The Magic of Christmas is coming back to Port Townsend this year in a new and revised edition.

Moved from the Jefferson County Fairgrounds to the American Legion Hall because rent negotiations could not be resolved, according to organizer Ted Krysinski, the event is sponsored by the non-profit Smiles Under the Tree, Port Townsend Kiwanis and the American Legion.

The Magic of Christmas counts 100 volunteers working behind the scenes building stages and sets, costumes, light and sound. Krysinski, a grip and light artist, said his main goal is to support projects for youth in the production arts from planning to execution.

“Through mentorship, I would like to show the technical side of productions to youth as a career path. And deliver magic at Christmas time, of course,” said Krysinski.

The theme this year is Kringle’s Christmas Express. Volunteer elves are working hard to bring holiday-like activities for families from Dec. 6 to 11 from 6 to 8 p.m. 

There will be visits and letters to Santa in his workshop as a free experience. A boarding pass ($3 for one and $5 for two) gets visitors a homemade holiday cookie and cup of hot cocoa, up to three reindeer games to play and a craft to make and take. 

Kids can also donate their creation to the “no Elf left behind!” project. The art piece will reach someone who might be alone and forgotten for the holidays.

On Dec. 10 only, the Mistletoe Market, a youth and adult Christmas market, will replace the arts and crafts activities from 10 to 6 p.m. Last year, 10 young entrepreneurs sold out all their creations.

Port Townsend schools string musicians will be busking on the American Legion outdoor stage and the Chimacum High School marching band will be performing a drum line at Tyler Plaza each night.

Another highly anticipated event is the holiday lighted Vehicle Parade, scheduled to happen Dec. 9 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Last year, approximately 45 cars paraded from the Upper Sims Way roundabout to the City Hall on Madison Street. More are expected this year. 

To close the festivities, on Dec. 24 from 5 to 7 p.m., Amanda Steurer-Zamora will do a reading of Night Before Christmas under the 27-foot Christmas tree at the American Legion.