Now that the Thanksgiving meal is a mere memory, Santa is due to arrive on the North Olympic Peninsula.
On Saturday, Santa will show up in Port Angeles for a traditional tree-lighting and in Sequim for a holiday music fest.
Today, he’ll visit the Northwest Maritime Center in Port Townsend for a photo opportunity — but that’s just a tease.
Santa’s real arrival in Port Townsend will be Friday, Dec. 4, when he will come to town for the community Christmas tree lighting.
Santa’s engagements on the Peninsula this weekend are:
• Port Angeles Community Tree Lighting ceremony.
To ward off any potential grinches who might want to steal Christmas, Santa Claus will be escorted to the Christmas tree at the Conrad Dyar Memorial Fountain at the corner of First and Laurel streets by Little Dragons from White Crane Martial Arts on Saturday.
Santa Claus will light the tree at 4 p.m.
The Hamilton School Winter Choir and local singer Amanda Bacon will perform.
Port Angeles City Manager Kent Myers will read “Twas the Night Before Christmas.”
Advanced students of White Crane Martial Arts will give demonstrations.
Those who come to the tree-lighting ceremony are asked to bring nonperishable food donations for the Port Angeles Food Bank or a new unwrapped toy for the Toys for Tots drive.
At the event, people can find out how to win $500 in Downtown Dollars,
The ceremony is sponsored by First Federal and Elwha River Casino, with additional support from Port Angeles Antique Mall, Red Lion Hotel, Bay Variety, Elks Naval Lodge and Rick’s Place.
• Holiday Harmony.
Santa Claus will arrive at noon Saturday at Bank of America Park in Sequim.
The Sequim City Band will perform before Santa’s arrival at 11 a.m at the park at the corner of Sequim Avenue and Washington Street.
For more information, phone 360-683-6197.
• Photos with Santa.
Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will visit the Northwest Maritime Center’s Wooden Boat Chandlery, 431 Water St., from noon to 4 p.m. today.
The visits will continue from noon to 4 p.m. each Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 19.
Professional photographer Victor Judd will take photos of children sitting with Santa Claus. Photos will be available for purchase.
Treats will be served.