Ring in the Holidays in PT
A joyful season-long celebration.
Ring in the Holidays in Port Townsend is a joyful season-long celebration filled with tradition, twinkling lights, and community connection. Taking place throughout November and December, the festivities kick off with Small Business Saturday and continue with Mega Merriment in Port Townsend—featuring Santa visits and photo opportunities, kids’ crafts, makers markets, all-day shopping and dining, the lighting of the community tree, and plenty of holiday cheer.
Throughout the season, additional events and activities invite locals and visitors to explore downtown, support local businesses, and experience the magic of Christmas in a historic seaside town. Festive holiday lights and decorations enhance the spirit of the season, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere all winter long.
2026 Holidays in Port Townsend
Small Business Saturday
November 28th, 2026
Make your holiday shopping extra special in Port Townsend! Discover one-of-a-kind gifts, explore locally owned boutiques, and enjoy festive dining while supporting the small businesses that make our town shine. Share your favorite finds with #FoundInTown!
Crafts & Cocoa | 1–3 PM | Cotton Building, 607 Water St.
Bring the kids for a cozy afternoon of creativity! Families are invited to paint festive ornaments to hang on Port Townsend's community holiday tree. Enjoy cocoa, holiday cheer, and a little hands-on magic. Free and fun for all ages!
Mega Day of Merriment
December 5th, 2026
It's a full day of holiday magic in Port Townsend! Shop handcrafted treasures, visit Santa, enjoy festive activities, and celebrate the season with family and friends. From holiday markets to the community tree lighting and parade, there's merriment around every corner!
Here's what's happening:
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11 AM–6 PM | Salish Sea Makers Market – Shop unique, handcrafted gifts from local makers at the Cotton Building.
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1–4:15 PM | Santa Visits on the Kiwanis Choo Choo – Stop by the Cotton Building for a festive photo opportunity with Santa!
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4:30 PM | Community Tree Lighting – Gather at Haller Fountain for holiday songs by the Wild Rose Chorale. Santa lights the community tree and Fire Bell Tower at 4:45 PM!
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Following the Tree Lighting | Holiday Parade & Magic of Christmas – Join the festive parade through downtown to the American Legion for more holiday magic!
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5–8 PM | First Saturday Art Walk – Explore local galleries, discover inspiring artwork, and enjoy an evening of creativity.
Make a day of it! Shop small, dine local, and experience the magic of the holidays in Port Townsend!
KPTZ Holiday Extravaganza
Saturday, December 12 | Cotton Building | 12–4 PM
Get ready for a sweet afternoon of community holiday cheer! Join KPTZ 91.9 FM for its Holiday Extravaganza featuring live music, festive fun, and plenty of holiday spirit. Don't miss the Port Townsend Creative District & Food Co-op Holiday Bake Off, where local bakers bring their sweetest creations to the celebration. Plus, hop aboard the Kiwanis Choo Choo for a festive ride!
Want to participate in the Bake Off? Find out how to enter here!
A joyful afternoon of music, treats, and family-friendly fun!
Tour the Winter Lights
November - February
Watch Port Townsend sparkle this holiday season! Take a self-guided stroll through Downtown and Uptown to discover twinkling storefronts, festive window displays, and dazzling winter lights. Don't miss the illuminated whale at Adams Street Park, the glowing Fire Bell Tower, and the festive snowflakes lighting up Uptown.
Bundle up, grab a warm drink from a local café, and enjoy the magic of Port Townsend after dark!
Follow the Rainbow Road Holiday Scavenger Hunt
November 28th - December 27th
Follow the Rainbow Road for a sweet holiday adventure! Inspired by this year's Candy Land theme, this free, self-guided scavenger hunt invites you to explore Downtown and Uptown while discovering festive surprises, local treasures, and hidden holiday magic along the way.
Complete 8 of the 12 challenges, attach a receipt from a Downtown or Uptown business, and drop your completed card in the red mailbox at Tyler Plaza for a chance to win a festive prize! The drawing takes place December 28.
Grab your scavenger hunt card, follow the rainbow, and let the sweet adventures begin!
Uptown Gingerbread Contest
December 1–20 | Port Townsend Public Library
Something sweet is happening Uptown! Celebrate the season with the 32nd Annual Uptown Gingerbread Contest, a beloved holiday tradition showcasing imaginative, edible creations from community members of all ages!
Feeling creative? Pick up a gingerbread kit at the library (available November 15–30, while supplies last) and submit your masterpiece December 1–8. Prizes will be awarded in four categories: Children 12 & Under, Most Creative, Most Literary, and People's Choice! Winners will be announced December 20.
Stop by the Port Townsend Public Library, 1220 Lawrence Street, to admire the festive creations and celebrate our community's creativity!
Special thanks to the Port Townsend Friends & Foundation and Port Townsend Main Street for supporting this sweet tradition.
Want to participate? Find contest rules, entry details, and more here!
