The holidays are all a-glitter here on the Olympic Peninsula with lights sparkling and twinkling in festive colors. Shop windows invite you to come in and find perfect gifts for everyone on your list. Our accommodations welcome you to relax from the hustle and bustle, and our delicious eateries and bistros are serving up the best in holiday fare.
Shorter days and chilly weather may draw you inside to cozy up by a fireplace with a hot cup of cocoa and a visit with a special friend. Or head outside for a peaceful walk in the forest, maybe in search of your perfect tree! Trails, beaches and outdoor places are looking even more magical as we transition to winter.
As you head into the new year, and dream of future travels, we hope those travel plans will include the Olympic Peninsula. We wish you and yours very Happy Holidays!
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An Insider’s View of the Olympic Peninsula – Holiday Festivities
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Olympic National Park – The Winter Season Has Begun at Hurricane Ridge
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Olympic National Forest – Holiday Tree Permits
- Be Winter Wise!
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AN INSIDER'S VIEW of the OLYMPIC PENINSULA |
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With shorter days and longer nights, holiday lights are twinkling from Shelton, or “Christmastown” as it’s called at this time of year, to the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe and 7 Cedars illuminating the area around Blyn as well as the historic Railroad Bridge by the Dungeness River Nature Center in Sequim. Port Angeles oozes holiday cheer at the Winter Ice Village and the Wintertide Festival of Lights at Webster’s Woods at the Port Angeles Fine Arts Center. For more details about where you can celebrate light this winter, READ MORE.
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Celebrate in Christmastown
Shelton
Illuminated Christmas Tree Maze –
Now through January 7
Dress in your festive warmth and lose yourself in the 4th Annual Guinness Tribute 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 2 – 4
Celebrate the holidays with great handmade items for your shopping pleasure, complete with visits from Santa, live music and delicious food. LEARN MORE
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Winter Ice Village
Port Angeles
Now through January 2
Glide through the Winter Ice Village at the outdoor ice-skating rink this holiday season. Strap on a pair of ice skates and pirouette your way across the Olympic Peninsula’s only outdoor covered rink. Located downtown across from Odyssey Bookshop, the rink will be open seven days a week until it closes January 2, 2023. LEARN MORE
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Tree Lighting Ceremony and Open House
Sequim Civic Center
December 2
The holiday spirit is strong in Sequim. Join the fun as the holiday tree is lit at 5 pm. Each year the tree is decorated by local fourth graders. This year’s theme is, “What Brings You Joy?” While you’re in town, take in the beautiful display of holiday lights installed by the team of “Sequim elves,” enjoy the First Friday Art Walk and play the “Elk on the Shelf” game. Participating businesses will set you up with a card and the rules.
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Festival of the Fjord
Hood Canal Area
Christmas in McCleary – December 3
Quilcene Community Tree Lighting and Santa Visit – December 3
Come to the community tree near the post office at 4:30 pm for the tree lighting with Santa arriving at 4:45 pm to greet everyone and for photos.
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Caroling, Santa and Tree Lighting
Port Townsend
December 3
The Wild Rose Chorale will be out and about from 2 – 4 pm singing merry tunes while PT Artscape will help children make ornaments under the tent at Tyler Plaza. At 4:30 pm, Santa will leave the Flagship Landing area on the Kiwanis Choo Choo and head to Haller Fountain to light the community tree.
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21st Annual Twinkle Light Parade
Forks
December 3
Come for a fantastic and festive kick-off to the holiday season with Forks’ annual Twinkle Light Parade beginning at 6:30 pm with tree lighting directly after the parade. Lights, candy and Santa will be there, too!
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Wintertide Festival of Lights
Port Angeles
December 10 – 11
Enjoy food and drink vendors, lighted art illuminating the forest paths, lantern workshops and a community lantern walk, glow in the dark art stations and thrilling performances down in the meadow. Check out the Makers Market all day where you can shop for locally made goods, arts and crafts through December 18 from 11 am to 5 pm, Thursdays through Sundays. LEARN MORE
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First Night
Downtown Port Townsend by the Civic Plaza
December 31
First Night is an all-ages New Year’s Eve extravaganza beginning at 3 pm which includes downtown venues, both indoor and outdoor, featuring live music and performances, interactive art experiences, history and heritage exhibits plus more. It all culminates with the Anchor Drop at 9 pm and fireworks show to follow. LEARN MORE
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The Winter Season Has Begun at Hurricane Ridge |
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In late November, the winter season kicked off at Hurricane Ridge, the park’s most popular spot for skiing, snowboarding, tubing, snowshoeing, and just playing in the snow. On December 4, the Hurricane Ridge Ski, Snowboard and Tubing Area is scheduled to begin operations. On December 9, the Mountain View Café, Gift Shop and Rental Shop at the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center will all open. Beginning December 31, join the fun for Saturday Snowshoe Walks with a Ranger. These ranger-led programs are a great way to experience Hurricane Ridge’s winter wonderland. Snowshoes and instructions are provided.
Get started planning a fun and safe winter trip to Hurricane Ridge.
On December 13 at 7 pm via Zoom, join park staff and partners at the North Olympic Library System for the next engagement in the virtual Perspectives Speaker Series for Geologic Mysteries of Rialto Beach. Dr. Kathy Goetz Troost will share findings from a University of Washington-led study at Rialto Beach. LEARN MORE
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, 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
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Get your 2022 Holiday Tree Permits |
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Holiday Tree Permits are now available for the Olympic National Forest. Harvesting a tree from the forest can be a joyous tradition during the holiday season. It is important to review guidelines and maps before venturing into the forest. Information is available both online or at an Olympic Forest Service Office.
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. Fall and winter weather conditions impact road and trail conditions quickly. Make sure you’re prepared before you head outdoors, pack layers, and always be aware of your surroundings. It’s okay to turn around if conditions are unsafe!
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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.
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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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Check out what’s happening on the Olympic Peninsula
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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. Although the short winter days of December may seem a bit dark and dreary in the Pacific Northwest, our Olympic Peninsula communities are illuminating the nights with sparkling lights and good cheer, welcoming one and all. Come join in the festivities and Happy Holidays!
If we can assist you with your travel planning, please contact us directly. We look forward to seeing you on the Olympic Peninsula this season!
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