Nov-Dec _13_header
November-December 2014 eNews                                        Find us on Pinterest     Like us on Facebook   Follow us on Twitter  

Enjoy a Holiday Weekend on the beautiful Kitsap Peninsula! 

hotel  

Click here lodging options 

Relaxing Bed & Breakfasts await you this Holiday Season 

grandview b&b
The Kitsap Peninsula is fortunate to have an exceptional variety of Bed & Breakfasts, ready to treat you or your guests to a very special stay. Come enjoy! Click for selections.
Host Your Next Meeting or Special Holiday Event on the Kitsap Peninsula!
kiana lodge interior The Kitsap Peninsula is the perfect destination to host your next annual meeting, conference, business expo, corporate retreat or private event. More info at VisitKitsap.com. Kitsap Conf Wintert 
The Kitsap Conference Center is the region's official conference center and one of many venues that offer meeting options. Click for details.

First Friday - 5 to 8 PM
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2nd Saturday - 5 to 8 PM   

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New!! Silverdale Artwalk

1st Thursday - 5:30 to 8 PM

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Gig Harbor Artwalk

1st Saturday - 1 to 5 PM

Sidney Museum & Gallery
Click here for hours.

 CVG show
Make plans to "getaway" for the weekend to attend the largest CVG SHOW ...the largest juried art exhibit in WA State.   

Award Ceremony - January 25

click here for details. 

Plan to Say "I DO" on the  
Kitsap Peninsula!
The Kitsap Peninsula offers breath-taking backdrops and venues. We offer a wide-range of wedding services including planners, caterers, photographers, florists, sound & music, formal wear, lodging & dining. Use the search features on our Wedding page for professionals that can make your wedding a success. 
This scenic region is the perfect place for your next reunion or special event. Click here for details.

Visit us on Januuary 10 - 11 at
the Seattle Wedding Show.
 Events on Kitsap County Fairgrounds Sun Pavilion
 Click links for more info.

November 22,-23
Fall Festival of Gems 
 
Annual Gem and Mineral Show 
Family fun featuring demonstrations, World Famous Crystal display, junior events, silent auction and more.
Free admission. Learn more   
December 13.

http://www.suquamishmuseum.org/
The Salmon Are Jumping! 
Salmon Habitat Run Loop logo
Celebrate the return of the salmon to Kitsap County's streams on Saturday 
Nov 8. Two locations, Chico Creek at Golf Club Hill Road in Bremerton and the Mountaineers Property on Seabeck Highway. More info .

Experience the wonder of this annual migration of millions of salmon returning home to local waters anytime. This is a record year and Kitsap Peninsula inlets, bays and stream are full. Sign up with Olympic Outdoor Center for an educational guided tour or get a PDF of our Salmon Run Loop Map to take your own self-guided tour.
Salmon Tour group
Visit the Kitsap Sun website for an interactive map of salmon habitat viewing locations in Kitsap. 

Clearwater casino w fountain
The Suquamish Clearwater
Casino Resort
. Try your hand at lady luck and enjoy FREE Live Music featured every Friday & Saturday at Beach Rock Lounge
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Golf Kitsap

The Kitsap Peninsula boast award winning golf courses!
Visit our Golf page for details.  

Gold Mountain Golf Club 

Parks/Environment/Recreation

Clear Creek Trail

  WA WATER TRAILS
Adds Kitsap Peninsula To Cascadia Marine Trail.
 
 Visit Kitsap Peninsula and Kitsap County are pleased to announce the WA Water Trails added the Kitsap Peninsula Water Trails as an official segment of the Cascadia Marine Trail, a 2000 mile National Scenic Trail. Kitsap County and Visit Kitsap Peninsula formed the Kitsap Peninsula Water Trails Alliance which includes dozens of water trail stakeholders who participate in KPWT. The KPWT is expected to be a designated part of the National Park Service Water Trails system. We well keep you posted! 
 puget sound starts here
 Click here to learn how you can help restore and protect our waterways.
FerryMap

WA STATE FERRY SCHEDULES 

Welcome! Happy Holidays are around every corner on the Kitsap Peninsula.
Holiday festivities logo

The last weeks of 2014 are filled with holiday events. We'd like to invite you to enjoy some of those celebrations on the Kitsap Peninsula. lodging specialThe following are just a few "getaway" ideas for couples, families, and out-of-town visitors. There are traditional holiday events and activities for all ages; holiday concerts, live performances, festivals, Santa sightings, tree lightings, marinas and waterways filled with lighted ships.
 
If you plan to welcome family and friends from far away visit our lodging and B&B pages for a list of warm and comfy places to stay on the Kitsap Peninsula. Many offer special holiday packages. Visit Kitsap Peninsula website features places to eat, drink, and shop for the holidays and Calendar
Kitsap Peninsula offers the perfect getaway for events for visitors of all ages.   with wide open spaces, trails, beaches and urban amenities just minutes from the bustle of urban neighborhoods by ferry, bridge, boat or bike. Pet lovers always welcome!
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November 29 - Silverdale  
60th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
From  1 to 6 PM, you can take a break from holiday shopping to celebrate the oldest tree lighting ceremony in the region! Sip hot chocolate, sing-a-long with carolers, decorate holiday cookies, hitch a hayride, or make a holiday card. See Santa arrive on a Central Kitsap fire truck and count down to the the tree lighting. It's all happening in the center of the biggest retail center on the Kitsap Peninsula.
Click here for details. While you're in the area, be sure to oldtwon stroll on over to
Old Town Silverdale for a bit to eat at one of the restaurants along the way. At the Yacht Club Broiler, you can sit in the dining room and watch salmon jumping in Dyes Inlet! Or head to Monica's Waterfront Bakery & Cafe.
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Poulsbo Weekend Getaway Idea:
Celebrate the Holiday in Historic Downtown Poulsbo 
Enjoy Horse drawn carriage rides
every Sat Nov 29 thru Dec. 21 as well as a visit with Father Christmas at the Poulsbo Marine Science Center.  


Tree Lighting
Nov 28 Poulsbo lights it's official Christmas tree on the corner of Viking Avenue and Finn Hill- right next to the Viking statue. Festivities start at 6 with community sing-a-long featuring Viking Brass, a subgroup of Poulsbo's community Orchestra. The Northern Lights Chorale will entertain with a short program followed by the tree lighting at 7:15pm. Hot cider, cookies, and family fun.

Norwegian Julefest Celebration 
Dec. 6. Hosted by the Son's of Norway Lodge with a Holiday Bazaar from 10am-4pm. Lucia Bride arrives by boat at 5pm and assists Father Christmas in lighting the Tree. 

Yule Cup and Lighted Boat Parade
Dec 12-13. Head to the Port of Poulsbo Marina and shorelines to watch lighted boats cruise Liberty Bay showing off their finest Christmas sparkle. Toss a pinecone into the ceremonial fire. Hot cider and cookies will be served in the pavillion. Click here for details. 

 
Art in the Woods
A self-guided tour of 20 North Kitsap artists' studios and over 60 local artists. Observe demonstrations in processes such as glass lampwork, raku or etching. Come, spend a weekend with us and take home memories and treasures. Download map and Brochure here.

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Country Christmas-
Bainbridge Island Dec 5-8
Visitors follow a map of the winding rural roads of Bainbridge Island making stops at various cottages, farms, hand crafted homes and non profit venues. Festive and fun for everyone, pony rides and santa visits as well as unique and personal shopping. Learn more.

Port Gamble Dec 13th & 14th
Enjoy a variety of holiday activities, including horse-drawn carriage rides through a town sparkling with over 100,000 holiday lights, craft-making at Santa's workshop, the Northwest's oldest fruitcake contest and a stunning tree lighting ceremony followed by Western Washington's only holiday fireworks display. Learn more. 
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gingerbread house making
Gingerbread House Parties 
This holiday tradition held every year at the Farm Kitchen and a treat for  families and children ages 3 years and older. The tranquil farm setting attracts lots of visitors so RSVP today! Nov. 29 to Dec.20Click for more info.   
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December 6 - Port Orchard
Festival of Chimes & Lights
Be dazzled with holiday lights decorating the streets and shops all along Bay Street and the waterfront. Enjoy Santa and Mrs. Claus, hayrides, street choirs and the delightful Pooch n' Purr Parade. Stroll the docks at the Annual  Port Orchard Marina Open House featuring tours of lighted boats. Click for more info. Tie jingle Bells to your running shoes and join 1500 plus runners for the popular annual Jingle Bell Run/Walk. Click for details!  

These are the perfect events for families and pet lovers to enjoy while on a relaxing holiday getaway for the night or weekend to Port Orchard. Enjoy antique stores, eateries and shops all within walking distance of downtown. The Port Orchard Comfort Inn on the Bay and Cedar Cove Inn offer convenient access to downtown shops, eating, and drinking establishments. Visit our lodging page for other ideas.
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Bainbridge Island Winter Studio Tour - Dec. 5-7.
Enjoy live music from regional musicians, butter cookies, hot cider, and festive studios filled with beautiful hand-crafted art! 62 artists at 9 studios. Learn more.  Also happening... attend Christmas in the Country, an annual juried arts & crafts show. While you're on the Island, be sure to take a tour of the new world class Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, Bainbridge Island Historical Museum and Kids Discovery Museum. The Bainbridge Island Best Western Plus is centrally located and
very pet friendly!
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Gig Harbor Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
Dec. 6
- 5pm at Skansie Brothers Park - Kickoff the holidays with music and entertainment by the Dickens Carolers. HarborWild Watch will show off animals that live in the chilly waters of the Puget Sound. See live reindeer and a special visit from "Rhubarb", the Tacoma Rainier's Mascot and welcome Santa on the fire truck at 5:30. Learn more.

Hark the Harbor Dec 14-  Join us for this fun, community caroling event at Skansie Brother's Park, led by Sharon Stearnes. The Argosy Christmas Ship arrives at 6:35pm.

Candlelight Christmas in the Harbor -
Dec. 12-14
The waterfront merchants are ready to welcome you in with great holiday specials, treats, music and extended shopping hours on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Enjoy hayrides with Santa both Friday and Saturday from 4:30-7:30 pm. More Info.
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port gamble country xmas
Kingston Christmas Celebration
Dec. 6
Featuring free cookies from Borrowed Kitchen Bakery hot cocoa & coffee, santa arrives via fire engine at 5pm. Music with sing-a-long favorites. Wine and Beer garden will be offered from 4pm-7pm for the first time ever at this event. More info.
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milltown xmas
Seabeck Old Mill Town Christmas
Dec 14 - Historical Seabeck Conference Center is the setting for this old time family favorite! Pioneer music and dancing, historical program, hay rides, Mill town family dinner, caroling and more. Brought to you by the Kitsap Historical Society & Museum.
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lighted boat paradeAnnual Lighted Boat Parades  
Local marinas will host boats of all sizes decked out in festive lights as they cruise along waterfront communities. A perfect ending to a day of shopping and dining.
Argosy will visit marinas at Keyport Marina, Poulsbo and Lemolo and nearly all local marinas will have lighted boats on display. The Bremerton Yacht Club hosts the lighted boat parade on Dec. 19-20, and Port Orchard Yacht Club on Dec. 13 and Poulsbo Marina 12-13 sailing past shorelines near public parks and bridges. Click here for complete list.
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cwc roomRelax and Stay the Night, Weekend or Week!
Kitsap Peninsula has many affordable lodging options from cozy B&B's and guest houses, to charming local hotels within walking distance of parks, trails, shops and dining. Check out our Lodging, Dining, Calendar of Events, and Activity pages to plan your vacation escape or extend your stay with family and friends during the summertime holiday season.   
LIVE HOLIDAY PERFORMANCES
Thru November 23
Bremerton Community Theater - 7 Keys to Baldpate
The mystery about a writer who accepts an outrageous bet when unexpected visitors twist the plot. Click for details. 
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Nov. 15 - Dec. 8  Poulsbo 
Jewel Box Theatre- Holmes for the Holiday- The Game's Afoot:
A Play within a play Comedy Thriller and exciting who done it.
Sherlock Holmes, has invited his fellow cast-members to his Connecticut castle for a weekend of revelry. When one of the guests is stabbed to death, the festivities quickly turn dangerous. More info. 
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Nov 21 - Dec 21 - Port Orchard  
A Charlie Brown Christmas
Western Washington Center for the Arts presents this Classic animated television special, A Charlie BrowChristmas comes to life in this faithful stage adaptation where Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the other Peanuts grapple with the real meaning of Christmas. Learn more. 
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Dec. 5-7  The Nutcracker
is a family tradition for the whole family that will get you in the holiday spirit! See the Peninsula Dance Theater performance at Bremerton High School Performing Arts Center.

Just for Kicks Dance Studio
will perform this classic favorite two nights on Dec 12 & 14 at the Admiral Theater.
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The Messiah and Tchaikovsky - 
Dec 13 FINNEGAN Christmas Sing-Along, TCHAIKOVSKY Piano Concerto, Sasha Starcevich, Piano
HANDEL Messiah (Choruses)
 Info 
TASTE OF KITSAP
Brews News! 
Congrats to Silver City Brewery!
For placing first in the Best Of Central Kitsap for Best Bar and Best Local Beer! 

From Farm to Front Street 
Slippery Pig Brewery has the same great beers now with an indoor tasting room located on Front Street in Poulsbo. Click on the link above to view their tasting room hours, a list of beers and find their new address. 
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New Brewer in Town
Downpour Brewing
Kingston welcomes a new local brewery Downpour Brewing who will be honoring Stout Day on Fri Nov 7 with Stour Flights, Stout Floats, Rootbeer Floats, and Stout Chili. 
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Fathoms o' Fun Chocolate Festival
Join in the sweet festivities for the 2nd Annual Chocolate Festival in Port Orchard Nov 7-9. Chocolate will be available to both sample and purchase. Entertainment provided by The Tonze Band for your dancing pleasure. Door prizes, silent auction, a chocolate hunt and more. Learn more.

While your in the South Kitsap area make sure to stop by the Port Orchard Public Market. If you're in the area on Monday's Slaughter County Brewing  hosts Blues and Brews nights with live entertainment. 
ARTS, CULTURE & HISTORY!
Indie Book Store Events
Local indie-bookstores offer a wide variety of guest speakers. For current events, please visit any of the following bookstores on the Kitsap Peninsula. Mostly Books in Gig Harbor, Liberty Bay Books, the Book Stop in Poulsbo and Eagle Harbor Books on Bainbridge Island. Also check out events hosted by West Sound Reads, a consortium of Kitsap Regional Libraries and local independent book stores. 
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Theatre, Dance, Music & Events

The Kitsap Peninsula is home to hundreds of talented actors, singers and performers. A few are listed in the "Live Holiday Performances" in block below.         

Jewel Box Theatre- Downtown Poulsbo   
For more venues and info, please visit our website. 
Outdoor Recreation
runner in woods
Bainbridge Island Turkey Trot - Nov 27   
Start your Thanksgiving Day with this popular community activity for runners and walkers of all ages. Prizes and the perfect excuse for one more slice of pie. Learn more 
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Grinch Half Marathon, 5K, & 1.5 Miler 
Dec 7 - Gig Harbor.
Fun for the whole family trail race at KeyPen Trail 360 Park! Pull out your holiday duds for the infamous costume contest. Learn more. _____________________________   

 

Stay for the weekend!  Oxford Inn, or the Best Western Plus - Silverdale Beach Hotel in Silverdale. In Bremerton, Baymont Inn & Suites, and the Super 8, and the Comfort Inn in Port Orchard. Poulsbo has the GuestHouse International and the Poulsbo Inn. Our website provides more lodging choices. Kitsap has lovely B&B's, too like the Grandview Gardens in Keyport!   

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Kitsap Peninsula offers nature lovers miles acres of park and miles of land and water trails.

You'll find plenty of open space, fresh air, accessible beaches and trails to recharge your mind and muscles. Below are just a few ideas! For more places, visit our "Things to Do" Nature section.  

Welcome to the KPVCB
Welcome to Visit Kitsap Peninsula!
We are the official visitor and information bureau for the Kitsap Peninsula. Staff is available to assist visitors, planners for conventions, meetings, tournaments, weddings and other events. You can find more information about Kitsap Peninsula communities at www.VisitKitsap.com.
 
Get easy access to downloadable information about the Kitsap Peninsula including our new Water Trails Map, Visitor Brochures, Bike Maps, Brews & Bites Tours and other info. Just click here or on the icon.  800-337-0580 -  [email protected].  Click for Google map to the VKP office