May the Forest Be With You This Holiday Season
Celebrate the Festival of Firs on the southern Olympic Peninsula, starting Thanksgiving weekend with tree hunts and light displays. Create a family tradition in the Olympic National Forest to find your Christmas tree. Get a $5 permit online, grab a saw, and enjoy exploring the charming communities around Hood Canal. Book a cabin or suite by the water and immerse yourself in the holiday spirit! Enjoy delicious shellfish, holiday markets, cozy restaurants, live music, and family activities throughout the month. Don’t miss Shelton’s Guinness World Record Lighted Christmas Tree Maze (all December, nightly 4 –10 PM) and the parade of decorated boats on Hammersley Inlet!
Fjord Holiday Tree Lightings | November 29 – December 1
On the 29th, Santa arrives at Alderbrook Resort, kicking off the festivities with family activities, live music, and an evening tree lighting. On Saturday, experience the tree lighting at 5:30 PM in Hoodsport and leave an oyster shell ornament wish on the decorated avenue of Douglas Firs along Hwy 101. In Belfair the festivities officially begin with the annual tree lighting Friday night and the community parade on Sunday at 5PM.
Christmastown, WA | Shelton, WA | December 6 – 7
Get lost in the Guinness Tribute Maze and enjoy live music, marshmallow bonfires and an evening snowfall on the festivities. Friday take part in Kristmas Town Kiwanis’ annual tree lighting with childrens’ choirs, Santa, music, kiddie train rides, night markets, an marshmallow bonfire on Railroad Ave. On Saturday, head early to the maze (12-5 PM) for music, food, crafting, games and snow(!) and at 5 PM be sure to be on Railroad Avenue for the much celebrated Santa Claus Parade featuring floats, free hot cocoa, and family fun.
Yule Tide Celebration | Hoodsport | December 13-14
Friday (5-8 PM)head to the Fjord Oyster Bank Welcome Center in Hoodsport for grilled oysters, roasted chestnuts and plenty of live music, crafts and a visit from Santa! Saturday enjoy family activities, a holiday scavenger hunt, craft workshops, visits with Santa, shopping, and boat rides on Hood Canal, as the community carols down the boardwalks of Hoodsport. Join in at YSS Dive and finish celebrating at the Oyster Bank on Finch Creek with family activities, marshmallow roasting, chestnuts and live music!
Visit Festival of Firs or Explore Hood Canal for your guide to planning the perfect Hood Canal holiday itinerary!
