Alderbrook Resort & Spa is all about traditions.  Since 1913 Alderbrook has been welcoming guests to the South Shore of Hood Canal, a glacier carved fjord between Seattle and the Olympic Peninsula.  With waterfront activities and several miles of hiking trails, Alderbrook is a great place to experience family traditions.  During the winter, the resort’s halls are decked and seasonal menus in the restaurant make the visit very festive.

For over 15 years, Alderbrook has welcomed Santa every Friday after Thanksgiving to help kick off the holiday season.  Santa and his reindeer arrive on the shores of Hood Canal on our yacht, the Lady Alderbrook, framed by a stunning fireworks display making quite the entrance.  Last year, Rudolph was a tad clumsy – accidentally crashing into the Lady Alderbrook, disabling the navigation equipment!  Thankfully, the voices of our guests singing his favorite song (Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer) guided our boat safely to shore.  But what will happen this year?

Along with Mrs. Clause he greets the children and hands out candy canes, all while accompanied by an amazing drum line and holiday music.  There are hot beverages to enjoy, crackling fires, and plenty of activities for the kiddos to enjoy. 

Santa stays around for a few hours and invites families to meet and greet with him and the Mrs.  Parents are welcome to take pictures to capture the memory and create a new family tradition.  He does come back every Saturday and Sunday until December 23^rd between 11:00 am and 12:30 pm welcoming children to share their Christmas wishes in the resort’s beautifully decorated lobby.  Of course, he checks the naughty list but luckily all the children that have visited over the years have made the nice list. In case there is a line, the house cats, Alder & Brook are happy to entertain.

This event is open to the public and best of all, it’s free!  It truly is a magical holiday moment that the family will never forget.  Why not make it an annual tradition?

If that doesn’t fill your stocking, and your heart, Alderbrook also offers cocoa cruises aboard Lady Alderbrook, the resort’s 56’ yacht.  These leave the Alderbrook dock every Saturday and Sunday at 1:00 pm and 2:30 pm.  Cruise along Hood Canal sipping cocoa and listening to Santa tell stories to entertain the kiddos.  These cruises do sell out quickly, so book soon!

Holidays on the Canal at Alderbrook Resort & Spa is one of our family’s favorite family traditions.  We hope to see you there!