Gig Harbor, Washington, is filled with holiday cheer throughout December, offering events for all ages to enjoy. From festive boat tours and tree lightings to family-friendly activities and unique holiday markets, there’s something for everyone this season. Here’s a breakdown of the most anticipated events, organized by week, so you won’t miss out on the fun!
Week 1: November 30–December 7, 2024
1. Winterfest at Peninsula High School (November 30–December 1, 2024)
Kick off your holiday shopping at Winterfest, the annual ASB fundraiser for Peninsula High School’s clubs and activities. This event features over 160 vendors from all around Washington, offering a variety of handmade goods perfect for gifting.
Dates: November 30 (9 AM–5 PM) & December 1 (11 AM–4 PM)
Location:Â Peninsula High School
Admission:Â $5
2. TideFest (December 7–8, 2024)
TideFest at Gig Harbor High School showcases over 100 artists and artisans selling everything from jewelry and pottery to paintings and glass art. All proceeds benefit the high school’s activities and athletic programs.
Dates: December 7 (10 AM–5 PM) & December 8 (11 AM–4 PM)
Location:Â Gig Harbor High School
Admission:Â $5
3. Gig Harbor Tree Lighting Ceremony (December 7, 2024)
Celebrate the start of the holiday season at the Gig Harbor Tree Lighting Ceremony. This community event features live entertainment, holiday music, and activities for all ages, culminating in the lighting of the Christmas tree.
Date: December 7 (5:30 PM–8:30 PM)
Location: Gig Harbor’s Waterfront
Admission:Â Free
4. GLOW Christmas Concert (December 7, 2024)
Head to Chapel Hill Church for the annual GLOW Christmas Concert. There are two performances: a family-friendly kid's version at 4 PM and a full concert experience at 7 PM for an older crowd.
Date:Â December 7th, 2024
Times:Â 4 PM (Kids Version) & 7 PM (Full Concert)
Location:Â Chapel Hill Church
Week 2: December 8–14, 2024
5. Santa's Boat Shop at Eddon Boatyard (December 14–15, 2024)
Bring the kids to Eddon Boatyard for Santa’s Boat Shop, where children can build and paint their own model boats. It’s $20 for members and $25 for non-members to participate in this creative and fun event.
Dates: December 14 (10 AM–4 PM) & December 15 (10 AM–2 PM)
Location:Â Eddon Boatyard
Admission:Â $20 for members, $25 for non-members
6. Lighted Boat Parade (December 14, 2024)
Don’t miss the festive Lighted Boat Parade hosted by the Gig Harbor Yacht Club. Watch as boats decked out in colorful holiday lights glide through the harbor.
Date: December 14 (4 PM–8 PM)
Location: Gig Harbor’s Waterfront (Harborview Dr)
Admission:Â Free
7. Holiday Market at Gig Harbor History Museum (December 14–15, 2024)
Shop local at the Holiday Market at the Gig Harbor History Museum. Featuring a curated selection of unique artisanal products, from handcrafted jewelry to holiday greens and beeswax goods.
Dates: December 14 (10 AM–5 PM) & December 15 (11 AM–3 PM)
Location:Â Gig Harbor History Museum
Admission:Â $5 for non-members, free for members
8. The Be Merry Market (December 14, 2024)
Join the fun at The Be Merry Market at The Beer Vault, a festive event featuring local vendors, drinks, and delicious treats. Get in the holiday spirit by donning your most festive Christmas sweater and enjoy a night of shopping and merriment.
Date: December 14 (4 PM–8 PM)
Location: The Beer Vault, Gig Harbor
Admission: Free
Week 3: December 15–21, 2024
9. Sons of Thunder Nativity CelebrationÂ
Celebrate the nativity at Skansie Brothers Park with the Sons of Thunder. Join the local community as they gather to celebrate the Christmas season, and the nativity display set up at the park.
Date: December 15 (5:30 PM–7:30 PM)
Location: Skansie Brothers Park
Admission: Free
10. Cookie Decorating Class with Big Smiles Bakery (December 17, 2024)
Get crafty at Local Whimsy with the Christmas Classics Cookie Class hosted by Big Smiles Bakery. Learn how to decorate classic Christmas cookies and create delicious holiday treats.
Date:Â December 17 (5 PM)
Location:Â Local Whimsy, Gig Harbor
Admission:Â $55
11. Lighted Car Parade (December 21, 2024)
Enjoy the Lighted Car Parade, where decorated cars travel through Gig Harbor's Uptown and downtown areas. The parade features dazzling lights and festive decorations.
Date:Â December 21 (5 PM)
Location:Â Uptown and downtown Gig Harbor, along Harborview Dr (from Tides Tavern to Donkey Creek Park)
Admission:Â Free
Ongoing: December 1–28, 2024
12. Santa at The Hub (December 3, 10 & 17 2024)
Head to The Hub in Gig Harbor to meet Santa on the first three Tuesdays of December—December 3rd, 10th, and 17th—from 4 PM to 9 PM. Capture the perfect holiday photo with Santa and enjoy the festive atmosphere!
Dates: December 3, 10 & 17 (4 PM–9 PM)
Location:Â The Hub Gig Harbor
13. Holiday Village at Donkey Creek Park (December 7–28, 2024)
Explore the Holiday Village at Donkey Creek Park, featuring six holiday-themed photo displays, free and open to the public. On select dates, Santa will be available for photos.
Dates: December 7–28 (During park hours)
Location:Â Donkey Creek Park, across from the Harbor History Museum
Admission:Â Free
Santa Photo Dates: December 14–15 (12 PM–2:30 PM), December 21–22 (12 PM–2:30 PM)
14. Holiday Boat Tour with The Boat Shop (Various Dates in December)
For a unique holiday experience, take a festive boat tour aboard the Veteran with Boat Shop’s USCG-licensed skipper. Enjoy light snacks and hot chocolate as you view Gig Harbor’s holiday lights.
Dates:Â Various dates in December (Departures at 5:30 PM)
Location:Â Gig Harbor
Admission:Â Contact The Boat Shop for pricing and reservations
15. A Taffeta Christmas-a 1950s musical revue presented by Ghostlight Performing Arts
Join Ghostlight Theatre for the heartwarming holiday production, A Taffeta Christmas. This musical revue is filled with classic holiday songs, festive costumes, and plenty of cheer as the cast brings an old-fashioned holiday celebration to life.
Dates: Friday, Saturday and Sunday November 29th-December 8th
Location: 690 9th Ave. Fox Island, WA
Admission: Varies, $10-$20/ticket
16. Gig Harbor High School Drama Presents: A Christmas Carol & Frozen Jr.Â
Come create a holiday tradition with Gig Harbor High School Drama as they proudly present A Christmas Carol and Frozen Jr.. This double feature will include two beloved holiday stories, with a 20-minute intermission.
Dates/Times: December 12th-15th, times vary.
Location: Gig Harbor High School
Admission: Varies, $10-$15
Final Thoughts on Christmas in the Harbor
Gig Harbor truly shines during the holiday season with a variety of events designed to spread joy and create lasting memories. Whether you’re meeting Santa at The Hub, shopping at local markets, or enjoying festive boat parades, there's no shortage of ways to celebrate the season in this charming town. Be sure to mark your calendar and make the most of these holiday events—each one promises to add some sparkle to your holiday season!
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