A runner starts his ascent Friday on the Taylor Street stairs in downtown Port Townsend, where the city’s Christmas tree stands ready for lighting at about 4:30 p.m. today. Santa will arrive on the Kiwanis Choo Choo after listening to the children’s requests at Flagship Landing earlier in the day, Caroling with the Wild Rose Choral and ornament-making at the Tyler Street Plazas tent also are planned today.