Shopping, dining, and visiting Santa gets a time-traveling twist with an old-fashioned Christmas in Port Townsend, Washington. One of only three nationally recognized Victorian seaports in the US, the city is located on the northeastern tip of the Olympic Peninsula. With a population of only about 10,500 people, it counts over 300 Victorian homes. Meanwhile, its historic downtown also is beautifully preserved.

 

Holidays in Port Townsend festivities begin with a Treelighting Celebration on the first Saturday in December.
Port Townsend Main Street Program/Facebook
The day typically begins at Tyler Plaza in the late afternoon, with kids' activities such as ornament making. Into the later afternoon, Santa and Mrs. Claus join for photo ops on the Kiwanis Choo Choo.
Port Townsend Main Street Program/Facebook
As dusk settles, the brightly lit train transports Santa to Haller Fountain on Taylor and Washington streets.
Port Townsend Main Street Program/Facebook
The fountain is situated at the foot of terrace steps that connect the city's downtown and uptown districts. There, the community joins to light the tree.
Port Townsend Main Street Program/Facebook

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You can enjoy shopping and dining downtown throughout the day and into the evening. Well-behaved, leashed dogs – and even Grinches are welcome to stroll and celebrate.
Port Townsend Main Street Program/Facebook
An even older tradition than the city itself, window shopping is a big part of the holiday experience in downtown Port Townsend. Shop owners go all out to delight customers and compete to win the Main Street Merriest Window Contest.
Port Townsend Main Street Program/Facebook
Take note of your favorites as you stroll to grab a bite to eat at one of downtown's several eateries. Options range from elevated to casual, so you can choose to suit your mood.
Sticking with the time travel theme, my pick would be the uber kitschy and fun PT Soda Fountain and Diner (a.k.a. Nifty Fiftys).
Lawrence Marcus/Google Reviews
With a dizzying combo of checkers, chrome, and enough pink to make Barbie proud, this spot delivers you almost a solid century beyond Port Townsend's founding in 1856.
Port Townsend Main Street Program/Facebook

And if you choose to extend your stay, you can get a blend of both eras in this retro vacation rental near the heart of downtown. The apartment has a distinctly mid-century vintage vibe and is located within the circa-1879 Victorian home known as the Siedel House.

Check out Main Street Fort Townsend’s Holidays in Fort Townsend website and follow the Main Street Fort Townsend Facebook page for up-to-the-minute details.

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