2023 Holiday Events in Gig Harbor & Beyond
It’s that time of year, when all the festivities are here! There is a lot going on in Gig Harbor and the surrounding area, and from light shows and craft festivals to concerts and ice skating, you’re bound to find something that everyone in the family will enjoy. Read on to see all that will be happening, and here’s to making it a great holiday season!
Events in Gig Harbor
Small Business Saturday
Saturday, November 25 & Sunday, November 26, 2023
The day after Black Friday is a great day to show some support to our local small businesses, and this year a select number of places in downtown Gig Harbor will be offering not one but TWO days of shopping small. Check out the Downtown Waterfront Alliance website for details on how you can get a Waterfront Bucks Bonanza promotional card and to see the list of participating shops and eateries.
Also, be sure to check out my list of favorite places in and around town. With the variety of shops featured you are guaranteed to find something for everyone on your holiday shopping list!
Gnome Hunt
December 1 - 31, 2023
Take part in the inaugural gnome hunt around downtown Gig Harbor! When you find at least 15 gnomes you will be entered to win a gift basket worth $300. All the details can be found online.
Gig Harbor Tree Lighting
Saturday, December 2, 2023
Don’t miss Gig Harbor’s annual event at Skansie Brothers Park! While you’re there, be sure to stop by for complimentary cookies and cocoa provided by your very own Team Schulte & Co.
Tidefest Fine Arts & Crafts Festival
Saturday, December 2 & Sunday, December 3, 2023
This annual festival features artists throughout the Northwest and represents a variety of art forms, including glass art, pottery, painting, jewelry, clothing, and wood and leather creations. If you want to get a head start on your shopping, take a look at the list of vendors. Admission is only $5 and purchases help support Gig Harbor High School’s various programs and activities.
Light Up The Night
Friday, December 8, 2023
Join in celebrating the Harbor History Museum’s 8th annual Saint Lucia Festival. This family-friendly event is sure to be a good time of celebrating and learning about Scandinavian heritage through games, crafts, and food. Tickets are only $5 for ages 3 and up, or admission for museum members and their families is free. For more information on how to reserve tickets go to the museum’s website.
Christmas Jubilee
Friday, December 8, 2023
The Chapel on Echo Bay’s annual Christmas concert will be featuring the Jubilee Brass Quintet. Tickets can be purchased online.
Gingerbread House Workshop
Saturday, December 9, 2023
This free event, sponsored by Team Schulte & Co., is something the whole family can enjoy, complete with cocoa for the kids and Locust Cider drinks available to purchase for the adults. There will be four time slots offered, so choose yours and sign up before they’re all full: 10am - 11am, 11am - 12pm, 12pm - 1pm, and 1pm - 2pm (each person in your group must have a reservation).
Lighted Boat Parade
Saturday, December 9, 2023
Don’t miss another of Gig Harbor’s annual traditions! Watch from the shore, or if you have a boat of any kind, light it up and join other boaters in a couple circuits around the harbor. The Gig Harbor Yacht Club has more information on how to get involved (club membership is not required to participate).
The Polar Express
Saturday, December 9 & Sunday, December 10, 2023
Tickets are just $5, and if you bring a contribution for the Toys for Tots gift drive, hot chocolate is free!
Gig Harbor Fire & Medic One Santa Runs
Monday, December 11 - Friday, December 15, 2023
Santa and the fire department will be visiting various neighborhoods in the Gig Harbor area, so check back to see when they’ll be in yours! While they are driving around they will also be collecting food donations for local charities.
Lighted Car Parade & Santa’s Village
Saturday, December 16, 2023
Join in the fun by decorating your vehicle and participating in the parade (registration is free). If you’re a spectator, you will be able to see all the decorated cars on display at the Uptown parking lot (near Fondi Pizzeria). While you’re there, check out Santa’s Village, which will feature local vendors and Santa Claus.
Gig Harbor Peninsula Civic Orchestra
Saturday, December 16, 2023
Celebrating its 20th year, this community orchestra will be hosting a fun evening of popular Christmas tunes and other holiday favorites. Admission is free and no tickets are necessary.
Events Beyond Gig Harbor
Fantasy Lights - Spanaway
Friday, November 17, 2023 - Monday, January 1, 2024
Don’t miss seeing the Northwest’s largest drive-through holiday display! I can guarantee you’ll love looking at all the lights as you drive along the lake in Spanaway Park. Tickets are available online and must be purchased in advance.
Ice Rink - Bellevue
Friday, November 17, 2023 - Monday, January 15, 2024
Featuring over 9,000 square feet of real ice, this is the largest seasonal ice rink in the region! They make the season fun with special events, and even offer free lessons with a professional skating coach (select evenings). Go online to purchase your tickets.
Oly On Ice - Olympia
Friday, November 17, 2023 - Monday, January 15, 2024
Purchase tickets at the rink, or pay for and reserve your skating session online ahead of time (recommended). Rates and hours vary depending on the day.
Winterfest - Seattle
Friday, November 24 - Sunday, December 31, 2023
Enjoy light shows, a model train and village, artistic performances, and more as part of Seattle’s Winterfest. Read here about all that will be happening.
Zoolights - Tacoma
Friday, November 24, 2023 - Monday, January 1, 2024
Come see the Point Defiance Zoo magically transformed with over 800,000 lights! This event is very popular, so be sure to buy your tickets soon.
Holiday Lights & Delights - Seattle
Friday, November 24, 2023 - Tuesday, January 9, 2024 (select dates)
The holiday season kicks off with the tree lighting at Seattle’s Westlake Park, then continues from there with live music, light sculptures, and even a skating rink! All events are free, but check the schedule as most things will be taking place only on the weekends.
Tree Lighting - Tacoma
Saturday, November 25, 2023
As you wait for the official countdown to the tree lighting, enjoy live music, refreshments, and more. If you arrive early you will also be able to hear the Tacoma Concert Band perform (tickets are required).
A Victorian Country Christmas - Puyallup
Thursday, November 30 - Sunday, December 3, 2023
Find unique gifts, food, and handcrafted items as you make your way through over 400 displays set up like Victorian shops at the Washington State Fair. There will also be a singing Nativity and two stages with a variety of entertainment. Go online for tickets and other information.
Holiday Magic - Puyallup
Friday, December 1 - Saturday, December 23, 2023 (select dates)
Make fun family memories with ice skating, light displays, a holiday market, Santa’s Village, train rides, a merry-go-round, and so much more! Several ticket packages are available for purchase.
Ice Arena - Tacoma
Friday, December 1 - Sunday, December 31, 2023
Experience a winter wonderland with the arena’s Ice Lights program, featuring lights and animated displays including a Christmas tree that sings, falling snow, and more! They also have ice bumper cars and a party room you can rent during Ice Lights skating times.
Festival of Chimes & Lights - Port Orchard
Saturday, December 2, 2023
A perfect opportunity to see downtown Port Orchard lit up with festive lights and displays, from the waterfront to City Hall’s Christmas Tree. Music and other entertainment won’t begin until the afternoon, but there will be activities to enjoy all day long.
Christmas Regale - Tacoma
Saturday, December 2, 2023
Travel back in time at Fort Nisqually, where you can experience old-fashioned holiday festivities such as bringing in the yule log, making ornaments, playing games, and taking pictures with Father Christmas. Get your tickets online.
Light & Gold Concert - Poulsbo
Saturday, December 2, 2023
Join the Poulsbo Community Orchestra for a festive musical afternoon featuring works by Leroy Anderson, Georges Bizet, and more. Admission is free but reservations are required.
Symphony Tacoma
Holiday Favorites: Sunday, December 3, 2023
Handel’s Messiah: Friday, December 15, 2023
Support the local arts! The symphony will be offering their annual seasonal concerts, Winter Wonderland and Handel’s Messiah, both of which are sure to delight all music lovers.
Tacoma City Ballet’s The Nutcracker
Saturday, December 9 - Saturday, December 23, 2023 (select dates)
No holiday season is complete without experiencing this Christmas classic! Tickets are available online through Ticketmaster.
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