West Seattle, Washington
14 Saturday
West Seattle Lights, aka the Helmstetler Family Christmas Spectacular, is back! Tonight’s the second night of the seventh season for the music-synched light show at 3908 SW Charlestown, right across the street from the water tower. For the best view, stand on the walkway around the tower:
Or, you can admire the lights and music up close:
(If you’re in a car, you can listen to the soundtrack at 101.9 FM.) It’s not just entertainment – it’s also a benefit for nonprofits – bring a nonperishable food donation for the West Seattle Food Bank and drop it in the bin right in front of the house, and/or donate to WSFB and the NW Parkinson’s Foundation by going here. Your host, Sir Charles the snowman, will thank you:
(And so will light-show creator Jim Winder, who now runs one in Maple Valley as well as this one in West Seattle, as you’ll see on the website.) The show continues nightly through New Year’s – find nightly schedules and other info by going here.
Though a few places in West Seattle had trees before Thanksgiving, today is the traditional start of Christmas tree season, and so it was opening day for the Holy Rosary School Tree Lot (rejoining the WSB sponsor team for the occasion). It’s just north of the school, with entrances off 42nd or 41st north of Genesee.
Tree types include Douglas Fir, Noble Fir, Frasier Fir, Grand Fir, and Norway Spruce (:15 guide in our Instagram clip), with prices starting at $25. Again this year, part of the proceeds go to local charities. Other greenery available, including wreaths.
The hours are on the official HR Tree Lot website; it’s staffed by cheery volunteers, including Geraldine, who showed us the lot’s official Christmas tree costume:
The lot will be open through December 13th, 9 am-9 pm weekends, 2-8 pm Mondays-Thursdays, 2-9 pm Fridays. If you’re not ready to buy a tree yet, just remember that whenever you are, this lot and others we’ve spotted around West Seattle are listed in the WSB Holiday Guide.
The marching bands in this morning’s Macy’s Holiday Parade downtown included one local school this year, West Seattle High School. Above is our video, recorded as they made the final turn at 4th and University. We didn’t catch the banner but Nicole e-mailed this photo:
One week from tomorrow – on Saturday night, December 5th – you’ll see and hear the WSHS Marching Band as opening act for the West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays Tree Lighting (Junction Plaza Park, NW corner of 42nd and Alaska, with a street closure providing more room this year!). Back to today’s parade – right in front of the Wildcats were the Nutcrackers from Salty’s (WSB sponsor):
As featured in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide, Salty’s has Santa visiting for brunch the next three weekends, plus Christmas Eve.
(WSB photos)
Potential gifts you won’t find anywhere else await you right now at the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse in West Seattle; it’s Day 1 of the three-day Native Holiday Gift Fair. Above, Vashon Island-based Shotridge Studios‘ offerings include laptop sleeves and phone cases by Tlingit master carver/artist Israel Shotridge; below, artist Margie Morris is at work during the fair, adding designs to drums:
While you’re there, get your copy(ies) of the West Seattle Wildlife Calendar, with photos by Mark Wangerin (you’ve seen his wondrous bird photos here on WSB). It’s a benefit for Chief Sealth International High School environmental programs, and students are helping sell them – Elaine was on duty when we stopped by:
No admission charge at the Longhouse, which is also a cultural center, but if you want to support the tribe’s fight for federal recognition, “Stand With The Duwamish Tribe” T-shirts are being sold too:
You can also buy snacks/lunch while there. The fair continues until 4 pm today, 10 am-4 pm tomorrow and Sunday, at 4705 W. Marginal Way SW (turn into the parking lot from the west side
Many reasons to shop The Junction for Black Friday/Shop Small Saturday – including the 4th anniversary celebration deals at Thunder Road Guitars (WSB sponsor)! In our photo, that’s TRG proprietor Frank Gross, who started his business online, then after about a year moved into a California Avenue storefront between the Admiral and Alaska Junctions, and then five months ago took over an even-bigger storefront in The Junction, at 4736 California SW, where you’ll find TRG today. Today, tomorrow, and Sunday, you’ll find these specials at Thunder Road:
*15% off all guitars and amplifiers in stock
*Free shipping in the US
*Beginner acoustic guitars starting at $199
*15% off all new pedals
Stop in to wish Frank and crew Happy Anniversary! They’re open until 6 today, 10 am-6 pm Saturday, and 11 am-4 pm Sunday.
Thanks to Jeff Hogan from Killer Whale Tales for the report: Orcas passing Alki, headed southbound. Let us know if you see them!
(Six WS-relevant views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
Two transit reminders for today:
-No Water Taxi
–Metro is on a “reduced weekday/no UW” schedule
If you’re going downtown today – remember the road closures for this morning’s parade and tonight’s tree/star lighting; here’s info from SDOT.
| 4 COMMENTS