Holiday Dining Wagon to support local restaurants

The recent shutdowns have been hard on small businesses all over. Particularly impacted are restaurants. With indoor dining suspended, local restaurants that do not have covered or heated outdoor dining space have had to rely on take out customers. There are financial grants to make it through this difficult time, but still many have been forced to shut their doors permanently.

To support and raise awareness of local restaurants, Christmastown organizers are offering dinner wagon rides on select evenings through the decorated streets of downtown, Beginning December 4, the rides provide unique holiday experiences that are compliant to WA State laws for outdoor dining.

Guests reserve their evening ride online at www.christmastownwa.org or by calling 360-427-5599. The covered carriage is divided to create two separate dining “areas” that are sanitized between each ride.

Reservations include beverages and a menu choice from a different restaurant each ride. Each trip hosts two reservations for up to five guests. The wagon boards at the Christmas Tree Maze on 1st Street. Guests receive soda, water or hot chocolate. Dress warmly, bring your own blankets or purchase a Christmastown souvenir fleece to take home for $20.

With holiday music playing, the wagon heads to the restaurant where food is served curbside.

The scenic route passes the town's giant Christmas trees and takes in the lights. Proceeds, after covering dinner costs, go to the presenting organization, Kristmas Town Kiwanis. The Kristmas Town Kiwanis Club is a non-profit in Shelton that helps children and families in the community.

Visit www.christmastownwa.org for availability/reservations or call 866-922-7469. Cost is $100 for five guests including dinner and ride.

Santa Letters

Santa visits may be a little different this year, but no fear, he’s working on your Christmas wishes – and Santa & Mrs. Claus love to get letters.

This year we will have a mailbox at the Christmas Tree Maze on 1st Street in Shelton. Bring by your notes but be sure to include return address on the envelop as all Santa has is chimney addresses.

If you would like your child to receive a personal card from Santa, please visit www.christmastownwa.org and complete the information for "Santa Letters."