There are so many different events happening on the Kitsap Peninsula from December 1-3, the only hope is to take an extra day or two off and make it a nice long-weekend. But it is the holiday season and the perfect time to spend some quality, one-on-one time with family and friends. According to research..there are lots of employees with lots of un-used vacation days just waiting to be used. If you can’t take the entire week or two weeks off, we have some good news.

WA State Ferry to Kitsap Peninsula

WA State Ferry from Edmonds heading to Kingston Terminal and the beautiful Kitsap Peninsula…just a 30-minutes ride to the Natural Side of Puget Sound.

The Kitsap Peninsula is just 30- to 60-minutes away by ferry, bridge or highway. In no time, you are away from the crush and rush of traffic, city noise and lights.

Nearly every single city and town is located on the waterfront where you can enjoy it all…wide-open spaces, wood trails, beaches, shopping and award-winning micro-brews. Travel to VisitKitsap.com for all things Kitsap Peninsula.

We promise you will find holiday events and attractions for visitors of all ages and interests.  Visit our website to find the perfect place-to-stay for your holiday getaway on the Kitsap Peninsula.

For more holiday and other December events, please visit our 2017 Holiday Festivities page on the VKP website and the VKP Calendar of Events. You can also find news about the Kitsap Peninsula on our Facebook page.

FRIDAY – DECEMBER 1  

Bremerton Winter Fest First Friday Art Walk – 5-8 pm
Magic In Manette – Winter Fest  1- 8 on
Shops start celebrating at 1 Pm. Santa Claus rolls into town on the fire truck at 5:15, at 7:00 sing carols and at 7:15 see tree lights. Activities for kids, shopping in smart little shops will put you in the holiday spirit. 

SATURDAY – DECEMBER 2

Port Orchard Chimes &Lights & Local Events 11 am – 7:30 pm
A classic family holiday evening with with hay-wagon rides, arts & crafts bazaar, storytelling, Santa, tree lighting (3-4 pm), Christmas Lane Lighted Boats at marina and fireworks.

For pet lovers there is the annual Pooch & Purr Holiday Pet Parade and costume contest 4-5.  Dress’em in costume and parade them through town!  Must be on a leash.  3rd Annual Port Orchard Pop-Up Gallery 10 am – 4 pm – Showcasing local artists. Located at Cedar Heights Bldg. – 1950 Pottery Ave. 

2017 Jingle Bell Run – Port Orchard
Join this popular holiday-themed 5K race to help conquer arthritis! Family friendly. Starts at City Hall. Visit website for registration details.

Bremerton Winter Fest – Downtown – 4-8 pm
Stroll downtown museums, shops, & cafes to see exhibits and to enjoy holiday refreshments! Horse drawn carriage rides 5 to 8 pm. marching band arrives at 5:30, along with Santa via fire truck at the Puget Sound Navy Museum.

Poulsbo Son’s of Norway Holiday Bazaar  – 10 am – 4 pm
Jule Fest – Historic Downtown Poulsbo – 2-7 pm
Scandinavian vendors, traditional foods, dancing by Leikarringen youth folkdance group. Jule Fest starts at 2 pm. Horse drawn carriage rides, carolers and holiday cheer. Santa arrives at 6pm to hear children’s wishes, dancing starts around the tree and the Santa Lucia bride arrives by boat to light the bon fire.

Kingston Cove Christmas – Kingston Marina  3:30 – 7 pm Events for the entire family all day – Festival of Trees at Village Green Community Center, Santa’s workshop, Kingston Jazz Band & Choir, Danny Vernon singing Elvis, tree lighting and lighted boat parade.

Olalla Vineyard – Live Music in the Loft –  6:30-8:30 pm
Malo Castro and his band are back for an intimate, rousing performance.  Get your groove on!  Dance Floor – FREE 21+EVENT. 

Gig Harbor First Friday Artwalk – 5-8 pm
Gig Harbor Tree Lighting –  Skansie Brothers Park  – 5-7 pm
Official tree lighting and kickoff of the holidays in Gig Harbor. Join friends and neighbors for entertainment galore, including live music, Rainier’s Rhubarb, refreshments and a visit from Santa on the fire truck!

SUNDAY – DECEMBER 3 

Heronswood Lecture

Heronswood “2017 Collective Highlights″ – A Lecture by Dan Hinkley  1-3 pm
Dan Hinkley, Director of Heronswood Garden, had an exciting year from hair-raising mountainous experiences in N. Vietnam to the beguiling, plant-filled Alps of Slovenia, to more tame but visually stimulating gardens of Martha Stewart. Dan will share highlights with members and non- members at the annual Heronswood Members’ Lecture.

DECEMBER 1-3 (Friday-Saturday-Sunday)

Bainbridge Island Winter Studio Tour
Celebrate the craftsmanship of local, handmade art at this free, annual, self-guided art show. Featuring seven artist studios and 56 artists. A perfect weekend and girl-friend getaway.

24th Annual Christmas in the Country
This long-time Bainbridge Island event marks the official launch of the Christmas season. Friday & Saturday 10 am~5 pm, Sunday 11 am ~ 5.