other recycled materials. This fundraiser for outdoor education at Pathfinder has been a beloved tradition since 1995.

WS delivery available. Also selling online!

CHRISTMAS COOKIES: “The Christmas People will once again be collecting home made Christmas Cookies at West Seattle Coworking, 9030 35th Avenue SW, beginning Sunday, December 22, 1 to 4 PM.. Monday, 23rd and Tuesday 24th from 10 AM to 4 PM. Cookies may also be dropped off at our main kitchen location, Artisan Community Kitchen, 10836 East Marginal Way S.,Tukwila 98168, Saturday, Dec. 21 through Tuesday, Dec. 24: 9 AM to 5 PM. We are hoping for 9000 cookies which will be assorted and distributed daily to 12 shelters and centers. Also food preparers and drivers are needed. Please call us for information. Fred Hutchinson and Ruth Bishop, co-founders. 206-719-4979″

WEST WINGS, THROUGH JANUARY 1: “West Wings is holding a food drive for the West Seattle Food Bank through January 1. If customers bring in a food item to donate at the restaurant and tell the server, we’ll take 10% off their bill.” (2329 California SW)

GIVING TREE AT CAPERS: Annual giving tree for families at Hickman House – stop in and claim a star, and bring back the gift by Sunday 12/22. (4525 California SW)

WEST SEATTLE GIVING SPIRIT: Started on WSB November 20 – watch for daily spotlights of local nonprofits with information on how you can give them a boost! See who we’ve featured by scrolling through this archive.

FORGOTTEN CHILDREN’S FUND AT JOHN L. SCOTT WESTWOOD, ONGOING: Starting November 25, wnwrapped toys and gift cards are being collected at John L. Scott Real Estate – Westwood (2600 SW Barton; WSB sponsor):

John L Scott Westwood/The Madrona Group are accepting toy and monetary donations from November 25-December 18, 2024. We are working again with THE FORGOTTEN CHILDREN’S FUND to bring Christmas to underprivileged families in Washington. Last year we delivered over 20,000 gifts to children and families in Western Washington. We helped over 750 families and approximately 2,100 children.

The Forgotten Children’s Fund began when a boy named Craig wrote a letter to Santa Claus in December of 1976. That letter never got delivered to Santa’s North Pole, but it did reach a restaurant in Seattle called Francisco’s. The letter immediately captured the heart of Mr. Dick Francisco, and the Forgotten Children’s Fund was created to help others in similar situations. The FCF currently operates in King County, Lewis County, North Counties (including Skagit, Island, Snohomish and Whatcom Counties) and Chelan Counties of Washington State.

Visit forgottenchildrensfund.org to donate, volunteer or just learn more about this organization.

While all donations are greatly appreciated, the age groups that tend to have the greatest need are infants, who need engaging but safe toys, and 9–12-year old’s, who tend to prefer projects and crafts. Any toys you are able to donate would be incredibly meaningful to the families who will be receiving your support this year.

Please bring your unwrapped gifts to John L. Scott Westwood at 2600 SW Barton Street, Suite A-6 (Westwood Village), Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday between 10-1 PM. You can also donate at our other locations: John L. Scott Bothell, Des Moines, Federal Way, and Mukilteo.

Checks can be made to THE FORGOTTEN CHILDREN’S FUND – P.O. BOX 365 – Mount Vernon, WA 98273. Questions? Contact Josiah Melton at 425-949-8434 or jhmelton@johnlscott.com

FRIENDS OF ROXHILL: Ongoing contribution campaign (donate here):

Every child should have a holiday meal and present, and parents and caregivers could use less stress this holiday season. You can make a difference by donating today to Friends of Roxhill Elementary, our school’s non-profit PTO.

Bring holiday cheer and help families cover basic household needs (e.g., groceries, cleaning supplies, utilities). Our goal is to provide each family with $200 in holiday and household support this year.

While we typically have about 50 families in our community who need support through the holiday season, Roxhill Elementary School’s counselor, Ms. Amber, has shared that the need for assistance has increased this year.

“Roxhill Elementary has the most amazing community of bright, loving kids and caring, generous families,” said Ms. Amber. “I know how hard it is to ask for help, so I honor every parent that has had the courage to let me know they need help right now. This is what community is about.”

Roxhill Elementary is a small but mighty Title I school with approximately 245 students, located in the south end of West Seattle. 60% of our students are on free and reduced lunch. Over 72% of our students are from BIPOC communities (Black, Indigenous, Person of Color). Our school has a strong sense of community. We come together to celebrate and support each other.

You can help us show every family that they are seen and cared for. This is a moment when we need to come together.

CLOTHING DRIVE FOR DENNY/SEALTH, JANUARY 8 DROPOFFS: Details here.

CLOTHING DRIVE AT DAVE NEWMAN INSURANCE AGENCY, THROUGH JAN. 1: It’s back!

The 11th annual winter clothing drive has begun at Dave Newman State Farm Insurance Agency.

In conjunction with the West Seattle Food Bank and West Seattle Helpline, we are collecting donations of clothes, coats, and shoes from November 20th until January 1st. Come see the new building front when you drop off your donations at 3435 California Ave SW. The office is open for donations Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. Tuesdays 9 am to 2 pm.

This year our agency will also collect food donations for the West Seattle Food Bank. For undergarments and socks please donate only new and unopened packages of clothing items. Pickup may be available for those who have donations but are unable to transport them. For further information contact the State Farm office at (206) 932-1878. Special thank you to West Seattle Recycling for their donation of collection barrels. Thank you West Seattle for your generosity and spirit of giving.

CONCORD INTERNATIONAL DONATION DRIVE: Contribute through this GoFundMe crowdfunding page.

Concord International Elementary School is an incredible school with bright, hard-working kids, loving families, and passionate staff. Concord serves a high-needs community – many of our kids qualify for Free and Reduced Lunch and benefit from our weekly Backpack program, which sends home meals over the weekend. When winter break comes on December 20th, many of our families will be hard-pressed to make up for the lack of breakfast, lunch, and weekend backpacks. During the holiday season, you can make it possible for all of our kids to have what they need, including basic necessities in addition to food. Please join the PTA in raising money to send gift cards home with the 50 kids in this program. We would love to raise enough for $100 for each kid for the 16 days away from the food programs.

Even a small donation makes a big difference – please consider donating to this campaign today!

Having a holiday sale? Special late hours? Seasonal deals? Email us info so we can feature it here!

ALKI KAYAK TOURS, ALL SEASON: “This year, we’re inviting everyone to give the gift of adventure! With a special 15% discount using code ADVENTURE15, treat your friends and family to gift cards and gift certificates that create lasting memories.” kayakalki.com

SHOPPING PASSPORT: More than half a dozen local businesses have joined forces to offer a “passport” with prizes, available all season, as previewed here.

DECEMBER 22: Holiday Farmers’ Market in The Junction, 10 am-2 pm.

FAUNTLEROY CHURCH (9140 California SW)

Christmas Eve:
4 pm children’s service
7 pm all-ages with candlelight/choir
11 pm with candlelight/communion

ADMIRAL CHURCH (4320 SW Hill)

Candlelight Christmas Eve worship service. December 24, 5:00-6:00 pm.

Celebrate Christmas Eve with traditional song and story in a casual, friendly, space. Community warmly welcomed! Child care available.

WESTSIDE UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CONGREGATION (7141 California SW)

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22ND, 10:30 AM
Winter Solstice Service – During these brief days and long stretched out nights, we take time for holy rest, and dreaming. We gather to honor what the darkness of winter has to teach us about getting quiet, and pausing in the threshold.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24TH, 5:00 PM
Christmas Eve Service: At our annual multigenerational Christmas Eve service, let us appreciate the invitation to pause and lean into merriment. We will tell the Christmas story and be reminded of the hope and resilience of a family searching for a place to bring new life into the world. May lift our voices together in song, and make lights in the dark.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31ST, 4:00 PM
New Year’s Eve Gathering: Join us for an informal ritual and marking of the year ending, the year to come, on New Year’s Eve in the social hall and, weather permitting, in the parking lot. We will share readings, chant, reflect, ponder the coming year and release our regrets.

ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH (3050 California SW)

Christmas Eve, Tuesday, December 24th, SJB will have our annual family-focused Holy Eucharist and Nativity Pageant at 5:00 pm.

At 9:30 pm on Christmas Eve, join us as we sing favorite carols of the season before our Christmas Eve Holy Eucharist with Incense at 10:00 pm.

And join us Christmas Morning, Wednesday, December 25th for Holy Eucharist with Music at 9:30 am.

BETHANY WEST SEATTLE (8600 9th SW)

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24 | 4 PM

Come worship in a family-friendly service as we sing, light candles, and celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, together!
More info: www.christmasatbethany.org

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29 | 9:30 AM
End of Year Brunch: Reflect on the past year and look forward to the new year at our Sunday Brunch service the last Sunday of the year!

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29 | 5:30 – 6:30 PM
Community Meal: For anyone who wants a hot meal!

ALKI UCC (6115 SW Hinds)

Christmas Eve Service

Tuesday, December 24 at 5:00 pm
Alki United Church of Christ
6115 SW Hinds
alkiucc.org

Carols and Candlelight for All Ages

Rev. Emily Tanis-Likkel, Pastor
Stephen Anthony Rawson, Music Director
Lyn Fulkerson, Guest Cellist
Alki UCC Community Choir

Children are invited to recreate the nativity scene as we sing our way to Bethlehem. All attendees are invited to bring cozy donations to the manger (blankets, hats/gloves, etc.) for distribution to those in need through the Westside Interfaith Network (WIN). The service concludes with a candlelit “Silent Night.”

FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH OF WEST SEATTLE (4105 California SW)

**Christmas Eve, December 24th at 11:00 PM**
A celebration of Christmas Eve with *A Candle Light Service of Lessons and Carols*, and Holy Communion.

The service will feature the singing of traditional carols; a candlelight procession of choir, acolytes, vergers, clergy, and handbells; anthems sung by the Deo Gloria Cantores; and organ music played on the magnificent Noack Organ, one of the finest organs in the Pacific Northwest.

**Christmas Day, December 25th at 10:30 AM**
A celebration of the Birth of Christ with a *Festival Liturgy and Holy Communion*.

These services will be celebrated within the old-world beauty of this historic West Seattle church with its massive pillars, arches, vaulted beamed ceiling, and awe-inspiring stained glass windows.

PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH (39th/Thistle)

WELCOME TO PEACE.

We invite you to join us on Christmas Eve as We Celebrate the Birth of Christ the Lord!

DECEMBER 24 CHRISTMAS EVE CHILDREN’S SERVICE at 5:00 pm . This service, geared particularly for families with children, will include the singing of carols and a telling of the Christmas story with the participation of the children who are present–including costumes! Holy Communion will not be part of this service, but the singing of Silent Night and the lighting of candles will! The service is about 45 minutes in length.

DECEMBER 24 CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICE at 9:00 pm. Our traditional Christmas Eve Candlelight Service of Lessons and Carols with Holy Communion will begin at 9:00 pm. Please come, enjoy harp music prior and throughout the service, Peace Ringers, and bring visiting friends or relatives along with you!

DECEMBER 29 SERVICE OF LESSONS AND CAROLS at 10:30 am. On the final Sunday of the year, we gather to give thanks for God’s presence among us in the Incarnate Christ, retelling the story of his birth and childhood, as we ring out the old and prepare for the new. This is a simple service of lessons and carols with Holy Communion and lots of singing. Come ring out the old and bring in the New Year!

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE CATHOLIC CHURCH (35th/Myrtle)

4 pm Christmas Eve Family Mass and Children’s Pageant and The Starry Crowns
9 pm Christmas Eve Mass with the OLG Choir
10 am Christmas Day Mass with the OLG Choir
10 am New Year’s Day Mass

TIBBETTS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH (3940 41st SW)

Christmas Eve Worship service, December 24th, 5 pm.
You are invited to a joyful celebration of Light and Song at Tibbetts UMC. Nursery care is available and elementary aged children can participate in a scavenger hunt during the service. All are welcome!

WEST SEATTLE CHRISTIAN CHURCH (4400 42nd SW)

Christmas Eve service – 3 to 5 pm

We’ll add more winter-holiday services as we receive announcements/schedules – so please e-mail us if/when you have your schedule finalized – thanks!

(WSB photo from 2019 Junction celebration)

THE DATES: This year, the 8-night Festival of Lights begins the evening of December 25th and ends January 2nd.

FROM WEST SEATTLE TORAH LEARNING CENTER: Three events:

Menorah Workshop at the Home Depot on Sunday, December 22nd at 10:00 am – Come build your very own Chanukah game!

Jewish Story Hour at the High Point Library on Sunday, December 29th at 10 am – The Chanukah Big Book will be read along with Holiday crafts.

3rd Annual Menorah Lighting on Alki Beach on Wednesday, January 1st at 4:30 pm – Watch as a 12-foot Menorah will be lit with a tiki torch! Enjoy festive chocolate gelt and jelly donuts with neighbors to celebrate the holiday of Chanukah.

Any other local Hanukkah events? Email us – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

GROCERY-STORE HOURS: Who’s open and who’s closed? … West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor): Open until 9 pm Christmas Eve, closed Christmas Day … PCC (WSB sponsor): Open until 7 pm Christmas Eve, closed Christmas Day … Trader Joe’s: Open until 5 pm Christmas Eve, closed Christmas Day … Safeway: All three local stores are open until 7 pm Christmas Eve, 8 am-5 pm Christmas Day … QFC: Both local stores are open until 7 pm Christmas Eve, closed Christmas Day … Whole Foods Market: Open until 7 pm Christmas Eve, closed Christmas Day … Target: Open until 8 pm Christmas Eve, closed Christmas Day.

RESTAURANTS AND COFFEE SHOPS THAT ARE OPEN: We’re compiling lists and linking it here by pre-Christmas Sunday evening. (Know your hours already? Please tell us!)

OTHER BUSINESSES: While we don’t compile a comprehensive list, business owners/managers are welcome to send us info – especially if you have any last-minute shopping hours on Christmas Eve.

MIDNIGHT FIREWORKS: Yes, the Space Needle plans pyrotechnics again to greet 2025.

NEW YEAR’S EVE AND DAY WALKS: “The Emerald City Wanderers again will host noncompetitive walks on New Year’s Eve and Day, starting at St John the Baptist Episcopal Church (3050 California SW). Different 5K and 10K walks will be offered on each day. On New Year’s Eve start any time between 4 and 7 PM from the Church, and enjoy hot soups and treats afterward in the Church community room. On New Year’s Day start any time between 9 AM and noon, with hot soups and snacks afterward. This is a great way to bid farewell to 2024 and welcome 2025. Donations are requested. Info: Mike Nagan at m.nagan@comcast.net.”

NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY AT REVELRY ROOM: 9 pm-2 am, book ASAP. Details in our calendar listing.

NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY AT WEST SEATTLE BOWL/THREE9 LOUNGE: 7 pm-midnight, book ASAP. Details in our calendar listing.

NEW YEAR’S EVE DINNER: Harry’s Beach House is offering a special one and wanted to list it here – details are in our calendar listing.

NOT-SO-SILENT NIGHT PARADE: Highland Park Improvement Club will again lead a neighborhood walk/parade with noisemakers on NYE to say goodbye to the old year. Details:

Celebrate the arrival of the New Year with friends and neighbors with an all-ages, family-friendly march through Highland Park. An annual event since 2009 (with the exception of the COVID shutdown), the Not-So-Silent-Night Parade is a community celebration to ring in the new year. All ages welcome.

5:30- 6 pm: Assemble at the Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW). The store will be open for mingling, snacks and libations.

6 pm: Parade begins

Bring your personal noise or music makers and festive lighting, and help ring in 2025 as we parade down to the Riverview Playfields for a ceremonial goodbye to the old and welcome to the new!

Interested in volunteering to help with this event?

We need:

Hospitality table hosts and cookie makers
Parade safety monitors
Luminaria set-up help
Love to dress it up? Help lead the walk!

Contact kay.kirkpatrick@hpic1919.org if interested!

Tips & Info

We parade via sidewalks primarily on quiet side streets
The route is approximately one mile, with some moderate hills. Folks are welcome to join in at any point.
This is an all-weather event! Light up your umbrella, wear your snow boots, come bundled up for whatever the season brings us.
Don’t feel up to walking? Onlookers are welcome to wave and cheer us on – or meet the marchers at the end of our route to join the ceremony and hospitality table by the Playfields.

Route ends at SW Webster and 11th Ave SW

Pets may want to stay home — it can get loud!

BAR PARTIES: Revelry Room, 9 pm-2 am, details in our calendar listing … more to come!

(January 1, 2022 photo by Scott Nelson)

POLAR BEAR SWIM: New Year’s Day morning on Alki – organizer Mark Ufkes confirmed to the Alki Community Council that it’s on again, 10 am sharp, all along the sandy beach.

Let us know what else you want to see listed here, and/or what’s missing! Check back because we’ll be adding to the page frequently, as the events come in!