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North Kitsap’s Upcoming Winter Events
When it comes to North Kitsap’s upcoming winter events, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the season. From December through February there are fun festivals and activities for families, friends, and visitors. We’ve compiled a helpful list to get you started. Just be sure to check each event’s website for more details.
December Events
Holidays at the Village in Pleasant Beach Village on Bainbridge Island
Late November through December
A lively line-up of annual activities, come to Pleasant Beach Village to take photos with Santa, skate on the rink (that’s proudly sponsored by Windermere Bainbridge Island), participate in a gingerbread house party, and enjoy live music.
Cost: Varies by activity
Winter Studio Tour at Art Studios on Bainbridge Island
December 2 – 4, 2022, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Celebrate the beauty and craftsmanship of local, handmade art during a free, self-guided art show. Each participating artist offers a special item for sale in the Spotlight Gallery, a fun way to find great gifts for the holidays.
Cost: Free to attend
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella at the Port Gamble Theater
December 2 – 18, 2022, times vary
Enjoy the timeless enchantment of a magical fairy tale with the famous creativity and originality of Rodgers and Hammerstein. This is your chance to see Cinderella’s dream come true and it’s a fun family experience for the holidays. Port Gamble is also a charming town to stroll through with cute shops and delicious restaurants. And, it’s always lit up for the holidays.
Cost: $18 for Adults, $16 for Seniors (65+), Military and Youth (10-17), and $12 for Children
Julefest in Poulsbo
December 3, 2022, 10:00 AM to Dusk
Start the day at the Nordic Marketplace at the Sons of Norway to kick off your holiday shopping, and grab some tasty Scandinavian food. In the evening, the Poulsbo Sons of Norway Vikings will escort the Lucia Bride from a Viking ship on Liberty Bay to a winter proclamation and bonfire to celebrate the winter solstice.
Cost: Free to attend, activities vary
Kingston Cove Christmas at the Port of Kingston
Early December to early January
A classic small-town winter event, Kingston Cove Christmas includes a tree lighting on December 4, 2022, with live music, food vendors, and Santa. Enjoy incredible light sculptures all season, from a sailboat to a dragon. The Port of Kingston reportedly uses over 500,000 lights each year.
Cost: Free to attend, activities vary
Manor House Concert Series: Brett Benton on Bainbridge Island
December 3, 2022, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
As part of the Manor House Concert Series, Brett Benton will be playing country blues. Known for his fierce rhythmic fingerpicking, melodic slide guitar, and booming voice, Brett will keep you moving and grooving.
Cost: $35 per person
It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play at Bainbridge Performing Arts
December 8 – 11, 2022, times vary
See this American holiday classic as a live 1940s radio broadcast. With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters to the stage, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds one fateful Christmas Eve.
Cost: $30 for Adults, $25 for Seniors, Children, and Military, or a Pay What You Can Option
Port Gamble Country Christmas
December 10 – 11, 2022, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM; Tree Lighting & Fireworks Dec. 10 after 5:00PM
The whole town of Port Gamble will be decorated with 100,000 twinkling lights, and there will be vendors, food trucks, hay rides, and Santa. Just after 5:00 PM on Saturday, December 10, there will be a special tree-lighting ceremony near the iconic Port Gamble General Store. After that, you’ll get to enjoy a spectacular firework display – the only December holiday fireworks show found on the Kitsap Peninsula.
Cost: Free to attend, activities vary
Stories and Cupcakes: Winter Edition at the Poulsbo Historical Society’s Heritage Museum
December 10, 2022, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
For a sweet afternoon experience for kids, check out this opportunity. Kids get to enjoy a special reading of The Christmas Wish by Lori Evert. Afterward, you can all tour the museum, enjoy cupcakes, and participate in arts and crafts.
Cost: Free
Lighted Ships Parade at Poulsbo’s Waterfront Park
December 10, 2022, 5:00 PM – 9:15 PM
A Poulsbo Yacht Club tradition for over 50 years, this annual parade of boats decked out in lights and holiday cheer is one of those winter events that’s great for the whole family. Contact the Yacht Club in advance to have Santa do a special shout-out to a special child as he cruises by.
Cost: Free
Bainbridge Winter Wonderland
December 14, 2022, 5:10 PM at Bainbridge Island’s Waterfront Park
Hosted by Kids in Concert for the fourth year, this event offers fun for the whole family. The Winter Wonderland features holiday lights, face painting, holiday present crafts, Santa Claus, ice sculptures, holiday music, and more.
Cost: Free
Manor House Concert Series: Gideon Freudmann on Bainbridge Island
December 17, 2022, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Best known for adapting the amplified cello to craft the distinct ‘CelloBop’ sound, Gideon blends classical, jazz, folk, rock, blues, and funk to compose creative and compelling music.
Cost: $35 per person
Scandinavian Ornament Swap at The Martinson Cabin in Poulsbo
December 18, 2022, 11:00 AM
Celebrate the holidays and local history at this annual event. Bring an ornament (any style) and choose a Scandinavian ornament in exchange. You’ll also have the chance to learn about the late 1800s to early 1900s homestead life.
Cost: Free, and bring one ornament to exchange
Bainbridge Festival of Lights & Menorah Lighting at Winslow Green, downtown Bainbridge Island
December 18, 2022, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
In partnership with local Jewish communities and the Chabad of Bainbridge Island and North Kitsap, the Bainbridge Island Downtown Association will be celebrating the Festival of Lights with the community menorah lighting. All are welcome to attend.
Cost: Free
January Events
Noon Year’s Eve at KiDiMu on Bainbridge Island
December 31, 2022, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Every year, the Kids Discovery Museum (KiDiMu) hosts this unique event. It’s the perfect way for little ones to celebrate New Year’s Eve – by celebrating at noon. Children get to countdown to noon and participate in activities like making firework art and wristwatch crafts.
Cost: $15/member family, $30/non-member family (up to 6 people)
Polar Bear Plunge at Lytle Beach Public Park on Bainbridge Island
January 1, 2023 at Noon
Celebrate 2023 with a chilly ocean dip by participating in this annual tradition. There’s nothing like taking a quick jump in and out of Puget Sound to mark the start of a new year. After, you can warm up with a cozy blanket and a hot beverage. If swimming in January doesn’t excite you, stop by and cheer those brave enough (or slightly crazy enough?) to take the plunge.
Cost: Free
Manor House Concert Series: The Hipocrats on Bainbridge Island
January 7, 2023, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
This Pleasant Beach Village concert series at The Manor House continues into 2023 with The Hipocrats. They bring lyrical imagery to their version of classic Americana songs.
Cost: $35 per person
Mochi Tsuki Celebration at Woodward Middle School on Bainbridge Island
January 7, 2023, 11:00 AM
After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Community (BIJAC) is planning its 2023 Mochi Tsuki celebration. For over a millennium, making and eating the sweet rice treat mochi has been a celebrated New Year’s tradition in Japan. For over 30 years, the BIJAC has celebrated this tradition with more than 2,000 participants. Check their website for more details as the event nears.
Cost: Free
Manor House Concert Series: Peter Daniel Trio on Bainbridge Island
January 23, 2023, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
An acclaimed composer and jazz performer, Peter Daniel will showcase his world-class talent. This show is sure to be entertaining and fun.
Cost: $35 per person
February Events
Manor House Concert Series: Sera Cahoone and PSQ on Bainbridge Island
February 4, 2023, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Americana singer-songwriter Sera Cahoone will take the stage with the acclaimed neo-classical ensemble, the Passenger String Quartet, which is led by award-winning composer and violinist Andrew Joslyn.
Cost: $40 per person
Valisblot at Poulsbo’s Waterfront Park
February 10, 2022
Celebrate love with a Norse Valentine’s Day, which includes a bonfire at Muriel Iverson Waterfront Park in downtown Poulsbo. This annual event is always on the weekend closest to Valentine’s Day and it’s hosted by Poulsbo Sons of Norway.
Cost: Free to Attend
Chilly Hilly Bike Ride starting at the Bainbridge Ferry Terminal
Late February
Every year, approximately 2,000 people ride their bikes on a 33-mile route around Bainbridge Island. The Chilly Hilly gets its name for icy February weather and because of the 2,173ft elevation change that riders will experience. This ride is so memorable that Bicycling Magazine named it “one of four classic rides” in the U.S. Check the Cascade Bicycle Club website for updated details on event timing. The race entry fee supports wonderful local nonprofits.
Cost: $40-$60 per rider
We hope you are as excited as we are about North Kitsap’s upcoming winter events! If you’re already making plans for the months ahead, check out our Kitsap Events Guide. You’ll find there are many great annual and recurring events happening each month, throughout the year.
From all of us at Windermere Bainbridge, we wish you a cozy winter season and very happy holidays!
New Agent Spotlight: Ben Hoover
When buying or selling a home, you want a local real estate agent who knows the area and offers a wealth of experience as your advocate and guide. Meet one of our newer Windermere Bainbridge agents: Ben Hoover. We’re delighted to feature him in our Q&A. We know his interesting professional background and genuine desire to help others achieve their real estate goals makes him an excellent addition to our office.
What drew you to real estate?
My interest in real estate started at a young age with a subscription to Architectural Digest and a job cleaning construction sites as a kid. For years, my primary interests have included the building process, interior and landscape design, and finding and securing unique opportunities – all with the goal to create loving, well-cared-for spaces. I joined the Windermere Team to leverage my experience and interests to help others meet their real estate goals and needs.
What unique professional experiences or skills do you possess that enhance your abilities as a Realtor?
I started in commercial real estate in 1995. That specific experience combined with professional construction and corporate management experiences developed my negotiation skills, analytical abilities to solve problems and grit to develop win-win solutions.
What personality traits do you think are important in this profession?
Listening skills, patience, tenacity, integrity, and a strong work ethic.
Which areas do you serve and what do you love about them?
I focus primarily on Bainbridge Island and the North Kitsap Peninsula. The nature and pace of this region offer a beautiful lifestyle for all ages.
Photos by Ben Hoover.
How are you involved in the community?
Following a lengthy residential remodel, I am excited to become more active in the community. I look forward to being of assistance to the Bainbridge Island Parks & Trails Foundation and Bainbridge Island Museum of Art.
What made you decide to work with Windermere?
When we moved to Bainbridge in 2020, we had a very positive experience working with Bill Hunt and Susan Grosten on our home purchase. When I decided to revisit my interest in real estate, I already knew I wanted to join the Windermere Bainbridge Island team.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I feel so fortunate to live on Bainbridge Island and join the community. It’s fun meeting people, serving clients, and learning from colleagues.
Photos by Ben Hoover.
We’re so glad Ben Hoover has joined us here at Windermere Bainbridge Island. You can learn more about him on his website.
Great Eco-Friendly Products in North Kitsap
Celebrate Earth Day all year by making some of these swaps for reusable, natural, local, or waste-free options. These eco-friendly products help mother nature and are available across North Kitsap. While this isn’t a comprehensive list, we hope it will introduce you to some interesting options to help you get started.
Eco-Friendly Items for Your Home
Cloth napkins are the perfect alternative to single-use paper napkins. The Berry Patch, a kitchen store here on Bainbridge Island, has an array of cloth napkins and many other wonderful products.
Swedish dishcloths are gaining popularity as an alternative to sponges and paper towels. They’re reusable, easy to wash in the dishwasher or washing machine, and are compostable. You can find them in places like Nordiska in Poulsbo, which also has some other eco-friendly items for your home.
Keep your home smelling sweet with candles by Particle Goods, available at Danger in downtown Bainbridge. Particle Goods uses renewable soy, coconut wax, and essential oils. Ethically sourced and produced in Seattle, a portion of each Particle Goods sale goes to local charities working to empower social and economic equality and environmental sustainability.
Kingston’s Thistle Floral and Home also has soy candles, as well as locally-made, natural bath salts, stunning flower arrangements, succulent centerpieces, and more.
Delicious Options
Kitsap Fresh is your one-stop shop for local produce, eggs, meat, dairy, baked goods, and more. Selecting local, seasonal produce instead of long-haul shipped goods lowers the carbon footprint of your meal and keeps dollars in our local economy. This online farmers market co-op connects you to over 40 local farms and food producers. Some local brands and farms include CB’s Nuts, Oxalis Kitchen, and HeyDay Farm. Every weekend, you can easily order online and then pick up your order on Wednesdays at one of their many pick-up locations. Additionally, they offer home delivery in most Kitsap communities.
Farmers’ markets are another great way to shop locally and sustainably. Fill up your reusable bags with fresh fruits, vegetables, eggs, and more. Watch our video to get a glimpse of what they offer.
Buying dry goods and other foods in bulk can reduce packaging if you use reusable jars and bags. We recommend Town & Country Markets in Poulsbo and Bainbridge Island.
Environmentally-Friendly Products for Babies and Kids
If you’re looking for eco-friendly products for little ones, check out Poulsbo’s Toys Etc. You’ll find a fun selection of toys made from recycled materials, as well as cute wooden animals. Another great local option is Bainbridge’s Calico Toy Shoppe. Some of their environmentally-friendly products include Piggy Paint nail polish, which is vegan, non-toxic, and water-based, and BubbleTree, the first eco-friendly, non-toxic sustainable bubble system, which uses aluminum, reusable bottles.
Whichever eco-friendly products you choose to try, we hope you’ll try to shop small. Our community has many excellent local businesses, and we love that they’re often thinking about ways to live a greener life.
Local Holiday Festivities
There are so many wonderful ways to enjoy the holiday season, and they’re all happening right here in our own backyard. From free pony rides for kids to ice skating, we’ve got you covered.
3 Great Places to See Santa
When: Dec. 4, Dec. 11, Dec. 18, and Dec. 19, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Where: Manor House at Pleasant Beach Village, Bainbridge Island
Cost: Free
Head on down to visit Santa and give him your holiday wish list. There are also plenty of cute stores to shop locally for holiday gifts. Pleasant Beach Village is also a fun place to grab a bite or beverage to round out your holiday weekend festivities.
When: Sunday, Dec. 5 5 9:00 – 11:00 AM
Where: Poulsbo Sons of Norway
Cost: $7 for children 10 and under, $10 for ages 10+
Enjoy a tasty breakfast that includes pancakes, lingonberries, bacon, sausage, fruit, potatoes, coffee, juices, and a “no contact” visit with Santa.
Nordic Father Christmas in Poulsbo
When: Saturdays in December from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Sundays in December 12:00 – 3:00PM, Christmas Eve 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Drop off letters anytime.)
Where: Santa’s House in front of Marina Market in Downtown Poulsbo
Cost: Free (Donations to Fishline Food Bank are encouraged.)
Visit Father Christmas for a photo op in front of his little house at this cute little Holiday Tiny Home in Historic Downtown Poulsbo. Bring your own camera for some family photos. Additionally, kids can drop off their letter to Santa and they’ll receive a reply if a return address is listed.
Holiday Festivals
When: Dec. 4 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Where: Mike Wallace Park in Kingston
Cost: Free
Kingston’s annual Christmas event boasts thousands upon thousands of lights. The official lighting ceremony is on December 4th at 5:00 PM. However, there are plenty of festivities happening throughout the day. This year there’s a Craft Fair at the Village Green (10:00 AM – 3:00 PM), Santa’s Workshop (take and make crafts), photos with Santa at Kingston Cove Yacht Club (1:00 – 4:00 PM), live music, Santa’s arrival, a boat parade, a cookie-crawl, and a holiday spirits garden. View the complete schedule. Once the holiday lights are on, they light up the waterfront until the first week of January. So, you can take a stroll to enjoy it all season long. Unusual creations for this display usually include an octopus, a dragon, butterflies, and turtles.
Julefest: Nordic Market, Taste of Norway, and Viking Bonfire
When: Dec. 4 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Where: Sons of Norway and Poulsbo Waterfront Park
Cost: Free
Taste Norwegian food, shop for Scandinavian-inspired gifts and crafts and experience the holidays with a Nordic twist at the Sons of Norway Lodge. At dusk, enjoy the Lucia Bride ceremony where the Vikings escort Lucia and her wreath of candles to the shore on their boat, followed by a bonfire and winter proclamation. It’s one of the most authentic Nordic holiday ceremonies in the Northwest, and very unique to Poulsbo.
When: Dec. 11 & 12
Where: Port Gamble
Cost: Free+
Celebrate the holidays in historic Port Gamble with shopping and holiday lights! This year they have over 100,000 lights on display. On Saturday, Dec. 11th there will be a community lighting at 5:00 PM followed by fireworks. Santa’s workshop ($5 per child) is open Saturday 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM and Sunday 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Merry Meadows Farm will have their ponies near the pavilion for holiday pony rides as well.
Lighted Ships Parade, Bonfire, and Caroling
When: Dec. 11, 5:00 PM
Where: Liberty Bay and Poulsbo Waterfront Park
Cost: Free
Find a spot along Liberty Bay to watch the lighted ship parade, complete with call-outs from Santa. If you want to add a name to Santa’s list for him to call out, you can email santa@poulsboyc.org before Dec. 10th. The Crossroads Rotary will be hosting a bonfire, and caroling will be provided by Emerald Heights Elementary. View Poulsbo Yacht Club’s route map.
Unique Holiday Activities
When: Nov. 26 – Dec. 17, Wed. – Fri. 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Dec. 18 – Jan. 2, Daily 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Dec. 24 10AM – 2:00 PM; Closed Dec. 25
Where: Pleasant Beach Village, Bainbridge Island
Cost: $15 per person; pool members skate for free. The fee includes skate rental and regular skates aren’t allowed on the surface. Rental skates must be worn. All proceeds go to the Windermere Foundation on Bainbridge Island, supporting locals in need.
Grab your loved ones and celebrate the season by skating in Pleasant Beach Village. Skate, enjoy a bite to eat, and take in this beautifully transformed winter scene. Although it’s a synthetic ice rink, it’s very similar and it’s easy for beginners.
When: Dec. 4 & 5 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Where: Countryman Stables
5349 McDonald Ave. NE, Bainbridge Island
Cost: Free
This holiday experience has been going on for almost two decades, giving children the experience of horse riding for the holidays. Children up to age 12 are welcome. Helmets are available, or you can bring your own.
Cookies and Canvas – Family Paint Workshop
When: Dec. 4 (2 sessions) & Dec. 11 (2 sessions)
Where: Griffin Gallery in Poulsbo
Cost: $35 per person, pre-registration required (ages 6+ welcome)
Enjoy time with family members or friends while painting. Delicious cookies and warm beverages will make it an extra sweet event. Fee includes all painting supplies, 2 hours of instruction, canvas, snacks, and drinks.
Every Christmas Story Ever Told
When: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from Dec. 3 – Dec. 19 (various showtimes)
Where: Port Gamble Theater
Cost: Children $12, Adults $18, Military/Senior/Youth $16
Live theater is back in Port Gamble! Enjoy a funny look at holiday specials and stories that are often relatable. Note from the theater: Santa’s existence is called into question, so caution to parents who may wish to keep that magic alive. Tickets can be purchased here.
Holiday at Fay – Drive-Thru Holiday Event (Pre-Register)
When: Dec. 9 – 12 & Dec. 16 – 19. Driving times available between 5:00 – 8:00 PM
Where: Fay Bainbridge Park, Bainbridge Island
Cost: $20 per vehicle
Experience a beautiful light display from the comfort of your cozy car. Pack the car with your favorite holiday treats and play your favorite festive tunes as you slowly drive through Fay Bainbridge Park, enjoying it in a whole new way!
We wish you a joyful, healthy holiday season! To stay “in the know” about local events, stories, and more, follow our page: Windermere Sound Living.
Fun Fall Activities in North Kitsap
The leaves are turning and fall is here! Celebrate the season with some fun, local fall activities. Here’s a list to get you started.
Pumpkin Patches
Suyematsu Farms on Bainbridge Island
Photo by Suyematsu Farms.
A Bainbridge Island favorite for u-pick, Suyematsu Farms is back at it this year with their wonderful pumpkin patch. They grow many different types of squashes, gourds, and pumpkins. Celebrate autumn by taking festive photos and finding beautiful, delicious fall decor. Check their Instagram or their Facebook page to find out about special happenings.
Opened Saturday, September 25th
Hours: Weekdays 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM and Weekends 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Fat Turnip Farms in Kingston
Photo by Bittina Erickson.
Fat Turnip Farms has a great farm stand with certified organic produce and they have a u-pick pumpkin patch. Their setup offers fun photo ops with friends or little ones, and they periodically offer events. Check their Facebook page for details.
Opened Friday, September 17th
Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Scandia Patch in Poulsbo
Photo by Scandia Patch.
This farm sits on 5 acres in Scandia and has been a local favorite since 1966. They have great produce, pumpkins, herbs, and flowers. Enjoy their beautiful fields and visit their animals. For current offerings, visit their Facebook page.
Open: Ongoing
Hours: Times vary; check their Facebook page for the latest information.
Fall Activities
Bainbridge Gardens’ 27th Annual Pumpkin Walk
Photos by Bittina Erickson.
This year is the 27th year the Bainbridge Gardens has hosted this free, delightful Halloween activity. The Bainbridge Gardens’ historic nature trail is lined with hundreds of hand-painted and carved pumpkins as well as themed vignettes. Pumpkin submissions are being requested to add to the pathway, and it’s an integral part of the experience. Live music and food trucks will be making guest appearances. Visit their website for more details.
Starts October 1st and ends October 31st
Hours: Mondays – Saturdays 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM and Sundays 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Battle Point Park’s Haunted Hayride on Bainbridge Island
The drive-thru version of this event is back again this year. For $25 per car, you can take a Halloween-themed drive to see fun displays and performances. The attractions are ongoing and cars are asked to continually drive slowly at 5mph to keep the flow of traffic moving. Additionally, you can enter the pumpkin carving contest (PDF) to have your jack-o-lantern displayed during the event. Prizes will be awarded to the top three pumpkins.
Starts Tuesday, October 19th and ends Thursday, October 21st
Hours: Drive-thru times are available from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM and you can register here (one registration needed per vehicle)
Valley Nursery’s Fall Kickoff & Glass Pumpkin Patch in Poulsbo
Enjoy two fall activities at Valley Nursery in Poulsbo. First, check out their large selection of pumpkins at their Fall Kickoff, happening the first weekend in October. It includes raffle prizes and delicious food for purchase from Smoked Asian Food Truck, Viking Ice Cream, and Cookie Creations. The following week, they’re having their annual, one-day Glass Pumpkin Patch, sponsored by Tacoma Glass Blowing Studio. Come for the festivities and for lunch! The Barbacoa Food Truck will be there as well as Cookie Creations. Stay up to date on Valley Nursery’s happenings by visiting their Instagram.
Fall Kickoff is on Saturday, Oct. 2nd and Sunday, Oct. 3rd
Glass Pumpkin Patch is on Saturday, October 9th 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
First Signs of Fall
As a little bonus, watch our snapshot video showing the first signs of fall. We loved getting glimpses of fall’s colors at Poulsbo’s Fish Park.
