While the holidays will look different this year due to the pandemic, there are still many ways to safely enjoy them. We’ve compiled a list of local holiday events. Please note that at the time of publication, all of these events were scheduled to occur. But due to the situation with COVID-19, it’s important to check event websites and state guidelines in order to get the most up-to-date information.

Outdoor Celebrations

Bloedel Reserve’s Winter in the Woods
With over 150 acres to enjoy, the Reserve is always a treat. Through most of December and into the beginning of 2021, you can stroll across their beautiful grounds and spot cleverly crafted snow people. They also have a Wishing Tree with individually wrapped wooden ornaments and pencils that you can use to add your wishes for the new year. 
When: Dec. 5, 2020 – Jan. 3, 2021, open Tuesdays-Sundays, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Closed Mondays, Christmas Day, and New Years Day
Where: Bloedel Reserve, Bainbridge Island
Cost: Included with Admission. Tickets must be purchased in advance online via timed tickets. Canned food donations are requested, which support YWCA Kitsap County.

Lighted Ships Parade
Every year, Rudolph leads Santa across the Puget Sound, greeting people along the parade route. Although there won’t be the typical festivities due to social distancing requirements, this is still a fun way to mark the holidays. This will be the 51st year of this tradition, put on by the Poulsbo Yacht Club. Bring some hot chocolate and enjoy the beautiful parade of festively lit boats. Or, register your lighted ship to “be the light”. 
When: December 12, 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Where: Starts at Poulsbo Yacht Club Marina with a schedule/route
Cost: Free

Holiday at Fay – Drive-Through Event
Enjoy an illuminated, festive holiday show from the comfort of your car. Play your favorite holiday songs with your family and drive through their dazzling display. For info and updates, follow their Facebook event here.

When: 2nd and 3rd weekends in December, Friday-Sunday, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Where: Fay Bainbridge Park, Bainbridge Island
Cost: $20 per vehicle. Register here using Activity #541006

Gingerbread House Parties
Delicious fun for everyone, build a gingerbread house in the covered Wintergarden with a table of up to 5 guests. Take-and-Make-at-Home Kits are also available.
When: Nov. 28 – Dec. 20, Thurs. – Sun. with time slots to register for in advance
Where: The Manor House at Pleasant Beach Village, Bainbridge Island
Cost: $48 + tax for one 1 house up to 5 people; Take-and-Make-at-Home Kit $38 + tax. Space is limited so reserve your spot early.

Creative Indoor Holiday Fun

A Chanukah Celebration (Music of John Zorn’s Masada)
Watch this live, 2-part Chanukah celebration while cozied up at home. Seattle musicians James Falzone, Wayne Horvitz, Darren Loucas, Keith Lowe, and Evan Woodle will be playing John Zorn’s music live on the Royal Room Stage. Ben Sisario of The New York Times says, “Masada, which [John Zorn] began in the early 1990s, was an attempt to explore his own roots and expand the idea of Jewish music through a ‘songbook’ that linked the language of klezmer and jazz.”

When: Dec. 11 and 17 at 7:30 PM
Where: Online at LiveConcertStream.com. More info here.
Cost: Free but donations to the artists encouraged.

Emerald Ballet Theatre’s “The Nutcracker” Ballet, Online
If you missed last year’s production of this holiday classic, you can now watch it at home. Emerald Ballet Theatre will be streaming their 2019 recording so you can enjoy this incredible production, which performed to sold-out audiences.

When: Digital premiere on Dec. 11 at 7:00 PM and it will remain online for viewing through the weekend.
Where: Online
Cost: Free but donations encouraged.

If you know of other safe, local holiday events happening on Bainbridge Island or around the Kitsap Peninsula that aren’t included here, please let us know on our new Facebook page, Windermere Sound Living. It’s where we’re celebrating the communities we serve with uplifting stories, helpful resources, and interesting local events.

We wish you and your family a safe, healthy holiday season!