(Photo by Don Brubeck, looking south from Don Armeni Boat Ramp this morning)

Winter is here – and tonight brings a full slate of solstice/holiday activities, and more. From the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide and Event Calendar:

WINTER SOLSTICE SUNSET WATCH: Join NASA Solar System Ambassador Alice Enevoldsen at Solstice Park for the first sunset after winter solstice. Even if it’s cloudy – you’ll learn about the solar system and have fun. Arrive around 3:45 pm. (7400 Fauntleroy Way SW, upslope from the tennis courts)

CHRISTMAS MUSIC AT THRIFTWAY: Gary Benson will play Christmas music live at West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor), 4-7 pm. (4201 SW Morgan)

WINTER BAKING DEMONSTRATION: At West Seattle YMCA (WSB sponsor), baking demo with chef/author Kim O’Donnel. No signup required. 4:30-5:30 pm. (36th SW/SW Snoqualmie)

SPEAKING OF BAKING: Thousands of homemade cookies are needed for The Christmas People‘s West Seattle event on Monday – if you can help, get baking! Info here.

CHRISTMAS FLUTE ENSEMBLE: Performing at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 6 pm: “Christmas Flute Ensemble with a trio of flute students and adult flute choir.” (5612 California SW)

COCOA FOR A CAUSE: 6:30-8 pm tonight:

Brownie Troop 41169 will be at West Seattle Lights handing out hot cocoa to anyone who stops by with a non-perishable food donation (or small cash donations) for the West Seattle Food Bank. They are hoping to spread a little cheer and help boost food donations during the holidays. If you haven’t stopped by this house yet, there is no better time! Our Brownies would love to give you a cocoa to warm yourself while you watch the light show. We hope to see you there!

(3908 SW Charlestown)

SHOP LATE THURSDAY IN THE JUNCTION: Last one before Christmas! Stores open late for your shopping convenience include longtime WSB sponsor Click! Design That Fits (4540 California SW), where this illuminated customizable signboard is one of the fun things we’ve seen this season:

More info on The Junction’s Hometown Holidays website. And if your shop has special hours tonight, or any day through Christmas Eve, let us know (editor@westseattleblog.com) so we can add it to the Holiday Guide!

GIVING TREE AT CAPERS: While you’re out shopping in The Junction – it’s the last day for the Hickman House giving tree at CAPERS (which provided the photo):

Choose a star, buy the requested gift, bring it back unwrapped. (4525 California SW)

‘LONGEST NIGHT’ SERVICES: From the list of seasonal church services in our Holiday Guide, four churches have sent word of special services tonight:

TIBBETTS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH (3940 41st SW; WSB sponsor)

7 pm The Longest Night / Blue Christmas Service is quiet, warm, and intimate. Remember the faithfulness of God even when your heart feels empty. Come, and be. Share in the liturgy or choose to remain silent. This will be a quiet space with minimal singing, candles to light, contemplative words and silence to encourage prayer. Come in solitude, recommend this service to a lonely or hurting friend, or better yet, bring them.

WESTSIDE UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CONGREGATION (7141 California SW)

Blue Holiday Service, 7 pm: Christmas and other seasonal holidays can be a painful time. The loss of loved ones, the anguish of a broken relationship, the insecurity of employment, the weariness of poor health, the pain of isolation, or the pressure of holiday preparations and activity – all these can make us feel alone in the midst of celebrations of the season. This will be a time for people to share their deeper feelings of loss or isolation during the holiday season.

WEST SIDE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (3601 California SW):

Service of the Longest Night, 7 pm: The Service of the Longest Night is a worship service for those carrying heavy burdens this season and the people who love and wish to pray for them. Those gathered for this service will have the opportunity to pray, light candles, sing, take communion, or simply sit in silence and await the light of Christ coming into the world at Christmas.

ADMIRAL CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST (4320 SW Hill)

Longest Night Contemplative Service, 7 pm: “Light and Possibilities,” special music by Sam Peters.

Also tonight in West Seattle:

HOMAGE TO RICHARD HUGO: 8 pm at Mac’s Triangle Pub in South Delridge, starting with a plaque unveiling, continuing with readings – details in our calendar listing. (9454 Delridge Way SW)

Lots more for tonight and beyond, on our Event Calendar and in our Holiday Guide!