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Regional Holiday Activities & Light Displays
December is such a magical time of year. Luckily, there are many ways to celebrate in our area. We’ve compiled a list of some light displays, festivals, events, and activities to check out.
Holiday Light Displays
Light Display at Mike Wallace Park
This waterfront light display is a hometown favorite right here in Kingston. Every year, locals and visitors are dazzled by a range of light sculptures using approximately 500,000 lights. And, it’s all thanks to the Port of Kingston and many volunteers who work on it for months. You’ll see some traditional displays like snowflakes and gift boxes along with unique designs like jellyfish hanging on a wire. This is a must-see! Located by the ferry terminal in downtown Kingston, the park/marina has public parking and can be accessed via sidewalks.
Runs until early January, 2024 | Free
Explore this enchanted garden trail loop that is 600 ft long, featuring 60,000+ lights. There’s a lot to see, including a 1/25 scale garden railroad, a candy cane lane, Santa’s workshop at the North Pole, the lighted orchard, and a nativity scene. The path is gravel and does have a few steps throughout. Located at 26730 Big Valley Rd. NW, Poulsbo.
Runs until Jan 1, 2024 from 4:30 to 9:30 PM | $12 per person, kids 6 and under are free
A holiday tradition for more than 35 years, zoolights transforms the Point Defiance Zoo into a winter wonderland with more than 800,000 lights. Perfect for families or even a date night, you’ll see a giant octopus, light tunnels, and goats wearing coats. And, you might even spot Sasquatch if you’re lucky. Additional activities include s’mores fire pits and a goat feeding experience. Pre-purchased online tickets required. Please note the aquarium is closed during zoolights.
Daily until Jan. 1, 2024 from 4:30 – 10:00 PM | $7+ for members, $14+ for non-members
“Village of Lights” in Leavenworth
On November 24, Leavenworth’s Bavarian town lit up with over half a million lights for the holidays. It’s a fun place to visit for a day or over a weekend, and the dazzling lights will be up through February. Additionally, there are a range of activities happening throughout the winter season. Listen to live music, see Santa, enjoy free crafts for kids, and more. Please note some events and activities are not free, such as Manuela’s Magical Christmas Spectacular.
Daily through February, 2024. | Free but activity prices vary
Festivals
The charming town of Port Gamble is transformed into a holiday wonderland with over 100,000 lights and Western Washington’s only winter fireworks display. During the day you’ll find hayrides and carolers as well as Santa’s workshop, crafts for kids, and holiday shopping time. Saturday night includes the tree lighting and spectacular fireworks!
Dec. 9, 2023, starts at 12:00PM, tree lighting @ 5:45 PM, fireworks @ 6:00 PM; Dec. 10, 2023, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Free but activity prices vary
Festival of Firs and Christmastown
In 2019, Shelton won a Guinness World Record for the most lit Christmas trees in one location. The town has been known as Christmastown, WA for decades. On your way into town, you’ll be greeted by a 32’ tall Santa Claus, built to celebrate the World’s Fair in 1962. You can take a walk through the lit tree maze, a wagon ride through the decorated town, cast your vote for the best gingerbread house, and more. The maze is located at 425 Cota Street, Shelton.
Maze open nightly from dusk until 10:00 PM until Dec. 31, 2023 | Free but activity prices vary
Get a taste of European traditions in Seattle with artisan vendors, street food, libations, live entertainment, and more. Created by the same organization as the beloved Vancouver Christmas Market, you’ll find 60+ local and European artisans with holiday gifts for everyone on your list. Savor bratwursts, German baked goods, crepes, and fudge. Sip hot-spiced mulled wine under the Christmas pyramid, sing some karaoke, or take the kids for a spin on the Nordstrom Merry Go Round. Book online for specific entrance times.
Open daily through Dec. 24 | Youth $12+ and adults $20+ (6 and under are free)
Other Fun Events and Activities
Get ready for the holidays with the Greater Hansville Community Center’s 3rd annual Holiday Market at Buck Lake. Get in the holiday spirit with small town charm and live music, food, various vendors, a silent auction, and Santa.
Dec. 9, 2023 | Free
If you celebrate Chanukah, this Sunday is the 6th annual Menorah on the Green. Head to Bainbridge Island to celebrate with loved ones and community members. There’s a giant menorah lighting, live music, latkes and donuts, arts and crafts, and more – all thanks to the Chabad of Bainbridge and North Kitsap.
Dec. 10, 2023 at 4:00 PM | Free but please RSVP.
Winter Cookie Decorating at Hood Canal Brewery
Here’s some delicious fun for the whole family. Take the kids to Kingston’s Hood Canal Brewery to decorate some cookies while you enjoy a pint. This event is free and cookies, decorating supplies, and light snacks will be provided.
Dec. 16, 2023 from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Free but please RSVP.
Winter Wonders at Bloedel Reserve
Bloedel is beautiful in every season, and this all-ages outdoor experience will allow guests to see a different side of what winter has to offer. A sensory hunt guides visitors through the garden to listen and feel the natural elements. You can participate in a special winter solstice tour and a Soundscape installation. For those with little ones, check out Saturday Story Time at the Residence. Advance tickets required.
Open Tuesdays – Sundays 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | $5 – $22 per person
Holidays at the Village – Bainbridge
Pleasant Beach Village on Bainbridge Island is all decked out for the holidays. Register for a gingerbread house party, visit Santa or dance to some live music. And, you can enjoy seasonal beverages in the outdoor heated Wintergarden. Visit Pleasant Beach Village’s website for additional details.
Open daily and most special activities fall on weekends | Activity prices vary
For more fun this season, check out these outdoor winter activities.
5 Fun Ways to Support Local Nonprofits This Season
Looking to spread some holiday kindness and cheer? We have many wonderful local nonprofit organizations that provide a range of services throughout Kitsap County, and they could really use our help. While monetary donations are great, there are other ways to show your support. Here are some fun ideas to get you started.
1. Bid on a Christmas Tree to Support Village Green Community Center
The Festival of Trees is happening right now in Kingston and you can join in the fun! Check out the beautiful Christmas trees around town or online. Then bid on your favorite one. A number of local businesses decorated and donated these trees and we proudly donated one as well. Bidding ends on December 12th at noon so be sure to bid before it’s too late. Winning bidders will be able to claim their trees after the auction closes by arrangement with the tree’s donor. If you want to show your support but don’t need a tree, you have the option to donate your tree to a special family in the Boys and Girls Club of North Kitsap. The Club has provided services every day since the pandemic began, offering a place for kids to attend classes online through their make-shift classrooms.
When: December 5 – 12, 2020, beginning and ending at 12:00 PM
Where: Online! Register here.
2. Purchase Coffee to Support Homeless Youth
The Coffee Oasis is dedicated to supporting Kitsap’s struggling youth, cementing themselves as a cornerstone of the community. This season, you can support those in need while getting your coffee fix at The Coffee Oasis. Your dollars will go towards a multifaceted approach to supporting and nurturing young people who have survived abuse, violence, poverty. Visit one of their cafes or their online store.
They also offer a Coffee Subscription, and 100% of the proceeds support their youth programs that offer housing, job training, and resources for homeless youth.
When: Purchase coffee online or during their business hours
Where: All Coffee Oasis locations
3. Participate in a Pet Photo Contest to Support Kitsap Humane Society
Happy Pawlidays! Snap a photo of your pet dressed up and you can save lives through Kitsap Humane Society’s contest. Submit your holiday-themed photos online, and the winner will receive a gift basket from KHS. Dress up your pet in a costume or snap a classy holiday shot. The winner will be decided by votes! It’s just $5 to enter and $1 per vote. All proceeds will be donated to the furry friends under KHS care.
When: December 14, 2020 at 6:00 AM – December 25, 2020, at 12:00 AM
Where: Online
Cost: $5 per photo submission, $1 per vote
4. Purchase a STEM or a Noon Year’s Eve Party Box to Support KiDiMu
The Kid’s Discovery Museum on Bainbridge Island is a wonderful nonprofit museum that provides creative, experiential learning opportunities for children. By giving the kids in your life one of these fun boxes, you’ll be supporting this great place. And, now more than ever, they need your support. In fact, one-third of nonprofit museums across the U.S. are at significant risk of permanently closing due to the impact of COVID-19.
The STEM Subscription Box is $50/month and offers K-2 educational activities that are tied to themes like space and the environment. All project materials are included.
When: Anytime
Where: Online
The Noon Year’s Eve Party Box is $25 for members and $40 for non-members. It provides everything you need to celebrate the new year at noon instead of at midnight so that your little one(s) can be part of the fun. There’s a firework craft, confetti, and more!
When: Last day to ship is Dec. 15, 2020; available for pick-up from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM from Dec. 22 – 29, 2020
Where: Online
5. Enjoy Winter in the Woods and Support the YWCA
With over 150 acres to enjoy, the Bloedel Reserve is always a treat, and “Winter in the Woods” is a great outdoor experience for all ages. And, you can support the YWCA Kitsap County while you’re out enjoying the Reserve. Just bring canned food to contribute to their donation drive. Then stroll across their beautiful grounds and spot cleverly crafted snow people. They also have a Wishing Tree with individually wrapped wooden ornaments and pencils that you can use to add your wishes for the new year. This event is included with admission. Tickets must be purchased in advance online via timed tickets. Canned food donations are not required but are requested.
When: Dec. 5, 2020 – Jan. 3, 2021, open Tuesdays-Sundays, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Closed Mondays, Christmas Day, and New Years Day
Where: Bloedel Reserve, Bainbridge Island
If you know of other local nonprofits that have events going on, let us know on our new Facebook page: Windermere Sound Living. We would love to spread the news. Happy Holidays and here’s to a healthy, joyful new year!
