Holiday on the Bay 5K
Visitors can gather on the waterfront for outdoor holiday festivities including winter-themed crafts, balloon creations, face painting, a touch-a-truck display, and s’mores roasting at fire pits. Live holiday steel drum music sets the stage alongside character meet-and-greets and illuminated photo displays. The day culminates in an annual tree-lighting ceremony, Santa arriving by boat, and a lighted boat parade along the marina.
What to Expect
Waterfront celebration featuring a lighted boat parade, tree lighting, and Santa.
Event Details
Ages
All ages (Kids Dash for 7 and under)
Neighborhood
Waterfront Place
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Port of Everett
Food & Drink
Food trucks serve food and warm drinks, and select waterfront restaurants offer seasonal dining specials.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with children
Vibe
Festive and waterfront
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
Free
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Free family fun activities are listed.
- Hours: Festival: noon – 6 p.m.; lighted boat parade begins around 5:30 p.m.; Ice Queen and Ice Princess meet-and-greet line closes at 3:30 p.m.
Tips & Advice
- Line up early for the Ice Queen and Ice Princess meet-and-greet, because the line closes in mid-afternoon, well before the festival ends.
- Dress for wet, cold weather, since all the festivities are outdoors on the waterfront and the festival runs rain or shine.
- Bring a new, unwrapped toy for Marine Toys for Tots, or drop one off earlier at the Port's Waterfront Center lobby near Scuttlebutt Restaurant.
- Stay until the end of the day for the tree lighting, Santa arriving by boat, and the lighted boat parade leaving Guest Dock 5.
- Pick a viewing spot for the boat parade along the waterfront trails or at one of the select waterfront restaurants offering holiday specials.
Special Events & Promotions
- Holiday on the Bay 5K on Sunday, Dec. 6, the morning after the festival, with separate registration; runners and walkers are encouraged to wear blue and white winter-themed garb.
- Holiday specials on drinks, dining and lodging at waterfront restaurants and businesses.
- Marine Toys for Tots toy drive drop-off at the festival for new, unwrapped toys.
- New this year: the festival no longer includes a holiday market.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there for kids to do?
Kids get free winter-themed crafts with Imagine Children's Museum, plus face painting and balloon creations by Giggles Entertainment. There is also touch-a-truck, s'mores roasting at fire pits, and activities from Everett Sail & Power Squadron. Kids can meet and take photos with a Frozen-inspired Ice Queen and Ice Princess.
Where's the best place to watch the lighted boat parade?
You can watch from viewing spots along the waterfront trails and at select waterfront restaurants. The Mukilteo Yacht Club boats leave from Guest Dock 5 near Pacific Rim Plaza.
Is there food?
Yes. Food trucks serve food and warm drinks during the festival. Select waterfront restaurants also run holiday specials.
Does it go ahead if it rains?
Yes, the festival runs rain or shine.
Is there a holiday market at the festival?
Not this year. The Port decided not to host one at the festival. Hotel Indigo runs its own holiday market on Thanksgiving weekend.
More Christmas Events Near Everett
More Christmas Events near Everett
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.