Don't Miss These Holiday Events in Kitsap County
We love holiday events here in Kitsap County. There are many fun traditions, community gatherings, and welcoming festivities. While early December brings Christmas tree lightings and similar events, there are still plenty of great ways to celebrate the holidays here. Below is a helpful list of kid-friendly activities, possible date-night options, and everything in between.
Family-Friendly Holiday Events
Looking for activities for little ones or events that the whole family can enjoy this holiday season? Here are some exciting ideas to check out.
Holiday Music Fire Truck on Bainbridge Island: This beloved Bainbridge tradition is an annual event brought to you by the Bainbridge Island Fire Department. Starting Dec. 13th, with multiple opportunities to experience it, you can see the touring holiday truck all lit up and playing holiday songs. Here's a list of the dates and the touring map.
Dec. 13th - 24th, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM, free
69th Anniversary Lighted Boat Parade in Port Orchard: This maritime event includes Santa's seaward arrival. The parade of boats with holiday lights starts just after dusk (approx. 4:45 PM, weather permitting), near the Southworth Ferry Terminal. It continues north along the shoreline through Rich Passage and into Port Orchard harbor. Check out the parade route and estimated arrival times. If you want to request a special message from Santa, fill out this form. Please note that if the weather gets really bad, the backup date for this event is Sunday, December 14th.
Dec. 13th, 5:00 PM, free
Lighted Ships Parade in Poulsbo: Similar to the Port Orchard event above, this holiday parade will brighten your holidays and is fun for kids and adults. 2025 marks the 56th year of this event, and Santa will call out personal greetings (submit a request here). View the route and timeline.
Dec. 13, 5:00 PM, free
The Hometown Band Kingston Christmas Concert: This festive live performance features your favorite Christmas carols and some new tunes. It's performed by a local band of volunteer musicians and will be at Kingston's Village Green Community Center.
Dec. 14th, 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM, free
Menorah on the Green: This free Chanukah Celebration is also a Jewish music festival and happens each year on Bainbridge Island's Winslow Green. It's a fun way to celebrate the "festival of lights", connect with your neighbors, and watch the lighting of the giant menorah. Here's a video clip of this event from a few years ago.
Dec. 14th, 4:00 PM, free but please register here.
New Year's Eve and New Year's Day in Kitsap County
Check out these interesting ways to ring in the new year across Kitsap County.
New Year's Eve in Poulsbo: Celebrate a little earlier to skip the midnight madness by enjoying live music from The Troublemakers at The Sip. Dance in your party attire, watch the ball drop on the East Coast, and cheers your favorite person with a complimentary drink.
Dec. 31st, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
New Year's Eve in Quincy Square: Start the evening off by celebrating in Bremerton's Quincy Square with DJ Joe Frank. You and your friends can enjoy food from a variety of delicious local food trucks parked along the square.
Dec. 31st, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
After that, you can head over to Roxy Theatre for live music with Roemen and The Whereabouts. Dance 2025 away with this powerhouse tribute to soul classics like Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder.
9:00 PM - Midnight, $40 for General Admission
NYE Murder Mystery Party in Poulsbo: If you love a good mystery or just want to have a totally unique New Year's Eve, this is for you. Western Red Brewing and State 42 Winery have teamed up for this event. Use your detective skills to solve the mystery or simply come to enjoy finger foods, mingle, and toast at midnight. And, if you're really into it, dress in costume! The categories include: Best Couples Sweaters, People's Choice 'Ugly' Sweater, and Most Creative Sweater.
Dec. 31st, 8:00 PM - 1:00 AM
Tickets are $50 and are required. Learn more here.
Pajama Jammy Jam in Port Gamble: Bust a move on NYE with live music, a full bar, a champagne toast, and tasty snacks – all while wearing your favorite PJs! This new event is for those 21 and older and is hosted by Port Gamble Theater, PrettyStick, Resting Brunch Face, and the Greater Kingston Community Chamber of Commerce.
Dec. 31st, 8:00 PM - 1:00 AM
This is a 21+ event
New Year's Eve at KiDiMu: If you have little ones, the best way to celebrate the new year is by going to Bainbridge Island's Kids Discovery Museum. This time, the celebration will be on January 1st, 2026. Kids will love the crafts and getting to cheer together while exploring this wonderful museum's interactive exhibits and engaging activities.
Jan. 1st, 2026, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Tickets are $35; register here
Olalla Bay Polar Plunge: An annual tradition here in Kitsap County, join in the icy excitement by taking a quick plunge into Olalla Bay. It's a memorable way to begin 2026. Don't forget a towel and warm clothes to change into!
Jan. 1st, 2026, 12:00 PM
Free event
The Polar Bear Plunge on Bainbridge Island: Every year, hundreds of Bainbridge Islanders celebrate the new year with a polar plunge at Lytle Beach. There are usually bonfires and music, and you can find more details here.
Jan. 1st, 2026, 12:00 PM
Free event
Other Events to Look Forward to in January
Mochi Tsuki Festival 2026: The 36th annual mochi festival on Bainbridge Island is coming up! This popular event is one you won't want to miss. There will be mochi-making, two performances by Seattle Kokon Taiko (tickets are first-come, first-served), group dance lessons, origami, and food for purchase. Also, this year they will have shuttles from Bethany Lutheran and Island Church from 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM.
Jan. 10th, 2026, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Free event with donations accepted
MLK Celebration 2026:
Celebrate
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy and the dream of equity, justice, and unity at this community-focused event. Hosted by the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (BIMA), it will include a Social Justice Social from 12:30 PM - 2:15 PM. After connecting with local groups and learning about helpful resources, you can participate in the Community Celebration there from 2:30 PM - 5:00 PM. This event will feature music, dance, poetry, and participatory art projects.
Jan. 18th, 2026, 12:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Free event
No registration is required for the Social Justice Social, but registration is required for the Community Celebration.
However you choose to celebrate the holidays and start the new year, we wish you a joyful season!
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