Gig Harbor is ready to welcome the holiday season with festive events, lively entertainment, and plenty of opportunities to shop and dine. Whether you’re gathering with loved ones or discovering something new, this inclusive community offers many chances to celebrate the season and enjoy the harbor’s holiday spirit.
According to Roslyn Rochac-Finnegan, Tourism Director, “this season is an opportunity for people to discover new things throughout the Gig Harbor Community.” She added, “These events bring out the spirit of the holidays with something for everyone, plus they allow people to enjoy the Harbor at a different time of the year.”
Here’s a snapshot of what you can expect to find this season:
Shop the Harbor Holiday Launch Party
On November 14, from noon to 8 p.m. The Waterfront Alliance has created a ticketed shopping experience. With check-in at The Club at Gig Harbor Marina & Boatyard, activities will be held throughout the waterfront district including dozens of businesses, live music, shuttle service, and for those in need, an overnight hotel offer.
19th Annual Winter Warm-Up Holiday Craft Fair
Enjoy a free family friendly event on November 14 from 10 am – 5 pm at the Key Peninsula Civic Center. Featuring more than 50 local makers, live music, food, and free Santa photos from noon–2 pm., the event is a great way to kick off your holiday season.
24th National Fine Art Show
Love aerospace and fine art? Check out this national juried exhibition of 100 works paired with vintage aircraft at the Gig Harbor Vintage Aero Museum. Attendees can see the exhibit from November 14–December 2nd on Monday–Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm
Gig Harbor Turkey Trot
This 5K Turkey Trot has grown over the years and is one of the few in the state that is actually held on Thanksgiving Day. Starting at 8 am November 26 on Judson Street, this regional race benefits the food bank and scholarship programs.
Winterfest Arts & Crafts Show
It’s a tradition in Gig Harbor: Winterfest. Held the weekend after Thanksgiving, Winterfest is November 28, from 9 am –5 pm, and November 29, 11 am –4 pm; at Peninsula High School. More than 160 vendors are expected.
TideFest Fine Arts & Gift Festival
Slated for December 5, 10 am to 5 pm, and December 6, 11 am–4 pm at Gig Harbor High School, the event attracts more than 100 Northwest artists with handcrafted-only merchandise, live music, entertainment, and food.
City Tree Lighting and Waterfront Festivities
Starting at 4:30 pm on December 5th and running until around 6:30 pm; this must attend holiday event is held every year at Skansie Brothers Park. The event includes live music, Santa, complimentary cookies and cocoa, and Harbor WildWatch touch tanks.
Gig Harbor Lighted Boat Parade
Ahoy! The event everyone waits for … the Lighted Boat Parade will sail into view on December 12 at approximately 5 pm. The route will go twice around Gig Harbor, with shore viewing from Skansie Brothers Park, Jerisich Dock, Ancich Waterfront Park, and the Bogue Viewing Platform. This is the most distinctive waterfront holiday event in Gig Harbor.
Wishing everyone in the area a happy holiday season filled with memorable fun!\
ghdwa.org/holidays-in-the-harbor
By Lynn Castle