The Maritime city of Gig Harbor, Washington is an inviting destination any time of the year, but during the holidays this charming waterfront hamlet is transformed into a magical Christmas town sure to delight young and old. Festively decorated storefronts enchant passersby, and local merchants welcome visitors to come in from the cold and check out their wares.

Wintertime in Gig Harbor is a glorious site to behold.

Occasionally, Mother Nature will sprinkle a dusting of snow just in time for the holidays. There is nothing quite as magical as the waterfront sparkling under a blanket of freshly fallen snow. But even if the skies are clear, Gig Harbor is one small town that will remind you of a simpler time, reminiscent of a Norman Rockwell painting.

With picture-postcard views, Gig Harbor is a town you’ll want to visit often.

Gig Harbor is beautiful any time of the year, but at Christmastime there’s something extra special about this charming little gem of a town. The true meaning of the holiday season is unmistakable as the community joins together to support small businesses and local charities.

Gig Harbor hosts a variety of holiday events throughout the season.

If you’re taking a stroll down Harborview Drive, you might catch a glimpse of Santa’s elves (city workers) erecting the city Christmas tree in Skansie Brothers Park, to be lit up at the annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony.

The annual Tree Lighting Ceremony is a holiday tradition not to be missed.

Every year, folks gather downtown on the first Saturday in December to officially kick off the holiday season with the lighting of the Gig Harbor holiday tree. Live entertainment and a visit from Santa himself top off the festive event.

Wander down the sidewalks and admire the cheery holiday decorations.

The town lights up with holiday merriment in Gig Harbor. If you’re looking for unique holiday gifts, you need only peruse the downtown shops for locally curated goods, clothing, toys, and books.

The Harbor lights up the night with the annual Lighted Boat Parade.

Boats of all sizes line the harbor for a holiday display of twinkling lights and whimsical decorations. From tiny kayaks to majestic yachts, the Lighted Boat parade delights the crowd year after year, circling the harbor in a shining exhibit of holiday cheer.

The Boat Parade lights up the harbor, and the Car Parade lights shines in Uptown.

Join the fun as brightly decorated cars shine in Uptown for all to admire. This is a popular community event that anyone with a love for the holidays can participate in. The Lighted Car Parade will put you in the holiday spirit. Donations of food and toys are collected for local charities, and Santa takes a break from his busy schedule to join in the festivities.

There’s no shortage of Christmas cheer in Gig Harbor

Turn on some Christmas music and take an evening drive around the harbor during the holiday season. Twinkling lights, fragrant garlands, and brilliantly decorated trees are everywhere you look. You can’t help but get into the holiday spirit with such joyful surroundings.

If you long for the Christmas of your childhood and want to escape to a small town with a sense of community and a love for the holidays, Gig Harbor is the place for you!  The welcoming sights and sounds of this lovely town will leave you wanting to return year after year.

Have you visited the charming town of Gig Harbor, Washington? We would love to hear from you. Tell us about your experience in the comments.