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This holiday season there are so many great local events going on, so we thought we would highlight a range of activities. From free pony rides for kids to a Viking bonfire, you’re sure to find a fun way to celebrate here in beautiful Kitsap County.
Where to Find Santa
When: Dec. 4, Dec. 11, Dec. 18, and Dec. 19, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Where: Manor House at Pleasant Beach Village, Bainbridge Island
Cost: Free
Head on down to visit St. Nick and give him your holiday wish list. There are also plenty of cute stores to shop locally for holiday gifts. Pleasant Beach Village is also a fun place to grab a bite or beverage to round out your holiday weekend festivities.
When: Sunday, Dec. 5 9:00 – 11:00 AM
Where: Poulsbo Sons of Norway
Cost: $7 for children 10 and under, $10 for ages 10+
Enjoy a tasty breakfast that includes pancakes, lingonberries, bacon, sausage, fruit, potatoes, coffee, juices, and a “no contact” visit with Santa.
Nordic Father Christmas in Poulsbo
When: Saturdays in December from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Sundays in December 12:00 – 3:00PM, Christmas Eve 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Drop off letters anytime.)
Where: Santa’s House in front of Marina Market in Downtown Poulsbo
Cost: Free (Donations to Fishline Food Bank are encouraged.)
Visit Father Christmas for a photo op in front of his little house at this cute little Holiday Tiny Home in Historic Downtown Poulsbo. Bring your own camera for some family photos. Additionally, kids can drop off their letter to Santa and they’ll receive a reply if a return address is listed.
When: Dec. 18 10:00 AM- 3:00 PM
Where: Olalla Neighborhood, Bremerton
Cost: Free
Santa will be driving around the Olalla neighborhood on his golf-cart sleigh, handing out icicles (popsicles) from the North Pole. View this map to see where you can catch him.
Santa at Port Orchard Public Market
When: Dec. 18 & 19, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Where: Port Orchard Public Market
Cost: Free (donations to South Kitsap Helpline encouraged)
Visit Santa in his sleigh at the Public Market. Bring your own camera and be ready to share your wish list. Don’t forget a non-perishable food donation for the South Kitsap Helpline.
When: Daily until Dec. 24; 11:00 AM- 8:00 PM and Sundays from noon to 6:00 PM
Where: Kitsap Mall
Cost: Varies by photo package
If you’re looking for a full Santa photo experience, visit the Kitsap Mall. Reservations are recommended but not required.
Holiday Festivals
When: Dec. 4 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Where: Mike Wallace Park in Kingston
Cost: Free
Kingston’s annual Christmas event boasts thousands upon thousands of lights. The official lighting ceremony is on December 4th at 5:00 PM. However, there are plenty of festivities happening throughout the day. This year there’s a Craft Fair at the Village Green (10:00 AM – 3:00 PM), Santa’s Workshop (take and make crafts), photos with Santa at Kingston Cove Yacht Club (1:00 – 4:00 PM), live music, Santa’s arrival, a boat parade, a cookie-crawl, and a holiday spirits garden. View the complete schedule. Once the holiday lights are on, they light up the waterfront until the first week of January. So, you can take a stroll to enjoy it all season long. Unusual creations for this display usually include an octopus, a dragon, butterflies, and turtles.
Julefest: Nordic Market, Taste of Norway, and Viking Bonfire
When: Dec. 4 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Where: Sons of Norway and Poulsbo Waterfront Park
Cost: Free
Taste Norwegian food, shop for Scandinavian-inspired gifts and crafts and experience the holidays with a Nordic twist at the Sons of Norway Lodge. At dusk, enjoy the Lucia Bride ceremony where the Vikings escort Lucia and her wreath of candles to the shore on their boat, followed by a bonfire and winter proclamation. It’s one of the most authentic Nordic holiday ceremonies in the Northwest, and very unique to Poulsbo.
When: Dec. 11 & 12
Where: Port Gamble
Cost: Free+
Celebrate the holidays in historic Port Gamble with shopping and holiday lights! This year they have over 100,000 lights on display. On Saturday, Dec. 11th there will be a community lighting at 5:00 PM followed by fireworks. Santa’s workshop ($5 per child) is open Saturday 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM and Sunday 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Merry Meadows Farm will have their ponies near the pavilion for holiday pony rides as well.
Lighted Ships Parade, Bonfire, and Caroling
When Dec. 11, 5:00 PM
Where: Liberty Bay and Poulsbo Waterfront Park
Cost: Free
Find a spot along Liberty Bay to watch the lighted ship parade, complete with call-outs from Santa. If you want to add a name to Santa’s list for him to call out, you can email santa@poulsboyc.org before Dec. 10th. The Crossroads Rotary will be hosting a bonfire, and caroling will be provided by Emerald Heights Elementary. View Poulsbo Yacht Club’s route map.
When: Wednesdays – Sundays, Dec. 1 – 10, Daily; Dec. 11 – Jan. 3, 4:30 to 9:30 PM
Where: 26730 Big Valley Road, Poulsbo
Cost: $12 ages 6 and up (6 and under free)
This holiday light display is back and welcoming visitors this year! Walk the Enchanted Trail: a 600-foot long path with over 70,000 lights. See a pond, a waterfall, visit the North Pole, and stroll down Candy Cane Lane.
Unique Holiday Activities
When: Dec. 4 & 5 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Where: Countryman Stables
5349 McDonald Ave. NE, Bainbridge Island
Cost: Free
This holiday experience has been going on for almost two decades, giving children the experience of horse riding for the holidays. Children up to age 12 are welcome. Helmets are available, or you can bring your own.
When: Dec. 17 5:00-7:00 PM
Where: Kitsap Tennis & Athletic Center in Bremerton
Cost: Free
Grab a swimsuit and towel and head on over to Kitsap Tennis & Athletic Center for their open house for pool games and holiday treats.
Holiday Art Activities
Sip and Paint a Christmas Tree
When: Dec. 16
Where: Village Green Community Center in Kingston
Cost: $45 Pre-registration required (21+ only)
Enjoy snacks and a beverage as you paint a winter wonderland of trees. The fee includes food and one drink ticket, art supplies, and step-by-step instructions. It’s the perfect way to create memorable holiday decor or a gift for a loved one.
Cookies and Canvas – Family Paint Workshop
When: Dec. 4 (2 sessions) & Dec. 11 (2 sessions)
Where: Griffin Gallery in Poulsbo
Cost: $35 per person, pre-registration required (ages 6+ welcome)
Enjoy time with family members or friends while painting. Delicious cookies and warm beverages will make it an extra sweet event. Fee includes all painting supplies, 2 hours of instruction, canvas, snacks, and drinks.
Movies, Theater, and Dance
Every Christmas Story Ever Told
When: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from Dec. 3 – Dec. 19 (various showtimes)
Where: Port Gamble Theater
Cost: Children $12, Adults $18, Military/Senior/Youth $16
Live theater is back in Port Gamble! Enjoy a funny look at holiday specials and stories that are often relatable. Note from the theater: Santa’s existence is called into question, so caution to parents who may wish to keep that magic alive. Tickets can be purchased here.
When: Dec. 4 & 5 (multiple times)
Where: Bremerton High School Performing Arts Center
Cost: $17 – $32
This holiday classic is performed by Peninsula Dance Theater. PDT brings one of the most beloved holiday traditions and stories to life during their 48th year. Limited seating and masks are required.
When: Dec. 3 – Dec. 23 (7:00 PM Showings)
Where: SEEfilm Bremerton Cinema
Cost: $7
This Bremerton movie theater is showing a holiday classic movie each week for three weeks in December. Enjoy “The Polar Express”, “A Christmas Story”, or “Elf” on the big screen! More info.
We wish you a fun, healthy holiday season! To stay up to date on local stories, events, and more, follow our page: Windermere Sound Living.
