West Seattle, Washington
15 Tuesday
Again this year, Theresa Arbow-O’Connor brings us first word of the return of the Gai Family‘s legendary illuminated Madonna. Last year she told us about the new setting that Ron Gai, son of the display’s creator Phil Gai, had crafted. This is in northeast West Seattle, in the 3200 block of 36th SW [vicinity map]. Theresa happened to find Ron finishing securing the display last night, so she took these photos.
Thanks to everyone who’s sent locations, with or without photos, for our spotlights – westseattleblog@gmail.com or text 206-293-6302!
5 PM: It’s on! The West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays Festival is happening – the Night Market is open, performances have begun on the stage in Junction Plaza Park (42nd/Alaska), and the tree lighting is barely an hour away. Get down here if you’re not here already. See the schedule here (tree lighting’s scheduled around 6, festival continues until 8); this is just meant as a reminder – we’ll have lots more coverage later! And wait – is that Santa we see?
6:30 PM: We caught up with Santa shortly thereafter … as he spoke to a young fan whose mom pronounced her child “starstruck”:
(If you haven’t caught up with Santa yet this season, see the list in our Holiday Guide for many upcoming opportunities!)
The stage show continued with the West Seattle School of Rock, well, rocking:
The Seattle Metropolitan Singers caroled:
You can hear more from them at 7 pm December 15th at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds). … And the “butchered” Christmas tree lit up quite nicely, thanks to some Charlie Brown Christmas-style love from the West Seattle Junction Association:
(WSB photo by Jason Grotelueschen)
Here’s how Santa, emcee Brian Callanan, and guest tree lighter City Councilmember Rob Saka lit it up:
Yet more images of tonight’s festivities to upload (including the pet-costume-contest winner!) when we’re back at HQ! Still time to get down here and wander … you might even see this:
(WSB photo by Dave Gershgorn)
ADDED POST-FESTIVAL: Here’s a bit of the night’s first musical performance, by the Endolyne Children’s Choir:
The pet-costume contest winner was a Corgi, “Chef Coy-Ar-Gee“:
WSB sponsor All The Best Pet Care (4722 Fauntleroy Way SW) donated prizes.
Finally, a video montage with a few more sights and one more look at the tree-lighting countdown:
(WSB photos)
Yet another chance to give today! Those were among the first toys donated at Fire Station 29 in North Admiral this afternoon, when the SFD two-hour Toys For Tots drive got going. Here’s the crew at Station 29 ready to accept your donations of new, unwrapped toys until 3 pm:
This is the only station in West Seattle among the six citywide that are participating in today’s drive, which continues until 3 pm. Just show up and drop off, on the east side of the station, which is at 2130 Ferry Avenue SW.
(WSB photos)
8:14 AM: Happening right now at Alki Masonic Center (40th/Edmunds), it’s the biggest breakfast event of the holiday season – the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle‘s annual pancake breakfast. Their kitchen crew has been busy stirring batter and flipping pancakes:
For $10 at the door – kids free! – you get pancakes, Husky Deli ham, orange juice, and coffee/tea. Volunteers powering the event include not only Kiwanians but also Scouts from Troop 284. You can bring a new unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots and meet an active-duty Marine, plus enter raffles and more. This is on until 11 am, and if you’re driving on this rainy morning, parking is right by the door to the lower-level event room on the south side of the Masonic Center.
8:41 AM: Santa is in the house, as are Marine Corps Sgt. Angalina Roseberry and Gunnery Sgt. Samuel Hernandez, both based at JBLM (while Santa is of course based at the North Pole). They’re here to help with the Toys for Tots donations, which the Kiwanis Club says are going very well this morning:
They’ve already loaded out some of the donations. This morning’s volunteers also include the Key Clubs from Chief Sealth IHS and West Seattle HS, the Circle K Club from Seattle U, and Kiwanians from the White Center and South Seattle clubs. Some are here for fundraising sales of holiday items from handpainted ornaments to candy.
P.S. A week from tomorrow – on December 15 – look for the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle on the south end of the Farmers’ Market as they collect coat donations and serve cocoa as part of West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays.
That’s the highest-elevation outdoor Christmas tree in Seattle, shining brightly outside Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church after tonight’s “Light Up the Night” celebration. Big turnout filled SW Myrtle between the church and its Walmesley Center gym/event venue.
The lighting was preceded by Christmas classics sung by two groups, the Starry Crowns:
And OLG fourth- and fifth-graders:
That’s the voice of emcee Brian Callanan at the end. Now, here’s what was new: It was the first “Light Up the Night” for OLG’s newest pastor Father Phuong; it’s the first also since OLG and Holy Rosary were joined as part of the Archdiocese of Seattle‘s initiative to stretch pastoral resources. And it was the first year for expanded indoor festivities, including story time with Santa:
Plus it was the first of three sessions for the church’s Fair Trade Gift Fair, usually a once-a-year event and generally not in combination with “Light Up the Night”:
The Fair Trade Gift Fair also will be open for shopping in Walmesley Center (north side of SW Myrtle east of 35th) 4-8 pm Saturday and 9 am-1 pm Sunday. Lots of handmade items, including body-care products.
And tonight, generous eventgoers brought food donations to fill up the sleigh:
Before we wrap up this report, one more song from the Starry Crowns – “Carol of the Bells”:
You can see their free Christmas concert at OLG (35th/Myrtle) at 7 pm Friday (December 13) – adding that to our Holiday Guide right now!
Three quick reminders about don’t-miss events in the West Seattle Junction tomorrow (Saturday, December 7):
(WSB file photo)
KIWANIS PANCAKE BREAKFAST: Start your Saturday at Alki Masonic Center (40th/Edmunds, lots of free parking if you’re driving) for a tasty breakfast cooked by the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle – pancakes, Husky Deli ham, orange juice, coffee/tea … Santa’s there for photos and Marines are there to collect new, unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots. Drop in any time between 7 am and 11 am. $10 at the door, $8 in advance, kids under 10 eat free with a paid adult.
P.S. The Kiwanis Club also is raising money for youth and other community work right now via this online silent auction – bid for cool items donated by local businesses!
(WSB photo – Caudle Family on donation-drive day in 2023)
DRIVE-UP/RIDE-UP/WALK-UP COAT AND FOOD DRIVE: Bring your donations to the lot behind Hope Lutheran (off Oregon just east of 42nd) for the Caudle Family‘s annual drop-off drive collecting new/gently used coats and nonperishable food, 10 am-3 pm.
HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS FESTIVAL AND TREE LIGHTING: 4-8 pm Saturday, gather in the heart of The Junction! The event is centered on SW Alaska between California and 42nd, which will be closed to through traffic – here’s the schedule:
4:00 PM – Festival begins. Night Market is open. Carolers, Metropolitan Singers, and Santa will be roaming the area.
4:30 PM – Endolyne Children’s Choir Performance
5:00 PM – The School of Rock Performance
5:30 PM – Pet Costume Contest on Stage
6:00 PM – Tree Lighting with carolers (Seattle Metropolitan Singers)
6:30 PM – Christmas DJ spinning holiday tunes
8:00 PM – Night Market closes
The list of Night Market vendors is here (and glow wands will be available for kids for $3). Check out the new more-walkable layout this year! For added festive touches, you’ll also see stilt-walkers, LED hula hoops, fire pits, lots of lights in Junction Plaza Park … that’s where the stage will be this year, and Brian Callanan will be this year’s emcee. In addition to adult beverages in the Beer Garden, you’ll also find cocoa being served up by Hope Lutheran.
These 3 events are just part of a BIG holiday lineup for this weekend – see it all in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide!
It’s a night full of shopping and music – and more – in the West Seattle Junction. Above and below, the first of two musical groups entertaining Junction visitors tonight on the first of two Shop Late Thursdays, carolers The Silver Belles, whose parodies often stop passersby in their tracks.
We caught them at their first stop, outside Curious Kidstuff, before they moved on to the block north of SW Alaska. They’re singing until 7, at which time Better As Brass is set to start playing at the KeyBank plaza corner of California/Alaska (busking for a cause!). All the while, the Junction Elves are roaming with candy canes – we found them pausing to appreciate The Silver Belles.
Multiple Junction businesses (and others around the peninsula) will be hosting readers at 7 pm, for this month’s West Seattle Book Club event (see the venue list here). Then plan to be in The Junction one week from tonight – December 12 is the holiday edition of the West Seattle Art Walk, with Santa on the street, plus the return of The Silver Belles. And of course the biggest night of Hometown Holidays is inbetween, this Saturday (December 7) with the Night Market, tree lighting, beer garden, and more – see the schedule here. (WSB is a community co-sponsor of Hometown Holidays again this year.)
ADDED FRIDAY: Another look at The Silver Belles:
Catch them again next Thursday (December 12)!
(WSB file photo)
A big holiday-season weekend is ahead in West Seattle – including the lighting of the city’s highest-elevation Christmas tree on Friday night, outside Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church at 35th/Myrtle. The lighting – with caroling, a food drive, Santa, and more – starts OLG’s three-day “Good Tidings Festival” – here’s the announcement we received:
Friday-LIGHT UP THE NIGHT, 6 pm-8 pm – Pizza for sale, kids craft tables, holiday gift and bake sale, singing of carols, lighting the tree, story time with Santa & hot chocolate & cookies!
Fri. 6-8 pm, Sat. 4-8 pm & Sunday 9 am-1 pm- HOLIDAY GIFT SALE. The sale will feature ethically sourced gifts and food, including chocolates, garden décor, nativities, jewelry, holiday décor, scarves and more. By buying Ethical Trade, you support the efforts of skilled farmers and artisans, empower communities, and affirm the dignity of the workers. The proceeds from the sale will benefit Our Lady of Guadalupe’s Outreach efforts in our community.
Sunday, 11 am – 1:30 pm – Feast Day Mass and Fiesta. Join us for Mass as we celebrate our Feast Day. The OLG Student Body will portray the Guadalupe story at the Mass and followed by our annual “Fiesta” – a delicious lunch hosted by the Multicultural Ministry and the Knights of Columbus. We will also have a “bouncy house” to keep our little ones occupied as we share conversation and community with our friends and parishioners.
You have until 6:45 to bid, until 7 pm to view, at the Rotary Club of West Seattle‘s Festival of Mini-Trees, happening right now at Brookdale Admiral Heights (2326 California SW). More than 20 trees are being auctioned to raise money for the Rotary’s community work. The trees have themes – like this one for Huskies fans:
You can enjoy beverages, treats, live acoustic holiday music, and just enjoy browsing the trees:
Other tree themes include everything from movies to coffee! Wreaths are being auctioned off. Everything was donated to support the Rotarians’ work with students and other community projects.
(WSB photo, November ‘Taste’)
In addition to last month’s pre-Thanksgiving holiday “Taste,” West Seattle Thriftway (California/Fauntleroy; WSB sponsor) is inviting you to a second “Taste” event! It’s set for 4-7 pm tomorrow night (Thursday, December 5) with more than two dozen vendors around the store, offering samples of food – from snacks to main dishes to desserts – and beverages for you to consider as the holiday season continues. Free, all welcome! (Here’s our coverage of the pre-Thanksgiving “Taste” at Thriftway.)
If you have books on your gift list – or games, art supplies, and other items carried by West Seattle independent bookstore Paper Boat Booksellers – shop there through Sunday and your dollars can do double duty, benefiting nonprofit Alki Cooperative Preschool. Through Sunday (December 8th), tell Paper Boat when you’re checking out an in-store purchase that you’re there for the Alki Co-op Preschool Bookfair, and they’ll donate a percentage of proceeds. Gift cards are not included but if you order something that’s not in stock and pay for it in full this week, that purchase can be counted. Paper Boat Booksellers is at 6040 California Ave SW, in north Morgan Junction.
Tonight’s Christmas lights spotlight shines on the roof of homes about a block east of Chief Sealth International High School, on the south side of Thistle [map]. The roof’s configuration is a perfect platform to line with inflatable Christmas characters.
Got a display to suggest? With or without photos? We’re planning a spotlight every night so we appreciate your tips as in years past, westseattleblog@gmail.com or text 206-293-6302.
Two West Seattle Festivals of Trees to tell you about tonight – one event tomorrow, and one with many chances to see the trees, plus both with ways for you to do more than look:
WEST SEATTLE ROTARY’S FESTIVAL OF MINI-TREES: Wednesday night (December 4) from 5 to 7 pm, be at Brookdale Admiral Heights (2326 California SW) to view and bid on more than 20 mini-trees! It’s the fourth year, says Rotary past president Kjersti Stroup:
Local businesses and community members donated 21 artificial trees and wreaths to this event, pre-lit and decorated in fun themes … On Wednesday, December 4, all are welcome to come by Brookdale from 5-7 to enjoy music and hors d’oeuvres, celebrate the holidays, and place silent bids on wreaths and tabletop trees! Bidding ends at 6:45 and winners can take home their items that night. There is no cost to attend, and all proceeds go directly to Rotary’s service foundation projects. These projects include providing new clothing and school supplies to local students, building clean stoves in Guatemala, awarding local scholarships, and much more!
FAUNTLEROY CHURCH’S FESTIVAL OF TREES: All month long, you can visit the Fauntleroy Church Fellowship Hall (9140 California SW) 9 am-noon Mondays-Thursdays, plus the hour before each of the church’s Christmas concerts, and admire the dozen-plus trees decorated mostly by church groups and families. Yere’s a few we photographed today:
That’s the penguin tree … below, the “trash tree”:
The “peace tree”:
And the Hazelwood Preschool (which rents space beneath the church) “gingerbread-man tree”:
Bring nonperishable food donations and use the cans/bags/boxes to “vote” for your favorite(s)! We’ll showcase more of the trees through the month. But go visit when you can!
(2023 reader photo, from 600+ cookies baked by Tibbetts United Methodist Church ‘and friends’)
For the 26th year, the nonprofit organization known as The Christmas People will be accepting homemade cookies during Christmas week, with a dropoff spot in West Seattle. Here’s the announcement they asked us to share with you:
The Christmas People will once again be collecting homemade Christmas Cookies at West Seattle Co-Working, 9030 35th Avenue SW, on
Saturday, December 21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.;Sunday, December 22nd, from 1 to 4 p.m.; Monday, December 23rd, and Tuesday, December 24th, from 10-4. Cookies may also be dropped off at our main kitchen location, Artisan Community Kitchen, 10836 E. Marginal Way S., Tukwila, Saturday, December 21, through Tuesday, December 24, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. We are hoping for 9,000 cookies, which will be assorted and distributed to 12 shelters and centers. Also food preparers and drivers are needed. Please call us for information – co-founders Fred Hutchinson and Ruth Bishop, 206-719-4979.
One of West Seattle’s most creative cake shops is also offering you the chance to get creative again this holiday season. BAKED in The Admiral District has offered gingerbread kits every year since 2021; the gingerbread house kit is $65 (photo above, courtesy BAKED), a gingerbread-cookie kit $45, with part of the proceeds going to the West Seattle Food Bank. The shop is open by appointment so the best way to order one is online – they have curbside pickup on Fridays and Saturdays.
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Christmas-light season is officially on. The Menashe Family’s home at 5605 Beach Drive SW is ablaze in lights – our video above is a minute-long look at most of it. One aspect that’ll catch your eye, the transportation features – train, plane, helicopter, among others.
Lots of Christmasy characters inhabit almost every square inch of the yard. And by the sidewalk, the traditional mailbox for letters to Santa Claus:
Santa himself will visit in two weeks, the night of December 14 (as noted in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide), with reindeer accompanying him. (He’s already represented on the north side of the display.)
We’ll be showcasing lights from around the community again this season, starting tomorrow (Monday) – if yours are extra-festive, or you see some that are, please let us know! westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
If you’re going to sing “O Tannenbaum” under a Christmas tree, no better place to do it in West Seattle than Prost! That’s one of the songs local musician (and renowned announcer) Tom Hutyler sang there tonight in honor of the official first night of the bar’s Christmas tree.
P.S. Other tree lightings ahead this week include the Our Lady of Guadalupe tree during “Light Up the Night“ on Friday and The Junction’s (somewhat diminished, but illuminated anyway) tree during the Holiday Festival on Saturday.
(WSB photo, 2023 Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast)
One week from today – Saturday, December 7th – brings some of the biggest events of the holiday season. It all starts at 7 am in the Alki Masonic Center (40th/Edmunds) with the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle‘s annual pancake breakfast. $8 in advance or $10 at the door – and kids under 10 eat free! – gets you pancakes, Husky Deli ham, orange juice, coffee, and tea. Free Santa photos! Raffles! Benefit wreath, ornament, and nut sales! And you’re welcome to bring new unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots (with active-duty Marines there to gratefully accept them). Show up whatever time works for you between 7 am and 11 am next Saturday morning. The entrance is right off the (free) parking lot on the south side of the Masonic Center (and again, you can buy your discounted advance ticket right now by going here).
P.S. The Kiwanis Club also is raising money for its community work right now via an online auction, with items including gift certificates/cards for local businesses, from coffee to clothing (and beyond!). Go here to browse and bid!
Small Business Saturday continues at independent businesses all over West Seattle (and the rest of the nation). We have photos and a travelogue – shop-a-logue? – from Dan Jacobs of the Admiral Neighborhood Association:
Small Business Saturday in the Admiral District celebrates the best of our local small businesses while enjoying the charm and creativity of the neighborhood on a beautiful day. We started our day by grabbing brunch at Admiral Neighborhood Association partner Arthur’s, known for its fresh and locally inspired dishes as well as giving back to neighbors in need. Next up is a stop in at ANA partner Bebop Waffle Shop, who will be serving up creative and comforting sweet or savory waffles for just one more month. Get them while you still can!
Heading up California Ave, we enjoyed some of the unique Admiral shopping experiences at some of our local favorites. First up, things are busy at Hoste, which features a curated selection of stylish home goods.
Then down California, stopping in at Alair to browse through some unique gifts and local favorites.
Next up is Wend Jewelry to admire Wendy’s beautifully handcrafted pieces, and then stopping in at Soirée for some tasty culinary delights.
Other indie Admiral businesses include longtime WSB sponsor West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW), where, among other things, folks have been picking up their Seattle Marathon bibs today (the big race is tomorrow).
WSB contributors are out roaming the Small Business Saturday sights and deals – here’s what we’re finding in The Junction:
STOP ‘N’ SHOP: You might remember Angela from Funky Jane’s – we photographed her today at the Center for Active Living‘s Stop ‘n’ Shop, where the SBS deal is 20 percent off everything, till 4 pm today and again 10 am-4 pm Sunday (California/Oregon).
FLEURT: Tax-free all day, with mini-Christmas tree if you spend $75 or more. (4536 California SW)
CARMILIA’S: We had early word of their plans in today’s “what’s happening” list but here’s what our contributor was told: “Giftables 25% off – jewelry, gloves, hats. Sale rack additional 25% off. Open until 6 pm. Last-chance rack $99, according to proprietor Linda Walsh.”
MYSTERY MADE: That’s proprietor Cory, who says his shop is not having a sale but they do have Rainier Beer on hand for thirsty holiday shoppers (of age, of course) … they’re at 4537 California SW.
GIFT WRAP AT COMPASS: Purchases at Mystery Made or Carmilia’s, or for the Compass Giving Tree (noted in our Holiday Guide), get you free wrap – that’s Mara Haveson at left and Compass Real Estate team members. (4531 California SW)
POP-UP MARKET AT JET CITY LABS: All weekend, Jet City Labs is hosting multiple artists and vendors in pop-up markets (4547 California SW), as noted in our list. Until 4 today and 10-2 tomorrow: “Shop jewelry from The ADHD Witch, knits from JKrochets, photos from Jon Dun, and more!”
EMERALD WATER ANGLERS: Remember they’re now at 4707 California SW: “20% off select waders and rods. 30% off discontinued Patagonia gear. 30% on sunglasses, select styles. Open till 6 pm.”
WUGPRINTS AT VAIN: Another pop-up – owner Joshua illustrates all the work, just started in June 2024. He’s holding his most popular postcard. He’s at VAIN (4513 California SW) till 3 pm.
We’ll say it again – shop small biz EVERY day to keep the community strong!
Another holiday-season tradition in West Seattle! The Duwamish Tribe Longhouse has opened its doors to Native arts and crafts creators for this year’s holiday-season Native Art Market. It’s always a mix of new and returning vendors – among the new, Wilma Gloria, of the Tulalip Tribes, with creations including hats and belts woven from cedar:
In her arms is Lovey. They’re near the great-room door, as is Ixtlixochitl Salinas (White Hawk):
Some fair participants are creating on site, including Britt Rynearson from the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation:
She’s creating “kinship circles”:
There are many other vendors to browse, with creations including drums, combs, ornaments, paintings, and body care. While you’re there, also visit the exhibits for the Cultural Center and learn about Duwamish Tribe history; fry bread is for sale toward the back of the great room. The fair continues until 5 pm today and again 10 am-5 pm Saturday and Sunday at 4705 West Marginal Way SW; if you’re driving, note there’s parking on both sides of Marginal (and crossing flaggers if you end up parking on the east side of the street).
Just texted:
Awesome homemade Christmas tree sales and goodies (cookies and warm drinks) being sold on our neighbors’ front lawn right now … 48th Ave SW just north of Hudson. Very pretty trees salvaged from a woodland thinning project. Hoping you could spread the word.
PS – Open until 5 pm today and tomorrow, we’re told.
Now that Thanksgiving is down to its final hours, it’s on to the next phase of the holiday season, and more fun, with dozens of events featured in our West Seattle Holiday Guide. Among them: Are you registered yet for this year’s Winter Wander scavenger hunt? It’s just a week away – starting Friday night, December 6. Organizer Alice Kuder has this reminder:
Join your friends and neighbors for the West Seattle Winter Wander Scavenger Hunt! Now in its fifth year, Winter Wander has grown every year, from 12 teams in the first year to 128 teams last year! 95 local businesses have participated over the course of the five years, and an estimated 50,000 smiles have been generated!
This guaranteed-fun event is free to everyone of all ages and runs from 5 PM Friday, Dec. 6th to 7 PM Sunday, Dec. 15th. Instructions for this year’s hunt are available for download at wondersinaliceland.com/winter-wander. Gather a team (or go solo) and put your heads together to solve the clues to the locations of fifteen West Seattle businesses and ten private locations. The Bingo-style clue sheet will be posted at 5 PM on Dec. 6th at wondersinaliceland.com/winter-wander. Wanderers who submit selfies in front of the correct solutions will be entered into a drawing for duffle bags filled with gift cards and swag from local businesses. Register your team at wondersinaliceland.com/winter-wander anytime before 7 PM, Dec. 15th.
Questions? You can ask Alice, at alice@justincaseplans.com.
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