2022 Holiday Events In Gig Harbor And 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’s happening, and here’s to making it a great holiday season!
Gig Harbor Turkey Trot
Thursday, November 24, 2022 | 8am
Work up an appetite for Thanksgiving dinner by starting the day at the Turkey Trot! Celebrating its 20th year, the 5K through downtown Gig Harbor helps support local charities, including the Gig Harbor Peninsula FISH Food Bank and Food Backpacks 4 Kids. For more information and to register go to the Turkey Trot website.
Small Business Saturday
Friday, November 25 - Monday, November 28, 2022
The day after Black Friday is a great day to show some support to our local small businesses, and this year shops along the downtown Gig Harbor waterfront will be offering not one but FOUR days of shopping small. Check back here for more details.
Seattle Center Winterfest
Friday, November 25 - Saturday, December 31, 2022 | Various times
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.
Fantasy Lights
Friday, November 25, 2022 - Sunday, January 1, 2023 | 5:30pm - 9pm nightly
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.
Winter Solstice Lights
Friday, November 25, 2022 - Monday, January 2, 2023 | 4pm - 8pm (closed Mondays & Tuesdays)
Experience lights and color displayed on the backdrop of the Lakewold Gardens in this unique show based off of environmental data projected from NASA and NOAA. Learn more on the garden’s website.
Zoolights
Friday, November 25, 2022 - Monday, January 2, 2023 | 4:30pm - 10pm nightly
Come see the zoo magically transformed with over 800,000 lights! This event is very popular, so be sure to buy your tickets soon.
Downtown Seattle Holiday Lights & Delights
Friday, November 25, 2022 - Saturday, January 7, 2023 | Various days and times
The holiday season kicks off with the tree lighting at Seattle’s Westlake Park, then continues from there with carolers, 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.
Winterfest Arts & Crafts Show
Saturday, November 26, 2022 | 9am - 5pm
Sunday, November 27, 2022 | 11am - 4pm
An annual fundraiser for Peninsula High School, this show provides an opportunity for creators from around the state to sell their handiwork. Tickets are only $5, and there will also be food trucks this year! More information can be found on the Winterfest website.
Tacoma Tree Lighting
Sunday, November 27, 2022 | 4pm
As you wait for the official countdown to the tree lighting, enjoy a variety of artistic performances in the Pantages Theater lobby, including opera singers, ballerinas, and a string quartet. Tickets are required for adults and children over 18.
A Victorian Country Christmas
Thursday, December 1 - Sunday, December 4, 2022 | 10am - 8pm daily (until 6pm on Sunday)
Find unique gifts, food, and handcrafted items as you make your way through over 500 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.
Ice Arena - Sprinker Recreation Center, Tacoma
Thursday, December 1 - Saturday, December 31, 2022 | Various times
Experience a winter wonderland with the arena’s “Ice Lights” prog, 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.
Christmas Regale
Saturday, December 3, 2022 | 11am - 4pm
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. There will also be a market with items that have been made by volunteers–a great way to support the museum further. Get your tickets online.
Comfort & Joy Concert
Saturday, December 3, 2022 | 3pm
Join the Poulsbo Community Orchestra for a festive musical afternoon featuring works by Vivaldi, Leroy Anderson, Vaughn Williams, and more. Admission is free but reservations are required.
Festival of Chimes & Lights
Saturday, December 3, 2022 | 3pm - 7:30pm
A perfect opportunity to see downtown Port Orchard lit up with festive lights and displays, from the waterfront to City Hall’s Christmas Tree. And even better, this year it will all be in-person! Music and other entertainment won’t begin until the afternoon, but there will be activities to enjoy all day long.
Christmas Tree Lighting
Saturday, December 3, 2022 | 5pm - 8pm
Don’t miss Gig Harbor’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting! Join the mayor and Santa Claus for the official countdown and live entertainment.
Tidefest Fine Arts & Crafts Festival
Saturday, December 3, 2022 | 10am - 5pm
Sunday, December 4, 2022 | 11am - 4pm
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.
Symphony Tacoma
Holiday Favorites: Sunday, December 4, 2022 | 2:30pm
Handel’s Messiah: Friday, December 16, 2022 | 7:30pm
Support the local arts! The symphony will be offering their annual seasonal concerts, Holiday Favorites and Handel’s , both of which are sure to delight all music lovers.
East Pierce Fire and Rescue Santa Runs
Sunday, December 4 - Thursday, December 22, 2022 | Various days and times
If you live in east Pierce County and hear sirens and Christmas music, you’ll know that the fire department has brought Santa Claus to your neighborhood! Check the schedule for this year’s Santa Runs so you’re ready to go outside and wave when they drive past!
Gig Harbor Fire Department Santa Runs
Monday, December 5 - Friday, December 9, 2022 | Runs start at 5pm
Santa and the fire department will be visiting various neighborhoods in the Gig Harbor area, so check the schedule to see when they’ll be in yours! While they are driving around they will also be collecting food and toy donations for the Gig Harbor Peninsula FISH Food Bank.
Light Up the Night
Friday, December 9, 2022 | 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Join in celebrating the Harbor History Museum’s 7th 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.
Lighted Boat Parade
Saturday, December 10, 2022 | 5pm
Don’t miss this annual tradition! 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).
Harmony on Echo Bay
Saturday, December 10, 2022 | Doors open at 5:30pm
Join the Holiday Harmony Carolers for their annual Christmas concert at the Chapel on Echo Bay, where you can enjoy an evening of Christmas music as well as appetizers and desserts. Tickets can be purchased online.
The Polar Express
Saturday, December 10th | 10am
Sunday, December 11th | 10am & 6pm
Tickets are just $5, and if you bring a contribution for the Toys for Tots gift drive, hot chocolate is free!
Tacoma City Ballet’s The Nutcracker
Saturday, December 10 & Sunday, December 11, 2022 | 2pm
Saturday, December 17 & Sunday, December 18, 2022 | 2pm
No holiday season is complete without experiencing this Christmas classic! Tickets are available online through Ticketmaster.
Lighted Car Parade & Santa’s Village
Saturday, December 17, 2022 | 4pm (parade begins at 5:30pm)
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’s Pizzeria). While you’re there, check out Santa’s Village, which will feature local vendors, the Gig Harbor Fire Department, and Mr. and Mrs. Claus, among other guests.
Bellevue Downtown Ice Rink
Through Sunday, January 8, 2023 | Various times
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 lessonswith a professional skating coach (select evenings). Tickets available online
Oly on Ice - Isthmus Park, Olympia
Through Monday, January 16, 2023 | Various times
Purchase tickets at the rink, or pay for and reserveyour skating session ahead of time online (recommended). Rates and hours vary depending on the day.
Your neighborhood expert, Paige Schulte, has all you need to know about our wonderful community here in Gig Harbor. Visit Paige’s Gig to learn more.
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