PORT TOWNSEND — Only days after Thanksgiving, Jefferson County is gearing up for the rest of the holiday season with the arrival of the community Christmas tree and Santa Claus scheduled for this week.

In Port Townsend, the town Christmas tree will be up before the end of the week.

According to Mari Mullen, executive director of the Port Townsend Main Street Program, the tree is scheduled to arrive in town today.

City staff plan to set up the tree next to Haller Fountain, at the intersection of Washington and Taylor Streets, in downtown Port Townsend.

Main Street volunteers will decorate the tree Tuesday in time for the tree lighting this coming Saturday which will coincide with the Saturday Art Walk.

Downtown stores will stay open late Saturday. Some of the businesses will supply beverages and treats, and the whole afternoon will include caroling and a visit from Santa Claus.

However, Santa will visit Jefferson County before December. He made an appearance in Quilcene on Saturday morning with his elf at the Quilcene Community Center.

Santa will visit a number of Jefferson County locations this weekend and throughout the next month. He’ll arrive in Nordland by boat Sunday for the island’s tree lighting.

Santa also will be in Port Hadlock this the weekend at the Old Alcohol Plant’s Holiday on the Bay on Saturday and Sunday. The event will include cookie decorating, live music and a woodland animal carousel.

Later this month, Aldrich’s Market will be back to hosting its annual Gingerbread Contest. It did not host the contest at the historic market last year due to the store’s transfer to its new owners.

Main Street and Kiwanis will host Choo Choo Rides at Pope Marine Park on Dec. 9 and 16 and the Yuletide Brass Ball will be held Dec. 16.

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Jefferson County Editor/Reporter Cydney McFarland can be reached at 360-385-2335, ext. 55052, or at cmcfarland@peninsuladailynews.com.