AN INSIDER'S VIEW OF THE OLYMPIC PENINSULA

With shorter days, there are lights twinkling from Shelton, or “Christmastown” as it’s called at this time of year, to Port Townsend and across the northern Olympic Peninsula to Forks and down the coast. This is the season for holiday lights to offer cheer and joy to all. The centerpiece is provided by the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe and 7 Cedars illuminating the area around Blyn with 3.25 million LED lights, giving a spectacular display for all who drive by on Highway 101. Sequim is sparkling with festive trees ablaze with lights. Port Angeles oozes holiday cheer at the Winter Ice Village plus the Wintertide Festival of Lights. And, if you’ve ever wondered how all these lights get installed, read more HERE.

With the reopening of the US / Canadian border to vaccinated travelers, the historic MV Coho has returned to service, sailing twice daily, two roundtrips, between Port Angeles, WA and Victoria, BC. Experience the holiday magic in both cities. Please be aware there are specific requirements for cross border travel, and it continues to evolve. CLICK HERE for more information and to make reservations on the MV Coho.

As events and activities return to the Olympic Peninsula, we encourage you to check for the latest information about each one before attending since things can change quickly. Please follow the latest CDC and Washington state protocols to assure everyone stays safe. LEARN MORE

Shelton

Now through December 31

Illuminated Christmas Tree Maze – Now through December 31

Dress in your festive warmth and lose yourself in the 3^rd Annual Christmas tree maze. This is a tribute to the 2019 Guinness World Record for the Most Lit Christmas Trees in One Display—yep, 797 trees!

Christmastown Market – December 3 – 12

Celebrate the holidays with great handmade items for your shopping pleasure, complete with visits from Santa, live music and delicious food. LEARN MORE

PT Eats Restaurant Week – December 4 – 12

Enjoy and celebrate the diverse restaurants in Port Townsend, experiencing local flavors. Each one will be showcasing their favorite dish or beverage. LEARN MORE

Delicious food paired with festive drinks are at the heart and soul of the holidays. The Olympic Peninsula richly offers a wide variety of local food and beverages to make this time of year even more memorable. The Olympic Culinary Loop has a special selection of holiday recipes to share with you, from creative holiday drinks featuring local wineries, cideries and distilleries to our famous Olympic coastal seafood to warm, savory soups and entrees, along with a mouth-watering sampling of sweets, too. GET THE RECIPES HERE

From snow-blanketed mountains to evergreen forests dripping with rain and ocean beaches pounded by winter storms waves, there are many ways to experience winter in Olympic National Park. Although most of the areas of the park remain accessible, there are few ranger-led programs and many facilities are closed. Before your visit, check the weather forecast and current road conditions and be prepared for rain and snow. Conditions can change quickly and what starts as a sunny day can end with hurricane force winds and blizzard conditions! LEARN MORE

Hurricane Ridge is the focal point for snow and winter recreation, with opportunities for snowshoeing, cross-country and downhill skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. But now that winter is upon us, it’s even more important to plan ahead. Check out the video below to learn to Plan Like a Ranger!

Buy a Christmas tree permit online at www.Recreation.gov. Or contact an Olympic Forest Service Office to buy a permit from a Forest Service office where permits can be purchased over the phone and sent via mail. Or to find a vendor near you to purchase a permit in person.

Free Tree permits for 4th Graders: Every Kid Outdoors initiative is offering one free Christmas tree permit to fourth-graders that have a valid 4th Grade Interagency Pass. These free Christmas tree permits are available online through www.Recreation.gov or by contacting an Olympic National Forest Service Office.

Stay safe on Forest Service roads this winter by always being prepared and planning ahead. For a complete list of road closures, check the Olympic National Forest website or call a Forest Service office.

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.)

this winter and for year-round activities by requesting your FREE Olympic Peninsula Travel Planner now!

With some extra time off during the holidays, come share our wide-open spaces, tranquil places and fresh clean air. We invite you to bundle up and explore our spectacular region in the winter months. Doing so in a safe and sustainable manner is vital to everyone’s wellbeing, so please know before you go and check our website for the most current state and local COVID guidelines. LEARN MORE