West Seattle, Washington
02 Thursday
Seems like almost everyone is working harder than ever these days – longer hours, more demands. And on this Christmas Eve, a West Seattle writer is pondering what could happen if Santa’s elves and reindeer also decided to rebel against overwork. Writer Sue Barry‘s twist on Clement-Clarke Moore‘s 1823 poem “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” was featured by West Seattle journalist/author/historian Clay Eals in a holiday spotlight on the website he co-publishes, Seattle Now & Then (a companion site to his Seattle Times Magazine features with Jean Sherrard). He mentioned it to us, and tonight we are publishing it with permission, and with Clay’s photo of the author (who happens to be an Admiral District neighbor of his):
‘TWAS THE PLIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
By Sue Barry‘Twas the day before Christmas and all through the shop,
the Elves were on countdown, with no time to stop.
Their stockings were twisted. Their tempers were high.
They hadn’t had lunch and they wanted to cry.
“We’re working too hard!” fumed a frustrated Elf.
“The pay is too small! I’ve no time for myself!”They loudly complained as the hours flew past,
till all of their projects were finished at last.
All hands had been washed. They had changed to clean clothes.
Then Rudolph stomped in with a cold in his nose.“What’s wrong?” cried the Elves. “You are not looking well!”
“I ab dot!” sniffled Rudolph. “My dose caddot sbell!
But here’s the real reasod I’b cubbing to you:
Our deers have all had it. They’ve quit aad they’re through!”One Elf gave a whistle. Another one cheered.
Another just nodded and fingered his beard.
The rest of them mumbled and grumbled and frowned:
“We all should just quit when next year rolls around!”
“As if warming temperatures aren’t bad enough, our products aren’t trendy, like all the new stuff.
Our toys are old-fashioned. Our staff is old, too. We’ve failed to keep current. We’re toast! It’s so true!
We wonder how Santa can keep keeping on?
Just how do you think he would cope … if we’re gone?”Well, that was a question too sad to invite
on an evening like this, with no reindeer in sight.
They closed up the shop with its now-empty shelves.
“We’re out of here, Santa! Good luck!” snapped the Elves.The hour was late — it was more than half-past.
Poor Santa was stranded. He had to think fast.
“I’ll switch to my wagon?” he muttered. “My van? My old motorcycle?!” That seemed the best plan.
He strapped on his helmet and zipped up his jacket.
“Merry Christmas to all!” he yelled over the racket.
To his sleigh packed with toys, Santa hitched his bike tight,
then stomped on the pedal and roared out of sight.‘Twas at four Christmas morning when Santa returned.
His sleigh again empty – a good rest was earned.
The trip was exhausting for dear old St. Nick.
His poor feet were aching, his poor heart was sick.
“Oh, where is the happiness? Where are the joys?
Has Christmas lost meaning for these girls and boys?”“It’s different for children,” his wife counseled him.
“They’re glued to their screens. And each notion and whim gets met by their parents, indulged by their friends.
Their hungers for ‘things’ have no limits, no ends.”“You know, Mrs. Claus,” sighed that once-jolly fellow,
“I wish for the old days, when life was more…mellow.
Before there were tablets and instant smartphones, wild video games, TikTok, Star Wars, and drones,
before there was NOW! Instant gratification!”
(Perhaps, thought his wife, Santa needs a vacation!)“When children hung stockings and hoped I would stop
to bring them one doll, or one ball, or one top.
When real trees were trimmed with crisp popcorn on strings,
with cranberries, candles and (yawn) carved wooden things….”
The thoughts were so painful. He nodded. Then slept,
recalling those years when his Christmas was kept.
*****The Elves stayed through winter, then planned their last day.
Their minds were made up — they were quitting come May.
Though Santa implored them, they wouldn’t back down.
“We’re finished!” they glared. “We’ll get good jobs in town!”Claus Factories closed at the North Pole right then.
No toys could be fashioned without those small men.
So months followed months. There was nothing to pack:
No toys for his journey, no gifts for his sack.
He sat by his stove as he fought back the tears:
“I’m losing my job! It’s the worst of my fears!”
Mrs. Claus couldn’t listen. She climbed to the door
of the old family attic atop the fourth floor.
“Up here!” she was shouting. “These toys — they’re not new!
They’re broken and dusty. They’ll just have to do!”And that was how Christmas-time happened at last:
with old-fashioned playthings and gifts from the past.
Santa emptied the attic, repaired all those toys,
to take them with love to a few girls and boys.This year, thought poor Santa, my trip will be short.
But suddenly hoofbeats! And then a loud “Snort!”
In the wide-open door grinned his famous deer friend,
the one with the nose that glowed red at its end.
And behind him were all of the other reindeer —
they were smiling and stamping and bringing good cheer.“We’re all here to help!” shouted Rudolph with glee.
“Then we’ll bargain with you, represented by me!”
“Great news!” Santa yelled, and he ran for his rope.
“Ho! Ho! Ho! Welcome home! We had given up hope!”And as he was hitching the deer to his sled,
the Elves reappeared. “We’ve re-tooled!” they said.
“We’ve learned to make gifts that a cool Santa brings,
like Legos and robots and digital things.
We’ve used what’s recycled and healthful and new —
What’s good for the planet, for us and for you!”The Elves grabbed their baskets of colorful toys.
“Got room for these, Santa? For good girls and boys?”
Now Rudolph’s nose glowed like a halogen cherry,
and Santa’s eyes twinkled, his thoughts growing merry.
They loaded the sleigh and he drove out of sight.
“We can bargain tomorrow! Now, to all: a good night!”And just as he’d promised, when Santa was through,
he drew up new contracts and signed them all, too.
So that’s how the deer got new beds and fresh hay,
and the Elves got new hours with raises in pay.
Now each Christmas is special, without any doubt,
and sharing with others is what it’s about.
For Christmas is best when your wishes are small,
and your giving is GREAT! Merry Christmas to all!
If you browse Seattle Then & Now’s current crop of Santa-themed “Web extras” on this page, you’ll also find a newspaper story Clay wrote 40+ years ago about a unique Santa visiting a West Seattle elementary school – and a bit about Clay’s own years as a Santa.
(Thanks to Michelle for the photo from ‘near Lincoln Park’)
As with years past, our daily “what’s happening” list for Christmas Eve is mostly a list OF lists, with info we’ve been compiling as Christmas Eve/Day approached.
GROCERY-STORE CLOSING TIMES: Local supermarkets close early today/tonight. This list is in the Christmas Eve/Day info atop our West Seattle Holiday Guide.
RESTAURANT LIST: Many restaurants close early too, or are completely closed. There’s info on many in our list of restaurants open Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and/or New Year’s Day.
COFFEE-SHOP LIST: Same goes for the coffee-shop list, which includes early closings for today and who’s open tomorrow.
(Note for the above two lists – businesses may have changed their plans since we gathered this info – if you know of a change, please text 206-293-6302 or email westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!)
LAST-MINUTE SHOPPING: We invited businesses to let us know if they’re open Christmas Eve. We have a few in the Guide. (Not too late to add!)
CHRISTMAS EVE CHURCH SERVICES: All the churches we’ve heard from with services tonight (and beyond) are also listed in the Holiday Guide.
Here’s what else we have – some are regular listings, so, apologies if there are Christmas Eve changes we weren’t notified about – let us know!
LIBRARIES CLOSED: Seattle Public Library has a systemwide closure today and tomorrow. King County Library System too.
FAUNTLEROY CHURCH FESTIVAL OF TREES: On this Christmas Eve morning, you can go see the decorated trees in the Fellowship Hall at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW), until noon, and “vote” for your favorite(s) with nonperishable food donations.
COOKIE DROPOFFS FOR THE CHRISTMAS PEOPLE: Baking homemade cookies for The Christmas People to include with holiday meals for people in need? Today’s your last chance to drop them off at West Seattle Coworking (9030 35th SW; WSB sponsor), 10 am-4 pm
HOLIDAY MUSIC AT THRIFTWAY: 2 pm-5 pm, Alex Baird serenades shoppers at West Seattle Thriftway (4201 SW Morgan; WSB sponsor)
WEST SEATTLE RUNNER GROUP RUN: Canceled tonight – shop’s closed today and tomorrow.
TRIVIA & KARAOKE: Admiral Pub (2306 California SW) confirms they’re on tonight, 7 and 9 pm respectively.
JET CITY LABS COMEDY NIGHT: 7:30 pm, it’s on! (4547 California SW)
BINGO AT CORNER POCKET: 7:30 pm, 21+.
THE REST OF THE CALENDAR: We’re checking on regular features and skipping them for tonight if we can’t confirm they’re still on. Still updating tomorrow too.
Hosting an event, seasonal or otherwise? Tell your West Seattle neighbors via our event calendar and/or Holiday Guide – just email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
It’s a holiday tradition in West Seattle – baking cookies for The Christmas People to include with meals they’re providing to people in need – and again this year, people are amply answering the call. We invited cookie bakers to share photos; the one above is from Betsy, who delivered more than a thousand cookies baked by Tibbetts United Methodist Church “and friends” to dropoff spot West Seattle Coworking (9030 35th SW; WSB sponsor). We also got pics from Katie, whose kids contributed – Cora baked gingerbread spritz cookies:
And Julian baked apple-cider snickerdoodle cookies:
If you have home-baked cookies to donate, take them to WSC 10 am-4 pm tomorrow (Wednesday, December 24). No fancy packaging required – box, bag, whatever. But do include a note/label if they contain nuts/nut butter(s).
It’s Christmas week and that means list time. We’ve already announced our Christmas Eve/Day grocery-store hours list – it’s in our West Seattle Holiday Guide – and our Christmas coffee-shop hours list (find that here). Now we’ve just published the longest list of all – West Seattle restaurants/bars planning to be open Christmas Day, plus hours for Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day. Find that here (and linked in the Holiday Guide). We always say “planning” because invariably, some places change their plans at the last minute. We expect to update the lists with any additions, changes, corrections that surface – if you have someething to add/change, best way to get us the info is via email – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
By Hayden Yu Andersen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
If you’ve got the time, why not bake an extra tray of Christmas cookies this year for The Christmas People’s 27th annual cookie drive?
After last year’s donations totaling more than 9,000 cookies for King County’s underserved and unhoused population, The Christmas People are accepting dropoffs at three venues, including one in our area – West Seattle Coworking (WSB sponsor), at 9030 35th Avenue SW.
Drop-offs started this morning at 10 am and will run until 4 pm today, tomorrow, December 23rd, and the day after, on Christmas Eve. According to 5-year volunteer (and West Seattle Coworking proprietor) Ross, they experience the most traffic on the 24th, so plan to complete your baking before then if you want to avoid the rush.
Keep in mind that The Christmas People repackage all of the cookies for donation, so don’t worry about fancy packaging. “They could be in a shoebox,” Ross joked. “Take that extra ten minutes and bake another tray, if you can.”
For any questions, you can contact Christmas People co-founder Fred Hutchinson at 206-719-4979 or pialley@jps.net.
4:26 PM: We stopped by just before 4 pm; Ross and another volunteer were packaging cookies. He estimated unofficially they’ve probably received 1,500 so far – many more needed!
Looking ahead to New Year’s Eve, one week from Wednesday, Metro and various other transit agencies/services are going fare-free. Here’s the announcement:
King County Executive Girmay Zahilay announced today that Metro will join other regional transit agencies to provide free rides this New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31. Riders can travel without paying fares on King County Metro, Sound Transit, Community Transit, Everett Transit, Pierce Transit and the Seattle Streetcar as part of their holiday celebrations.
“Leaving the driving to us is becoming as great a New Year’s tradition as celebrating at the Space Needle,” said Executive Zahilay. “No matter where you plan to ring in the new year, you have access to free transit options to get you there!”
Regional transit agencies will operate on specific schedules to accommodate fare-free New Year’s Eve and riders are encouraged to check times beforehand.
The free Metro rides will continue until 3 am New Year’s morning. Details are here, including information on this week’s transit schedules too (as noted in our morning traffic roundup, Metro is on a Sunday schedule for Christmas Day and the Water Taxi won’t run that day).
(WSB photo/video by Torin Record-Sand)
As also reported here, two concurrent menorah-lighting gatherings in West Seattle marked the start of Hanukkah’s eighth and final night tonight. At Junction Plaza Park, Kol HaNeshamah‘s “pop-up Hanukkah” was also attended, said Rabbi Allison Flash, by members of Alki UCC, whose building is shared by the congregations. Here’s what she told the gathering as she lit the menorah and Orin Reynolds led singing:
Hanukkah officially ends at nightfall Monday.
(Photos by Oliver Hamlin for WSB)
Two concurrent menorah-lighting gatherings in West Seattle marked the start of Hanukkah’s eighth and final night tonight. At Alki Beach, the West Seattle Torah Learning Center‘s Rabbi Eli Duban lit the giant menorah, after leading those gathered in a moment of silence for victims of the Bondi Beach massacre:
After that somber start, there was also celebration, as donuts and dreidels were circulated among the crowd.
The gathering was somewhat briefer than in previous years, due to rain and wind.
Some of the greater Admiral area’s most brightly decorated homes might have noticed a large group of visitors on foot tonight: The annual West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) Christmas Lights Run left the shop at 2743 California SW just after 5 pm. First, of course, the traditional group shot – here are the 30+ people who defied the rain (as runners tend to do) to take part:
Here’s the 5K-ish route that WSR proprietors Tim and Lori McConnell mapped out:
Tonight’s runners also were offered the chance to try out new Brooks shoes – one of many “demo runs” that WSR does during the course of its regular free multiple-times-a-week group runs. Also of note – you have two more days to shop WSR before Christmas, regular hours Monday and Tuesday, then they’ll be closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
It’s a café, it’s a concert venue … and it’s even a backdrop for Santa photos. Tonight is the jolly occasion when the north side of Easy Street Records‘ space in The Junction hosts photo ops with Cocoa Cris Cringle.
You still have an hour to get down to Easy Street and get a pic during “foto fun” with Cocoa Cris – hats and props available, as seen with this group:
It’s an annual tradition, with a $25 fee that Cocoa Cris gives to nonprofits.
SIDE NOTE: We’ve kept a Santa-appearance list in our West Seattle Holiday Guide all season – but Santa has to get back to the North Pole, so just two more left, 1:30-4:30 pm Monday and 2:30-5:30 pm Tuesday at West Seattle Thriftway (4201 SW Morgan; WSB sponsor).
See that spot on the bench next to The Grinch? It’s open for photo ops until 8 pm. This is part of Lacey‘s “Whoville” display, spotlighted here earlier this week (and in previous years). She says the weather in north White Center is not too bad so far tonight – a little showery, but no wind, so she’s welcoming visitors for photo ops. Bring a food-bank donation if you can! This is on 18th SW between SW 98th and Roxbury.
(2023 reader photo, from 600+ cookies baked by Tibbetts United Methodist Church ‘and friends’)
Got some time to bake this weekend? When we first published The Christmas People‘s announcement that they hope to receive thousands of homemade cookies again this year, we promised to remind you when the time grew near – so here’s the announcement again:
Home-baked cookies are needed this year for the 18 shelters, centers, camps we serve during Christmas Week. West Seattle Coworking, 9030 35th Avenue SW, will again accept cookies, Monday, Dec. 22, Tuesday, Dec. 23 and Wednesday, Dec. 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. No special packaging is necessary. Cookies may also be dropped off at Artisan Community Kitchen, 10836 E. Marginal Way S., Tukwila, Monday through Thursday, Dec. 22-25.
Please label any cookies with nuts, peanut butter, gluten-free, etc. Cookies may be frozen. Contact Fred Hutchinson, co-founder, at 206-719-4979 or pialley@jps.net
If you bake/donate cookies – consider sending us a photo of your cookies, and/or you and helper(s), if any – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
(WSB file photo)
Cocoa Cris Cringle is coming to town! His charity-fundraising photo ops at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW) this Sunday (4:30-8 pm) are part of the last wave of pre-Christmas Santa photo ops (including multiple visits to WSB sponsors CAPERS Home and West Seattle Thriftway), and the list – which includes Grinch photo ops too – is part of the updated info in our West Seattle Holiday Guide. Since mid-November, we’ve been updating the guide frequently with holiday events and other info – besides Santa/Grinch photos, four more reasons to check it out:
*Last-minute art/craft fairs/makers-market eventsDuwamish Longhouse‘s last one of the season, happening today only until 5 pm)
*Christmas Eve/Day coffee shop hours – we’ve finished that list and it’s now linked in the guide’s Christmas Eve/Day section (still finishing the restaurant/bar list)
*Christmas Eve/Day grocery-store hours – the West Seattle list is in the guide, with Wednesday closing times and what’s open Thursday
*Hanukkah (Sunday’s the final night) and Winter Solstice (also Sunday) events this weekend
And more – including events such as the West Seattle Runner Christmas Light Run (also Sunday) – we’re still updating, and also working on New Year’s Eve/Day, so if you have anything to add, please email us at westseattleblog@gmail.com or text 206-293-6302 – thank you!
7 PM: A little more blustery here in the west end of Alki but the rain/mist has stopped and the Alki Community Council-presented Alki Holiday Lights is on – with treats/freebies at many Alki locations (including the Log House Museum, where kids are making ornaments as shown above), Santa photo ops at the Bathhouse until 8:15ish and the Christmas Ship due here at 8:35.
(Photo by Jason Grotelueschen for WSB)
More photos later!
(Photos from here on down are by Oliver Hamlin for WSB)
ADDED 10:35 PM: Photojournalist Oliver Hamlin was there for WSB. Above, the Bathhouse buzzed with people enjoying free hot beverages and taking refuge from the wind – then venturing out to see the Christmas Ship:
Also making music, singers from the West Seattle High School choir:
And DJ Teck Savvy spun holiday tunes:
People were invited to write holiday wishes for Alki and the world:
And you could share your wishes with Santa and friends too:
We checked on some of the treat stops in the business district but those seem to have been snapped up early on. This was the second year the ACC organized Alki Holiday Lights.
5:56 PM: As expected, the weather’s a lot calmer here on the Elliott Bay side of West Seattle’s shore than it was when we left the west-facing side. The Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship is near Sslty’s until 6:10 and then will serenade the heart of Alki 8:35 to 8:55 – with lots of other fun first, as part of Alki Holiday Lights festivities at the Bathhouse, businesses, and Log House Museum.
8:37 PM: Video added – Choir of the Sound was aboard for both stops tonight; above, “White Christmas,” and below, “Good King Wenceslas”:
(WSB photos/video by Tracy Record)
Another special holiday delivery from Nucor Steel (WSB sponsor) workers to West Seattleites. Last week’s recipients were at the West Seattle Food Bank; today, Providence Mount St. Vincent (WSB sponsor), where gifts from a Giving Tree in the local steel mill’s lobby were delivered this past hour. That’s welcome assistance for the most famous Christmas gift-giver of all, Santa Claus himself, who was there with The Mount’s Molly Swain and team:
Santa even had a song for the occasion:
The gifts we could see – which will be wrapped before distribution – were mostly practical items, but Swain tells us Nucor workers also donated gift cards that will be used for very special wishes. She says the gifts are all destined for residents in 24-hour nursing care, average age 94, and will be presented on Christmas Eve: “Why shouldn’t Christmas be as special in your 90s as in childhood?”
Two West Seattle Holiday Guide notes:
SEND CHRISTMAS/NEW YEAR INFO: With Christmas Eve/Day barely a week and a half away, and New Year’s Eve/Day just a week later, we’re now collecting the last round of information for all those dates. We really appreciate everyone who’s sent information – holiday religious services, restaurant/coffee shop hours, etc. – and there’s still time to send info about your church, business, event, etc. – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
HALF-PRICE CHRISTMAS TREES: Most recent info we’ve received is an announcement that Holy Rosary School‘s tree lot is down to its last two days, and selling trees and wreaths at half price:
Holy Rosary School’s Tree Lot, located behind the school (42nd/Dakota), closes on Tuesday, December 16th. Hours for remaining days are 4-8 pm. Plenty of beautiful Douglas, Fraser, Noble and Nordmann trees available. ALL TREES & WREATHS ARE NOW 50% OFF!
Thank you West Seattle for all your support this season. We will be able to provide a meaningful cash donation to the West Seattle Food Bank and Salvation Army Hickman House as well as provide over 50 coats to Union Gospel Mission!
Updates on other tree sellers are welcome too – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
(WSB file photo)
Previewing major events planned for the week ahead – Thursday (December 18) is the next big West Seattle night on the holiday calendar. The Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship makes both of its 2025 West Seattle stops (with Choir of the Sound performing) on that night, 5:50-6:10 pm off Salty’s (1936 Harbor SW), 8:35-8:55 pm in the vicinity of the Alki Bathhouse (2701 Alki SW). The second stop will be the heart of the Alki Community Council‘s Alki Holiday Lights celebration, coordinated by the Alki Community Council with beach businesses plus the Log House Museum. See the dozen-plus participating locations – and the treats/freebies they’re offering – by going here. And be at Alki Bathhouse for free Santa photos 7-8:15 pm!
P.S. As mentioned here last week, boaters are encouraged to join the Christmas Ship off Alki on Thursday night too!
Bring a new/lightly used coat and/or other warm clothing to the south end of the West Seattle Farmers’ Market today, and your reward will be a cup of cocoa, plus of course the knowledge you’ve done a good deed! It’s the annual West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays “Cocoa and Coat Drive,” gathering up bundles and bins full of warm clothing for the West Seattle Food Bank‘s clothing bank Clothesline. Volunteers from the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle are here to help. (above are Whit, Robbin, Sawyer, Denis from WSFB and the Kiwanis – look for the Food Bank van!) The market is on until 2 pm.
(WSB photos)
Santa Claus was coming to town. And so was Santa. Santa, too. And Kris Kringle. And did we mention Santa? If you were in The Junction late this afternoon and/or early this evening, you might have noticed an abundance of Santas. It was the 11th year for the West Seattle Santa Pub Crawl, which started at Shadowland (above) at 4 pm and ended at Poggie Tavern (below) at 8:
The pub crawl also takes advantage of Santa’s giving spirit with fundraising raffles benefiting a local nonprofit – today that was Furry faces Foundation.
If you were in the heart of The Junction at midday today, you might have caught some of the holiday music by buskers from B-Sharp Studio. Again this year, they set up on the corner of California/Alaska to gather donations for the West Seattle and White Center Food Banks. We recorded part of their performance:
Busking musicians today were Judy, Tim, and Travis. B-Sharp musicians will return next Saturday – 11 am to 1 pm December 20th – for more food-bank fundraising!
(WSB photos and video)
11:11 AM: Santa is under the disco ball at West Seattle Realty (2715 California SW; WSB sponsor) as the Admiral Neighborhood Association‘s “Winter Wonderland” begins. You can stop here for photos with Santa in the coolest suit he might wear all season. This is one of more than a dozen stops on the stroll – activities and treats await you at various local businesses along a mile, from North Admiral to South Admiral – find the map/list here. We’re off to another stop – this is on until 2 pm.
11:34 AM: Need a holiday pic of your pet? Anna is behind the camera at Mud Bay Admiral (2611 California SW), where we photographed her as Henry posed. Steps away, co-proprietor Bill – in festive Christmas sweater – is serving up free cocoa outside Circa (2605 California SW; WSB sponsor):
Near the corner of California and Admiral, the Admiral Church carolers were offering holiday faves:
And now we’re at Brookdale Admiral Heights, where West Seattle High School art students are selling handmade ornaments in the lobby (look for the sign outside):
Face-painting is available here too. We’re off to a few more stops!
12:33 PM: We can guarantee you that Winter Wonderland is the only holiday celebration with an Official Penguin (that’s what The Penguin’s badge says, honest). To complete our tour, we wandered up to the two participating independent North Admiral coffee shops, both with craft stations – here’s a young visitor making an ornament at West Seattle Grounds:
At Current Coffee, ornament-making involves paper coffee filters that you can hang in the shop window or take home!
The sun has even appeared – Winter Wonderland can mean wonder-ful weather, after all. Here’s the map/list again – some activities are stretching beyond the official 2 pm end time; pet photos at Mud Bay continue until 4, and there’s an afterparty of sorts at Welcome Road Winery (3804 California SW; WSB sponsor), starting at 3 pm. The Admiral Neighborhood Association organized Winter Wonderland as a chance to celebrate the community and introduce you to some of the great local businesses you might not have visited before.
(Friday’s sunset, photographed by Yvonne Frankovich)
Happy Saturday! We present to you another two-part event list – first, seasonal happenings today/tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide:
SELFIES WITH SANTA: 8:30 am-11 am Saturday and Sunday mornings in December, DIY photos with Santa at CAPERS Home (4525 California SW; WSB sponsor), donation requested for West Seattle Food Bank.
VIVA HOLIDAY ART STUDIO TOUR ON VASHON: 10 am-5 pm both days this weekend – take a self-guided tour of Vashon artists’ studios. Info and locations at vivartists.com. (WSB sponsor)
WESTWOOD ART STUDIO HOLIDAY ART SHOW & SALE: Group show and sale continues this weekend, 10 am-6 pm today, more info here. (9042 31st SW)
WINTER WONDERLAND IN ADMIRAL: Presented by the Admiral Neighborhood Association, multiple venues, 11 am-2 pm:
Join the Admiral Neighborhood Association (ANA) and our incredible Admiral business community as we spread some holiday cheer. Businesses throughout Admiral will be hosting festive family-friendly events/activities and offering specials during our third annual Winter Wonderland. Join the Daytime Disco Party with Santa at West Seattle Realty, sing your heart out with carolers from Admiral Church, and be on the lookout for the ANA penguin wandering the neighborhood! Find our map of participating locations here. Join the ANA as we celebrate our Admiral community while shopping small this winter!
BUSKING IN THE JUNCTION: 11 am-1 pm today and next Saturday, local musicians will perform carols and winter-themed music, raising money for the West Seattle and White Center Food Banks, on KeyBank corner at California/Alaska.
ARTIST POP-UP AT CAPERS HOME: 11 am-4 pm, you’ll find jewelry and ceramics artists today at CAPERS Home (4525 California SW; WSB sponsor).
PET PHOTO BOOTH: Mud Bay in Admiral is hosting a holiday pet-photo booth 11 am-4 pm, free but nonprofit donation encouraged. (2611 California SW)
UGLY SWEATER SOCIAL: Noon-3 pm at Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW), including a 2 pm contest with prizes!
PHOTOS WITH SANTA AT CURIOUS KID STUFF: Pics at Curious Kid Stuff‘s Santa Land, 1-3 pm. (4740 California SW)
ALASKA JUNCTION SANTA PUB CRAWL: 4-10 pm, starting at Shadowland (California SW and SW Oregon). 21+.
(Photo by Margaret – new holiday touches set up for Astra Lumina)
ASTRA LUMINA: 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.
WEST SEATTLE BIG BAND @ WS EAGLES: Second chance to see them in less than a week:
WSBB will be the featured Saturday night dance band at the West Seattle Eagles on December 13th. A dinner of Baked Zita will be available for purchase at $15 prior to the show at 5:30 PM. First come, first served. All proceeds of the dinner will go to the Music Boosters at James Madison Middle School. Space is limited. No reservations will be taken for the meal. The evening of music starts at 7:00 PM with 3 sets concluding at 10:00 PM. Music will include some Christmas favorites as well as big band swing and jazz. There is no cover charge for the event, but a tip jar will be available with 100% of the proceeds of the evening going to the Madison instrumental music program. The event entrance is off the alley behind the Eagles Building at 4426 California Ave SW.
JACKBOX HOLIDAY PARTY AT FOURTH EMERALD GAMES: Play games and support charity, starting at 5:30 pm. (4517 California SW, upstairs)
SANTA AT MENASHE FAMILY LIGHTS: West Seattle’s brightest lights host Christmas’s jolliest old soul – with reindeer! 6-10 pm. (5605 Beach Drive SW)
CHAMPAGNE EVENT #2: West Seattle Wine Cellars (6026 California SW) hosts another champagne event – this one at 6 pm – details and registration link here.
BELLS OF THE SOUND: 7 pm concert with Puget Sound’s premier handbell choir at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (3940 41st SW) – “Let Your Heart Be Light” is this year’s theme. By donation, at the door.
CHRISTMAS TREES: As noted here, every place that sells them in West Seattle is up and running! Scroll through the Holiday Guide any time for the list.
And here are the non-holiday-season events for today, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and inbox:
SWEAT TESTING: 7:50 am at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) – preregister here.
SATURDAY GROUP RUN: Also at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor), regardless of whether you’re getting sweat testing, you can join the Saturday 8 am free group run!
FREE! HEAVILY MEDITATED: Free 9 am community meditation at Inner Alchemy Sanctuary/Studio (3618 SW Alaska) – register here.
STORY TIME WITH CRAFT ACTIVITY: 9:30 am at Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW), free.
INTRODUCTORY WALK and WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: 9:30 am, walk a mile as a prelude to the 10 am well-being walk (or just show up for that one). Both start from 47th SW and Fauntleroy Way SW.
SSC GARDEN CENTER: The Garden Center at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW, north end of campus), is open 10 am-3 pm – one more week until its holiday break!
MORNING MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Info about Marco’s music is here.
FREE WRITING GROUP: In session again this week, 10:30 am, info in our calendar listing.
FAMILY STORY TIME: 10:30 am at High Point Library. (3411 SW Raymond)
GRIEFSHARE: Newest session continues, 10:30 am at Grace Church, no charge (10323 28th SW)
FAMILY READING TIME: At Paper Boat Booksellers, 11 am family reading time. (4522 California SW; WSB sponsor)
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: The home of West Seattle’s history is open noon-4 pm on Saturdays. (61st SW and SW Stevens)
VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: The center is open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. (2236 SW Orchard)
VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open for you to enjoy wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM, WINE BAR, STORE: On the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus:
The Northwest Wine Academy Tasting Room is OPEN Thursday-Saturday 1 pm-6 pm until December 20th! Back by popular demand: We are featuring our 2016-2019 varietals for a mix and match $62 case! Stop by for a tasting and a case for the holidays! Thank you for a beautiful year of supporting our students!
Enjoy student-produced wines and affordable eats at the Northwest Wine Academy Tasting Room and Wine Bar at South Seattle College, with proceeds benefitting student learning and the Wine Studies Program. NWWA is located in the North Parking Lot at South Seattle College (6000 16th Ave SW) in the Puget Ridge neighborhood of West Seattle.
FREE MASSAGE: 3-5 pm walk-in clinic offering short, specific massages at Nepenthe. (9447 35th SW)
2 ‘PENELOPE’ PERFORMANCES AT ARTSWEST: West Seattle’s playhouse offers something different this holiday season – the folk-pop musical “Penelope,” with a 3 pm matinée and 7:30 pm evening performance today/tonight; get tickets here. (4711 California SW)
LIVE IN-STORE AT EASY STREET RECORDS: Stephanie Anne Johnson performs at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW), 7 pm, free, all ages.
LIVE MUSIC AT MR. B’S: 7 pm, Angelina Adams at Mr. B’s Mead Center (9444 Delridge Way SW), no cover.
REVELRY ROOM DJ: Saturday spinning starts at 9 pm – tonight it’s DSoul Focus FM at Revelry Room. (4547 California SW).
KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: Our Saturday list concludes with 10 pm karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria. (4718 California SW)
Got a West Seattle event coming up? If community members are welcome, your event is welcome on our calendar! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
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