November brings thankfulness to focus and we are grateful every day for the bounty found on the Olympic Peninsula, and for the opportunity to welcome you to our Northwestern paradise. This month heralds the holidays with many exciting events and activities. Thanksgiving is just around the corner and before you know it, holiday lights will be sparkling and twinkling to keep shorter days merry and bright.
 
We welcome you to delight in the Olympic Peninsula's early winter beauty, fresh, clean air, and to participate in our joyful holiday happenings.

Marsha Massey, Executive Director
Olympic Peninsula Visitor Bureau
Check out what's happening on the Olympic Peninsula this month.
Request your Olympic Peninsula Travel Planner  now.

It's a fact: time spent outdoors in nature benefits body, mind and soul. If you're feeling like you're spending too much time indoors, too much time tied to a desk, or too much time stuck in traffic, then now is the perfect time to head to the Olympic Peninsula for a little outdoor therapy before the busy holiday season. HERE are four ways to relax and recharge on the Olympic Peninsula.
OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK & FOREST

nps logo
There are no day use fees on November 11, in observance of Veterans Day at both Olympic National Park and Olympic National Forest. Christmas tree permits go on sale in November at Olympic National Forests. Permits are $5 each and are good for one U-cut tree. The permits can be purchased at a National Forest office. LEARN MORE
 
Note that the gate leading to the top of Mt. Walker has been closed as of November 1 for the winter season. The hiking trail leading to the top will remain open.
 
The "Every Kid in a Park" program is still going strong. Fourth graders can get a voucher online and print it at home. This voucher allows the fourth grader and their family access to federal day use fee sites free of charge. They can also bring their voucher to any US Forest Service office and receive a free Christmas tree tag. LEARN MORE

When planning a visit to Olympic, be sure to check out the Alerts & Conditions information on the park webpage at www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/conditions.htm  and call the recorded Road & Weather line at 360-565-3131 (updated daily).

Olympic Mountain Foothills by Elisabeth Brentano
COMMUNITY CELEBRATIONS

November 9 | Port Angeles

Visit downtown businesses for a full day of shopping deals, dining and drink specials, refreshments, festivities, and to discover what downtown Port Angeles has to offer for the upcoming holiday season. Be sure to enter the Novemberfest drawing in each participating business for your chance to win a share of 68 downtown gift certificates. LEARN MORE
November 15 | Shelton

The Mason County Concert Association is hosting New York's acclaimed Burlap to Cashmere, playing music from the '60s and '70s. Their music draws heavily on folk and world music influences. The band has been featured on Artists At Google, Amazon, and At Guitar Center Podcast with Nic Harcourt.  LEARN MORE

November 15-17 | Kalaloch & Forks

Come to the wild west coast and experience the raw natural beauty of Washington's coastline  with the Jefferson County Historical Society (JCHS) for a weekend to learn about the cultural and natural resources that make the West End a place all its own. JCHS will provide all the programming for West End Weekend free of charge, all you have to do is get there!  LEARN MORE

Make your reservation here using group code WESTEND or promo code 24595P for a $99/night rate for a cabin or standard seacrest room. You can also call 1-866-662-9969.  BOOK NOW
Photo: Visit Port Angeles | M. Krueger Photography

November 22 - January 20, 2020 | Port Angeles

Glide through a Winter Ice Village at the Olympic Peninsula's only outdoor covered ice-skating rink this holiday season. Skate rentals, fun skating aids for the little ones, beverages and hand warmers are available for purchase. Visit Santa at his cabin and pose for photos. While you're here, plan on doing your holiday shopping too.  LEARN MORE

Launch the holiday season with a magical tree lighting ceremony at Alderbrook Resort & Spa when Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive in the Lady Alderbrook for the holiday festivities. You can watch as Santa ceremoniously kicks off the season by flipping the switch on more than 10 miles of lights, including a 35-foot holiday tree. In addition to the tree lighting, enjoy free hot cocoa, photos with Santa and spectacular fireworks. This is one tree lighting the whole family will never forget. LEARN MORE
 
November 30 | Sequim

Join the fun for Hometown Holidays in Downtown Sequim. You never know how Santa will arrive! Enjoy festive music, have your picture taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and don't miss the tree lighting and lighted tractor procession. Local businesses are all decked out for the holidays and look forward to your visit. LEARN MORE
Photo by Rachel Hansen

Santa Returns to Shelton
November 30 | Shelton

Celebrate the return of the Beauchamp Santa Claus with his new location overlooking Hwy. 3 at Outlook Park. The 32-foot Santa is a historical reproduction of the Kringle designed in 1962 to celebrate the Seattle World's Fair. Get a photo through the doll's face in Santa's toy bag.
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY - SHOP IN OUR SMALL TOWNS
Bottom-left Photo by Lynnette Braillard

Small Business Saturday

Celebrate local businesses at this nationwide event and delight in the array of unique gifts available at the boutiques and galleries. Many of the shops are run by the owners, so they can assist you in finding exactly the discerning gift you're looking for...and maybe something special for you too! 
OLYMPIC CULINARY LOOP
DECEMBER EVENTS
Save these dates in December for more holiday happenings:

December 6-7: Holiday Magic in Shelton

December 6: Sequim Tree Lighting in the Civic Center Lobby

December 7: Santa's Visit and Tree Lighting in Port Townsend

Check out what's happening on the Olympic Peninsula this month.    Request your Olympic Peninsula Travel Planner  now.
Olympic Peninsula Tourism Commission | 360-452-8552 [email protected] | OlympicPeninsula.org