Arts & Entertainment Community
‘Tis the season for holiday fun
Few small towns celebrate the holidays quite like Gig Harbor. And the fun starts this week.
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Holiday highlights include the Dec. 7 Christmas tree lighting, the Lighted Car Parade, and the intricate decorations around town. Read on for a list of Gig Harbor holiday events.
Want to add to our list? Email [email protected] or submit the event to our calendar.
Peninsula High WinterFest
When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1
Where: Peninsula High School, 14105 Purdy Dr.
More than 160 vendors from around the state will participate Peninsula High WinterFest, the largest fundraiser of the year for the Peninsula High ASB. WinterFest includes food trucks, the Hall of Wreaths silent auction and more.
Admission: $5
Holiday Village at Donkey Creek Park
When: Dec. 7 through Dec. 28 during park hours
Where: Donkey Creek Park, 8714 North Harborview Dr.
The Gig Harbor Downtown Waterfront Alliance and Visit Gig Harbor hosts the Holiday Village, featuring six holiday-themed photo displays for selfies or family photos. Santa will join the fun for free photos from noon to 2:30 p.m. Dec. 14 and 15 and Dec. 21 and 22.
Admission: Free
Santa lane at Donkey Creek Park in 2023.
Gig Harbor High TideFest
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8.
Where: Gig Harbor High School, 5101 Rosedale St.
More than 100 vendors will sell a variety of glass art, sculptures, pottery, jewelry, clothing and more. TideFest supports Gig Harbor High activities, including sports, the debate team, the school newspaper and music programs. It includes live music, food and free babysitting.
Admission: $5
Christmas tree lighting
When: 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7
Where: Skansie Brothers Park, 3211 Harborview Dr.
The annual Gig Harbor Christmas tree lighting features an appearance by Santa, live music and free cookies and cocoa.
Cost: Free
The 2023 Gig Harbor Christmas Tree. Photo by Julie Warrick Ammann
Saint Lucia Festival
When: 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 7
Where: Harbor History Museum, 4121 Harborview Dr.
Harbor History Museum celebrates Gig Harbor’s Scandinavian heritage with its ninth annual St. Lucia Festival. The festival includes crafts, games and traditional Scandinavian snacks.
Cost: $5 admission for those ages 3 and older, free for museum members
Harbor History Museum Holiday Market
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15
Where: Harbor History Museum, 4121 Harborview Dr.
The museum’s first Holiday Market includes a range of vendor booths. Confirmed vendors will sell beeswax products, holiday greens, beaded jewelry, artwork and more.
Admission: Free for museum members, $5 for non-members
Cookies & Cocoa With Santa and Mrs. Claus
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14
Where: Swift Water Elementary, 10811 Harbor Hill Dr.
Kids write letters to Santa and take pictures with him in this event hosted by PenMet Parks and the Gig Harbor Kiwanis. Register to save your spot.
Cost: $10 suggested family donation
Santa’s BoatShop
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14 and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15.
Where: Eddon Boatyard house, 3805 Harborview Dr.
Children ages 3 and older build and decorate festive holiday model boats in this even hosted by the nonprofit Gig Harbor BoatShop. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and you must book a time here.
Cost: $25 per child or $20 per child for Gig Harbor BoatShop members. Includes all materials.
Lighted Boat Parade
When: Begins at 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14
Where: Along the downtown waterfront
The Gig Harbor Yacht Club’s Lighted Boat Parade starts at Arabella’s Marina. Good viewing locations include Skansie Brothers Park, Jerisich Dock, Ancich Waterfront Park, and the Bogue Viewing Platform.
Cost: Free to watch
The 2022 Lighted Boat Parade
Lighted car parade
When: 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21
Where: Uptown Gig Harbor on Point Fosdick Drive.
100 vehicles have registered for the fifth annual Gig Harbor Lighted Car Parade. The parade leaves Uptown at 5 p.m., the proceeds through town on Olympic, Soundview and Harborview drives. The procession turns around at Donkey Creek Park and returns to Uptown. The best viewing areas are at Uptown and anywhere along the downtown waterfront. Santa will be in the Uptown Pavilion from 4 to 7 p.m. and Uptown will take donations for Gig Harbor Peninsula FISH Food Bank from noon to 6 p.m. in the Pavilion.
Admission: Free to watch
An entry in the 2023 Lighted Car Parade. Photo by Vince Dice