Downtown events this weekend and next ring in yuletide cheer in business districts in Port Angeles, Sequim, Port Townsend and Forks.
Among the participants will be a certain big guy in a red suit with a big white beard.
Make your list (and check it twice) for these events:
* Port Angeles: The traditional downtown Community Tree Lighting ceremony will be held Saturday at the Conrad Dyar Memorial Fountain at First and Laurel streets.
Entertainment begins at 4 p.m., and Santa is scheduled to arrive at 5 to switch on the lights to a 40-foot Douglas fir Christmas tree.
The event is sponsored by the Port Angeles Downtown Association/Main Street. More details are contained in an advertising supplement, Main Street, in this edition of Peninsula Daily News.
* Sequim: Santa Claus will be busy Saturday as he is also scheduled to visit downtown Sequim from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Jolly Old Elf’s arrival at Bank of America Park, Washington Street and Sequim Avenue, coincides with other downtown activities this weekend.
At Carrie Blake Park, the annual holiday bazaar of the Sequim Lavender Growers Association will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
And at John Wayne Marina, an indoor market of arts, crafts and gifts will be held Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is sponsored by Marina Restaurant and the Port of Port Angeles.
* Port Townsend: Santa takes to the high seas — well, Port Townsend Bay — on Saturday, Dec. 4, when he arrives via boat at Union Wharf at 4:30 p.m.
He’ll then join a parade of carolers to Haller Fountain for the annual Port Townsend Main Street tree lighting ceremony at 5 p.m.
From now until noon on Dec. 4, 40 downtown merchants are participating in a “Home Town Holiday Raffle” in which a lucky customer will win $2,000 in Town Dollars — scrip redeemable at any of the merchants’ businesses.
* Forks: The 3rd annual Twinkle Light Parade will illuminate itself down Forks Avenue on Friday, Dec. 3, at 6:30 p.m.
Sponsored by JT’s Sweet Stuffs candy shop, the parade features entrants who have dressed up their vehicles, bicycles and even foot scooters with festive lighting.