The Kiwanis Choo Choo will be Santa’s ride on Saturday to the community tree lighting in Port Townsend. (Port Townsend Main Street)

The Kiwanis Choo Choo will be Santa’s ride on Saturday to the community tree lighting in Port Townsend. (Port Townsend Main Street)

Santa coming to Port Townsend as part of festivities on Saturday

Treelighting to be at dusk

PORT TOWNSEND — Caroling, ornament-making, visits with Santa and the blaze of color as the community tree is lit are in store for Port Townsend on Saturday.

Santa will listen to children’s wishes — and be available for photographs — from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Flagship Landing, according to the Port Townsend Main Street Program.

He will arrive on the Kiwanis Choo Choo at about 4:30 p.m. — dusk this time of year on the North Olympic Peninsula — for the treelighting at Haller Fountain.

Before then, caroling with the Wild Rose Chorale will be offered beginning at 2 p.m., and from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., visitors can make their own holiday ornaments at the Tyler Street Plaza while supplies last.

The tent is in place because of Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, or CARES Act, funding and help from the City of Port Townsend. It provides a covered and festive outdoor space through Dec. 10, weather permitting.

Donations will benefit PT Artscape, which supports the arts in the public schools.

On view now are the decorated windows merchants prepared for the holiday season.

Windows were judged Nov. 25 and winners were announced Nov. 26 on Small Business Saturday.

Winning the gold was Abracadabra at 936 Water St.

“The judges were impressed by the whimsy and merriment of this store’s windows, filled with darling stuffed animals tucked in gift boxes, oversized snowflakes, snow globes, cozy socks and holiday cheer,” said Mari Mullen, executive director of Port Townsend Main Street.

The window design was by Kristin Berg, Brooke Weber and Carli Rose.

The silver winner was Rust & Relic Vintage at 1030 Lawrence St.

“This Uptown business’ windows stood out with traditional holiday touches by owners Corrie Mathews and Michelle Masterson,” Mullen said.

“It featured Christmas trees, vintage sleds and lighted decorations that brought attention to their merchandise.”

Honorable mention went to the Bishop Block Bottle Shop at 714 Washington St.

“This window charmed the judges with its imaginative bell jars filled with twinkling lights and holiday touches — toys, nutcrackers and festive decorations,” Mullen said.

The window designer is Michael Snyder.

Beginning Thursday, entries into the Uptown Gingerbread Contest will be accepted at the Port Townsend Public Library, 1220 Lawrence St.

Entries can be dropped off through Dec. 11. Judging will take place Dec. 12-19 by artist Max Grover.

Winners, who will receive gift certificates, will be announced Dec. 22.

For more information, see publiclibrary.org or call the library at 360-385-3181.

On Dec. 10 will be “It’s a Wrap” from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Tyler Plaza. High school students from Port Townsend’s Kiwanis Key Club and Rotary Interact Club will wrap locally purchased gifts.

Also, the Kiwanis Choo Choo will roll through town.

See ptmainstreet.org for more about the holidays.

More in Entertainment

Tickets still available for Festival of Trees events

Tickets are still available for Festival of Trees events… Continue reading

Plays, music and puzzles top weekend events

Stage productions, music performances and a crossword puzzle contest highlight this weekend’s… Continue reading

Port Angeles Community Players to host auditions

Auditions for the Port Angeles Community Players’ production of… Continue reading

“Obstruction Point” by Anne Pfeiffer of Port Angeles is part of “Small Expressions,” the wide-ranging show which will open Friday at Northwind Art’s Jeanette Best Gallery in Port Townsend.
‘Small Expressions’ opens Friday in Port Townsend

One of the most wide-ranging exhibitions in recent memory… Continue reading

Actors, from left, Justin Stapleton, Mario Arruda and Sean Stone rehearse “Artificial Emotions,” a short play written by John Painter and directed by Bill Stone, far right. It will be the first of eight plays in Olympic Theatre Arts’ New Works Showcase through Sunday. (Matthew Nash/Olympic Peninsula News Group)
Olympic Theatre Arts offers New Works Showcase

Olympic Theatre Arts will offer eight new mini shows this… Continue reading

Song swap set Friday at Studio Bob

The second Song Swap is set for 7 p.m.… Continue reading

Samite, pictured during his Field Arts & Events Hall performance last fall, is returning to Port Angeles for a matinee and evening performance this Saturday. (Field Arts & Events Hall)
Samite, ‘Resilience’ return to Port Angeles this weekend

One-man play includes soft voice, African instruments

Singer-songwriter Stephanie Anne Johnson.
Stephanie Anne Johnson to play at the Palindrome

Stephanie Anne Johnson will perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday.… Continue reading

Gingerbread kits available for library contest

Gingerbread kits are available for the 30th Uptown Gingerbread… Continue reading

“Sky Light” is among Jeanne Toal’s paintings at Northwind Art’s Jeanette Best Gallery.
‘Soulful’ artist’s show in its final days in Port Townsend

Artist Jeanne Toal’s work has sparked an unprecedented response,… Continue reading

Clallam Mosaic accepting registrations for cruises

Clallam Mosaic is accepting registrations for the Seafair Special People’s Holiday Cruise… Continue reading

Music, art on tap for Peninsula weekend events

Music and stage performances, art exhibitions and holiday bazaars highlight weekend events… Continue reading