'Candlelight Christmas in the Harbor' Returns to Downtown Gig Harbor

With the holiday season in full swing, the Gig Harbor Historic Waterfront Association will be sponsoring plenty of family-friendly events as part of its ‘Candlelight Christmas in the Harbor’.

Hark the Harbor

Join in community caroling at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 6, with Sharon Stearnes while awaiting the exciting arrival of the Argosy Christmas Ship at Skansie Brothers Park. The event also includes a holiday performance by the Federal Way Harmony Kings.

Deck the Harbor

The waterfront merchants are also offering great holiday specials, treats and extended shopping hours Friday, Dec. 7 through Sunday, Dec. 9. For the second year, shoppers and visitors will have a chance to vote for the People’s Choice Award in the “Deck the Harbor” decorating contest, featuring festive window and storefront displays throughout the waterfront district highlighting the Candlelight Christmas theme.

Where’s Santa’s Cookie Plate?

New this year is a holiday scavenger hunt along the waterfront, “Where’s Santa’s Cookie Plate?” Santa has lost his cookie plate, and if you find it in one of your favorite stores or eating establishments that weekend, your name will be entered into a drawing for a $500 waterfront holiday shopping spree. Cookie plates for each participating business are being provided by Java & Clay Café.

Holiday Hayrides with Santa

The ever-popular Holiday Hayrides with Santa, provided by Miracle Ranch, return again from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on both Friday, Dec. 7 and Saturday, Dec. 8. Boarding takes place on Judson Street in front of Timberland Bank, where there will be providing a warm place to wait and holiday refreshments. Shoppers will also enjoy the sounds of the holidays with music throughout the weekend. 

Toys for Tots

In the spirit of giving, there are a number of ways you can reach out to the less fortunate during the holiday season. Fournier Insurance Solutions, Windermere Real Estate and Heidi’s Sweet Shop are drop off points for Toys for Tots. You can donate to the Gig Harbor Peninsula Fish Food Bank at Full Moon Art Gallery (for every donation you can enter to win an original painting).

The Gig Harbor Girl Scouts will be collecting warm coats at the Dec. 6 Hark the Harbor in Skansie Brothers Park. Bring your gently used or new coats to be donated to the Wishing Well Foundation for foster children.

The Waterfront Association will also be placing special collection boxes in a number of locations along the waterfront where you can drop a holiday card to be delivered to our area’s seniors.

Make sure to check out the “Candlelight Christmas in the Harbor” page on Facebook for more information.