As the days grow shorter, the lights are growing brighter here on the Olympic Peninsula. We will soon be twinkling from Christmastown (Shelton) to Port Townsend, all across the Strait of Juan de Fuca and around to Forks and down the coast. Even the longer winter nights afford spectacular star-gazing opportunities, looking even more magical as we transition to winter.
We know it has been a long, trying year for everyone. As we move into winter and the upcoming holiday season, we offer you wide-open spaces to explore; quieter beaches and trails along which to catch your breath, cozy lodges, inns and hotels where you can recharge, and light – lots of light – to mark the way in to the new year.
As you look ahead to the new year, and dream of future travels, we hope those travel plans will include Washington's Olympic Peninsula. We wish you and yours the Happiest of Holidays!
Marsha Massey
Executive Director
Olympic Peninsula Tourism Commission
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Twilight at Ruby Beach | Olympic National Park |
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The health and safety of our residents, businesses and visitors alike is still Priority #1. Our businesses are committed to following state regulations.
We ask that our visitors please do so as well by planning ahead, masking up, staying socially distanced, and keeping your travel close by for now. You can find our latest travel advisory updates on our Covid-19 Blog.
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SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESS THIS SEASON |
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Sandwiched between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Small Business Saturday, November 28, encourages you to Shop Small by supporting local communities. This year, more than ever with COVID-19 restrictions, our small businesses rely upon your holiday shopping. Here on the Olympic Peninsula, our towns look forward to welcoming you even though things are a little different than they’ve been in the past.
The Port Townsend Main Street Program has encouraged Downtown and Uptown merchants to extend Small Business Saturday for the entire week offsetting crowds by having a safer, more socially distant experience. Curbside pickup is available as well. And check out the creative merchant windows which are decorated in the holiday spirit. LEARN MORE
(Shop Small Photo courtesy of Port Townsend Main Street)
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Known as a “Neighborhood Champion,” Sequim’s merchants have been hard at work creating holiday window displays. Along with their Hometown Holidays being centered around shopping local at small businesses, on November 28th, they’re encouraging shoppers to take part in “Elk on a Shelf” and vote for their favorite window display. Tag your exploits with #ShopSequimStrong. LEARN MORE
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Despite new restrictions for restaurants and bars to be closed for indoor dining and drinking, our local dining establishments have got you covered. You’ll find outdoor dining, takeout, and delivery still available from many of our notable restaurants. We encourage you to pick up a meal and show your support for our local food network during the holiday season. It can make all the difference to these hard-working small businesses during these challenging times. |
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Support your favorite Washington small businesses through this pandemic. The ShowWALove.com program encourages COVID-safe support of the state’s favorite small businesses by purchasing gift cards online or by phone. Search the “Peninsulas” region for gift card offers for Olympic Peninsula shopping, dining, theater and more. LEARN MORE
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LIGHTING UP FOR THE HOLIDAYS! |
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Jamestown S'Klallam totems | Photo by Linda Barnfather |
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Bright lights in Blyn add cheer |
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Two million LED holiday lights adorn the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribal properties again this year. Displays are throughout the Tribal Campus along Highway 101 as well as The Cedars at Dungeness Golf Course. The lights come on before dusk and turn off after sunrise.
“7 Cedars is very proud to contribute to the holiday spirit found around the Peninsula,” said Jerry Allen, CEO of 7 Cedars Casino Resort. “Our 7 Cedars family, including the Longhouse Market and Cedars at Dungeness, continue to enjoy the many compliments sent our way. The holiday lights have become a nice way to say Thank You, and Happy Holidays to All!”
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Sequim lights brighten the city |
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The holiday spirit is alive and well in Sequim. Local elves (dedicated volunteers) have been working for weeks to light up the town bringing cheer to all who visit. The lights go on Wednesday, November 25 at 5 pm warming up the chilly winter nights. LEARN MORE
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Illuminated railroad bridge in Sequim |
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Railroad Bridge Photo by John Gussman |
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Fresh evergreen swags and giant wreaths, wrapped with hundreds of twinkling lights decorate the historic railroad bridge for the holidays, now through the end of January, a gift to you from the Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe. Ride your bike, walk to the bridge through the woods on the Olympic Discovery Trail; or park in one of the lots in Railroad Bridge Park, next to the Dungeness River. Parking is limited, the field is closed for construction of the new River Center. Be sure to bring your flashlight to find your way to the bridge safely. Admission to the park is free. LEARN MORE
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Port Angeles is a-glow for the holidays |
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The Port Angeles Fine Arts Center kicks off its Wintertide festivities on December 5, and runs through February 8. Wintertide includes two components, a Light Art Experience in Webster's Woods Sculpture Park and a Makers Market, through December 20, in the Esther Webster Gallery. For the Light Art Experience, multiple light-based outdoor sculptures and installations will transform the park. These works of art will light up the longest nights of the year and create a magical nighttime experience for visitors of all ages. Visitors can shop for handmade local gifts in person or online at the Makers Market housed inside the unique mid-century modern gallery space. Face masks and social distancing are required. LEARN MORE
While in Port Angeles, check out the city lights in downtown Port Angeles. The annual tree by the fountain will light up on Saturday, November 28.
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Twinkle light holiday parade in Forks |
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The West End Business and Professional Association of Forks will sponsor the 19th Annual Twinkle Light Holiday Parade on Saturday, December 5 at 6:30 pm on Mainstreet in downtown Forks. The parade features lighted floats, log trucks, and Santa! LEARN MORE
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"Christmastown" is bright with lights in Shelton |
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Christmastown Photo by Rachel Hansen |
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Celebrate the magic of the holiday season safely throughout Mason County and Shelton with Christmastown. Historically known as the “Christmas Tree Capital of the World,” Shelton and Mason County celebrated this distinction last year by entering the Guinness World Record for “Most Lit Christmas Trees” in one location (797 trees!) Check out the community decorations with fresh swags and lights across Railroad Street, the giant Beauchamp Santa at Outlook Park, and an illuminated Christmas Tree Maze on 1st Street, all paying tribute to Shelton and Mason County’s record win. LEARN MORE
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Light up the night in Port Townsend |
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The Port Townsend Main Street Program is lighting up the city through Uptown and Downtown. Sparkling white lights are hung on trees in the downtown historic district with winter lights continuing through February. Look for illuminated snowflakes in historic Uptown. Santa will light the Community Tree and Fire Bell Tower on December 5 around dusk. It will be shared virtually on Facebook Live on the Port Townsend Main Street Facebook Page. Plus, Santa will be offering visits on Zoom! LEARN MORE
(Christmas Tree at the Fountain Photo by Eryn Smith)
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OUTDOOR HOLIDAY ADVENTURES |
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Exploring tidepools at Kalaloch Photo by Shannon Hawkins |
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Why not celebrate the holidays by getting outside? Bundle up in a warm coat and hat and head out to experience nature in its winter beauty. Go for a walk on a trail you’ve never hiked before. Experience our wild beaches when you have them nearly to yourself. Consider starting a new family tradition by cutting your own Christmas tree on Olympic National Forest lands. Discover winter snow sports in Olympic National Park. As you enjoy our public lands in the winter this holiday season, please be Winter Wise and #RecreateResponsibly.
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Dungeness Spit National Wildlife Refuge juts out into the sea near Dungeness Recreation Area. |
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Clallam County Parks offer year-round camping and year-round access to multi-use trails, ocean, rivers, lakes, disc golfing, world-class birding, wildlife viewing, and tide-pooling. The Salt Creek Area is a 196-acre county park adjacent to the Strait of Juan de Fuca with great access to tide pools and trails.
The Dungeness Recreation Area is a 216-acre park adjacent to Dungeness Spit National Wildlife Refuge offering easy access to trails out on the spit as well as to the Olympic Discovery Trail. LEARN MORE
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For that very special holiday tree, consider cutting your own in the Olympic National Forest. For the first time, you can get online Christmas Tree Permits this year. Permits are required in advance, and may be purchased at a U.S. Forest Service office, or online at www.Recreation.gov. Permits are $5 per tree and there is a 5-tree limit per household.
If there is a fourth grader in the house, the “Every Kid Outdoors” initiative is offering one free tree permit to those who hold a valid 4th Grade Interagency Pass. These free passes are available at the Olympia office or click here.
Campgrounds are closed for the winter, but if you’re planning to go hiking and explore the region, be prepared for winter conditions and know before you go.
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The 10-mile Spruce Railroad Trail at Lake Crescent is on track to reopen to the public in early December, after nine months of restoration work. The completion of the project makes it a universally accessible, multi-purpose trail to be shared by hikers, bicyclists, equestrians, and people in wheelchairs and completes this Olympic Discovery Trail section. For the latest updates, click here.
East Beach Road at Lake Crescent is still closed at Hwy. 101, so to access the east side trailhead at the Lyre River you have to take Hwy. 112 to Joyce-Piedmont.
With winter weather upon us here on the Olympic Peninsula, it’s important to be prepared as you head outside to experience our beautiful area this season. There are lots of opportunities for snow activities at Hurricane Ridge and elsewhere around the Peninsula. To learn more about winter recreation in Olympic National Park, what’s open and what you should know before you go, check out our latest blog.
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Winter is a wonderful time to explore outside, but it’s important to remember a new season brings new guidelines for staying safe. Here are three important points to remember to Recreate Responsibly.
Check conditions—Weather and avalanches present unique risks. Before heading out, check the mountain weather and avalanche forecasts at Northwest Avalanche Center and road conditions. You control your risk—plan accordingly.
Choose appropriate locations and routes—Summer destinations may present different hazards with snow cover or heavy rain causing mudslides. Recent trip reports may help paint a picture. Avalanche forecasts will help you assess environmental hazards. Turn back if you’re unsure. Don’t delay calls for help.
Be prepared—Snow adventures require additional safety gear, such as extra layers and traction devices. If traveling in avalanche terrain, make sure you have an avalanche transceiver, probe, and shovel—and the knowledge to use them. Your car needs gear too (chains, blankets, food, water, extra clothes, etc.)
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To inspire planning for your trip, check out the
Download or request your FREE copy to be mailed directly to you.
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As things change rapidly across Washington state and here on the Olympic Peninsula regarding the pandemic and its restrictions, we encourage you to know before you go and check our website for the most current information. If we can assist you with your travel planning, please contact us directly. We wish you and your family a safe, warm, joy-filled holiday season from all of us on the Olympic Peninsula!
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We look forward to welcoming you to the Olympic Peninsula! |
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